National Genetics Research Centre opened [AU]Friday 28 Aug 2026
FWPA Acting Chief Executive Officer Craig Taylor said the opening of the new facility known as “The Shed” marks an important milestone for Australia's plantation forestry sector and the researchers, growers and industry organisations working to improve the productivity, value and resilience of Australia's plantation resource. "We recognise the vision and commitment of all those involved in bringing this important facility to life. FWPA has a focus on helping our plantation grower members increase their profitability by growing more fibre on every hectare of land they manage, while also increasing the value of that fibre through improvements in wood characteristics that better meet the needs of downstream manufacturers." "We are also helping plantation growers increase their resilience through the development of genetics that will be best suited to a changing climate. Increasing the volume, quality and resilience of Australia's plantations benefits participants right across the supply chain." FWPA has been a major investor in plantation genetics research and development delivered in partnership with TBA, focused on tree improvement, genomics, plantation productivity, disease resistance and climate adaptation. Since 2020, the $11.5 million investment, leveraged through Australian Government matched funding, significantly expands the impact of industry research funds. An independent assessment of one recent research project found that for every $1 invested the research is likely to deliver $6.70 of direct economic benefit, plus other environmental and public good benefits. FWPA Head of Forest Research Jodie Mason said sustained investment in genetics and breeding was critical to the long-term success of Australia's plantation estate. "Tree breeding and genetics underpin the future productivity, quality and resilience of Australia's plantation forests. The Shed provides an important platform to accelerate the research and collaboration needed to deliver benefits to growers and processors for decades to come." The projects supported by FWPA and its funding partners include research to increase and sustain productivity gains in national tree improvement programs, accelerate genetic gain through advanced genomics, optimise tree survival and resource quality, design genetically improved pine varieties, develop more productive trees adapted to changing environments, and future-proof plantations through disease-resistance screening. Craig Taylor said the opening of the Centre demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between industry, government and researchers. "Facility investments such as this, combined with continued investment in research and development, help ensure Australia's plantation sector remains internationally competitive and capable of meeting future demand for sustainable, renewable forest products." Source & image credit: Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) | ||
Copyright 2004-2026 © Innovatek Ltd. All rights reserved. |
