Forest Products Industry

There was a timber trail to Mount Gambier last week as 250 guests gathered to mark a significant milestone. Source: The SE Voice The South Australian Forest Products Association hosted (SAFPA) a dinner to celebrate 2025 marking the 150th anniversary of the South Australian forest and timber industries. SAFPA chief executive Nathan Paine said as the birthplace of Australia’s commercial plantation estates, South Australia’s forest and timber industry leaders, along with the Premier, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister for Forest Industries, State politicians, local members of parliament, mayors and members of the community, gathered to celebrate the shared history and to highlight the contributions the industry has made to the national and cultural identity. “This celebration is more than a dinner, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand behind an industry that has shaped regional communities, driven economic growth and delivered environmental benefits for 150 years,” he said. “From the first hectare of trees planted in 1875 in the Bundaleer Forests in the Mid-North, the industry has grown to 176,000 hectares, directly and indirectly employing over 21,300 jobs, processing fibre that builds our homes, the pallets that move consumer products from manufacturer to shop, the pulp and appear products that are used in our everyday lives from toilet paper to cardboard boxes, to the potting mix that grow our fruit and vegetables. “South Australia’s forestry plantations are the foundation of our state’s future. Our state has long been at the forefront of innovation and sustainable forest management, and the 150th celebratory dinner marks a proud reflection of the industry’s enduring success and it’s growing importance to the State’s economic value chain, regional development and environmental sustainability.” Mr Paine said, along with the environmental and sustainable benefits of the industry, the 150th anniversary dinner highlighted the importance of those who have dedicated their career to the industry. “Their commitment, passion, drive and innovative practices have shaped South Australia as a leader in forest management, timber production and research,” he said. “A special thank you to our major partner, OneFortyOne, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions for their generous support of this event. South Australia has an incredible community of forest and timber managers, employees and supporters, and it’s a milestone opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the legacy and future opportunities of South Australia’s forest industries.”

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