THE Government has asked forestry industry officials and researchers to pitch their ideas for part of $5m in grant funding.
The next Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) National Open Call for forest research will remain open until April 14, 2025.
The government is investing $300m in the future of the forestry industry, which includes over $100m for AFWI.
Research through this round of funding can include climate change solutions, sustainable forests, and making the most out of our available wood fibre.
Now is the time for industry and researchers to put their heads together and develop industry-driven research proposals with an end-user focus.
The successful projects will have matching funding from industry or other sources.
Last year’s call resulted in eight successful projects sharing the first $5m grant and unlocking $8.3m of matching investment from industry and research partners.
Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, said research such as this was needed to keep the forestry industry competitive and sustainable.
“Australia’s forestry industry has enormous potential, and I want to see it grow and thrive,” she said.
“Last year’s projects are researching practical solutions to a range of challenges, from finding Australian timber species for sports flooring and even finding ways to stop pest animals from eating seedlings.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the next crop of researchers will discover.”
