AFPA congratulates the eight research proponents who have been successful in obtaining $5 million in funding through the inaugural Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) National Open Call for research, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said today.
“Today’s announcement of the initial eight research projects to receive AFWI funding is another important milestone in the delivery of the Albanese Government’s $100 million election commitment to support Australia’s forest industries.
“News that the $5 million in AFWI funding is unlocking a further $8.3 million of matching investment from industry and research partners which will go a long way to support increased research capabilities and ensure Australia’s forest products sector is better able to meet the anticipated future demand for fibre.
“Projects given the green light by AFWI’s Research Advisory Committee include the development of Future Lightweight Timber Framing solutions and Evaluation of Suitable Timber Species for Australian Sports Flooring Systems which will allow for Australian timber to be specified in sports floor designs and reduce the need for imported timber.
A number of projects will increase the Australian forestry sector’s ability to adapt and mitigate against climate change, including the projects – Enhancing Fire Resilience in Australian Plantations and Developing more productive plantation trees better adapted to changing environments.
“I congratulate the large number of AFPA members who have supported applications and will now partner with research institutions through the National Open Call to deliver projects including: Pentarch Forestry Group, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Reliance Forest Fibre, Forico, HQ Plantations, Hancock Victorian Plantations, Australian Bluegum Plantations, Timberlands Pacific, Wespine Industries, Hyne Timber, AKD, SFM, Midway, African Mahogany Australia, WAPRES and Forestry Corporation NSW.
“I thank Minister Julie Collins for her continued support of this great Australian industry through this important initiative.” Diana Hallam concluded.
Ends
Full details of the eight projects can be found at: https://www.afwi.au/research/research-projects/