Murray Region Forestry Hub

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Lavington, NSW
Murray Region Forestry Hub

The Murray Region Forestry Hub was originally formed as the South West Slopes Forest Industry Hub as

After consultation with our members, the South West Slopes Forestry Hub was relaunched as the Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) to better reflect the extended geographical boundaries of the Hub region to include North East Victoria. The Murray Region Forestry Hub takes in about 3.5million hectares in the area east of the Hume Freeway, west of the Great Dividing Range, south of Gundagai, and taking

in the plantations of NE Victoria down to Lake Eildon. Key forestry towns in the NSW part of the Hub are Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba, Gundagai and Adelong. In the Victorian Hub area, the main centres for the industry are Corryong, Tallangatta, Myrtleford and Wangaratta. This area contains around 170,000 ha of softwood plantations (both public and private). The Murray Region is home to one of the largest softwood-plantation forestry industries in Australia. Softwood is the wood from a pine tree, as distinct from hardwood that comes from gum trees or eucalypts (as found in native forests).

05/05/2026

At a time when land use decisions have never been more critical, how do we ensure we’re getting the best value—economically, environmentally, and socially?

The Murray Region Forestry Hub has just released a new report comparing Environmental Plantings vs Timber Plantations, and the findings raise important questions for landowners, policymakers, and industry alike.

This is essential reading for anyone involved in shaping land use policy or investment decisions.

The report explores:
• Return on investment for landholders
• Carbon sequestration outcomes
• Risk profiles of each land use
• Contributions to local communities

A huge acknowledgment to the team for delivering this work with such rigor and integrity and further acknowledgment to the Central West Forestry Hub for their collaboration on this project.

We invite informed discussion—how should Australia balance environmental goals with economic productivity in land use?

READ MORE 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/47NkRiR and https://bit.ly/49uObLI

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09/12/2025

📣 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

MURR-2025-027 - Qualitative review of the barriers to investment and expansion of forestry activities in the Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH)

The Murray Region Forestry Hub is inviting proposals from suitably qualified consultants to investigate, evaluate, and report on the current actual or perceived barriers to large-scale greenfield plantation investment across the MRFH region.

Despite strong processing demand and longstanding government initiatives, plantation expansion in our region has remained limited. This project will engage directly with existing and prospective investors—local and international—to understand what is (and isn’t) driving investment decisions, and what policy or market settings would make plantation forestry a more attractive and competitive land-use option.

What the consultancy will deliver (staged approach):
✅ Review of historical state and Commonwealth programs that successfully enabled at-scale plantation establishment (including why they worked).
✅ Development of a comprehensive stakeholder/investor interview database with the Hub and industry partners.
✅ Interviews with current and potential investors to identify investment criteria, appetite, and key barriers—ranked by frequency and impact.
✅ Follow-up interviews to test incentives, market conditions, and initiatives that could shift investment appetite.
✅ Advice on the implications and likely uptake of the top 2–3 proposed incentives/initiatives.

Key dates:
📌 Submissions due: 23 January 2026
📌 Shortlist review & questions: 23–30 January 2026
📌 Contract signed: 6 February 2026
📌 Draft report due: 3 April 2026
📌 Final report due: 17 April 2026
📌 Presentation to Hub members: May 2026
(Alternative schedules may be proposed in submissions.)

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4oDxJ0r

We’re looking forward to partnering with a consultant who can help shape practical, investor-informed recommendations for future plantation growth in one of Australia’s most important softwood regions.

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09/10/2025

NEW REPORT ALERT - Land Use Review & Comparison Report

The "Land Use Review and Comparison" report, completed by Indufor for the Central West and Murray Region Forestry Hubs, highlights the significant economic and environmental benefits of Timber Plantations (TPs) and explores the value of Environmental Plantings (EPs). The report underscores that TPs contribute more than EPs to regional employment and Gross Regional Product (GRP), while also providing a higher return on investment. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers to promote sustainable land use practices that support both economic growth and environmental sustainability in regional Australia. It also shows that commercial timber plantations within the Hubs may be a suitable option for landowners.

Read report 👉🏻https://murrayregionforestryhub.com.au/land-use-review-and-comparison-report/

For more information contact Heath Molden (0403 832 694) or Carlie Porteous.

For more information about the Central West and Murray Region Forestry Hubs and the work they have been doing please visit their websites.

https://cwfh.com.au/ AND https://murrayregionforestryhub.com.au/

02/07/2025

🌱 Thank You for Joining Us! 🌱

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Boost Your Farm’s Future: Unlock the Power of Trees for Productivity and Biodiversity forum in Wangaratta last week.

