16 March, 2026
Timber workers from across regional New South Wales will travel to Parliament House this week for a roundtable with industry, forestry representatives and skills leaders.
Workers are pushing to secure the future of the state’s forestry and timber jobs.
The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) says the two-day roundtable on 18–19 March will bring together worker representatives, employers and forestry experts to discuss practical solutions to stabilise the industry and support regional communities that depend on timber jobs.
TFTU NSW Secretary Alison Rudman said timber workers wanted the NSW Government to recognise the importance of the industry to regional employment and local manufacturing.
“Timber workers are proud of the role they play in regional communities and they want to see a strong future for the industry,” Ms Rudman said.
“This roundtable is about bringing workers, employers and experts together to focus on real solutions that protect jobs and support sustainable forestry.”
The union says timber workers are calling for the NSW Government to prioritise locally grown timber in government construction projects, strengthen the state’s timber supply and invest in skills to ensure the industry remains a major regional employer.
Timber workers are also calling for long-term certainty through extended wood supply agreements and stable demand for timber products, measures the union says are critical for businesses and workers alike.
“The NSW timber industry supports thousands of regional jobs and provides essential materials for housing, construction and infrastructure,” Ms Rudman said.
“Government policy should back local timber, local jobs and local manufacturing.”
The roundtable will also examine workforce development and training pathways to ensure the industry continues to attract and retain skilled workers in regional areas.
Ms Rudman said the discussions would help shape the union’s advocacy with the NSW Government.
“Our members want secure jobs, strong regional communities and a sustainable timber industry for the future,” she said.
“That means government backing the workers and businesses who grow, harvest and process timber here in New South Wales.”
For more information: Kate Shuttleworth, 0447 418 726
Interview with workers and Alison Rudman are available at Parliament Wednesday and Thursday.
