SOUTH Australia Forest Product Association (SAFPA) welcomed the state government investment into Tree Breeding Australia (TBA).
Last week Minister for Forestry Clare Scriven announced the state government would invest $450,000 into infrastructure for further forestry genetics research which will be matched by Tree Breeding Australia.
SAFPA chief executive officer Nathan Paine welcomed the jointly-funded $900,000 purpose built and dedicated research facility at Kilsby Road.
“This is set to genetically improve plantation trees to increase productivity and protect against biosecurity threats”, Mr Paine said.
“TBA manages the national cooperative tree improvement programs for radiata pine (softwood) and blue gum (hardwood) plantations and provides scientific expertise and genetic valuation on crops to ensure our foresters are planting the best genetically blessed trees.
“In the long-term this increases forestry productivity and the supply of wood-fibre to both domestic and international markets.”
He said growing plantations was not just about planting a tree, watering it and watching it grow but about plantation health and resilience which was a major priority for the forestry sector and TBA.
“Without TBA’s expertise and valuable input to improve tree genetics, our forest and timber industries would be years behind in innovation and adaption” Mr Paine said.
“Over the last two years, Minister Scriven and the South Australian government have invested significantly into the States forestry sector, particularly through the establishment of a Forestry Centre of Excellence, the development of a Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan, and now the funding needed to deliver Tree Breeding Australia’s research facility expansion.
“Mount Gambier is nationally recognised as a softwood manufacturing hub and is now fast becoming a premier hub of forestry innovation, and we are so pleased to have the Government, industry and stakeholders supporting the future innovation of the forest and timber industries.”
