Tasmania’s forest industries are set to benefit from $5.5 million of new research through the inaugural round of projects funded by the Launceston centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI).
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Richard Colbeck, joined Tasmania’s Minister for Resources, Sarah Courtney, in congratulating the funding recipients and welcoming the benefits these projects will bring to Australia and Tasmania.
“The projects will provide economic returns to Tasmania’s forest industries and the local economy while the lessons learned here will help lead the way across Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“They range from improving remotely acquired forestry data to increasing the durability of Tasmanian hardwoods and developing next generation engineered structural timber.
“Global demand for timber products is expected to quadruple by 2050 and the Coalition Government’s National Forest Industries Plan will deliver world-class research and one billion new trees to meet that demand.
“The total combined value of this first round of approved projects is over $5.5 million in a combination of Commonwealth and State funds, and matched funding and in-kind contributions by industry and research agencies.
“This investment will play a vital role in fostering collaboration, supporting cutting edge research, boosting innovation, growing jobs and securing Tasmania’s place as the centre for forest-industry research.”
Tasmania’s Minister for Resources, Sarah Courtney, said the first round of projects would contribute to further enhancing Tasmania’s forestry management practices and bringing new ideas to life.
“Tasmania has a proud history of supporting a sustainable and well-managed forestry sector,’’ Minister Courtney said.
“These exciting and innovative projects will maximise the economic value of our forest products, ensuring sustainable jobs into the future.
“The Tasmanian forest industry continues to evolve into a sophisticated, high value industry. This is only possible due to our extensive expertise and local knowledge and I congratulate the successful recipients
“I encourage innovators in the industry to apply for the second round of grants opening soon.”
Find out more about the NIFPI recipients and the round one projects here: www.nifpi.org.au
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