NSW has a vibrant forestry sector.

The gross value of logs harvested in 2017-18 was estimated to be A$544 million and industry value added was estimated at A$2.5 billion. A total of 22,381 people are employed in NSW in forestry and logging and associated manufacturing – many in Regional NSW.

NSW’s softwoods provide the most significant opportunity for investment, valued at A$393 million, while in 2018 the native forestry subsector is valued at A$496 million.

NSW had 393,200 hectares of commercial plantations in 2017–18, steady year-on-year. It was the second largest total area of Australia’s states and territories second to Victoria’s 420,600 hectares. NSW has the largest softwood plantation area in Australia at 307,100 hectares. NSW produces nearly one third of Australia’s softwood timber, mostly from plantations of pine species. Demand from Asia, especially China, pushed woodchip prices to record highs, with the price for premium chips beyond $260 per bone-dry tonne.

NSW has around 63 hardwood and 13 softwood mills, processing more than 5.6 million cubic metres of sawlogs every year.

As well as significant domestic demand, international demand for NSW forestry products has grown rapidly, to be further boosted by recent Free Trade Agreements with Asia. Investment in plantation forests is needed to meet future industry demand from the wood and paper processing industries.

Guided by its Forestry Industry Roadmap, the NSW Government provides a range of support for forestry operators throughout the state.

The Australian government also has programs to facilitate investment and improve business operations. 

The NSW Government will invest a historic A$71.8 million in forestry over four years to support innovative, sustainable, thriving forestry.

For more details, visit the assistance page.

Source: Department of Primary Industries 2019