A $200 million manufacturing hub, the Future Portland Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub, is proposed to be established on about 35 hectares near Portland, Victoria, approximately four hours west of Melbourne. The project aims to transform locally grown blue gum wood chips—currently exported with minimal processing—into a range of building materials, including glue-laminated timber beams that are as strong as steel or concrete and widely used in construction.

The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub led a feasibility study confirming the viability of this initiative. Documents indicate the plant could replace half of the glue-laminated timber currently imported annually, valued at about $70 million, helping to address a mismatch between supply and demand for timber in Australia. The end of native logging in Victoria has doubled demand for imported timber, while the National Housing Accord targets the construction of 1.2 million new homes by 2029 nationwide.

Mr White highlighted the net zero potential of the precinct, noting that blue gum glue-laminated beams could reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, and wood offcuts might be used to generate bio-energy to power the site. The Victorian government stated the hub would create up to 74 full-time ongoing jobs and about 150 jobs during construction.

Officials emphasized Portland's readiness to become a major hub for advanced timber manufacturing due to its skilled workforce, strong forestry industry, and community support. The completion of the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study, alongside the Council's Future Portland Project, reflects a proactive approach to preparing for future opportunities across Glenelg Shire.

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