Softwoods Working Group

19/08/2025

🌲🌏 Happy National Forestry Day!

Today we recognise the incredible contribution of our forest industries and the people who make it all happen. The Softwoods Working Group is proud to represent members, working together to ensure a strong, sustainable future for our industry.

From planting and managing softwood forests, to harvesting, processing, research, and innovation – our members are at the forefront of delivering renewable products, supporting regional jobs, and caring for our environment.

Forestry is not just about trees – it’s about communities, families, and the industries that keep Australia moving forward. 💚

Here’s to the people of forestry – thank you for your commitment, collaboration, and passion. 🌲

11/02/2025

23/01/2025

🚨 BREAKING: $13M Boost for Plantation Fire Protection 🚨

The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) welcomes the Minns Government's $13M funding package to protect Southern NSW’s softwood plantations from bushfires. This investment will strengthen fire detection, suppression, and preparedness across key forestry regions, including Greater Hume, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Albury, and Wagga Wagga.

🔥 Key initiatives include:
✅ $5.72M for Tumut Aerodrome water supply & aircraft hangar
✅ $1.1M to upgrade Ellerslie Range Fire Trails
✅ $983K for fire trail upgrades in state forests
✅ $1.5M for all-terrain firefighting equipment
✅ $767K to upgrade fire tower cabins for early detection

💬 SWG Chair Dean Anderson:
“The 2019/20 bushfires devastated our plantations. This funding is a game-changer for fire resilience, ensuring a proactive approach to fire prevention and rapid response.”

👏 SWG thanks the NSW Government for prioritizing the protection of our timber industry, local communities, and the future of NSW’s housing and construction sectors.

Read the full SWG media release here 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/42oYTk7

27/11/2024

📢 Exciting Leadership Announcement!

The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) is thrilled to welcome Dean Anderson as its new Chair! With over 40 years of forestry industry experience across Australia and beyond, Dean brings exceptional expertise and dedication to the role. 🌱

Dean's impressive career includes senior roles in commercial operations, natural forest management, environmental assessment, and plantation management. He has also played critical roles during state-significant bushfire emergencies and was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his contributions during the 2019/20 Black Summer fires.

We look forward to Dean leading SWG into a future focused on sustainable growth, fire protection, w**d control, and advocating for the many benefits of softwood plantations.

A huge thank you to Peter Crowe OAM for his 37 years of outstanding service as Chair. Peter’s legacy will be honored as he steps into the role of Chair Emeritus.

📖 Read the full media release here👉🏼 https://zcu.nz/wPZD?m=0

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15/11/2024

🌲 A Champion Retires 🌲

After an incredible 65 years of dedication to Australia’s forest industries, Peter Crowe OAM is retiring as Chair of the Softwoods Working Group (SWG).

Since joining SWG in 1987, Peter has been a driving force in advancing sustainable forestry, fostering collaboration, and championing innovation. His leadership has left an indelible mark on the industry, strengthening its economic and environmental sustainability.

SWG Executive Officer, Carlie Porteous, praised Peter’s unwavering commitment, stating: "His passion and vision have shaped the future of softwoods in Australia."

Peter reflects proudly on his career: "I’ve had the privilege of working in a vibrant, renewable industry alongside incredible people, contributing to regional Australia’s development."

Thank you, Peter, for your remarkable service. Your legacy will continue to inspire! 🙌

11/11/2024

🌱 Weathering the Dry in Snowy Valleys – Community Forum 🌱

Join Alpine Valleys Community Leadership for a FREE community forum focused on building strength and collaboration during drier times. Led by Jingellic’s own Mary Hoodless, this event will explore how we can adapt, thrive, and leverage the unique strengths of the Snowy Valleys.

Whether you're a farmer, business owner, or local resident, this forum is for everyone—because we’re all impacted by changing conditions. Let’s come together to share ideas, support one another, and take a community-led approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Key Topics Include:
✅ Harnessing local strengths: industries, culture & landscapes
✅ Adapting to change: learning from the past to thrive in the future
✅ Supporting community well-being: mental health & connection
✅ Workshop: Early insights from the regional well-being survey

When & Where?
📅 Thursday 14 November | 5pm–8pm at Pilot Hill
📅 Friday 15 November | 9am–4:30pm at Batlow Literary Institute

🍽️ Free event with catering provided! Attend one or both days.

🔗 Registrations essential: https://bit.ly/snowyvalleys

Let’s shape our future together! 💪

04/11/2024

🎉 Honoring a Legend in the Forestry Industry! 🎉

On Friday night, we gathered in Albury with colleagues and friends to celebrate the remarkable career of Mr. Peter Crowe, OAM, as he steps into retirement from the Softwoods Working Group and Murray Region Forestry Hub.

With over 30 years of dedicated service, Peter has been an invaluable contributor not only to our group but to the entire forestry industry in Australia. His expertise, leadership, and commitment have left an indelible mark on our community.

It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, memories, and gratitude, honoring Peter’s legacy and the impact he’s had on so many of us. Here’s to a well-deserved retirement, Peter! Thank you for everything you've done. 🌲🌳

28/08/2024

🌲 SWG Welcomes NSW Government’s Forest Industry Action Plan 🌲

The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) welcomes the NSW Government’s Forest Industry Action Plan and its commitment to the community, workers, and the industry.

