The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has welcomed the announcement that the University of Sunshine Coast and University of Melbourne will be invited to form Australian Forest and Wood Innovations research centres, joining the third research centre being established at the University of Tasmania in Launceston. Source: Timberbiz
The University of Melbourne Research Centre will be based at the Burnley Campus in Richmond, Victoria and University of the Sunshine Coast’s Research Centre will be based at the Sunshine Coast Campus in Sippy Downs, Queensland.
“I congratulate both preferred candidates, in the University of Sunshine Coast and University of Melbourne. I also acknowledge the hard work put in by other institutions through a competitive expression of interest process,” AFPA Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said.
Each research centre will have access to $24.5 million in funding as part of the $100 million AFWI grant agreement with the University of Tasmania.
“AFPA is very proud of the AFWI progress after playing a key role in its inception, based on the need for more varied and advanced forest products research in Australia,” Mr Hyett said.
“I’m confident these new centres will offer groundbreaking research into how we can maximise value from resource, boost the credentials and uses of timber and fibre as a climate solution and boost the innovation agenda across industry.”
The University of Sunshine Coast Research Centre will be complemented by the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, supported by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA).
