Forest products are all around us, so much a part of life that we hardly think about them.
Furniture, building materials, benches, screens, floors, magazines, newspapers, tissues and packaging - these products are essential and they're all supplied by the Forest, Wood, Paper and Timber Products Industry.
It is one of Australia's leading industries, being the second-largest manufacturing industry in the country.
The industry had its start in the early 1800s, when cutting was done by hand and sawmills were located right next to forests to reduce the need for transport.
Today the industry is high-tech, using the latest equipment and demanding highly skilled workers.
The industry employs over 110,000 Australians, particularly in regional areas but also in the major cities.
From growing trees to printing magazines ... to manufacturing paper, tissues and more
How big?
Employment: 110,000+ people
Annual turnover:$18 billion+
Contribution to economy: more than 3% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
The industry has a mix of small, medium and large employers. Some are very specialised (e.g. window manufacturing) while others are involved in all sectors of the industry. There are seven industry sectors. Click on the articles below to read about the sectors.
This webpage was produced with the assistance of funding provided by the New South Wales Government Department of Education and Training.
More Information
Forest Growing and Management Sector Forest Growing and Management ranges from planting seeds and nurturing young trees to managing and maintaining whole forests.
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Sawmilling & Processing Sector When a log arrives from a plantation it is rough-edged and unevenly shaped. Sawmilling and processing is about turning ...
» more
Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Sector A simple hand paper press purchased at a local market allows you to take wood-based material and press it into sheets of paper.
» more
