This episode we take a focus on biosecurity. You’ll hear about three exciting research initiatives aimed at improving Australia’s protection measures to help mitigate the risks posed to our forests by exotic pests and diseases. Lucy Tran-Nguyen, GM of Partnerships and Innovation at Plant Health Australia, tells us about The National Forest Pest Surveillance Program - also known as Forest Watch Australia - which commenced on the 1st of July 2022, and recently completed its first full year of activity. Lucy also told us about The MyPestGuide Trees app, which equips all forestry stakeholders with ..read more

Today we bring you the second part of our focus on the latest initiatives from the FWPA-supported ForestLearning program. Tune in for everything from ForestLearning resources that utilise the latest technologies, to award wins, outstanding feedback from kids and teachers, and much, much more ..read more

In today's episode, we focusing on the latest achievements of the FWPA-supported ForestLearning initiative. And with so much exciting news to report - from new and highly innovative resources, to award wins, glowing testimonials from kids and teachers, the embracing of new technologies such as drones, and much, much more - we’ll be presenting this episode in two parts … a first in the history of WoodChat! So make sure to keep an eye out for Episode 2 next week ..read more

During the latest episode of FWPA’s WoodChat podcast series, listeners will hear from two thriving Australian forest and wood products companies adopting smart manufacturing principles. Applying these principles during the wood processing stage brings a range of benefits, including increased profitability, improved worker safety, and better environmental outcomes. Hosts Sam and Georgia spoke to Trevor Innes, Technical and Sustainability General Manager at Timberlink, and Daniel Wright, Director and National Business Development Manager at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), about some fasc ..read more

Discover how new research into priority areas identified by Australian forest growers will be addressed, thanks to six new PhD research scholarships at the University of Tasmania. The research projects were selected for funding by a working group of FWPA and forest grower members, known as the Grower Research Advisory Committee (GRAC). Successful PhD students will work to address a wide range of challenges, from the risk that browsing herbivorous mammals pose to plantations, to traits in genetic material that affect resistance to drought, heat, diseases and pests. Also covered will be manageme ..read more

Listeners will hear about research efforts to increase the Australian timber industry’s bushfire preparedness, and capacity to minimise the adverse impacts of future fire events on forestry plantations ..read more

Listeners will hear about a research project that took an in-depth look at the various elements of Australia’s log and woodchip export supply chain, and how it can most effectively be managed. The team behind the comprehensive FWPA-supported study reviewed optimum conditions for logs during storage, haulage and at ports. Their findings are now being used to identify solutions and innovations for an enhanced and more cost-effective timber export process ..read more

In this episode we consider the potential for technologies to be installed permanently within forest environments, to inform better decision making and support optimal forest management. During the episode, listeners will hear about advanced technologies currently being used in Tasmania to monitor the nests of at-risk wedge-tailed eagles, in what could be the first step towards developing a ‘fully networked’ forest ..read more

The latest episode of our WoodChat podcast series takes a look at a new research project that is monitoring the impact of forestry activities on a number of iconic at-risk Tasmanian species, such as wedge-tailed eagles, masked owls, giant freshwater crayfish and Tasmanian devils. During the episode, the hosts speak to Dr Amy Koch, Biodiversity Research Manager at the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) which is leading the initiative. Results will be used to improve understanding of the effectiveness of current protocols that guide forest management practices where these species are known to be f ..read more

The latest episode of WoodChat focuses on a new research project investigating the potential for commercial Indigenous forestry in the Northern Territory’s East Arnhem Land. The goal of the research is to support and empower the Traditional Owners to facilitate a sustainable forest-based livelihood ..read more