New era of forestry innovation in Mount Gambier

South Australia’s $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence is now complete, putting Mount Gambier on the international map of forestry research, innovation and collaboration.

The centre is a key project of the Malinauskas Labor Government in its long-term commitment to deliver stronger forest and timber industries for South Australia.

The Centre of Excellence brings together government, industry and research partners in a 10-year collaboration led by the State Government and Adelaide University, supporting innovation, sustainability and workforce capability across one of Australia’s most important plantation forest regions in the Limestone Coast.

Major works were completed in February and since then a new research lab and remaining offices and meeting rooms have been delivered and fully fit-out.

Funding for the Forestry Centre of Excellence is part of a $21 million investment by the Malinauskas Labor Government over the past four years into the forestry sector.

The building was constructed using plantation timber from the region and showcases a variety of timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), engineered hardwood, and panelling.

A special showcase has been underway at the Centre from yesterday through to today, providing industry, stakeholders and policymakers with the opportunity to experience first-hand the education, training and research precinct.

The program includes field demonstrations, networking, and industry research presentations, featuring keynote speeches, applied research case studies, and sessions focused on key issues shaping the future of Australia’s plantation forestry sector.

Attendees are getting insights into cutting-edge work supporting the sustainability of the forestry sector, with discussions covering new technologies to improve grower productivity, timber processing innovation, climate resilience, silviculture, forest health monitoring, biosecurity, and workforce safety.

The facility accommodates the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and Tree Breeding Australia, strengthening collaboration across research, education and industry and reinforcing Mount Gambier’s role as a national centre for forestry innovation.

The Forestry Centre of Excellence was previously operating since 2024 within temporary accommodation, but is now permanently based alongside Adelaide University Mount Gambier, the Mount Gambier Technical College and Mount Gambier TAFE, securing strong collaborative pathways between research, skills development and industry.

For more information, please visit the Forestry Centre of Excellence.