Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is continuing its strong commitment to advancing Australia’s forestry industry, announcing a major investment in new research worth $8.75 million. This latest round of funding marks another milestone in FWPA’s mission to deliver impactful, industry-led solutions through collaboration.
FWPA is also preparing to host the Grower CEO Research Roundtable on 6–7 August at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne. This strategic event will bring together key industry leaders to align on future research priorities. Together, these initiatives highlight FWPA’s commitment to driving innovation, tackling challenges, and building a more sustainable future for forestry in Australia.
Investment in $8.75 Million of Forestry Research Approved
Earlier this month, FWPA approved seven research proposals selected from the January 2025 open call. Chosen from 36 total expressions of interest, the successful proposals represent some of the most forward-thinking ideas in the sector. Proposals were reviewed by scientific experts, grower representatives, and an independent economist to ensure a strong return on investment and direct benefit to the forestry industry.
The approved projects focus on remote sensing for forest health surveillance and resource modelling, robotics and automation, phytosanitary treatments for log exports, and invasive species management. All major commercial forest-growing regions are represented, with proposals led by research teams in collaboration with growers. FWPA will publish further details of the projects in coming weeks, once contracting is complete.
“In evaluating the proposals, there was a strong focus on scientific merit and benefit to industry, and I thank the many industry members and independent scientists who contributed to the robust process,” said Jodie Mason, FWPA’s Head of Forest Research.
These new research investments align with FWPA’s Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) Investment Plans. These plans were created in close consultation with Australia’s commercial forest growers in 2019 and have been progressively updated to ensure all research is targeted, timely, and focused on sector priorities.
By investing in high-impact research, FWPA continues to support sustainable growth, improved forest management, and long-term resilience across the industry.
Collaborative Funding Model Secures Long-Term Impact
The total $8.75 million investment includes a $4.45 million contribution from FWPA. This is made up of industry levies, voluntary cash contributions from growers, and matching funding from the Australian Government. In addition, industry members and research partners are providing further financial and in-kind support. This collaborative funding model ensures long-term, stable investment in research that delivers real value to growers and the wider sector.
Grower CEO Research Roundtable: Shaping the Future Together
FWPA’s Grower CEO Research Roundtable will build on this momentum by bringing the sector’s leaders together to set the future research agenda.
Held over two days from 6–7 August at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne, the roundtable will include CEOs from across the grower network. Under the guidance of FWPA’s Jodie Mason and Sarah Nolet from Tenacious Ventures, the event will focus on identifying research priorities to address industry challenges and unlock new opportunities for forestry innovation.
The workshop aims to build consensus on the highest priority research needs and the most impactful opportunities, ensuring future investments are aligned with industry goals. Leaders from AFWI and AFPA will attend as observers, supporting broader collaboration across the sector.
The Grower CEO Research Roundtable is another example of FWPA’s role as a connector — bringing together industry, researchers, and government stakeholders. By enabling open dialogue and strategic alignment, FWPA is helping to ensure that future research is both relevant and actionable.
The roundtable also builds on initiatives like the Grower Research Advisory Committee (GRAC), which has shown the value of cooperative research in delivering results for the sector.
By bringing industry voices to the table, FWPA is ensuring that RD&E remains grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities. This collaborative approach not only supports innovation but also drives a more sustainable, profitable future for Australian forestry.
Looking Ahead
FWPA’s recent funding announcement and the upcoming Grower CEO Research Roundtable reflect the organisation’s focus on practical solutions through partnership. These efforts reinforce the importance of industry-wide collaboration to solve challenges, identify opportunities, and lead the sector forward.
With FWPA at the helm, Australia’s forestry industry is well-positioned to continue transforming challenges into opportunities — fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and supporting long-term growth.
