Summary
This project aimed to assess the economic contribution of the forestry and wood products industry in South Australia and key forestry regions, including the Green Triangle, Kangaroo Island, the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Mid North. The study used economic modelling to estimate the industry’s direct and flow-on contributions to output, employment, wages, taxes and regional economic activity. It found that the South Australian forestry sector generated approximately $3.1 billion in annual turnover, supported around 6,900 direct jobs, paid more than $600 million in wages, and contributed almost $3 billion to the state economy through direct and indirect effects. The analysis highlighted the Green Triangle as the industry’s economic centre, producing a substantial proportion of Australia’s timber and wood products. The study also examined future development scenarios and found that increasing local timber processing could generate significant additional economic growth and employment. The findings emphasised the importance of maintaining plantation resources, strengthening domestic timber processing, supporting regional employment, and improving the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the forestry sector.
Acknowledgement of funding
This report was commissioned by the Murray Region Forestry Hub with funding from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Disclaimer
Reports prepared for Regional Forestry Hubs, and any recommendations contained in the reports, are provided as received by the Hub and are not endorsed positions of the Hub. They do not constitute Australian Government policy.
