This edition highlights project progress, industry engagement and upcoming initiatives across the Murray Region Forestry Hub.
Working groups are progressing key projects, including a land use comparison study assessing environmental plantings versus production forestry and a regional infrastructure assessment analysing long-term haulage needs. Both projects are nearing completion and will inform future planning and policy advice.
The Blackberry Strategy has been well received, with strong stakeholder input following the 2024 forum. The Hub continues to refine its community sentiment project to better understand attitudes toward forestry and land use change.
A major focus is the upcoming farm forestry forum in Wangaratta, designed to provide landholders with practical insights on integrating trees into farming systems, including productivity, biodiversity and carbon income opportunities.
Industry updates include a workforce survey on gender representation, training initiatives to address skills shortages and community grant opportunities.
According to the chart on page 2, softwood imports have increased by 15.4% year-on-year, with prices also rising, though volumes remain below pandemic peaks.
Safety remains a priority, with survey results highlighting strong awareness but opportunities to improve recognition of safety practices.
Overall, the newsletter reflects a focus on collaboration, research and practical outcomes for landholders and industry.