Summary
This project aimed to identify land suitable for future softwood plantation development across the Murray Region Forestry Hub. The study sought to show where plantations could be established both now and under future climate conditions, while accounting for physical, environmental, and planning constraints.
The project used a spatial land-suitability analysis developed by PF Olsen with Spatial Vision. It combined biophysical data (rainfall, frost risk, slope, and soils) with land-use exclusions such as zoning, public land reserves, existing forests, lot size, and distance to processing facilities. The analysis used current climate data and future climate projections for 2050, 2070 and 2090 under two emissions scenarios.
The study found that, under current conditions, about 185,000 hectares of land in the region are highly suitable for radiata pine plantations, mainly in northern NSW and parts of north-east Victoria. Under future climate scenarios, the area of highly suitable land declines significantly, especially under higher emissions.
The report recommends using the mapping outputs and interactive tools to support long-term planning, guide investment decisions, and identify priority areas for plantation expansion while considering future climate risk.
Link to the online mapping tool
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.
