Australian Forest and Wood Innovations’ Board Communiqué
November 2025
AFWI’s fourth Board meeting of 2025 was held in Canberra on 27 November, to coincide with AFPA’s quarterly meetings.
The Board considered key matters relating to strategy, governance, and research program delivery, including the following updates:
Strategic Partnerships and Engagement
The Board noted AFWI’s intent to pursue strategic partnerships in 2026, including with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), to strengthen independent, science-based advice and national leadership in forest and wood innovation.
The Board also noted the success of the inaugural AFWI Innovation Workshop and endorsed further exploration of priority themes for future engagement activities, including:
- Defining Healthy Forests
- Remote sensing and digital tools
- The Built Environment, including prefab and modular construction
Programs and Investment Portfolio
The Board noted progress across AFWI-funded research programs:
- Lead-In Projects have commenced
- National Open Call (NOC) Round 2:six projects have been endorsed for funding and are progressing toward contract execution
- Matched Funding Projects: contract negotiations are underway, subject to approved variations
The Board also noted confirmation of $1.25 million in Victorian Government funding to support expansion of the AFWI Precinct project, and provided input into the shaping of the AFWI 2025–2030 Implementation Plan, which sets out delivery of the AFWI Strategy 2025–2030 aligned with the National Timber Fibre Strategy.
Next Board Meeting
The next AFWI Board meeting will be held on 17 February 2026, in Hobart. A subsequent Board meeting in 2026 may also be held in Canberra, timed to align with AFPA quarterly meetings.
Bob Gordon
Chair, Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Board
