Murray Region Forestry Hub

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

,
,
,
,

**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

,
,
,

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. 🌲🌳

30/08/2024

🌲 Edition #2 - August 2024 | Murray Region Forestry Newsletter 🌲

Welcome to the latest edition of the Murray Region Forestry newsletter!

Our team at MRFH is committed to keeping you updated on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in this vital sector and the communities that support it. Look out for political and policy updates, funding opportunities, and more.

Your input matters to us! We encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions so we can continue to strengthen our forests, our industry, and the communities we serve.

Thank you for being part of our community. Enjoy this edition of our newsletter! 🌱

Read here 👉🏼 https://zcu.nz/WOiX?m=0

,
,
,
,

28/08/2024

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

🌲 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
,
,
,

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!

,
,
,
,




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