Nick Moseley | Portland Observer – Friday 21 February
An expansive feasibility study exploring Portland becoming a timber manufacturing hub has been announced.
It means Portland and district’s timber and hardwood industry could receive a sizeable boost, and with that, up to 150 jobs across the region.
The Observer can exclusively reveal the $500,000 Future Fibre – Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study investment will explore the production of glue laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber in an attempt to meet Australia’s growing demand for construction-grade timber products.
The two materials are made from low-value pulp log material, which is usually exported as wood chips, and are being explored as a possible alternative to diversify the local hardwood timber industry.
In announcing the study on Friday February 21, Victorian Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said the hub could bring up to 150 jobs to the local region if the project received approval.
“We’re committed to supporting and exploring options to promote and diversify Victoria’s industries and support local jobs and businesses in Portland to thrive,” she said.
Co-funded by the Victorian Forest Products Association, the study seeks to investigate the viability of establishing a manufacturing hub within the Glenelg Shire
The study will run until October this year, and will examine a potential location for the hub, logistics, facilities, infrastructure, regulatory approvals and implementation timelines.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said the potential opportunities benefited local industry, while making the most of local resources.
“This investment builds on the work already completed by industry to identify potential gaps in the market for timber products and use a locally grown resource to meet that demand.”
The State Government has invested $500,000 into the Future Fibre – Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study, which was made possible through the Portland Diversification Fund.
The Portland Economic Diversification Plan is a State Government initiative that aims to support long-term economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through community-led projects and planning.
The initiative has allocated $7.3 million in funding to upgrade freight roads and provide road infrastructure to industrial land in Portland, and is part of this plan.
Victorian Forest Products Association CEO Andrew White spoke of the positive sustainability impact the production could lead to.
“Victoria is a leading state for plantation wood fibre production, with substantial opportunities to manufacture innovative engineered hardwood products, like structural timbers, that will address future demand for multi-story residential developments, as our population grows and the market seeks more climate-friendly building materials.”
Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub Chair Cameron MacDonald said now was the time to explore the opportunities, which he believed would greatly benefit South West Victoria.
“With global demand for wood fibre forecast to increase and Australia remaining a net importer, this study is critical to identifying opportunities for increased value capture within the Green Triangle Hardwood Plantations and, in particular, Portland and the Glenelg Shire.”