A stronger future for South Australian timber

Australia’s capacity to develop faster-growing, higher-quality and more climate-resilient plantation trees has received a major boost with the opening today of a new $1.2 million Tree Breeding Australia (TBA) research facility in Mount Gambier.

The Malinauskas Government has invested $450,000 to secure the delivery of this new purpose-built facility, known locally as ‘The Shed’.

Located on Kilsby Road, the research facility will accommodate up to 12 staff – mostly technical specialists – to provide better infrastructure for TBA’s national tree breeding and genetic improvement programs across both hardwood and softwood plantation species.

Key capabilities at the site include the storage and management of genetic material used in seed and pollination programs, with plans to progressively undertake DNA sequencing and analysis on-site, reducing the need to send samples interstate or overseas.

The new TBA research facility represents another jewel in South Australia’s crown as a national leader in research and innovation, and builds on the Malinauskas Government’s investment in the recently opened $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence.

Built by Parham Construction, the facility was delivered by an entirely local trade base comprising more than 15 businesses.

TBA purchased the Kilsby Road site in 2005, building on an organisational history dating back to 1983 when it began operating locally as a cooperative focused on the genetic improvement of plantation timber species. Today, it is the premier breeding organisation in Australia for plantation softwood and hardwood species.

TBA’s longer-term plans include a purpose-built glasshouse at the site to assist quarantine measures for the introduction of plants interstate and to fast-track the propagation of elite genetics.

The organisation also maintains administrative services at the Forestry Centre of Excellence, supported by the South Australian Government and located in Mount Gambier.