Australia Launches A$100 Million Forest and Wood Innovations Program

The future of sustainable forestry in Australia received a boost on Monday with the launch of the Albanese Government’s $100 million (AUD) Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) program.

The AFWI is a collaboration between the Albanese Government and the University of Tasmania, committed to advancing research and innovation in Australian forest and wood products.

Murray Watt, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, said the University of Tasmania AFWI Headquarters would provide support to a local AFWI research center, with additional centers planned for the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Melbourne.

Watt added:

“Establishing AFWI was an election commitment which we are proud to deliver and forms part of our record $300 million investment in the Australian forestry and forest product sector. This program will support sustainable forestry, while also helping to deliver a future made in Australia. It’s an exciting time for forestry research as we work towards unlocking the full potential of wood as the ultimate renewable material and growing our forests and forestry industry. AFWI will draw on the best researchers and facilities across the nation to ensure Australia’s forest and wood products industries remain on the front foot, supporting applied research, development, and innovation… AWFI is a key part of… ensuring forestry research and innovation can continue to meet wood and fiber needs into the future.”