Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) welcomes the release of the Timber Fibre Strategy as a national blueprint for supporting a sustainable, high-performing forest and wood products sector through research, innovation and collaboration. The strategy was announced this week by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Hon Julie Collins.
AFWI Executive Director Dr Joseph Lawrence said the strategy highlights the importance of science-informed innovation in addressing challenges such as housing supply, fibre availability, and the transition to a low-emissions economy.
“The Timber Fibre Strategy recognises the need for coordinated, research-backed solutions to support the future of Australia’s forest and wood products sector,” Dr Lawrence said.
“AFWI is committed to delivering practical, transformative solutions that helps meet the evolving needs of industry and Australia more broadly.”
“Our role is to ensure that research investment supports innovation across the full value chain, from growing and processing, to product development and market end use.”
The strategy identifies six national priorities for the sector: building sovereign manufacturing capability and capacity; meeting demand for timber fibre resources; healthy forests, actively managed; attracting and engaging people and other industry enablers; supporting and growing regional communities; and innovating the timber fibre value chain.
These priorities closely align with AFWI’s focus – AFWI’s research is strongly informed by the needs of industry and shaped through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.
“We’re fueled and ready to help turn the vision of the Timber Fibre Strategy into action,” Dr Lawrence said.
AFWI acknowledges the excellent work of the Strategic Forest & Renewable Materials Partnership and the support of the Commonwealth and welcomes this clear, industry-led vision for innovation, sustainability and growth.
By aligning transformative research with the sector’s evolving needs, we are helping to ensure a resilient, high-value future for Australia’s forest and wood products industry.
