More than 70 guests, including government ministers, opposition leaders, CEOs, and industry stakeholders, gathered at Victoria’s Parliament House yesterday for Timber in July, an annual event spotlighting the state’s plantation and wood fibre industry. Hosted by the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA), the showcase underscored the industry’s importance to Victoria’s economy, housing supply, and climate goals.
The event featured strong bipartisan engagement, with both Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy addressing attendees—signalling rare political consensus on the future of timber and wood fibre in the state.
“Victoria’s plantation estate is not only the largest in Australia, but it also contributes more than a quarter of the nation’s total plantation wood supply,” Minister Spence said. “The Allan Government recognises the sector for the powerhouse it is—for its contribution to regional employment, its reputation for sustainability, its role in supporting climate action, and the long-term resource security it provides that is essential for housing.”
Kealy echoed the Minister’s remarks, emphasising the industry’s importance to regional communities and housing affordability. “Victorians need a sustainable timber industry,” she said. “It is essential to regional jobs, supporting the natural environment and lowering the cost of building homes.”
VFPA Chief Executive Officer Andrew White welcomed the cross-party support, describing it as a sign of growing momentum behind the industry’s efforts to tackle some of Victoria’s most pressing challenges: “Today’s bipartisan support demonstrates the growing momentum behind the industry’s efforts to address some of the state’s biggest challenges—including housing shortages, climate change and regional economic development,” White said. “It’s encouraging to see genuine cross-party support for the plantation and wood fibre industry.”
White also praised the Agriculture Minister’s announcement of new funding for the Trees on Farms program, which aims to integrate agroforestry into farming systems. “We’re pleased to see a growing recognition of the role that farmers and agroforestry can play in supporting sustainable timber supply, improving farm productivity and delivering environmental outcomes,” he said. “With the right policy settings and incentives, integrating trees into farming systems can provide a win-win for agriculture, regional communities and the environment.”
Attendees heard directly from the CEOs of Victoria’s leading plantation managers and timber manufacturers, explored engineered wood products and timber samples, and experienced the latest in construction technology through virtual reality headsets showcasing timber-built housing: “Whether it’s new housing, bioproducts like low-carbon fuels, carbon markets or sustainable packaging, the opportunities for growth in the wood fibre sector are enormous—and today showed that Victoria’s political leaders recognise this,” White said. “
Timber in July is a reminder that smart policy and long-term vision can unlock major benefits for Victoria’s economy and environment,” White said. “We look forward to working with all parties to realise that vision.”
As a parting gift, attendees received chopping boards made from a world-first glulam produced from short-rotation bluegum. Wood Central understands that a Victorian Government-backed project is currently exploring how this innovative material can be manufactured at scale for use in structural beams for housing.
