$3 million for research proposals to help develop forest and wood products industries in the state’s Green Triangle has been provided by the Federal and South Australian governments. Source: Timberbiz
Researchers will be able to apply for up to $500,000 to assist with projects, through the Mount Gambier Centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI).
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Murray Watt said the third round of funding through the NIFPI would help boost sustainability and economic benefits in Australia’s forestry industry.
South Australia’s Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven said NIFPI’s Mount Gambier committee was now seeking research proposals addressing priority areas for the local forest and wood products industry.
“Since it was established in 2017, the Mount Gambier NIFPI has funded 12 research projects worth $8.4 million, with funding from the forestry sector from the Australian and South Australian governments,” Ms Scriven said.
“With the latest round of funding now open, I encourage industry and researchers to develop proposals that will specifically benefit the forest industries in the Green Triangle and more broadly.
“A key election commitment by the Malinauskas Government was to increase funding for forestry research, an industry that contributes a significant amount to the state’s economy.
“Additional funding will provide the industry with opportunities for expanded research and development in Mount Gambier,” she said.
The research and development priorities of the Green Triangle’s forest and wood products industry include:
- Development of new products – composites, engineered wood products, extractives, bioenergy, increased timber recoveries and ecosystem services
- Innovative, safe, efficient, productive, diverse and inclusive workplaces
- Tree growing improvements, including genetic gain, climate change impacts, nutrition and management
- Improved utilisation of digital data, including for fire detection, forest management and mill operations and
- Growing the productive forestry estate through improved water use for better outcomes for industry, the environment and the community.
“Before we came to Government, we committed to getting more trees in the ground, investing in value adding so more timber products are made here, and training the timber industry workforce in a way that recognises the unique needs of the sector,” Senator Watt said.
“So, whether it’s developing new forest products, utilising digital data for fire detection or improving tree growth or water use, projects approved under this third round will help deliver on those commitments.
The Albanese Government has also committed $100 million to expand the work of the NIFPI, investing in additional research supporting innovative ways to grow and use timber resources to make new building materials,” he said.
“I look forward to outlining our plans for the expanded NIFPI in the near future.”
The South Australian Forest Products Association’s CEO Nathan Paine welcomed announcement.
“SAFPA has worked closely with the Malinauskas Government, especially the Minister for Forest Industries to promote investment in the innovation of forest products and to ensure future research and development continues in the South East,” Mr Paine said.
“The NIFPI model for managing research and development has been hugely successful and it’s critical the research centre continues in the Green Triangle, which is home to nearly 20 per cent of Australia’s plantation estate and is recognised as a world class sawmilling and forest product manufacturing operation.”
The Mount Gambier NIFPI Centre has partnered with a range of institutions, including University of South Australia on numerous research projects with a prime focus on health and safety, improving industry productivity, recognition of carbon storage and fire management.
“This announcement builds on the Government’s election commitment of $12.5 million in research and development as well as $2.5 million for a new Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier. The Government’s ongoing support will ensure forest industries continues to grow from strength to strength,” Mr Paine said.
“With thousands of South Australians proudly employed in the forestry, this increased research and development funding means the industry and our workers can remain at forefront of future industry innovation.”
Applications are now open, and close on 21 November 2022.
For more information, visit https://nifpi.org.au/
