Building Queensland’s future with sustainable timber

The Queensland Government is committed to a strong forestry and timber industry for future generations, which is why we have developed the transformative Queensland Future Timber Plan 2050 (QFTP). This plan is critical to ensuring Queensland’s forestry and timber industry remains innovative, productive and sustainable.

A renewable resource for a growing state

Timber is central to Queensland’s vision for a secure housing and infrastructure future. As a renewable resource, timber not only locks in carbon but also continues to capture carbon for its life cycle. With Queensland’s population projected to reach up to 8.3 million by 2046, timber will play a critical role in meeting the demand for housing and essential infrastructure.

To achieve the ambitious target of building 1 million homes by 2044, Queensland must increase timber production and productivity in the construction sector. This will require boosting annual housing construction from 35,970 homes to approximately 52,630 homes by 2044.

Timber will also be essential for infrastructure projects, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with demand for hardwood timber poles, railway sleepers, mining supports, and materials for wharf and jetty construction expected to rise significantly.

Innovation and advanced manufacturing

The QFTP embraces advanced manufacturing to produce greater volumes of engineered wood products, such as:

• flooring
• structural panels
• beams
• posts.

These products serve as long-term alternatives to solid timber, addressing supply shortages while maximising the use of by-products from traditional timber processing. This approach extends the utilisation and life of Queensland’s timber resources.

Modern methods of construction, such as modular and prefabricated building techniques, are also driving demand for timber. These innovative approaches streamline the building process and enable the use of timber in multi-storey buildings, further cementing its role as a key material for sustainable urban development.

Securing timber supply

The QFTP outlines a comprehensive strategy to ensure a reliable timber supply.

This includes:

• maintaining existing plantation and native forest resources
• expanding Queensland’s plantation estate by 25,000 hectares by 2050
• improving forest management practices.

However, with new plantations taking at least 25 years to mature, the state must continue to rely on selective native timber harvesting, current plantations and seek responsibly sourced timber imports to meet immediate demand.

The QFTP also highlights the importance of balancing competing land uses, such as housing, energy and conservation, with the need to protect and expand forestry land. Queensland’s 2.9 million hectares of state forests will continue to support a range of activities, including forestry plantations, timber harvesting, beekeeping, tourism, and grazing, while prioritising fire prevention, pest control and sustainable practices.

Overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities

The forestry and timber industry faces challenges, including regulatory complexities, workforce shortages and climate risks. To address these, the Queensland Government is committed to creating a stable regulatory environment that encourages investment, supports workforce development and fosters innovation through the QFTP.

Research and development will play a crucial role in improving productivity across the supply chain and positioning Queensland as a leader in sustainable timber production.

A shared vision for 2050

The QFTP envisions a world-leading forestry and timber industry that is sustainable, competitive and innovative. By investing in advanced manufacturing, modern construction methods and responsible forestry practices, Queensland is building a future where timber continues to be a cornerstone of economic growth, environmental conservation and community wellbeing.