• Forest Management and Harvesting

• Timber, Wood Processing, and Building Solutions

• Pulp, Paper, Packaging, and Hygiene

 

Forest Management and Harvesting

Western Australia’s forest management and harvesting sector oversees the sustainable use of native forests and plantations for timber, biodiversity, and ecological services. Native forest harvesting has ceased as of 2024, shifting focus to conservation and plantation - based timber production, primarily softwoods like pine. The sector includes activities such as forest planning, fire management, regeneration, and wood processing. It supports regional employment, particularly in the South West, and is guided by strict environmental regulations and sustainability frameworks. Key challenges include climate change, fire risk, and transitioning industry skills, while future efforts focus on carbon storage, habitat restoration, and sustainable resource use.

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Timber, Wood Processing, and Building Solutions

Western Australia's Timber, Wood Processing, and Building Solutions sector focuses on processing plantation timber into products such as sawn wood, engineered timber, panels, and prefabricated building components. With native forest harvesting ended in 2024, the industry now relies on softwood plantations, especially in the South West. The sector supports construction, furniture, and manufacturing industries, contributing to regional jobs and sustainable building solutions. Emphasis is placed on innovation, value - adding, and carbon - conscious materials. Key challenges include supply constraints, workforce development, and transitioning from native to plantation - based resources, with opportunities in prefabrication, modular construction, and circular economy practices.

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Pulp, Paper, Packaging, and Hygiene

Western Australia’s Pulp, Paper, Packaging, and Hygiene sector focuses on converting wood and recycled fibres into products such as cardboard, paper, packaging materials, and hygiene goods like tissues and nappies. While WA has limited pulp production, the sector relies on imported materials and local recycling. It supports manufacturing, retail, and logistics industries, with growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging. Innovation in recycling, waste reduction, and circular economy practices is key to future growth. Challenges include high energy costs, supply chain pressures, and environmental regulations, while opportunities lie in green packaging, automation, and eco - friendly product

 

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s Forestry & Forest Products sector

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These roles represent a cross - section of expertise—from strategic forest planning to practical, field - based and technical support—reflecting WA’s commitment to sustainable, plantation - based forestry following the cessation of native logging

 

Workforce Demographics and Key Factors influencing the workforce

• The WA forestry sector directly generated approximately 1,960 full - time equivalent jobs (FTEs) in 2019–20, with an estimated 2,700 indirect FTEs in related industries.

• Softwood plantation operations accounted for around 827 direct FTEs (plus 1,089 indirect), while hardwood plantations contributed about 606 direct FTEs (plus 1,121 indirect)

• Forestry and wood processing workplaces historically report higher rates of workplace injury compared to national averages in manufacturing and agriculture sectors

• Workforce age and gender breakdowns in WA specifically aren’t publicly available from recent sources, but national trends show an ageing workforce with a significant male majority.

• Native forest logging ended in 2024, shifting the industry's focus entirely toward plantation - based softwood and hardwood timber.

• Most jobs are linked to local processing facilities; economic multipliers show regional communities benefit significantly from keeping value - added processing in - state.

• Key challenges include declining investment, rising labour and input costs, and difficulty recruiting skilled workers—especially in regional forestry hubs

• The Forest Products Commission, industry bodies, and the Djarlma Plan have emphasised sustainability, plantations expansion, and workforce development as strategic priorities.

 

Training Package

FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package

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Most popular qualifications

• Certificate III in Forest Operations

• Certificate II in Forest Operations

• Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage

 

Declared Apprenticeships and Traineeships

• Sawmilling and Processing(Level 2) - FWP20322 Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations

• Timber Manufactured Products (Level 2) - FWP20322 Certificate II in Timber and Wood Products Operations

• Forest Growing and Management (Level 3) - FWP30122 Certificate III in Forest Operations

• Harvesting and Haulage (Level 3) - FWP30122 Certificate III in Forest Operations

• Sawmilling and Processing (Level 3) - FWP30322 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations

• Timber Manufactured Products (Level 3) - FWP30322 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations

• Timber Merchandising (Level 3) - FWP30622 Certificate III in Timber Building Products Supply

• Sawdoctor - FWP31021 Certificate III in Saw Technology

• Forester (Operations) (Level 4) - FWP40121 Certificate IV in Forest Operations

• Production Technician (Timber) (Level 4) - FWP40222 Certificate IV in Timber and Wood Products Operations

• Timber Fabrication Detailer - FWP40420 Certificate IV in Timber Systems Design

 

To find course lists, please click here

Jobs and Skills WA

Your Career

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Want to know more?

The FFTITC team has a lot of information and knowledge about industries under their coverage.  Please email us or give us a call on 08 9361 2800.  

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