Fraser Coast Council announces Wood Encouragement Policy

Timber Queensland has welcomed today’s announcement from the Fraser Coast Council that they are Queensland’s first Council to adopt a Wood Encouragement Policy (WEP), delivering economic and environmental benefits for the region.

Timber Queensland’s CEO Mick Stephens said the Council’s WEP requires responsibly sourced wood to be considered as a first-choice construction material in all new-build and refurbishment projects when it is equally fit-for-purpose.

“Fraser Coast Council are to be congratulated for leading the way in Queensland with the introduction of this policy which not only supports the forest and timber industry but will generate significant carbon benefits,” said Mr Stephens.

“Timber is a renewable material that uses little energy to produce compared to emission intensive building materials, such as steel and concrete. Trees use the sun and photosynthesis to produce timber, rather than rely on fossil fuel inputs, and remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere in the same process” said Mr Stephens.

“This is part of an international trend to reduce emissions from the building sector and promote sustainable solutions through the increased use of timber.”

Timber Queensland have been working in conjunction with Planet Ark Environmental Foundation to promote greater awareness of sustainable building outcomes. Planet Ark’s Make It Wood campaign aims to encourage the increased use of responsibly sourced wood as a building material.

“We are delighted to see the Fraser Coast Council show real environmental leadership in Queensland by adopting this policy”, said Planet Ark’s Make It Wood Campaign Manager David Rowlinson.

Mr Stephens said the policy also supports jobs, growth and investment.

“The forest and timber industry makes a significant contribution to the Fraser Coast local economy, delivering over 500 direct jobs in the Fraser Coast region and a further 750 indirect jobs” said Mr Stephens.

“A WEP will promote greater awareness of the beauty, versatility, strength and low environmental footprint of timber in Council construction projects as diverse as libraries and hospitals, playgrounds, wharves and bridges, mid-rise apartments and office buildings.”

Mr Stephens said he is confident other Queensland Councils will introduce similar WEPs in the near future, given the strong level of interest in this innovative new policy.