The new Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) is officially home at Mount Gambier’s tertiary precinct with the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, unveiling the Centre’s branding, building design, and announcing the newly appointed Director – ticking off another election commitment for South Australia’s forest and timber industries.
“As the first of its kind in South Australia, the Forestry Centre of Excellence puts Mount Gambier on the map of forest innovation, as the Centre brings together local, national and international experts across the diverse research field in forest and wood-fibre innovations”, said Ms Tammy Auld, Governing Council Chair of the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA).
“The long-term goal of the FCoE will be to enhance the industries global competitiveness and ultimately increase economic and employment opportunities for the forest industries and the region”, continued Ms Auld.
“In the lead up to the 2022 State Election, industry sought State Government’s support to establish a Forestry Centre of Excellence that will elevate research outcomes and focus on forest research, education, and product development.
“With thanks to the Minister for Forest Industries, the Honourable Clare Scriven, and her tireless efforts, industry’s vision has come to life with long-term funding and future opportunities for the next generation of forest researchers”, said Ms Auld.
“Over the past almost 150 years, the forest industries have been critical in supporting the growth of our community and economy. With over 21,000 South Australians directly and indirectly employed in forestry, we have the potential to grow employment and the industry overall as part of the State Government’s ambitions to reindustrialize South Australia.
“SAFPA is excited about the future of forestry in South Australia and look forward to officially opening the Centre in 2026”, concluded Ms Auld.