APPLICATIONS for the $4m joint funding program aimed at growing the state’s forest and forest products industry have opened, with Mount Gambier’s state and federal MPs encouraging researchers to apply.
Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Assistant Minister Senator Anne Ruston and Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone released guidelines for the Mount Gambier National Institute for Forest Products Innovation fund.
Researchers with projects to grow Australia’s forest and forest products industry are encouraged to apply for funding between $50,000 and $500,000.
Ms Ruston encouraged applications aimed at supporting the growth of the plantation forest and forest products industry.
“The National Institute for Forest Products Innovation fund is aimed to seize upon opportunities to harness the potential of our forestry assets and maximise the contribution of the industry to our regional and national economies,” she said.
“The fact that one of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation hubs is located in Mount Gambier demonstrates the importance of South Australia and the Green Triangle to Australia’s forest and forest products industry.”
Mr Whetstone said the fund would provide opportunities in exploring and facilitating innovation in areas such as forest management, timber processing, wood fibre recovery and value adding, advanced manufacturing and the bio-economy.
“Priority areas for funding in the plantation forest and forest products industry include the development of new products, innovative, safe and efficient workplaces and precision management, as well as tree growing and robotics, automation and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who was instrumental in securing the research hub in the South East, said the funding would enable research to be undertaken from the institute to grow the region’s industry.
“The forestry industry is critically important to the Limestone Coast and the greater Green Triangle and that is why I lobbied to ensure one of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation institutes was located in Mount Gambier,” he said.
“The Limestone Coast and greater Green Triangle has had a long history of world-leading research and developing the forest industries.
“This hub and ongoing research funding like the funding announced today will mean we will return to the cutting edge of forest industry research and innovation.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell said the funding and subsequent research projects had the ability to stimulate jobs creation and boost the regional economy.
“Forestry is a major employer and when you tally up how many people are involved in the forestry industry in the South East, anything that can assist in our processors being more competitive is a welcome announcement,” he said.
Applications for the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation fund close on September 7.
