Timber Queensland, the peak body for the state’s forest and timber industry, has this week brought together landholders, timber producers, builders, and innovators for the Doing Timber Business in Queensland: From Paddock to Pre-Fab conference.
Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said the two-day forum, supported by gold sponsor the Australian Retirement Trust, was exploring how timber, carbon and cattle can work better together to boost resilience, productivity and profitability on Queensland farms, while delivering wood supply for future housing needs.
“This is about connecting the full timber value chain – from the paddock through to prefabricated innovation,” Stephens said. “We’re proud to host Day One (today) with AgForce Queensland, focusing on farm forestry, carbon stacking and certification, and how these systems can deliver strong land stewardship and new market opportunities.”
Delegates heard from leading industry figures, including Chris Parker from Cattle Australia, who spoke on deforestation rules from a beef industry perspective; Greg Leach from AgForce Queensland, who discussed natural capital reporting tools for grazing and forestry; and Dr Tyron Venn from the University of Queensland, who examined the financial performance of farm forestry. Dr Venn’s presentation focused on the new Queensland Future Timber Plan and the policy and farm extension opportunities to expand both native forest and plantation-based sectors to meet rising demand for timber construction materials.
The day concluded with the Carving Out Connections: Steaks and Stumps industry dinner, sponsored by Rivers Insurance, which will feature a presentation from Tony Perrett, Minister for Primary Industries.
The second day shifts its focus to construction and the role of timber in addressing Australia’s housing and building challenges. Hosted at Aurecon’s 25 King Street office — Australia’s tallest timber office building — the program includes sessions on mid-rise timber codes, mass timber social housing, and modern construction methods.
“Timber is not just a renewable resource – it’s a smart solution for housing supply, sustainability and regional jobs,” Mr Stephens said. “Presentations and site tours of hybrid prefabrication systems at SigmaBuild and a complex truss and frame system under construction at the Wat Thai Buddharam Temple will showcase how Queensland-grown timber and prefabricated systems can deliver better outcomes for builders, occupants and the environment. These opportunities will be fully explored as part of our proactive agenda with government and industry partners.”
The conference follows the Queensland Government’s announcement of the Queensland Future Timber Plan, which aims to secure and expand an internationally competitive timber industry to meet future building demand.
- Please note: Wood Central will have exclusive coverage of the conference over the coming days.
