At least twelve research proposals, totalling $10 million, have been accepted by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) in the latest round of funding to enhance research into Australia’s forests.
The research will address several areas of scientific interest, including forest health and biosecurity, plantation silviculture, detection of threatened fauna, impacts of fire, phytosanitary options for log exports, and alternate species from current tree crops – many by harnessing various remote sensing and molecular technologies.
According to Jodie Mason, FWPA’s Forest Research Manager, “(the) FWPA is proud to continue our support of world-class research that will have real and positive impact on the businesses of Australia’s commercial forest managers.”
The projects funded so far have been provided by industry levels and voluntary cash contributions (amounting to $5.5 million) and matched by funding from the Australian government ($4.5 million), with significant in-kind contributions by industry and research partners.
“We thank the many research leaders and industry partners for their considerable efforts in developing high-quality proposals and look forward to working with them to implement the projects commencing in the coming months,” Ms Mason said.
The FWPA received 29 applications – including all commercial forest growers and nine research providers – reviewed by a scientific advisory panel of experts and a committee of grower members and subjected to a rigorous cost-benefit analysis conducted by an independent economist.
“FWPA’s investment in these projects receiving funding as part of today’s announcement demonstrates how researchers can work with industry to solve problems identified by forest growers”, according to Sharon Occhipinti, General Manager of Forest Services, HVP Plantations, who is one of the executive members of FWPA’s Grower Research Advisory Committee.
According to Ms Mason, several further proposals are still under evaluation, with further announcements about additional applicants to be made in the coming weeks after the formal completion of the approval process.
The FWPA Forest Research Program supports collaborative activities that advance research, development, and extension (RD&E) of benefit to Australia’s commercial forest growing sector.
The program aligns with the Forestry RD&E Investment Plans, developed in consultation with Australia’s commercial forest growers to inform collaborative investment and identify priority topics.
- For more information about this article, please contact Jodie Mason, the Head of Forest Research for the FWPA.
