FWPA will be working in partnership with the Australian government on two innovative projects giving young people the resources to grow the Australian forestry industry into the future.
The education initiatives, valued at $200,000, include a virtual reality project which will teach young people about renewable forestry and a university competition to encourage research into novel uses for wood fibre.
FWPA appreciates the government’s support for the ForestVR project and National University Challenge.
A strong forestry industry creates strong economic opportunities for Australia. With programs like these, we can attract the brightest up-and-coming minds to be part of it.
The ForestVR project is an initiative of ForestLearning, an FWPA program aimed at teachers and students. It will see four virtual reality tours delivered in forestry hubs in North/North West Tasmania, South West Western Australia, the Green Triangle and North East New South Wales.
The National University Challenge will encourage postgraduate students and young researchers to enter a competition for the most novel (but practical) concept for the application of wood fibre, with funds awarded to see the winning concept become a prototype.
The competition aims to overcome the challenge within R&D where up-and-coming scientists with ‘blue sky’ ideas find it difficult to attract grants.
The interest in using wood fibre for innovative uses is growing worldwide and current research suggests fibre could replace non-sustainable and non-renewable materials, potentially benefiting both the industry and the environment.
