22 April 2010
DAFF10/413B

Wood Products Victoria will receive funding from the Rudd Government to help local timber producers remain competitive against importers in providing structural materials to the Victorian housing market.

Wood Products Victoria will receive up to $22,500 to undertake a study of structural material used in Victorian houses.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the forestry and wood products industry contribute significantly to Australia’s economy and regional jobs.

“The forestry and wood products industry supports an estimated 120,000 jobs,” Mr Burke said.

“The value of turnover in wood and paper products industries in 2007-08 was about $23 billion, representing 5.8 per cent of the total value of Australian manufacturing.

“Most of Australia’s wood products are used in home building and other construction, so annual consumption of wood products tend to be linked to rises and falls in building industry activity.”

The information will provide valuable insights into current building and consumer trends, and will help Wood Products Victoria develop a marketing strategy to promote the use of Australian timber in the construction industry.

The project is one of 14 to share in nearly $1.3 million from the Rudd Government to help promote Australia’s food and forest industries to domestic and export markets.

It is the second round of funding under the three-year Promoting Australian Produce initiative – a key election commitment for rural and regional industries.