Forestry Industry

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:47): My question is to the Minister for Forest Industries. Will the minister inform the chamber of opportunities for forest industry research?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:47): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in research. I am pleased to inform the chamber that the Australian and South Australian governments have provided $3 million for research proposals to help develop forest and wood products industries in the state's Green Triangle.

Researchers will be able to apply for up to $500,000 to assist with projects through the Mount Gambier centre of the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI). The third round of funding, through NIFPI, will help boost sustainability and economic benefits in Australia's forestry industry. NIFPI's Mount Gambier committee is now seeking research proposals addressing priority areas for the local forest and wood products industry. Applications are now open and close on 21 November 2022.

The research and development priorities of the Green Triangle's forest and wood products industry include development of new products; composites; engineered wood products; extractives; bio energy; increased timber recovery and ecosystem services; innovative, safe, efficient, productive, diverse and inclusive workplaces; tree growing improvements, including genetic gain, climate change impacts, nutrition and management; improved utilisation of digital data, including for fire detection, forest management and mill operations; and growing a productive forestry estate through improved water use for better outcomes for industry, the environment and the community.

I look forward to seeing what applications are made by our research community. The latest investment builds on our election commitments, which are centred on the $15 million over 10 years to establish a forestry centre for excellence, which will create a long-term forestry research and development capability at Mount Gambier, incorporating NIFPI and other forestry funding streams. This is in addition to developing the Forest Products Domestic Manufacturing and Infrastructure Masterplan by providing $2 million over three years to develop a Forest Products Domestic Manufacturing and Infrastructure Masterplan, including a focus on future skills needs, which is so important for our industry and our economy.