Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia has joined the chorus of industry voices in welcoming the Coalition’s election commitment of $219.5 million to support R&D activities, foster innovation, and build capacity in our renewable wood product manufacturing industries. Source: Timberbiz
“The Coalition’s package is timely amongst the ongoing COVID, logistic and timber supply challenges that the building supply chain currently faces, and recognises that our renewable industries can reduce emissions, store carbon, provide jobs, and manufacture essential products to build new homes and businesses,” EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said.
If elected, the Coalition has committed to:
- $100 million to establish a National Institute for Forests Products Innovation, including a central Launceston hub with up to 5 regionally located centres Australia-wide
- $112.9 million in grants to underpin new wood processing technologies to maximise log recovery, process smaller logs, and create new and innovative products
- $6.6 million to extend funding for the 11 Regional Forest Industry Hubs
“Wood fibre is a renewable biological resource that is manufactured into a range of essential products, including many innovative engineered wood products, which should be recognised as preferred building materials in a low emissions future that can also provide many social, environmental, and economic benefits,” Mr Matthew said.
“We urge the other political parties campaigning in this crucial Federal election to also acknowledge the long-term benefits of investing in our renewable industries, and make significant commitments to plant new production trees, support innovation, and build modern wood product manufacturing capacity across Australia,” he said.
