HIA Chief Executive Industry and Policy, Simon Croft, said Australia's forestry and timber industries play a vital role in supporting housing construction, regional economies and the nation's growing population.

"Australia's rising population will require hundreds of thousands of additional homes in the years ahead, and a secure domestic supply of timber is fundamental to achieving that outcome," Mr Croft said.

"On National Forestry Day, it is important to recognise the thousands of Australians working across the forestry and timber supply chain who make an essential contribution to housing, regional communities and the broader economy."

Mr Croft said the residential building industry relies heavily on a stable supply of locally produced timber products, including structural framing, engineered wood products, flooring, cladding and other essential building materials.

"Timber remains one of the most important building materials used in Australian homes and is a cornerstone of residential construction across the country.

"A strong domestic forestry sector gives builders and consumers confidence that key building materials will be available when needed and at competitive prices."

Mr Croft said recent years had highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience and the need for long-term planning to support future housing demand.

"The experience of recent years demonstrated how quickly supply constraints can affect housing affordability, construction costs and project delivery timelines.

"As governments work to increase housing supply across Australia, it is critical that building material supply keeps pace with demand."

HIA supports policies that encourage long-term investment in forestry resources, timber processing capacity and regional manufacturing to strengthen Australia's supply chain resilience.

"Australia needs a long-term vision for timber supply that recognises the role forestry plays in supporting housing construction, regional employment and economic growth.

"Investment decisions made today will determine whether future generations have access to the building materials needed to construct the homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure our growing population will require."

Mr Croft said sustainable forestry and responsible timber production should be recognised as important contributors to Australia's housing future.

"The forestry and timber sector supports jobs, regional communities and the delivery of new housing across the country.

"Ensuring a secure and sustainable timber supply chain will be essential to meeting Australia's housing needs and supporting national economic growth for decades to come," concluded Mr Croft.

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