A forest in Gippsland is growing your future home

At Bengworden, our parent company Sumitomo Forestry has launched the Gracemere Plantation Project, a bold initiative that will see 770,000 radiata pine trees planted across 957 hectares of land. This long-term investment in renewable timber resources is designed to support future construction projects with locally grown, sustainable materials.

Planting for the future

The first stage of the plantation is already underway, with 89,000 trees planted and growing. These radiata pines have a 27-year lifecycle, after which they will be harvested and used in construction - helping to secure a stable timber supply for decades to come. This is a strategic response to timber shortages experienced during the post-COVID building boom, ensuring resilience in the face of future demand.

Carbon credits and climate action

The Gracemere project is also part of Australia’s Emissions Reduction Fund, earning Australian Carbon Credit Units under the new plantation forestry method. This means the initiative not only supports the building industry but also contributes meaningfully to national climate goals.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), harvesting and replanting trees for timber is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change. Timber products store carbon, helping to reduce overall emissions and support a low-carbon economy.

Sustainability in action

We’re proud to be part of a forward-thinking company that understands the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. The Gracemere Plantation Project is a powerful example of how sustainable forestry can support both climate action and the future of homebuilding in Australia.