- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 1 July 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- Forestry
- Supply chain development
Summary
This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: A.1.1718122 Northern forestry and forest products situational analysis, which established the strategic foundation for sustainable forestry development across northern Australia.
The project identified key opportunities for plantation expansion, domestic processing, Indigenous forestry enterprises and integrated land-use systems, while providing an evidence-based roadmap to guide future industry investment. Its recommendations directly informed more than $1.19 million in subsequent CRCNA forestry investments through the Silvopastoral Systems and Tiwi Forestry Partnership projects, representing an 11.9:1 return on CRCNA’s initial investment. The publication also highlights the project’s contribution to reducing investment risk, strengthening collaboration across government and industry, and creating long-term opportunities for regional employment, Indigenous economic development and sustainable management of northern Australia’s extensive forest resources.
Projects
Northern forestry and forest products situational analysis
This industry situational analysis study identified and described key challenges and opportunities facing the northern Australian forestry and forest products industry. It explored potential policy, investment, and other solutions to these challenges, assessed sector-wide research priorities, and identified the most strategic research projects for future investment. As part of the project, a Steering Committee was formed, comprising northern Australian forestry industry stakeholders from each State and Territory (where possible), as well as representatives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous forest growers, the livestock industry, wood product processing industries, and relevant government agencies. This project delivered recommendations and provided information to Indigenous and non-Indigenous landholders, forestry industry stakeholders, potential investors, government agencies responsible for natural resource management, research and development, and policy-makers about the opportunities and constraints involved in further developing sustainable forestry enterprises in northern Australia. The project Steering Committee will be retained as an Industry Development Alliance to continue advocating for, and providing oversight of, the ongoing growth and development of the industry across northern Australia.