Primed for Growth: A situation analysis of the Tasmanian Forest and Wood Products Sector

Posted 04 September 2024

A report prepared by Greenwood Strategy Solutions Pty Ltd on behalf of the Tasmanian Forestry Hub finds Tasmania’s Forest and Wood products sector is primed for growth and better placed than any other Australian jurisdiction to transition to a new economy characterised by fibre, energy and carbon constraints.

It is defined by world class forest resources a responsive and innovative wood processing sector, work underway to respond to new and emerging technologies and markets and a supportive policy framework.

Australia’s forest and wood products sector is facing considerable change across multiple fronts and Tasmania is no different. There are both opportunities and challenges. Importantly, the industry in Tasmania is very well positioned to manage and benefit from the evolution of its operating environment, and the influence of local, national and global change drivers.

Tasmania has world class forest resources, a responsive and innovative wood processing sector and a supportive policy framework. It also has significant work already undertaken around industry transition to a new economy which will be characterised by fibre, energy and carbon constraints.

Tasmania’s forest and wood products sector is primed for growth and transformation, continuing its long legacy as a powerhouse of forest management and timber products innovation in Australia. To fully realise this potential and continue its significant contribution to Tasmania’s economy, the industry will need to work closely and collaboratively with policy and decision-makers at all levels of government and in complementary industries.

The situation analysis provides a starting point for that collaborative work. It presents an overview of the current state of play for the Tasmanian forest and wood products sector and details emerging opportunities and barriers. It considers a range of future potential scenarios and what they might mean for commercial and policy settings for the sector. It is intended as advice for the Australian Government, in line with the Tasmania Forestry Hub’s remit.

Read situation analysis HERE.