The latest developments, research projects, and efforts at the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life in Brisbane were presented at the centre’s fourth showcase this week.
Eighteen presentations were given by the centre’s staff, students, and key research partners, including the University of Queensland and Q-DAF.
Director Professor Tripti Singh outlined the centre’s themes and ongoing research projects, sharing her vision: “To foster collaborative and impactful research and address key challenges where timber is celebrated for its durability, versatility, and contribution to a greener future.”
Professor Singh emphasised an outreach strategy focused on building trust and serving as a reliable and valued resource for the Australian timber industry.
The showcase was attended by 75 distinguished guests—about 50 visiting the centre and 25 others participating online. Universities, industry stakeholders, and various organisations provided a unique opportunity to discuss issues such as moisture and decay performance, the effects of climate change on timber, the treatability of Australian softwood timber resources, and service life prediction models.
Attendees also enjoyed talks on topics such as the effect of moisture on timber product connections, wood’s fire performance accelerated fungal decay and termite testing, and the smouldering issues of CCA-treated wood. An update on the centre’s National Timber Circular Economy Project was also presented.
Dr Chris Lafferty, research and development manager, Forest and Wood Products Australia, in his opening address, emphasised it was an excellent opportunity for the industry to engage directly with researchers. He encouraged industry attendees to “ask and challenge researchers … and seek answers without leaving any inquiries unresolved.”
Professor Ross Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Development at the University of the Sunshine Coast, presented the concluding remarks, highlighting UniSC’s commitment to forestry research and congratulating the Durability Centre for its nationwide research and development activities.
