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Multi-stage proposal aims to connect plantation timber processing with industrialised construction systems.
A proposed advanced timber manufacturing precinct in Portland, Victoria, is aiming to link plantation forestry, engineered wood production and prefabricated building component manufacturing within a single industrial hub. (credit all images The Precinct.)
Known as “The Precinct”, the project is being developed around the Green Triangle forestry region spanning south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia, with plans centred on processing plantation timber into products including glue laminated timber (glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and prefabricated dwelling components.
The proposal is currently progressing through a series of feasibility studies led by Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), supported by a joint $2.95 million investment from the Federal and Victorian Governments.
According to project material, the precinct is intended to operate as a multi-user manufacturing facility combining plantation fibre processing, engineered timber manufacturing and prefabrication capability within a shared industrial environment.
Three-stage manufacturing plan
The project is structured across three development phases.
Phase 1 would establish a sawline supporting manufacture of plantation hardwood glulam products, while Phase 2 proposes a veneer mill producing LVL for the Australian market. Phase 3 focuses on prefabricated timber-based dwelling components manufactured within an integrated prefabrication facility.
Project documents state the facility would also generate most of its own energy through an integrated biomass energy plant.
The proposal builds on earlier work connected to the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study, which examined commercialisation pathways for Eucalyptus globulus glulam products sourced from plantation hardwood resources in the Green Triangle.
Government material linked to the project states the broader precinct could support up to 200 jobs while reducing reliance on imported engineered timber products.
The Portland proposal also reflects broader industry interest in expanding domestic engineered timber manufacturing capability as demand increases for lower-carbon structural materials and prefabricated construction systems.
The project involves collaboration across industry, government and research organisations including Building 4.0 CRC, the ARC Centre for Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated Housing and Forest and Wood Products Australia.
Find The Precinct HERE
