Forestry Industry – Support Plantation Establishment Program Round 3

Purpose and Program Overview

The Forestry Industry: Support Plantation Establishment Program Round 3 provides funding to establish new plantation forests in Australia. It aims to increase future plantation forest resources for processing, support employment in forest management, harvesting, and haulage, and contribute to carbon emission reduction targets under international agreements. The program targets long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantations to enhance domestic timber supply and regional job creation.

A total funding pool of $27.25 million is available for the 2025 financial year. The grant supports businesses in the forestry sector by enabling plantation development, fostering innovation in sustainable forestry practices, and aligning with national environmental goals to reduce emissions and promote economic growth in regional areas.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: $2,000 (GST exclusive) per hectare; minimum $40,000 with no maximum.
• Application open and close dates: Batch 5 open until 24 September 2025, 4:00 pm AEST; Batch 6 from 24 September 2025 to 5 November 2025, 4:00 pm AEDT.
• Eligible industries or business types: Private industry, First Nations businesses, farm foresters, state and territory government forestry bodies.
• Required co-contributions: Yes; at least equal to the grant amount.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide (ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS).

Priority Sectors

Support Plantation Establishment Program prioritises the forestry sector, specifically the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Minimum $40,000 (equivalent to 20 hectares); no maximum specified.
• Categories or streams of funding: Funding for plantation establishment activities, calculated per hectare of new forest planted.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Projects start from February 2026 (Batch 5) or April 2026 (Batch 6); must complete by 30 June 2027.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Company, cooperative, corporate state or territory entity, incorporated association, Indigenous corporation, partnership, or sole trader.
• Registered business location: Must be in Australia with an Australian financial institution account.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Must comply with grant agreement terms; land must not have been used for plantation or native forest in the last seven years.
• ABN/GST status: Must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Establishment of new long-rotation softwood or hardwood plantation forests.
• Planting trees on eligible land.
• Preparation of Plantation Management Plans endorsed by qualified forestry professionals.
• Site assessment and documentation, such as time-stamped satellite imagery.

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Round 3 of the Support Plantation Establishment Program is Demand-driven and eligibility-based.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Eligibility of the applicant and the land.
  • Alignment with program objectives for plantation establishment.
  • Completeness of application, including required documents and budget.

Recent Program Updates

• Batch 5 opened and is currently available until 24 September 2025.
• Total funding of $27.25 million is allocated for the 2025 financial year.
• Applications are divided into six batches, with Batch 6 opening on 24 September 2025.

Application Tips

• Double-check eligibility criteria for applicant type and land history.
• Prepare key documents in advance, including a Plantation Management Plan, satellite imagery, and an indicative budget.
• Align the proposal with government priorities for carbon reduction and regional employment.
• Demonstrate capability through endorsed professional plans and clear project outcomes and benefits.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for application templates and further guidance.