FORESTRY INDUSTRY
East Gippsland’s rich and proud heritage in forestry stretches right back to the days of settlement and we are a leading producer of hardwoods for domestic and international use. The natural beauty and incredible versatility of wood makes timber an outstanding natural resource, and recent advances in marketing techniques have opened up extensive new business opportunities.
Forests and forestry produce a turnover in excess of $100m in the East Gippsland economy. The industry supports a number of local communities and provides valuable flow on effects to other industries and to service and retail sectors across the region. There is a strong demand for East Gippsland timber products, a demand met by a network of experienced and professional operators. The production of sustainable hardwood timber is fully supported by East Gippsland Shire and the industry has been further strengthened by the formation of effective timber marketing networks.
Value adding to the raw product has been achieved by schemes designed to ensure higher returns on investments. Kiln dried and processed locally, this value added timber is then used as flooring, decorative mouldings, window frames and furniture. Forestech, operated as part of the East Gippsland TAFE and located in Lakes Entrance. It is a unique training campus helping maintain a fully skilled workforce with specialised knowledge of the latest timber production and value-adding techniques. The campus also offers courses in furniture design and has set up an innovative business incubator ensuring that high-potential new enterprises are fostered.
The East Gippsland timber industry offers very good prospects in furniture manufacturing and in the building supply chain. There are healthy potential returns on offer within the domestic and international markets. Some local companies are exporting products to a number of international markets.
Further information is available from the East Gippsland Shire Economic Development Unit (see the link below) to assist you obtain the best results from your investment. Let us help you grow your timber industry business in East Gippsland.
Contact the East Gippsland
Economic Development Unit 
East Gippsland Economic Development Strategic Plan Appendix 
 Back to Competitive Advantages
Back to Economic Development |
