Two significant research facilities will be developed at the University of Tasmania thanks to a $5 million grant announced by the Gillard Government. Source: Timberbiz
The Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Federal Member for Braddon, Mr Sid Sidebottom, visited the University of Tasmania in Hobart to announce the successful projects – the Experimental Aquaculture Facility (EAF) and a National Institute for Future Forest Industries (NIFFI).
The $5 million funding grant will help drive research and innovation in both aquaculture and forestry industries for the benefit of the greater Australian community.
Mr Sidebottom said both fisheries and forestry were critical industries for Tasmania, employing thousands of Tasmanians and assisting the local economy.
“Forestry is critical to the ongoing prosperity of the State, as well as having an important role in the country’s environmental and economic future, especially in our regional areas,” said Mr Sidebottom.
The NIFFI will drive research, development, innovation, extension and training for future forest products and industries. Its research activities will range from plantation management systems and productivity through to sustainable forestry, cleaner technologies and new forest economies including carbon and environmental services.
Importantly, it will retain important people, knowledge and skills already associated with forestry research in Tasmania.
“To remain internationally competitive, Australia needs to ensure we are producing efficiently and responding to competing pressures, including environmental issues,” Mr Sidebottom said.
“A coordinated effort in both forestry and aquaculture will ensure we remain at the forefront of scientific research and that the industries are major players in the economic success of the nation.”
