The campaign to Buy Aussie Timber First is gaining pace.
The people and faces supporting the Buy Aussie Timber First (BATF) framing campaign come from across Australia and all along the supply chain, from foresters to carpenters. For several months now they’ve been opting in to an online campaign pledging support for local product in a bid to protect Australian jobs. Those who’ve come on board range from well-known fabricators and timber suppliers to young people just coming into the industry, with Carpentry Australia actively recommending the campaign to its apprentices and members.
Campaign spokesperson, Gavin Matthew from the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), says, “Showing support for Aussie timber products and local manufacturing really matters right now. It makes a real difference and is such a positive for Aussie timber processing employees – the majority who live in regional Australia – to see the support of customers all along the supply chain, from fabrication plants, wholesalers and timber merchants to our newest supporters – apprentice carpenters.”
The BATF campaign has now been running for over several months and is planned to conclude in early December. Both digital and print advertising have been very successful to date in building support and getting the message out there. The campaign has achieved more than 500,000 online advertising impressions across a broad range of internet sites.
Supporters who have registered on the website and uploaded positive messages can also win BATF merchandise to wear on their worksites, but the real motivation is practical support for the local industry after a year of COVID and bushfires.
Pleasingly, the demand for timber products in Australia is holding up well, with existing work in the pipeline, the positive impact of government residential building stimulus programs and also the support for Aussie sourced and made timber products.
However, there will be major economic challenges in the coming year. The BATF campaign acknowledges the ongoing role of timber product imports but clearly asks that customers support Aussie timber during this difficult time. Matthew says, “We are very respectful of customers’ buying decisions in timber framing. Buy Aussie Timber First – but timber overall is the best outcome for Australia’s future given timber’s ultimate renewable and environmental credentials, including being a carbon store.”
For more or to support the campaign by uploading a photo and message, visit www.buyaussietimberfirst.com.au
