$5 million to help Australia's forest industries tackle climate change

by S. C.

The Rudd Government is delivering on another election commitment for Australia’s forest industries, establishing a $5 million research fund to help the sector adapt to climate change.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced expressions of interest were open for grants of up to $500,000 under the new Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund.

The fund is part of government’s $20 million election commitment to support sustainable forestry and forest products industries – which includes $8 million to close knowledge gaps about climate change.

“Climate change has significant implications for our $21 billion forest products industries,” Mr Burke said.

“There will be major challenges like severe weather events and increased fire risk, but there will also be opportunities such as increasing carbon sequestration and the innovative use of forestry waste for power generation.

“An innovative and adaptive forestry industry is essential to support Australian jobs, particularly in regional communities.

“We’re looking for forestry research projects that focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation and the development of sustainable bioenergy initiatives.

“We are also encouraging collaborative projects involving industry, scientific and government organisations,” Mr Burke said.

Research could include:

- Links between increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, changing rainfall patterns, water availability, fire risk and pest and disease threats;
- Expanding knowledge of carbon in harvested wood products and how to include in international carbon accounting rules;
- Opportunities to reduce emissions and improve carbon sequestration;
- Overcoming impediments to increasing the use of recycled wood and paper products; and
- Bioenergy opportunities for wood-related waste and residue.