Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, hosted by the University of Tasmania, has announced eight research projects that will be funded through its inaugural $5 million National Open Call for research. Source: Timberbiz
This marks the first research funded through the Federal Government’s $100 million commitment for AFWI.
AFWI’s $5 million funding will catalyse over $8.3 million in industry and research contributions bringing the total investment in research for the forestry and wood products industries to $13.3 million.
The projects were recommended by AFWI’s Research Advisory Committee, a panel of industry and research experts, ensuring the projects align with industry needs, deliver transformative outcomes to the sector and support growth in research capacity.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said that the selected projects span a diverse range of research areas aimed at addressing key opportunities and challenges faced by the forestry and forest products industries.
“The first round of projects will play an important role by delivering research that seeks to provide climate change solutions, make the most of our available wood fibre, and support the sustainable management of Australia’s forests,” Ms Collins said.
“I congratulate the eight successful projects from the inaugural National Open Call.”
AFWI’s Chair of the Research Advisory Committee, Professor Rod Keenan, highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and researchers.
“These projects are the first step in developing new partnerships between industry and research organisations under the AFWI arrangements,” Professor Keenan said.
“The Research Advisory Committee was impressed with the level of interest in this call and overall quality and breadth of applications.
“In addition to addressing industry needs, the eight funded projects will support 36 early-career and higher-degree researchers, helping to cultivate the next generation of forestry research professionals, enhancing the long-term sustainability of the sector.”
The eight projects selected for funding include:
- Evaluation of suitable timber species for Australian sports flooring systems
- Modernising Australian timber windows: addressing regulatory challenges, resource and material shifts
- Odour misinformation: a new way to reduce vertebrate pest damage to plantation seedlings
- Long-term creep behaviour of Australian structural glulam
- Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments
- Enhancing fire resilience in Australian plantations
- Future lightweight timber framing: productivity
- Delivering fauna trends in forestry landscapes using sensors and AI
The successful projects will be invited to enter into contract negotiations with AFWI and are expected to begin research in the coming months.
The Australian Forest Products Association has congratulated the eight research proponents who have been successful in obtaining funding.
“The announcement of the initial eight research projects to receive AFWI funding is another important milestone in the delivery of the Albanese Government’s $100 million election commitment to support Australia’s forest industries,” AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said.
“News that the $5 million in AFWI funding is unlocking a further $8.3 million of matching investment from industry and research partners which will go a long way to support increased research capabilities and ensure Australia’s forest products sector is better able to meet the anticipated future demand for fibre.
“Projects given the green light by AFWI’s Research Advisory Committee include the development of Future Lightweight Timber Framing solutions and Evaluation of Suitable Timber Species for Australian Sports Flooring Systems which will allow for Australian timber to be specified in sports floor designs and reduce the need for imported timber,” she said
A number of projects will increase the Australian forestry sector’s ability to adapt and mitigate against climate change, including the projects – Enhancing Fire Resilience in Australian Plantations and Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments.
“I congratulate the large number of AFPA members who have supported applications and will now partner with research institutions through the National Open Call to deliver projects including: Pentarch Forestry Group, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Reliance Forest Fibre, Forico, HQ Plantations, Hancock Victorian Plantations, Australian Bluegum Plantations, Timberlands Pacific, Wespine Industries, Hyne Timber, AKD, SFM, Midway, African Mahogany Australia, WAPRES and Forestry Corporation NSW.
“I thank Minister Julie Collins for her continued support of this great Australian industry through this important initiative.” Ms Hallam said.
A complete list of project partners and details can be found on www.afwi.au
