The completion of the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub (HTMH) Feasibility Study marks a major milestone for the Green Triangle, confirming the commercial and technical viability of establishing a world-class engineered timber manufacturing facility in Portland.
The study completes Phase One of The Precinct, a long-term vision to develop Australia’s largest integrated plantation timber manufacturing and prefabricated housing component precinct in the Green Triangle.
Led by the Commonwealth-funded Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) and delivered by IndustryEdge, the stage one feasibility study has been made possible through the strong partnership and investment of local industry, supported by the Victorian Government.
As the first phase of The Precinct, the HTMH will convert locally grown plantation hardwood (Eucalyptus Globulus) into Glue Laminated Timber, a high-value engineered timber product primarily used as structural beams in residential and commercial construction. The second phase proposes the delivery of Laminated Veneer Lumber production line, supported by a third phase: a component fabrication centre.
This manufacturing investment reduces Australia’s reliance on imported product and replaces Victorian native forest resource which is no longer locally available, supporting the nation’s housing targets and strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability.
Precinct Chair Russ Hughes said the project represented a “once-in-a-generation opportunity for regional Victoria”.
“This feasibility study demonstrates that the Green Triangle has a high quality plantation resource available, industry capability and strategic location to become a leading centre for engineered timber manufacturing,” he said
“Phase one of The Precinct has built a compelling investment case that creates greater value from our sustainably grown hardwood plantation resource while delivering long-term economic and manufacturing benefits for Victoria, and indeed the nation.”
Phase one of The Precinct is expected to attract more than $200 million in investment, create 74 permanent jobs in its first phase and generate significant construction employment. As The Precinct develops through future stages, it has the potential to support around 280 ongoing jobs, process more than one million tonnes of plantation timber annually, and manufacture building components supplying around 20,000 homes each year.
The project builds on more than five years of research managed by the GTFIH and supported by the Commonwealth Government, focused on deriving more local value from traditionally exported wood fibre resources, both softwood and hardwood.
Mr Hughes said the Victorian Government’s commitment had been instrumental in progressing the project from concept to investment readiness.
“The Victorian Government has been a key partner throughout this journey, helping transform an ambitious idea into an investment-ready project that strengthens regional manufacturing, creating skilled local jobs for future generations,” Mr Hughes said.
The next stage of The Precinct – supported by major Australian industry partners, funding from Australian Forest & Wood Innovations and additional funding support from the Victorian Government – will focus on the development of Laminated Veneer Lumber product, with production trials due to begin in August. Work is also ongoing to attract investment and advance detailed development planning for the site.
To learn more about the project visit www.theprecinctportland.com.au.