It was a fantastic day of connection, learning, and inspiration. We hope the insights shared sparked new ideas and plans for your land or farming future.

💻 Missed it or want to revisit the info? Access the presentations by scanning our QR code OR visit https://bit.ly/45QIjeY.

Proudly hosted by the Murray Region Forestry Hub in partnership with North East CMA, Goulburn Broken CMA & Rural City of Wangaratta.

25/06/2025

🌿 Last Chance to Register! 🌳

Diversifying Farm Income: Boost Your Farm’s Future

Don’t miss this FREE forum designed to help landholders explore how integrating trees into farming systems can improve productivity, biodiversity, and profitability.

📍 Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
🗓️ 27 June 2025 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🍷 Networking with drinks & canapés from 3:30 PM

Hosted by the Murray Region Forestry Hub in partnership with North East CMA, Goulburn Broken CMA, and Wangaratta Rural City Council, this pivotal event brings together leading specialists to share the latest research and practical insights for farmers.

Hear from experts and discover how trees on your land can deliver real benefits — based on outcomes from federally funded programs including FWPA, AFWI, and other key industry partners.

🎟️ Registrations close 12 noon tomorrow — secure your place today! Visit https://www.trybooking.com/DAKIV

28/05/2025

🌱 Boost Your Farm’s Future! 🌳

The Murray Region Forestry Hub, in partnership with North East CMA, Goulburn Broken CMA, and Wangaratta Rural City Council, invites landholders to a FREE forum focused on the benefits of integrating trees into farming systems.

Get research-backed insights from leading specialists on how trees can boost productivity, biodiversity, and deliver broader economic benefits to your land and community.

📍 Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
🗓️ 27 June 2025
🕤 Forum: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🍷 Networking with drinks & canapés: From 3:30 PM

"This forum empowers landholders to make informed decisions with access to the right people and the latest research," – Carlie Porteous (MRFH)

🌾 Don’t miss this chance to unlock the power of trees on your property. Register now and grow your farm’s future!

In conjunction with:
- North East CMA
- Goulburn Broken CMA
- Rural City of Wangaratta
- Landcare Victoria
- Agriculture Victoria
- Vic Catchments

20/03/2025

🌿 International Day of Forests 2025: Forests & Foods 🌿

How will you celebrate forests today? 🌱💚

On March 21st, we celebrate the International Day of Forests, highlighting the vital connection between forests and food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. 🌳🍃

Forests are more than just trees—they provide a rich variety of foods like fruits, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, honey, and wild meat, sustaining billions of people worldwide, especially Indigenous and forest-dependent communities.

This year’s event at UN Headquarters will bring together policymakers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, and global organisations to explore both innovative and traditional ways forests support food systems and sustainable agriculture. 🌏✨

Let’s work together to protect our forests and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all!

Learn more 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/4igFMhB
Day of Forests

17/12/2024

🌿 Tackling the Blackberry Challenge: Insights from the Murray Region Forestry Hub 🌿

The Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) has taken a significant step forward in addressing the widespread impact of blackberry infestations within the Hub region. Through two comprehensive reports, we’ve analyzed the economic, environmental, and production losses caused by Blackberry a W**d of National Significance.

📖 Key Highlights

🔍 Over 40 stakeholders, including landholders, industry representatives, and government agencies, contributed their expertise to these reports.

📉 Blackberry infestations cost softwood plantations in the region approximately $42M/year, with a broader economic impact of $306M/year.

🌱 Current management strategies rely heavily on chemical treatments, raising environmental concerns and emphasizing the need for a robust, well-researched biocontrol solution.

🌏 Blackberries don’t just affect production—they limit land access and threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services, and even regional industries like tourism and grazing.

📌 Recommendations for Government
✔️ Reevaluate the coordination and effectiveness of w**d management agencies.
✔️ Align w**d funding strategies with national priorities, including the significance of softwood plantations for housing.
✔️ Invest in genomic mapping and biocontrol research—cost-effective solutions compared to ongoing economic losses.
✔️ Conduct a national-scale analysis of blackberry impacts across all land uses.

The journey doesn’t end here! A regional strategy is underway, informed by these reports and outcomes from the Strategic Blackberry Forum held on 31 October 2024. Together, we can take a long-term, collective approach to manage this challenge.

📑 Want to learn more? View the Murray Region Forestry Hub Blackberry Impacts Project Report to see how coordinated efforts can turn the tide against blackberry infestations. Let’s work towards sustainable land use and productive landscapes!

View here 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/3VHAKBw

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**dManagement

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! 💪

Address

PO Box 519
Lavington, NSW
2641

Telephone

+61407272375

Website

https://murrayregionforestryhub.com.au/

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