FWPA’s transforming challenges into opportunities

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.

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Source & image credit: FWPA