.png)
.png)
Queensland Has an Opportunity to Strengthen Its Future Forest Resource
Resource security is the foundation of Queensland's forest and timber industry.
It supports future timber supply, manufacturing capability, regional employment and economic growth. The South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub has identified resource security as a critical issue for the long-term prosperity of the sector. The Hub's technical reports highlight opportunities associated with plantation expansion, afforestation investment, native forest regrowth management and carbon sequestration.
Queensland is at a critical point in planning for its future forest resource.
Growing demand for timber products, competition for land use, expanding carbon markets and the need for greater sovereign manufacturing capability are increasing focus on the long-term availability of forest resources. [
Studies undertaken through the Hub identifies opportunities to expand Queensland's plantation estate and improve understanding of where future investment opportunities may exist.
Spatial modelling assessed land suitability across the Hub region for Hoop Pine, Southern Pine, Gympie Messmate and Spotted Gum. The study examined land suitability using rainfall, soils and slope and identified significant areas suitable for future plantation development. The most suitable land for future commercial plantations was found in higher rainfall areas of the region.
The study also assessed different land-use scenarios involving timber production, carbon storage and grazing. These scenarios were developed to help improve understanding of the factors influencing plantation investment and future resource development.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Spatial Modelling of Financially Suitable Afforestation Under Different Scenarios for Timber Production and Carbon Storage
This resource outlines plantation suitability findings and identifies opportunities for future plantation establishment across the Hub region.
This video provides an overview of the investigation into plantation suitability.
Plantation expansion is only one part of the resource security story.
The Hub has also investigated the role of private native forest regrowth in supporting future resource security and carbon sequestration outcomes.
A study into commercially important native forest regrowth identified approximately 1.5 million hectares of commercially important post-1990 regrowth and potential regrowth across participating forestry hub regions. The technical report examined carbon accounting systems and explored opportunities associated with the management of native forest regrowth.
The study found that managed regrowth can contribute to carbon sequestration and identified opportunities to improve recognition of carbon outcomes associated with native forestry. The report also highlighted the role of managed regrowth in supporting ongoing timber supply and reducing wildfire intensity
FEATURED RESOURCE
Recognising the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Private Native Regrowth Forests
This resource explores native forest regrowth, carbon sequestration opportunities and future resource management considerations.
Carbon Sequestration Potential in Native Regrowth Forests
Together, these projects help build a broader picture of Queensland's future forest resource.
The studies highlight opportunities associated with plantation expansion, native forest regrowth management, carbon sequestration and long-term resource planning. It also reinforces the importance of investment confidence and long-term planning in supporting future resource development.
For industry, landholders, investors and policymakers, understanding these opportunities is an important part of the conversation about Queensland's future forest resource.
Turning Research Into Action
The study commissioned through the South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub provides a practical evidence base for future decision-making. From plantation expansion and afforestation through to carbon markets and resource planning, the findings demonstrate that Queensland has significant opportunities to strengthen its future forest resource
The challenge now is turning those opportunities into action.
Read the reports. Download the fact sheets. Watch the videos.
Discover the evidence shaping the future of Queensland's forest and timber industry.
RESOURCES
Fact Sheets
Videos
