A Queensland-based university is researching the potential for commercial forestry in East Arnhem Land, citing a lack of data for Indigenous people to make decisions about the most profitable product tree types, harvestable quantities and values, and possible markets and supply chains.

The University of the Sunshine Coast along with a number of partners led by Developing East Arnhem Limited – an independent not-profit company that aims to drive economic development in East Arnhem – will conduct the research.

DEAL chief executive officer Jordy Bowman said the information could help Indigenous communities to use their land for employment and economic benefit, alongside cultural purposes.

“Indigenous communities, while indicating an interest in sustainable and commercial forestry, have not had access to enough information to support progressing business development in this area,” she said.

“We know there is a strong interest amongst East Arnhem communities in Indigenous-led forest and timber product enterprises,” he said.

“The region contains large areas of Indigenous-owned native forests with commercial potential, which can be capitalised on to help develop a sustainable post-mining future for the region and its people.”

Workers at the Gumatj Aboriginal Corporation saw mill. Picture: Supplied

The research project will run for three years and will include mapping and reporting of the forests and their commercial potential, marketing pilot to identify, manufacture and market-test timber, and training communities in technical forestry operations.

The project is funded by DEAL, Gumatj Corporation, National Indigenous Australians Agency, and the NT Government, with matching money from the Federal Government.