Growing forest research in Mt Gambier

Australia’s forestry industries are set to benefit from $3.3 million of new research through the inaugural round of projects funded under the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) centre in Mount Gambier.

 

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, joined South Australia’s Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, in congratulating the funding recipients and welcoming the benefits these projects will bring to Australia and South Australia.

 

“These projects will play an important role in exploring and facilitating innovation in areas such as forest management, worker safety, advanced remote sensing, forest water use and the application of advanced technologies ” Minister Colbeck said.

 

“Importantly, the research done in Mount Gambier will have national implications—it can be applied to other plantation regions across Australia—and it will maximise the economic returns from every dollar invested.

 

“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050 and the Coalition Government’s National Forest Industries Plan will deliver world-class research and one billion new trees to meet that demand.

 

“The total value of this first round of approved projects is $3.3 million through a combination of Australian and South Australian government funds, together with funding and in-kind contributions from industry and research agencies.”

 

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tim Whetstone, said these projects provide exciting opportunities for the future of the South Australian forestry industry.

 

“Forestry is truly a sunrise industry in South Australia—I am proud to see Mount Gambier leading the way in building knowledge on Australia’s plantation forests and revolutionising the way they are used,” 
Minister Whetstone said.

 

“I encourage innovators and researchers to apply for the second round of grants opening soon.”

 

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the South East of South Australia had a long history in plantation forestry dating back to the establishment of some of Australia’s first forest plantation trials in the 1870s, and that this local knowledge was invaluable.

 

"By building on this long tradition of plantation forests, and by making the most of local knowledge in the South East and research and innovation capacity, we can increase the plantation sector’s contribution, not only locally but also to the broader South Australian and national economy," Mr Pasin said.