Forestry Australia, Media Release, 7 July 2025
Forestry Australia has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s Timber Fibre Strategy, congratulating Minister Julie Collins and the Albanese Government for delivering a timely and important roadmap to support a sustainable, world-leading forest and wood products sector.
The Strategy recognises the critical role of science, innovation, and active forest management in ensuring that Australia’s forests can continue to deliver environmental, economic, cultural and social outcomes for generations to come.
Dr Michelle Freeman, President of Forestry Australia, said the Strategy provides a clear signal that science-led forest management and a resilient forest sector are central to Australia’s future.
“As the professional association representing forest scientists and professionals, we are particularly encouraged by the Strategy’s strong emphasis on science, good ecological practice and evidence-based decision-making,” Dr Freeman said.
“It rightly recognises that active, well-informed forest management is vital for healthy, resilient forests — and that these forests provide essential benefits not just for the wood products sector, but for biodiversity, communities and the climate.”
Forestry Australia said the Strategy represents a roadmap to capitalise on the vast opportunities held within the forest sector to support healthy forests, solve the housing crisis and deliver a future made in Australia. It builds on the Australian government’s recent welcome investments in research, development and future workforce capacity — including $10 million for the Forestry Workforce Training Program, and support through the Support Plantation Establishment Program.
“Forestry Australia is proud to be delivering the Women in Forestry and Forest Industries Mentoring Program as part of the Forestry Workforce Training Program investment — a practical initiative supporting diversity, professional development and the next generation of forest sector leaders.”
“We commend the Government for backing innovation, skills and long-term capacity,” Dr Freeman said.
The Strategy acknowledges the vital role that healthy forests and carbon-storing wood products play in meeting Australia’s emissions reduction targets and addressing climate change — a recognition warmly welcomed by Forestry Australia.
“Forests and forest science are key to a climate-positive future. We look forward to continuing to work with government and stakeholders to deliver the best possible outcomes for forests, people and the planet,” Dr Freeman said.
About Forestry Australia
Forestry Australia is the nation’s professional association for forest scientists, managers, and growers. Its members are dedicated to the principles of sustainable forest management and applying these principles to generate environmental, economic, cultural and social outcomes in all types of forests and land tenures.
