Forestry Centre of Excellence

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:19): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister update the council on the recent milestone achieved in the development of the Forestry Centre of Excellence?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:19): I thank the honourable member for his question. Members in this place will be aware of the Malinauskas Labor government's ongoing commitment to the forest industry in South Australia. The South Australian forest industry is a key source of employment for many South Australians, particularly in the South-East of the state. In total, the industry employs 21,000 people, both directly and indirectly, and contributes around $3 billion to our economy each year.

It is often said that the forest industry is the ultimate renewable and, at a time when governments across the world are seeking to decarbonise their economies, it's important that we continue to advance critical research and development within the forest sector. That is why the state government is investing over $16 million in the establishment of the Forestry Centre of Excellence at a permanent purpose-built facility at the research, education and training precinct in Mount Gambier.

I was pleased to be able to participate recently in the sod turn for the start of construction of the new facility, which is the latest chapter in the Malinauskas Labor government's investment in the forest industry, which now totals more than $21 million. I was pleased to be joined at the sod turn by the Acting Vice Chancellor of UniSA, Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington; the Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Forest Products Association, Nathan Paine; and the Forestry Centre of Excellence Director, Professor Jeff Morell.

The Forestry Centre of Excellence is a 10-year collaborative project between the state government, the University of South Australia and industry. The aim of the centre is to create long-term research and development capability for the Green Triangle forest industry to enhance its economic prosperity and to generate more jobs and more investment in the region. The facility is co-located within the Mount Gambier research, education and training precinct, providing close proximity to the UniSA Mount Gambier campus, the new Mount Gambier Technical College and the Mount Gambier TAFE site. This provides a unique opportunity to link with a broad range of community, educational and research partners.

I am delighted that the Forestry Centre of Excellence will showcase locally sourced timber materials, and I once again thank and congratulate industry for their input on this key feature of the centre. The centre is due to be complete in early 2026 and, once completed, will also accommodate the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and Tree Breeding Australia.

Our local plantation forest region in the South-East is one of the powerhouses of the Australian forest industry. This year marks 150 years of innovation and experience in growing and producing world-recognised forestry products in South Australia, and the work and research that will emerge from this advanced facility will help ensure the industry is well placed for the next 150 years.