Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Senator the Hon Jonno Duniam
Member for Gippsland, the Hon Darren Chester MP
The Gippsland National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) centre is calling for further research projects supporting forest industries in the Gippsland region.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said that around $2 million would be available under this call for research projects, to be leveraged by additional contributions from the forestry industry and research agencies.
“This is another chance for new research insights to drive forest and forest products innovation in the region, benefiting the forest industry not just in Gippsland but right across Australia,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“As a result of the first call for research proposals the Gippsland NIFPI supported 6 projects. These projects received approximately $4 million of funding through a combination of Australian and Victorian government funds, and funding and in-kind contributions from the forestry industry and research agencies.
“First round projects looked at a range of topics including the preservation of treated timber in bushfire prone areas, browsing animal management in planted forests, and fire performance of plantation grown shining gum.
“The Morrison Government is working with industry and the states and territories to prepare for the future as we continue to deliver on the National Forest Industries Plan.”
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said that research projects through the Gippsland NIFPI were supporting growth and jobs in the region and driving research and innovation for a more profitable and sustainable sector.
“The Gippsland region has a strong and proud history in forest industries,” Mr Chester said.
“Funding new research fosters new and innovative ways to grow these industries in our region, use our resources in smarter ways and extract greater value from our forest products.
“Research projects offer potential solutions for industry to address current issues and future challenges, increase sustainability and environmental outcomes, and innovate to develop new products for better profitability.”
