The Murray Region Forestry Hub’s Land Use Review and Comparison project examines how environmental plantings and harvestable timber plantations can contribute to regional economies, carbon outcomes, and long-term land-use resilience across NSW and northern Victoria. The study highlights the important role forestry already plays in supporting jobs, housing supply, manufacturing, and regional prosperity, while also exploring how future investment in tree-based projects can strengthen climate outcomes and economic growth simultaneously.
Importantly, the project goes beyond traditional forestry and agriculture policy by exploring broader opportunities that can unlock investment and drive regional development. This includes examining how infrastructure, strategic land-use planning, taxation settings, carbon markets, and risk-reduction mechanisms can better support landowners, industry, and communities. The findings demonstrate that when projects are strategically located and supported by the right policy settings, timber plantations and environmental plantings can deliver complementary environmental, social, and economic benefits across the region.