Softwood Manufacturers Advisory Committee (SMAC)

The Softwood Manufacturing Advisory Committee (SMAC) brings together Australia’s major softwood processors and manufacturers through Forest & Wood Products Australia. 

SMAC represents a unified industry voice focused on identifying the most important technical and market challenges facing the softwood processing sector and partnering with researchers and consultants to solve them. 

Our members operate at the heart of Australia’s softwood timber supply chain, producing essential materials used in housing, construction and manufacturing across the country.

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Our Vision

To double the value of the softwood processing sector by 2035.

Our Mission

To unify the softwood processors to drive RD&E activities  in the sector.

Industry Priorities

Market Development and Competitive Positioning

Help accelerate the adoption of softwood timber as the preferred construction material by developing high performance, systemised building solutions that improve structural efficiency, reduce construction complexity , and enhance the competitiveness of the domestic industry.

Softwood Timber Performance Improvement

Enhancing the reliability, stability and durability of existing softwood timber products to support confidence in their use across construction and manufacturing.

New Product Development and Innovation

Creating new products and unlocking more value from existing resources, including:

Innovative uses for current by-products
Higher-value applications for lower-value products
Research through to testing, trials and commercialisation

Reducing Costs and Improving Process Efficiency

Improve manufacturing performance, productivity and operational efficiency across softwood processing and construction.

Why Collaborate With SMAC

Working with SMAC provides researchers and consultants with:

Direct access to Australia’s major softwood processors and manufacturers
Industry-aligned research priorities
Opportunities to co-design impactful, real-world RD&E projects in conjunction with the SMAC technical sub-committee
A pathway to translate research into industry adoption

The National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (NCTDDL) Central Queensland University

Future Framing Initiative

The Future Framing Initiative is a national collaboration transforming how Australia builds with timber through modern construction methods and shared standards.

Submit a Research Proposal

FWPA and SMAC welcomes engagement from universities, research institutions and independent consultants who can help address these priority areas. We are also willing to co-design research that has a strong business case and high likelihood of adoption.

FWPA can help facilitate access to a range of funding sources, so to discuss opportunities contact:

Ian Blanden - FWPA Head of Research, Development & Extension