Stimulus to help bolster forests and forest products

The Australian Government is inviting applications for funding under the $9 million Forest Industries Development Fund. The objective of the fund is to develop initiatives that improve the international competitiveness of Australia’s forest products and stimulate investment and job creation in the forest sector. The Australian Government is building on the success of the fund’s first round earlier this year, working with the states, territories, and industry to ensure the long-term economic viability of forest industries. Round 2 is focussed on projects that increase investment in measures that add value to our forest resources and increase or maintain employment in the sector. Grants from the Australian Government under the fund will represent 30 per cent of total project costs and will generally be no more than $500 000. Applications for the second round of funding close at 4 pm EST on Thursday 17 September 2009. Further information, copies of the fund’s guidelines and application forms can be obtained from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at www.daff.gov.au/fidf, from program staff on 02 6272 5079 or by email [email protected].