The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has called for more areas of the state to be opened up for logging amid Tasmania's housing crisis and a shortage of building materials.
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It said on Friday the state's forestry industry can play an important part in the construction of affordable homes if the supply of locally grown timber was increased.
TFPA chief executive Nick Steel said capacity in the industry could be unlocked with the right policies, regulatory framework and investment.
"We are asking the incoming government, following the May 1 election, to work with TFPA to build our world class forestry industry and that includes hardwood and softwood plantations, and hardwood native forestry," he said.
The association said locally grown plantation timbers was commonly used for framing, backyard decks and boundary fences, and native forests were renowned for producing high quality flooring, kitchens and walls.
TFPA chairman Bryan Hayes said plantation grown hardwood was not a direct substitute for native forest hardwood".
"The difference is in the strength, durability and appearance of the products," he said.
Northern Tasmanian builders have reported supply shortages due to an influx of customer demand, primarily driven by the success of state and federal government HomeBuilder programs.
To be eligible for the funding, applicants have six months from the date of their building contract to commence a build.
The Master Builders Association of Tasmania has said there should be greater flexibility to the timeframes for the HomeBuilder grant.
Former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said the Liberal government would undoubtedly open up more areas to logging if re-elected.
"There are plenty of plantations for our wood needs," he said.
Dr Brown said harvesting of more forested areas would come at a cost to the tourism industry and jobs.