Tasmanian Oak gains contract security until 2040
Australia’s most loved and affordable hardwood is here to stay.
Eucalypts are quintessentially Australian. They have quite literally built our nation. With the closure of the Victorian timber industry, there has understandably been fear that other states would follow, but Australia’s most loved hardwood, Tasmanian Oak, is here to stay. Our supply chain is secure, and Tasmanian timber suppliers are eager to work with architects, joiners, stair-makers, merchants, builders and wholesalers to fill the gaps left by Vic Ash. We can’t solve the whole problem, but we can engage early, communicate your needs, and help find a local solution. We need to work together to keep Australian timber in Australian homes.
Tasmanian hardwood supply obtains bipartisan support
The future supply of Tasmanian hardwood is secure. The Tasmanian government recognise the value of a sustainable forest industry. Both the Tasmanian Liberal government1 and Labor opposition2 have provided assurances that timber contracts will be extended out to 2040. This bipartisan support provides certainty to the whole timber supply chain. In addition to resource security from the public estate, Tasmania’s world-leading private forest estate continues to flourish.
However, it is important that Australian manufacturers continue to support their local timber industry and, where possible, not fill the gap with imports. Here’s why.
Economics
The Tasmanian Government has announced that it will increase the weight it places on ‘buying local’ in procurement from 25% to 30% under its Buy Local policy to support local businesses. Why? Buying local builds our economy.
Australia needs sovereign manufacturing to maintain national resilience. The ABC reported that “Australia is importing more than it is exporting, which is a negative for economic growth.” The timber trade deficit in Australia is already over 3.7 billion annually3. We should produce as much as we can at home and support our local industries to continue to do so.
The Australian Made campaign says, “It just makes sense to buy things that are made or grown in Australia.”4 When you buy Australian products, the money stays in Australia. You support Australian jobs [and skills retention] because the company that produces that product can employ more Australians. If more Australians have jobs, families are more likely to have more money to buy more things. Companies and employees then pay more taxes to the Government on things like schools and hospitals.4
Ever-present Import Risk
Relying on imports is inherently risky. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations, highly volatile prices stemming from supply and demand fluctuations in other countries, and uncertain lead times that fluctuate due to international shipping can make relying on imports problematic. Buying locally eradicates these issues. You have direct access to your supplier and local accountability. If there is an issue with the timber you have purchased, you can access support and replacement timber quickly. Tasmanian Timber has an expert helpline for free technical support offered by the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania – Phone 1300 041 766.
Buying local is good for the environment
About 50% of the dry weight of wood is carbon.5 In a world where supply chains are battling carbon footprints and carbon miles, why let any of that stored carbon go to waste by shipping it across the world? We have beautiful Tasmanian timber here at home.
Tasmanian Timber is certified sustainable by a global body, PEFC, and governed by a two-tier independent world-leading regulatory framework unique in Australia. Our timber is also independently audited to ensure it meets the Australian standard. It has a full chain of custody from the end product to the forest practices plan that governs the sustainable harvesting at the coupe. Some imports are not certified as being sustainably produced, and illegal logging is still an issue with imported timber. Due diligence must be done to ensure the provenance of the timber is trustworthy and meets both our high standards of sustainability and quality. Tasmanian timber is a timber you can trust.
Consumer preference
Another great reason to buy local is that consumers prefer it. Research shows that end users love Tasmanian Oak (Pollinate 2021). It is beautiful, sustainable, available and local.
To learn more about the Tasmanian timber supply chain, tune in to our current podcast series, the Original Thinkers Podcast at www.originalthinkers.com.au. We speak with representatives from each part of the supply chain, from the growers to the processors, designers to builders, and problem solvers to real estate agents. And – speak to your local mill. Tasmanian Timber processors want to work with you to keep Australian timber in Australian homes.
Fast Facts – Tasmanian Oak
- Tasmanian Oak supply is secure until 2040
- Tasmania has bi-partisan support for sawmill contracts extended to 2040 from the public estate
- There is a significant, high-quality private native forestry estate in addition to the public estate.
- Both the public and private estate is governed by a world-leading forest practices code
- Buying Tasmanian Oak has no exposure to import risk
- Tasmanian Oak is certified sustainable and keeps more carbon stored
- Research shows consumers love their local timber – Tasmanian Oak.
