TIMBER IN JULY
Event draws bipartisan backing for Victoria’s wood fibre industry.
Eucalyptus Globulus chopping boards were gifted to all the attendees.
More than 70 guests—including Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MPs, CEOs and industry stakeholders—gathered at Parliament House for ‘Timber in July’, a showcase of the growing importance of Victoria’s plantation and wood fibre industry to the state’s economy, housing supply and climate goals.
Hosted by the Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA), the annual event highlighted the industry’s critical role in sustainable construction, regional jobs, and advanced manufacturing, with strong bipartisan engagement across the political spectrum.
Speaking at the event were both the Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Ros Spence, and the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, signalling shared political support for the future of timber and wood fibre in Victoria.
The Hon Ros Spence shared, “Victoria’s plantation estate is not only the largest in Australia, but it also contributes more than a quarter of the nation’s total plantation wood supply. This makes Victoria the premier plantation forestry industry in the country.
“The Allan Labor Government recognises the sector for the powerhouse that it is — for its contribution to regional employment, its reputation for sustainability, its role in supporting climate action, and the long-term resource security it provides that is essential for housing. That’s why the government is continuing to invest strategically to support its growth.”
Emma Kealy said, “Victorians need a sustainable timber industry. It is essential to regional jobs, supporting the natural environment and lowering the cost of building homes.”
VFPA’s CEO, Andrew White added, “[This] bipartisan support demonstrates the growing momentum behind the industry’s efforts to address some of the state’s biggest challenges—including housing shortages, climate change and regional economic development.
“It’s encouraging to see genuine cross-party support for the plantation and wood fibre industry.
“This is an industry that’s ready to help deliver more homes, cut carbon emissions, and support advanced manufacturing jobs in Victoria—particularly in our regional communities.
“[The] announcement by the Agriculture Minister funding more Trees on Farms is also a welcome step forward. We’re pleased to see a growing recognition of the role that farmers and agroforestry can play in supporting sustainable timber supply, improving farm productivity and delivering environmental outcomes.
“With the right policy settings and incentives, integrating trees into farming systems can provide a win-win for agriculture, regional communities and the environment,” Mr White said.
At the event, guests had the opportunity to hear directly from the CEOs of Victoria’s leading plantation managers and timber manufacturers, explore engineered wood products and wood samples, and experience the latest in construction technology through VR headsets demonstrating timber-built housing.
“Whether it’s new housing, bioproducts like low-carbon fuels, carbon markets or sustainable packaging, the opportunities for growth in the wood fibre sector are enormous—and [this event] showed that Victoria’s political leaders recognise this,” Mr White said.
VFPA thanked all parliamentarians for their support and acknowledged the strong attendance from both Government and Opposition members, as well as Independents and Legislative Council representatives.
The event also celebrated the value of ongoing government investment in plantation expansion, fire protection, and research and development—while calling for continued collaboration to reduce regulatory barriers and enable future growth.
“Timber in July is a reminder that smart policy and long-term vision can unlock major benefits for Victoria’s economy and environment,” Mr White said. “We look forward to working with all parties to realise that vision.”
Attendees received chopping boards made from a world-first glue-laminated timber (GLT) produced using short-rotation bluegum—a current Victorian-government backed project is looking at how this new product can be manufactured at scale for use in structural beams for housing.
MAIN PIC: From left to right: Emma Kealy, Andrew White and Ros Spence. All images: courtesy VFPA
