The WA Government, through the Forest Products Commission (FPC), has acquired a new 177-hectare softwood pine plantation in Dingup, east of Manjimup.
As part of a $350 million investment in WA’s softwood pine industry, over 10 years the FPC will acquire and establish suitable land for plantations in the State’s South West.
Since 2023, the FPC has secured 25 properties totalling more than 8,800 hectares.
“Our record $350 million investment is just one of many levers our Government is pulling to support the housing and construction industry as well as new homeowners,” said Forestry Minister, Jackie Jarvis.
“This investment in softwood plantations will create an additional 140 timber industry jobs in the South West, protect existing jobs in the industry, and support thousands of jobs in the State’s construction sector.
“I am proud to be acting and investing in the future of the WA softwood pine industry.”
Timber from these plantations will supply the softwood processing sector and support the State’s housing and construction industry, while also contributing to the State’s response to climate change.
The Government has confirmed that over 5 million seedlings were grown for planting in the South West this winter.
It says the timber harvested from these plantations will eventually be used in the construction of about 25,000 WA homes.
The FPC currently supplies approximately 70 per cent of pine products used by the State’s housing and construction industry.
In addition, the South West plantations are expected to generate up to 8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
“This is an important investment – softwood plantations are needed in WA to meet demand from the housing construction sector, as well as projected future housing needs,” said Warren-Blackwood MLA, Jane Kelsbie.
“Alongside the primary purpose of growing essential timber products, plantation investment generates additional benefits for local communities, tourists and recreational visitors.”
