Landowners in the Rural City of Wangaratta are among the first in Victoria to have the chance to cash in on the Victorian government's latest program to grow more forest trees on farms and secure a more reliable timber supply.
Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, on Friday announced the start of the government's Trees on Farms Utilisation (ToFU) Program, a $4.5 million initiative that will help farm forestry plantation owners make the most of their existing plantations.
Through the program, eligible landowners can access a free professional assessment of their plantations, providing tailored insights into timber quality, market opportunities, and next steps – all with no cost or obligation.
"If an assessment identifies a commercial opportunity, landowners may be eligible for funding for management activities in later stages of the program, such as thinning, to improve their plantation for enhanced timber quality and market access," Minister Spence said.
The launch includes local government areas of Moira Shire Council, Indigo Shire Council, City of Wodonga, Towong Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, Benalla Rural City Council, Rural City of Wangaratta, Strathbogie Shire Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council and Mansfield Shire Council.
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To be eligible under the program, plantings must be between three and 30 hectares, planted before 2020 specifically for wood production, and not already allocated or committed for sale.
Launching initially in the state’s North East, the program will be extended to the rest of the state early next year.
This initiative supplements the suite of programs available through the Trees on Farms program which helps farmers plant more trees.
Applications for the program in the North East will close on 19 December.
For more information on the programs or to apply visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/trees-on-farms.
