The Gippsland Centre of the National Institute for Forestry Products Innovation (NIFPI) has up to $3.8 million available for research grants and is now calling for proposals. Individual research grants from $50,000 to $500,000 are available for projects including the development of new and improved timber products, enhancing tree growing, improved supply chain innovation and efficiency and other research priorities identified for the Victorian industry. Source: Timberbiz
The NIFPI Gippsland Centre was established in July 2020 and is a joint initiative between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments.
The centre’s committee members were appointed in late 2020. The committee’s chairman Professor Andrew O’Loughlin from Federation University leads a group with a range of experience and expertise in Victoria’s local timber and forestry industry.
The NIFPI initiative complements the support available through the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund as well as the work being undertaken by the Gippsland Forestry Hub.
“The Gippsland region has battled drought, bushfires and the economic fallout of the pandemic, and this funding will encourage innovation that will support the strong future of Victoria’s forestry industry,” Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Senator Jonathon Duniam said.
“The grants will provide a major boost to Gippsland’s native and plantation forest industries, and the thousands of jobs they support.”
The Victorian Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas the funding would be vital in kick-starting more timber research and development in Gippsland.
“The grants complement a range of existing support and transformation opportunities available to industry through the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund. We encourage interested parties to put forward their best ideas,” she said.
Funding proposals for eligible research and development can be made before 14 May 2021. Visit www.nifpi.org.au for more information about NIFPI Gippsland Centre or to apply for funding.
