Queensland needs more timber plantations to meet our growing demands.
Queensland used to meet most of its own timber needs, initially from native forests, and more recently from native forests and plantations. But there is now is a growing imbalance in supply and demand and around 18% of our supply is met by imports.
Our growing population indicates this disparity will worsen, by 2020 demand for timber will have increased by 33%. With local production unlikely to increase significantly over that time, Queensland will only be able to supply 75% of our local timber needs.
Timber Queensland estimates that at least 100,000 hectares of new sawlog plantations need to be planted in Queensland to meet our future timber demand. Given the timeframe for generating sawlog quality material, action is required now. Both hardwood and softwood plantations grown over extended rotations are required to deliver appearance products, structural framing, as well as timber suited to high strength and durability applications.