150 YEARS OF SA PLANTATIONS
A CELBRATORY DINNER BROUGHT SECTOR LEADERS TOGETHER.
South Australia proudly celebrates a major milestone in 2025: the 150th anniversary of the state’s plantation forest and timber industries.
Accordingly, leaders of the forest and timber sectors and VIP guests including the Premier, the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Minister for Forest Industries, State politicians, local members of parliament, mayors and members of the community gathered in Mount Gambier last Friday, 13 June, to celebrate their shared history and highlight the contributions the industry has made to our national and cultural identity. Nathan Paine, CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association, said, “This celebration is more than a dinner, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand behind an industry that has shaped regional communities, driven economic growth and delivered environmental benefits for 150 years.
“From the first hectare of trees planted in 1875 in the Bundaleer Forests in the Mid-North, the industry has grown to 176,000 hectares, directly and indirectly employing over 21,300 people, processing fibre that builds our homes, the pallets that move consumer products from manufacturer to shop, the pulp and paper products that are used in our everyday lives from toilet paper to cardboard boxes, to the potting mix that grow our fruit and vegetables.”
The dinner was held at The Barn in Mt Gambier and – as if to join the celebrations – there had even been some decent rain in the preceding week to loosen the grip of the state’s drought.
The Premier spoke warmly of participants on his Twitter/X account, saying “To all the people here tonight, you are taking this vital industry into the future, with greater invocation, greater sustainability, and a stronger circular economy, so thank you.”
Pain agreed, saying, “South Australia’s forestry plantations are the foundation of our state’s future. Our State has long been at the forefront of innovation and sustainable forest management, and the 150th celebratory dinner marks a proud reflection of the industry’s enduring success and its growing importance to the State’s economic value chain, regional development and environmental sustainability.
“The anniversary dinner also highlights the importance of those who have dedicated their career to the industry. Their commitment, passion, drive and innovative practices have shaped South Australia as a leader in forest management, timber production and research.”
Major partner, OneFortyOne and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions were key supporters of the event.
MAIN PIC: From left, Premier Peter Malinauskas; Wendy Norris, CEO of OneFortyOne, Tammy Auld, chair of SAFPA Governing Council; Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Forest Industries, Clare Scriven MLC; Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Diana Hallam, CEO of Australian Forest Products Association; Cameron McDonald, executive general manager – forests, OneFortyOne; and Nathan Paine, CEO, SAFPA. Photo: courtesy SAFPA
