Supporting forestry and wood product industries

We work with businesses and the community to promote the future of forestry and wood products in South Australia.

This includes seeking opportunities for industry development, leading forestry research, and delivering environmental and economically sustainable practices.

Neatly stacked timber boards are arranged in even horizontal rows, with the edges of each plank clearly visible.
SA Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan

The master plan provides a vision to grow and develop South Australia's forest and timber industry.

A symmetrical pine plantation shows rows of tall, straight trees planted in uniform spacing, with dry ground and scattered twigs below.
Forestry Centre of Excellence

The centre delivers leading research, development, and education for the forest industry. It diversifies the Green Triangle regional economy and communities.

Aerial view of a grid-patterned pine plantation, with intersecting dirt roads dividing dense green tree blocks.
Trees on Farms Initiative

Find out about the environmental and economic benefits of on-farm plantations, which support climate adaptability.

Pine tree seedlings in nursery
Forest Industry Advisory Council of SA

The council brings together key industry stakeholders to advise State Government on developing the forestry sector.

The trunk of a giant pine tree with scattered sections covered by the white scale
Advice for giant pine scale

Giant pine scale is an insect that sucks the sap of pine trees, posing a threat to our softwood plantation industry. Learn about control methods.

A shady spot beneath large gum trees reveals a pile of cut firewood in the foreground and a sunlit forest clearing in the background.
Mid North forests

Find out about public access options for forests in SA's Mid North region, including trails, recreational grounds, and accommodation.

About forestry

South Australia’s plantation forests were established in 1876 and now cover about 168,000 hectares (ha) across the Fleurieu, Adelaide Hills, mid-north region, and Limestone Coast.

There are 2 commercial species grown in the state. Our export Tasmanian bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus) creates wood fibre for high-quality paper. Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) is used in modern wood processing facilities to produce:

  • framing timber and panels for the construction industry
  • fence posts for livestock farmers
  • trellis posts for grape growers
  • pallets, compost, potting mix and animal bedding.

In 2021–22 our forestry industry generated $1.46 billion in revenue for South Australia – learn more in the forestry toolkit.

Industry guidelines

Green Triangle forests governance
Green Triangle forests governance

The Green Triangle, situated in the state's south-east and over the Victorian border, was a pioneering forest district for Australia’s timber industry.

The South Australian Government plantations are leased here by OneFortyOne Plantations. PIRSA oversees compliance of these lease conditions, making sure that community interests and industry priorities are conserved.

Read the latest independent audit results of our forestry plantations.

Download the assurance report PDF Download the detailed findings report PDF