The government funding will mean an expected additional $0.9 million in 2022-23, $1.6 million in 2023-24, and $2.3 million from 2024-25 will go to R&D initiatives, to be managed by FWPA.
The grower levy increase was proposed by AFPA to maximise the industry’s capacity to address biosecurity threats and collaborate with partners in forestry research and development.
“Increased research and development investment is key to the forestry industry’s continued success,” said Jodie Mason, FWPA Forest Research Manager. “It’s important that we continue to promote innovation and embrace technological solutions to vitalise our industry into the future.
“This matched levy funding, alongside significant future voluntary investments that have already been agreed upon by industry, will help to realise the diverse portfolio of collaborative forestry R&D that has been identified with industry.
“Funding will ensure continued investigation of remote sensing and machine learning for smart, safe and efficient forest management, and genomic techniques that will significantly advance tree breeding.
“Understanding microbial processes in nursery and forest soils and developing technologies and practices that enable better detection and protection from fires, pests and diseases will help build resilience against climate change. Also, R&D that enables a better understanding of the important roles and new products that managed forests can provide in a decarbonising world,” said Mason.
The value of research and development in the sector was echoed by Minister Littleproud.
“Investments in research and development are critical to ensuring that our forest and wood products industries are able to continue to supply the critical products that Australia needs,” Minister Littleproud said.
Last year, Australian forest growers had the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions during the industry-wide consultation process about the grower’s levy. A third-party conducted poll showed a massive 90 per cent of voters approved the levy increase.
“We have listened to our forest growers and are increasing our matched levy funding to Forest and Wood Products Australia at their request,” Littleproud said.
“The industry has recognised the importance of research and development to its future, and the Australian Government is rewarding that leadership by backing the industry in with ongoing matched funding.”
This funding is part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), which includes $26.2 million in funding measures to support and bolster innovation in the forest and wood products industries.
“This increase in funding will create great opportunities for the industry. It will expand our R&D capabilities to help us boost productivity, improve protection, increase resilience and grow logs and wood fibre of increasingly high-quality, all essential in aiding our industry’s continued growth,” said FWPA Chair Craig Taylor.
In addition, there will also be funding to protect the profitability and viability of the industry from the impacts of illegally logged timber imports. The government has committed $900,000 over two years to deliver a series of studies to assess the Australian industry’s exposure to illegally logged timber.
“We need to make sure our strong illegal logging laws are doing everything possible to keep unsustainable, illegal timber away from our market. Reduced prices disproportionately impact the ongoing sustainability of Australian businesses, particularly in regional areas, where much of our timber production is centred.
“This investment will solidify Australia’s reputation as a source of sustainable, legally harvested, high‑quality timber products,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
Mr Taylor thanked the government for the increase in matched funding saying, “FWPA is committed to delivering on the trust placed in us by the industry and government to develop and manage industry driven R&D projects.”
