Grants to support new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests and assist to respond to the projected growth in demand for domestically sourced timber resources.
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What is the Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP)?
The Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPE) focuses on establishing new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests.
Activities supported under previous rounds include:
- Preparation of the plantation forest site, including clearing and removal of vegetation on land (not including broad land clearing).
- Purchase and planting of seedlings.
- Payment of labour and contract planting and site preparation fees.
- Other working capital, including establishment fertiliser and herbicide treatment.
Support Plantation Establishment Program level of support
Grants
The Australian Government is providing additional funding through the $300 million Forestry Growth Fund to support new plantation establishment under Round 4.
Grant funding will be available over three financial years, from 2026–27 to 2028–29.
Individual grant amounts, funding rates and minimum or maximum funding limits for Round 4 have not yet been confirmed.
Co-contribution
Co-contribution requirements for Round 4 have not yet been announced.
Applicants should consult the Round 4 Grant Opportunity Guidelines when released for details of any financial contribution requirements.
Support Plantation Establishment Program objectives and outcomes
The objectives of the SPEP are to:
- Support the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia.
- Increase future domestic timber resources to meet projected demand.
- Strengthen Australia’s forestry industry and domestic timber production.
- Contribute to Australia’s carbon emissions reduction commitments.
The intended outcomes of the program are to:
- Increase domestic timber supply, particularly construction and manufacturing timber resources.
- Support the forestry sector in responding to growing demand for domestically sourced timber.
- Expand Australia’s long-rotation plantation forest estate.
Projects eligible for Support Plantation Establishment Program support
Round 4 supports projects involving the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia.
Projects must:
- Establish a new long-rotation softwood or hardwood plantation forest.
- Cover a minimum plantation area of 20 hectares.
- Contribute to increasing Australia’s future domestic timber supply.
- Complete grant-funded activities by 30 June 2029.
Detailed project eligibility requirements, including eligible land, plantation specifications and other conditions, will be confirmed in the Round 4 Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Activities and expenditure eligible for Support Plantation Establishment Program support
Round 4 will support activities associated with establishing new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests.
Detailed eligible activities and expenditure have not yet been confirmed.
Previous rounds supported plantation establishment activities such as site preparation, seedling purchases, planting and associated establishment costs. However, applicants should not assume these activities will automatically be eligible under Round 4.
Eligible and ineligible activities and expenditure will be specified in the Round 4 Grant Opportunity Guidelines when applications open.
Other Support Plantation Establishment Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Support Plantation Establishment Program support
The Australian Government has announced that organisations will be invited to apply for Round 4 funding through a demand-driven grant process.
Specific applicant eligibility requirements for Round 4 have not yet been published.
Previous rounds included various eligible business and organisational structures.
However, applicants should consult the Round 4 Grant Opportunity Guidelines when released to confirm:
- Eligible organisation and entity types.
- Australian registration and business requirements.
- Land ownership or access requirements.
- Any additional eligibility conditions or exclusions.
Support Plantation Establishment Program assessment process
Round 4 will operate through a demand-driven grant process.
The detailed assessment and selection requirements have not yet been published.
Applicants should consult the Round 4 Grant Opportunity Guidelines when released for information about eligibility assessments, financial viability requirements and any additional selection criteria.
How do I get the Support Plantation Establishment Program?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a demand for the plantation investment exists
- how the project increases future plantation forest resources available for processing
- encourages private industry investment, First Nations and farm foresters engagement
- contributes to decreasing Australia’s carbon emission reduction targets
- supports the retention or creation of jobs and support for regional communities
- a sound and justifiable budget including all financial contributions
- the capacity and capability to deliver the project in full within the agreed timeframe
Information to prepare for the Support Plantation Establishment Program application
While Round 4 application requirements have not yet been confirmed, prospective applicants may begin preparing:
- Organisation and business registration details.
- Details of the proposed plantation location and land area.
- Evidence of land ownership or appropriate land access arrangements.
- A preliminary plantation establishment and management plan.
- Information about proposed softwood or hardwood species.
- An estimated project budget and establishment costs.
- A proposed project timeline, with activities completed by 30 June 2029.
- Details of the project’s anticipated contribution to Australia’s domestic timber supply.
The final list of required documents and supporting evidence will be outlined in the Round 4 Grant Opportunity Guidelines.
Applying for the Support Plantation Establishment Program
Round 4 is expected to open for applications in November 2026.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Support Plantation Establishment Program resources
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