From the homes we live in to the packaging that delivers our goods, Australia’s timber, forestry, and paper supply chain is deeply interwoven into our everyday life—providing essential materials, supporting regional economies, and contributing to our climate goals. Which is why on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, the industry will mark National Forestry Day, a moment to recognise the people and industries behind the country’s sixth most important manufacturing industry.
Established by the Australian Forest Products Association – the country’s peak body for forest products – the National Forestry Day aims to spotlight the achievements of Australia’s forest industries and elevate their profile among governments, elected representatives, consumers, and the broader community.
“National Forestry Day on Tuesday, 19 August, is a day worth celebrating,” according to Richard Hyett, deputy CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association: “It’s a day to recognise our forestry and forest products sector that contributes so much in terms of jobs, essential products, economic activity, enhancing our environment and fighting climate change.”
Which is why Hyett is now encouraging Australians to reflect on the everyday items made possible by the sector, from timber house frames and cardboard packaging to hardwood furniture and toilet paper. “Think about all of the forestry products you love and need to use. Without Australia’s sustainable and renewable forest products sector, we wouldn’t have these locally made products,” he said.
As it stands, the forestry industry supports approximately 180,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country, many of them in regional communities that have relied on forestry for generations. It contributes $24 billion annually to the national economy, including a $23 billion timber supply chain that spans construction, manufacturing, packaging, and retail. “Our people are highly experienced professionals who understand the science behind growing productive and healthy forest ecosystems with multi-value benefits,” Hyett said. “As production trees grow they absorb carbon, which then continues to be stored in timber and wood-fibre products and the built environment, long after the trees are sustainably harvested. We are a big part of the answer to Australia reaching its net zero goals”
Australia’s timber industry could short-circuit the housing squeeze
This year’s National Forestry Day comes just weeks after the Albanese Government unveiled its new Timber Fibre Strategy—a $300 million blueprint designed to strengthen the forest products sector and support the country’s transition to net zero. As reported by Wood Central last month, the strategy is one of the most ambitious forestry policies in decades, aiming to expand commercial plantations, boost sovereign manufacturing, and address Australia’s housing crisis through the use of home-grown timber. “Our forest products sector has a unique opportunity to provide sustainable, high-quality, carbon-sequestering products that Australians need,” said Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. “The Albanese Labor Government is investing $300 million into the long-term future of Australia’s forestry sector.”
The strategy outlines six priority areas and 128 key actions for industry, unions, and state and federal governments to collaborate on developing timber, paper, and packaging products for both domestic and export markets. It will guide Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, a $100 million research institute chaired by Bob Gordon and directed by Dr Joseph Lawrence, with research centres at the University of Tasmania, the University of Melbourne, and Sunshine Coast University playing a role in translating research into practical outcomes:
“I’m excited to use the Timber Fibre Strategy to work with the industry, and with states and territories, to maximise the benefits of this investment, and to leverage other opportunities across government to lift productivity in the forestry sector,” Collins said. As National Forestry Day approaches, Hyett is calling on Australians to pause and appreciate the sector’s contributions. “We encourage all Australians to stop and reflect on the importance of our forestry and forest products sector and what it provides for the country this coming National Forestry Day.”
