Changes in Australian forestry and forest products research for 1985–2013

ABSTRACT

Estimates of expenditure provide an index of overall forest industry commitment to research and development that underpins sustainable forestry. This article reports on research expenditure and capacity for 2013 and is an extension of a sequence of five-yearly assessments on research undertaken since 1985. Expenditure in 2013 on forestry research was estimated to be about $38 million (m) and on forest products research about $10.1 m, or $48 m in total, which is a reduction from about $122 m (Australian dollars in 2013) in the mid-1980s. These estimates do not include administrative costs and overhead charges. The number of staff (scientists, technicians, support and graduate students) involved in forestry and products research was about 276 in 2013 compared with 794 in the mid-1980s. The structure and type of research being undertaken has undergone major changes since the initial assessment. At the time of the initial assessment (1985) both forest resources and research were largely under the stewardship of state governments and further research was supported by the Commonwealth Government through CSIRO and universities, with strong links between the timber producers and the timber processors. Research was considered fundamental to supporting the development and improvement of all aspects of forest management and production. The loss of linkages between forest management and research organisations, the move away from state and Commonwealth support for forestry and the shift from science-based management, has reduced support for continued research. For research to develop there need to be well-defined, long-term industry objectives with an understanding that such objectives may be achieved with the support of research. It is concluded that commitment to maintain a strong scientific basis for forestry in Australia is greatly diminished and there is no evidence that contraction will not continue further.

KEYWORDS:

• Research
• research funding
• research organisation
• expenditure
• capacity
• Australia

Acknowledgements

We thank the following organisations that provided information and advice: ACIAR; African Mahogany Australia; Australian Bluegum Plantations; Australian National University; Boral; Charles Darwin University; CSIRO Plant Industry; CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland; Ethanol Technologies Australia; Forest and Wood Products Australia; Forestry Corporation of NSW; Forestry Tasmania; Global Forest Partners; Griffith University; Hancock’s Victorian Plantations; Hancock’s Queensland Plantations; Hume Forests; Hyne Timber; Midway Forests; Monash University; New Forests; NSW Department of Primary Industry; Norske Skog; Seedenergy; Southern Cross University; South East Forest Exporters; Southern Tree Breeding Association; Sydney University; Timberland Pacific; University of Melbourne; University of New England; University of the Sunshine Coast; University of Tasmania; University of Western Australia; University of Western Sydney; Vic Forests; Visey; Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation; Western Australia Forest Products Commission; Woods and Forests South Australia.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by Forest and Wood Products Australia.