Future opportunities through the Queensland Future Timber Plan

The forestry and timber industry plays a pivotal role in Queensland's net zero emissions future and in securing the economic future of our state, particularly in many regional areas. There is an opportunity for the Queensland industry to become internationally competitive across the full range of timber products that our forests can provide.

This would provide additional incentives to use locally-sourced Queensland timber for the construction of Queensland homes.

Engineered wood products

Advanced manufacturing options will deliver greater volumes of engineered wood products, such as flooring, structural panels, beams and posts, as long-term alternatives to solid timber products to address supply shortages. Using by-products from traditional processing extends the use of Queensland's timber resource.

Modern methods of construction

Innovation in construction that streamlines the building process will increase demand for timber heavily used in methods such as modular and prefabricated construction, including for multi-storey buildings.

Supply chain efficiencies

Research, innovation and new technologies in growing, processing and timber use can be harnessed to modernise and improve efficiencies and generate improvements in logistics and overall productivity.

Lower-carbon alternative

Timber offers a relatively lower-carbon alternative to other construction materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium. It also offers other industries the ability to reduce carbon footprints through lower-emission energy production opportunities. Construction for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure will require lower-carbon materials to meet its carbon targets. The way in which these materials are grown and sourced will be considered through a global lens.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander forestry enterprises

Opportunities exist for:

• engaging with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people
• incorporating cultural knowledge of forest management practices, with their permission
• exploring the potential for new and expanded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander forestry enterprises
• better integrating commercial forestry with Aboriginal people’s and Torres Strait Islander people’s land management activities.

Additional income streams

Increasing the uptake of existing and new opportunities for on-farm diversification via forestry and agroforestry practices, as well as participation in carbon and environmental markets. Forestry activities also provide opportunities for landowners to achieve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) outcomes, which are increasingly being demanded by a wide range of discerning markets.

Workforce

Modern training and qualification programs could be used to boost workers' skills and capabilities to meet current and future forestry industry needs.

Innovation in forestry and products

Investment in silviculture science could revolutionise forestry management and how we plant, harvest, and manage our forests for better ecological and production outcomes. Similarly, product innovations promise more efficient processing and manufacturing, new products, and less wastage.

Expanded plantations

Queensland has a vast land area and many suitable areas free from existing native forests, to expand its timber plantation estate. Attracting investment to expand Queensland's plantation estate is a key strategy to meet the growing demand.