SWG Chair Peter Crowe OAM praised the appointment of Peter Duncan AM as Chair of the Independent Forestry Panel, noting his valuable experience in strategic infrastructure and primary industries.

The South West Slopes, NSW's largest softwood processing area, is crucial to the region’s economy. With over $3 billion in output and 11,000 jobs, SWG is ready to offer expert advice as the plan is developed.

SWG Executive Officer Carlie Porteous emphasized the importance of a robust stakeholder engagement process, ensuring the industry has a key role in shaping the final plan.

Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and register their interest at 👉 https://bit.ly/3Xmzq8j

Read full media release 👉 https://zcu.nz/ph9s?m=0
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20/08/2024

🌲 Happy National Forestry Day! 🌲

Today, we celebrate the incredible work our members and the broader forest industry do to combat climate change, support our economy, and produce the sustainable products Australians rely on every day.

From timber house-frames to paper cups, Australia's forestry supply chain is essential, creating climate-friendly items we can't live without! 🌍

With 80,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs, many in rural areas, this $24 billion sector is vital to our nation. This year's theme, Nature’s Carbon Store, highlights our role in storing carbon and helping Australia achieve its net-zero goals.

As demand for timber and wood fibre is set to quadruple by 2050, our sector leads the world in sustainable forest management, setting an example with careful replanting and environmental practices. 🌳

Whether it’s the timber in your home or the cardboard box from your latest delivery, Australia's forest products are the backbone of so many everyday items.

Celebrate with us and support sustainable forestry!

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Hyne Timber AKD Softwoods Albury City Council HVP Plantations The Australian National University Australian Forest Contractors Association AFCA TAFE NSW Visy Dr Joe McGirr MP TUR Snowy Valleys Council Greater Hume Council
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Australian Forest Products Association Responsible Wood Australian Forests & Timber News Forestry Australia Regional Development Australia Murray ForestLearning Gippsland Forestry Hub Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Susan Benedyka Transport for NSW City of Wagga Wagga Regional Development Australia Riverina ForestWorks

24/07/2024

UPDATE - The Softwoods Working Group recently held a meeting with stakeholders in Tumut, NSW following the announcement of a $13M forestry funding package by Hon. Minister Moriarty!

This investment aims to protect timber supplies in the Murray region before the 2024/25 bushfire season, supporting fire prevention, detection, and response initiatives.

Key Highlights:

🌲 Create jobs & stimulate economic growth in regional NSW
🔥 Construct fire trails & asset protection zones
👀 Build rapid response with towers, remote sensing, & cameras
🚒 Enhance tactical response with new fire tankers & equipment
🏡 Benefit local communities by enhancing safety & resilience

Stay tuned for more updates on how this funding will protect our forests and communities! 🌲✨

Read more - https://bit.ly/3Wpeegi
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Snowy Hydro
AKD Softwoods

Visy
Hyne Timber
NSW Rural Fire Service
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
valleys council
Australian Forest Products Association
Australian Forest Products Association NSW
Murray Region Forestry Hub
Tara Moriarty MLC
Hume Council

07/06/2024

🌲✨ SWG extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in hosting the Hon. Tara Moriarty for the announcement of a $13 million boost to protect critical timber supplies! 🌲✨

This well targeted funding will support essential fire prevention, detection, and response initiatives in the Murray Region.

Special thanks to Campbell Sanderson (FCNSW), Darren McPherson (Hyne), Mick Ivill (AWU), James Jooste (AFPA), Dr Joe McGirr MP, Dean Hawkins (Visy), Brett Webb (AKD), Kristina Kaminski (Hyne), Luke Hayden (CFMEU), Carlie Porteous (SWG), Rab Green (AKD), and Jacob Lazarus (Southern Cross Forests) for their invaluable contributions.

Together we are working towards a safer and more sustainable future for our forests and communities. 🌳🙌
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.asn.au
-GundagaiRegionalCouncil -memberforalbury

31/05/2024

📰 $13 Million Boost to Protect Critical Timber Supplies 📰

The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) welcomes a $13M forestry funding package to protect timber supplies in the Murray region ahead of the 2024/25 bushfire season.

This funding will support fire prevention, detection, and response initiatives. Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced the funding in the Murraguldrie State Forest.

SWG Chair Peter Crowe praised the well-targeted funding, highlighting its importance for fire protection in NSW Murray. SWG Executive Officer Ms. Porteous emphasized the need for future-proofing against fires, referencing the 2019/2020 fires' impact.

Minister Moriarty acknowledged the forestry industry's call for increased fire protection and thanked various councils and agencies for their input.

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr. Joe McGirr also welcomed the announcement, supporting efforts to protect plantations from bushfires.

READ FULL RELEASE 👉🏼 https://zcu.nz/W2iK?m=0
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Hyne Timber AKD Softwoods Albury City Council HVP Plantations The Australian National University Australian Forest Contractors Association AFCA TAFE NSW Visy Visy Dr Joe McGirr MP TUR Snowy Valleys Council Greater Hume Council
Australian Forest Products Association Responsible Wood Australian Forests & Timber News Forestry Australia Regional Development Australia Murray ForestLearning Gippsland Forestry Hub Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Greater Hume Council Susan Benedyka Transport for NSW Tara Moriarty MLC City of Wagga Wagga Regional Development Australia Riverina ForestWorks Australian Forest Products Association NSW