- Published:
- Thursday 4 December 2025 at 3:27 pm
The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have joined forces to back the development of Australia’s largest plantation hardwood and softwood processing facility in Portland – creating local jobs and boosting regional manufacturing.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Julie Collins and Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced a joint $2.95 million investment in research to support the initial stages of the ‘Precinct Project’ in regional Victoria.
Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) will lead the feasibility study of a new processing facility in Portland, so that more locally grown timber can be manufactured locally, into products like glue laminated timber, laminated veneer lumber, and housing solutions – reducing Victoria’s reliance on imports and creating up to 200 jobs.
The project unites industry, academics, Traditional Owners, and all levels of government to undertake an over $7 million research, development and feasibility project for a new advanced plantation timber manufacturing and innovation hub in Portland over the next two years.
This research will support the development of a shared advanced manufacturing facility, where expert manufacturers work together to connect forests to frames and harvests to homes – combining supply chain businesses to make production as efficient as possible.
Businesses will operate independently but share key resources like roads, energy, water, and transport hubs. These facilities will unlock the full potential of locally grown certified plantations to produce higher value timber products and enable faster, more efficient and affordable prefabricated housing solutions while reducing carbon emissions.
The Precinct will be located near the Port of Portland and key infrastructure positioned at the heart of the Green Triangle – a major forestry region in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia that supplies large volumes of plantation hardwood and softwood timber and drives the regional economy.
It builds on the Allan Labor Government’s investment in the Green Triangle, including $500,000 for a Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study, and $4.8 million for key freight road upgrades under the Portland Economic Diversification Plan – complementing the Government’s $190 million to grow Victoria’s plantation estate.
The timber hub feasibility study initially assessed the viability of glue-laminated timber production in the Green Triangle, from the plantation hardwood resource that have traditionally been exported.
We’re also backing in AFWI’s ongoing research and development work to identify new opportunities for Australia’s timber industry through the Australian Centre for Climate Smart Forestry at the University of Melbourne.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Julie Collins
“By investing in advanced timber processing facilities, we’re not just building infrastructure – we’re reshaping the industry. It’s a win for jobs, innovation, and sustainability.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“We are proud to be a part of the Precinct Project partnership and supporting local processing of locally grown timber, while creating regional jobs.”
Quote attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone
“The Precinct Project is a great step towards making more of our timber products here in Australia, supporting local jobs and boosting Wannon’s manufacturing future.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
“This is another way we are strengthening the local economy, removing economic barriers and supporting long-term growth in Portland.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks
"We're proud to back this precinct – boosting local timber manufacturing to drive new jobs in regional Victoria and strengthen our advanced manufacturing capability.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“The Precinct is about unlocking Portland’s potential – driving innovation, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more sustainable future for our region.”