The Australian and South Australian governments have provided $3 million for research proposals to help develop forest and wood products industries in the state's Green Triangle.
Researchers will be able to apply for up to $500,000 to assist with projects through the Mount Gambier Centre of the National Institute of 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.
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.
Applications are now open and close on 21 November 2022.
For more information, go to nifpi.org.au.
