Exploring Industrial Hemp’s Potential in Gippsland
Committee for Gippsland and iHemp Victoria hosted a crop walk and briefing session at Lardner Park on Wednesday 10 December as part of the Global Hemp Summit
National attention is increasingly focusing on the Gippsland region as a primary zone for the emerging industrial hemp industry.
Committee for Gippsland recently hosted a crop walk and briefing session at Lardner Park in west Gippsland to explore the potential of industrial hemp as a sustainable alternative for the region’s timber industry.
The event coincided with the Global Hemp Summit Australia 2025 at Lardner Park, attracting national and international experts to discuss hemp’s growing role in construction, manufacturing, textiles, biofuels and more.
Committee for Gippsland (C4G) has supported a three-year pilot project since 2024 in partnership with iHemp Victoria and Lardner Park, investigating hemp’s viability following the Victorian Government’s decision to end native timber harvesting.
C4G CEO Tony Cantwell said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting new industries that create jobs and investment in Gippsland.
“Forestry has been a pillar of the Gippsland economy for generations,” Mr Cantwell said.
“Global demand for industrial hemp is growing and Gippsland has an opportunity to become a key hub for industrial hemp cultivation and processing.
“We’re happy with the progress we’ve made so far and the results have been promising,” he said.
Committee for Gippsland Chair Sean Dignum said collaboration between industry and government will be critical to unlocking the sector’s potential.
“This is about providing real solutions and alternatives to the changes we’ve seen across the forestry sector,” Mr Dignum said.
“Industrial hemp offers applications across multiple sectors and could be a game changer for construction, manufacturing and textiles.
“Committee for Gippsland is proud to be supporting this pilot project and with the Global Hemp Summit being held at Lardner Park this year and Farm World coming up in March, we’re helping showcase Gippsland as an innovator in that space,” he said.
The crop walk provided farmers and other interested parties with insights into hemp cultivation and soil biology, as well as opportunities for regional development.
Committee for Gippsland thanks Craig Debnam and the Lardner Park team, Darren Christie from iHemp Victoria, and Carbon Futures Australia for their effort in delivering the event.
Over the coming months, Committee for Gippsland will continue to build industry knowledge and advocate for investment in local industrial hemp processing hubs. Organisations interested in this emerging sector are encouraged to get in touch via email at info@gipps.com.au.
