Forestry Centre of Excellence

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:04): My question is to the Minister for Forestry Industries. Will the minister update the chamber about the recent call for a director of the Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier and the appointment of a general manager?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:05): I thank the honourable member for his question. It is an exciting time to be involved in the forest industry here in South Australia and it is an exciting time to talk about yet more investment in Mount Gambier and the region. The forest industry has a state government that listens to it and, more importantly, is investing in it.

I have spoken many times in this place about the significant investment in the industry as a result of a suite of election commitments, and that includes delivering $2.3 million for new fire towers equipped with AI technology to assist in the early detection of fire in our forest plantations, and $2 million for a South Australian wood fibre and timber industry master plan.

I am delighted to inform the council today that the global search to find an internationally recognised expert to lead South Australia's Forestry Centre of Excellence has begun, with applications for the centre for excellence director role now open. Applications opened last month and close on 18 April. The successful applicant will help advance innovative research on wood resources and wood-based products, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaborations with the University of South Australia, national and international research institutions, along with industry.

Importantly, the role will be based at Mount Gambier, at the University of South Australia campus, where the centre for excellence will be built and operated through the government's $15 million investment in the centre. UniSA is leading the recruitment process, which involves a selection panel comprised of industry, government and the university. This panel will recommend suitable candidates for appointment, which will be further considered by government.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience in the field of wood science and technology. The announcement of the global search follows a strategic collaboration agreement to formally establish the centre, which was signed off last year between the South Australian government, the University of South Australia, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and the South Australian Forest Products Association.

It is also noteworthy to mention that I recently appointed a real-life timber legend, as recently awarded at the 2023 Timber Industry Awards—that real-life timber legend being Dr Jim O'Hehir—as the new general manager of the Forestry Centre of Excellence. Dr O'Hehir is a leading forestry researcher, with 40 years' experience in the South Australian plantation forest industry and brings to the role an extensive background in the areas of forestry, wood production and environmental management, having previously held the roles of head of forest research at the University of South Australia and various executive roles within ForestrySA.

The forestry centre is the first of its kind in South Australia and aims to create long-term research and development capability to enhance the Green Triangle's economic prosperity to generate more jobs and investment. Dr O'Hehir's appointment, along with the centre director's role, are critical to the success of the Forestry Centre of Excellence. I look forward to being able to update this place further on the successful applicant on this important founding role.