The board for the establishment and management of the $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) research institute has been appointed.
AFWI is a collaboration between the Australian Government and the University of Tasmania, committed to advancing research and innovation to support Australia’s forest and wood product industries.
The newly appointed board will oversee all AFWI activities and expenditure and will operate as an advisory board and also endorse the strategic direction and research priorities of AFWI.
The appointment follows an expression of interest and nomination process undertaken by the University of Tasmania.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the appointment of the board is the next step in establishing AFWI.
“The appointment of the Board will allow the strategic direction and research priorities of AFWI to be finalised, which me
ans AFWI-funded research will shortly begin,” Minister Watt said.
“This research will help to support our Australian forest and wood product industries, as well as our journey to generate greater value from our sustainable forestry industries, forests are fantastic carbon stores, after all.
“The investment in AFWI will support innovation and research that will change the way we use wood to benefit our community into the future.
“The establishment of the Board will help turbocharge this innovation.”
The University of Tasmania’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, expressed his confidence in the Board and highlighted its members’ collective wealth of experience.
“The Board members bring a wealth of passion and extensive experience in the forest and forest products sector, not only from across Australia but also in New Zealand,” Professor Black said.
“Their diverse expertise and strong commitment will make a positive contribution to AFWI’s efforts in addressing the challenges of climate change, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting multiple forest and wood values.
“As a University, we are keenly aware of the unique opportunity afforded to us to support Australia’s forest and wood product industries, and we look forward to bringing together this national collaboration to shape the future of forestry in Australia.”
The Board will be chaired by Mr Bob Gordon who will be joined by fellow board members:
- Ms Diana Gibbs
- Ms Christine Briggs
- Dr Heidi Dungey
- Mr Brian Farmer
- Mr Michael O’Connor
- Ms Rachael Cavanagh
- Mr Andrew Leighton
- Dr Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra
- Mr Andrew Wilson
The Board will be supported by a Research Advisory Committee which is expected to be established shortly.
