Changes in timber supply to impact construction industry.

Today, the Victorian Government issued a Construction Industry Update to emphasize that the harvesting of native timber in Victorian state forests will cease on January 1, 2024.

This decision will have a notable impact on the accessibility of timber products commonly used in construction, including flooring, staircases, beams, doors, windows, architectural elements, decking, and cladding.

Traditionally sourced timber varieties, such as Victorian Ash, from Victorian state forests will no longer be obtainable. The Victorian government has projected that the supply of native hardwood will be substantially depleted in the first half of 2024.

Although there may still be opportunities to procure some imported hardwood products, the availability of these items is also likely to be affected in the medium to long term.

The HIA has requested the Victorian government to furnish a document for consumers, explaining the developments regarding native Victorian hardwood supplies. Consumers deserve direct information from the government about the future accessibility of these products.