Forestry research in South Australia will get a $2 million boost with the Marshall Liberal Government committing the funding over four years to the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NFPI), Mount Gambier Centre.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham said this extension of support for the Institute delivers on a recommendation by the Forestry Industry Advisory Council of South Australia.
“This funding builds on a long history of government support for forestry research in South Australia that dates back to 1882 with the state widely recognised as the birthplace of the Australian plantation forestry,” Minister Basham said.
“Forestry is a vitally important regional industry, contributing more than $1.6 billion to the state’s economy, directly employing approximately 5,500 people and indirectly supporting the employment of another 12,500.
“The Green Triangle region is also home to 18 per cent of Australia’s total plantation estate.
“Not only are the research projects occurring in Mount Gambier benefitting existing local forestry operations but are also continuing that proud legacy of cutting-edge forest management and wood production nationally.
Research areas currently being looked at by NFPI Mount Gambier include worker safety, carbon emission targets, forest management, advanced remote sensing, forest water use, biosecurity, fire detection and genetics.
“Supporting the important research occurring out of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation Mount Gambier research centre ensures the industry’s growth and sustainability into the future as it meets the challenges of the 21st century.
“Retaining the forestry research capability that has been developed in the Green Triangle region through NIFPI will help to drive the emergence of new and innovative products.
“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050 and this research work, in liaison with industry will go towards meeting that demand.
“This support continues the Government’s partnership in forest research with the University of South Australia through its Forest Research Mount Gambier program.”
The Australian and South Australian governments established the NFPI Mount Gambier Centre to investigate forestry innovation and strengthen the ties between research and industry’s strategic needs.
For further information on the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation visit www.nifpi.org.au
