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Flooring, Timber Windows and Framing to be Funded by AFWI

Eight forest and wood projects will be funded


Thu 03 Oct 24

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Assessing new types of timber species that may be suitable for Australian sporting venues is one of eight research projects that will be funded under the first round of the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) programme.

The $5 million commitment – will be supported by over $8.3 million in industry and research contributions (bringing the total amount to $13.3 million) – and is part of a $100 million commitment by the Australian Government to drive research into the forest and wood products industry.

According to Julie Collins, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the projects span diverse research areas and aim to address key opportunities and challenges faced by the forestry and forest products industries.  

“The first round of projects will play an important role by delivering research that seeks to provide climate change solutions, make the most of our available wood fibre, and support the sustainable management of Australia’s forests,” Minister Collins said. “I congratulate the eight successful projects from the inaugural National Open Call.” 

AFWI’s Chair of the Research Advisory Committee, Professor Rod Keenan, highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and researchers:

“These projects are the first step in developing new partnerships between industry and research organisations under the AFWI arrangements,” Professor Keenan said. “The Research Advisory Committee was impressed with the level of interest in this call and the overall quality and breadth of applications.   

“In addition to addressing industry needs, the eight funded projects will support 36 early-career and higher-degree researchers, helping to cultivate the next generation of forestry research professionals, enhancing the long-term sustainability of the sector.” 

The eight projects selected for funding include:  
  • Evaluation of suitable timber species floor Australian sports flooring systems 
  • Modernising Australian timber windows: addressing regulatory challenges, resource and material shifts 
  • Odour misinformation: a new way to reduce vertebrate pest damage to plantation seedlings 
  • Long-term creep behaviour of Australian structural glulam 
  • Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments 
  • Enhancing fire resilience in Australian plantations 
  • Future lightweight timber framing: Productivity 
  • Delivering fauna trends in forestry landscapes using sensors and AI 

Wood Central understands that the projects were recommended by AFWI’s Research Advisory Committee, a panel of industry and research experts that ensures projects align with industry needs, deliver transformative outcomes to the sector, and support growth in research capacity.

About AFWI

In March, Wood Central reported that the University of Tasmania joined the University of Sunshine Coast and the University of Melbourne to form part of the $100m Commonwealth-funded program.

It comes as former Forestry Australia President Bob Gordon has been appointed chair of the AFWI board – with the new group committed to advancing research and innovation to support Australia’s forest and wood product industries.

According to (then) Australian Agriculture and Forestry Minister Murray Watt, the research from the centres “will help to support our Australian forest and wood product industries, as well as our journey to generate greater value from our sustainable forestry industries; forests are fantastic carbon stores, after all. The investment in AFWI will support innovation and research that will change how we use wood to benefit our community into the future.”

“The three research centres will help us to enhance our wood products and systems, manage and sustainably expand our Australian forestry resources, transform wood residues into renewable products and energy solutions – all while helping to address the threat of climate change,” former Minister Watt said. “Innovation is key to progress and efficiency, and this funding will allow these centres to look at new ways to ensure our forestry industries keep sustainability at their core.” 

Author

  • Jason Ross

    Jason Ross, publisher, is a 15-year professional in building and construction, connecting with more than 400 specifiers. A Gottstein Fellowship recipient, he is passionate about growing the market for wood-based information. Jason is Wood Central's in-house emcee and is available for corporate host and MC services.

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