The Murray Region Forestry Hub is at the centre of one of Australia’s most significant softwood plantation regions, stretching from the South West Slopes of New South Wales to North East Victoria.
The devastating 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires caused severe damage to plantations, businesses, and communities across the region, burning nearly 50,000 hectares of softwood estate. In the years following, the industry undertook an unprecedented salvage and recovery effort, supported by state and federal initiatives, to process burnt timber, replant affected areas, and maintain the flow of fibre to local processors.
This project investigates the social and economic contributions of the softwood plantation industry during this critical recovery phase. It highlights the industry’s ongoing role as a key employer, major economic driver, and community supporter, while also documenting the challenges of workforce shortages, rising costs, and resource uncertainty. By capturing the experiences of businesses and workers during the salvage and recovery period, the project provides valuable insights into the resilience of the Murray Region forestry sector and the steps required to secure its future.