The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) welcomes the Federal Government’s delivery of $108 million worth of grants as part of the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation (AAWPI) program, with over $13 million invested in Victoria, Chief Executive Officer of VFPA Deb Kerr said today.
The Federal Government awarded grants to 34 projects nationwide. These grants will finance innovative projects, such as the production of materials for construction and housing, packaging, high-end timber products, and activated carbon. Four initiatives led by First Nations organisations also received grants.
“The grants mean a welcome investment in Victoria’s innovative wood and wood fibre sector. We congratulate our member AKD, based in Colac who was selected to receive an AAWPI grant. Our congratulations also go to XLAM at Wodonga, Tilling Timber in Kilsyth and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) in Bendigo. The fact that the Federal Government has recognised the efforts of DJAARA for their Galk-galk Dhelkunya Forest Gardening Strategy here in the state is a credit to the organisation. Their philosophy of forest gardening, currently applied in storm-ravaged Wombat State Forest, could well be the blueprint for similar projects in the future, increasing partnerships with traditional owners in managing – and healing – country,” Deb Kerr said.
“With high demand timber in Victoria, these grants will enable local manufacturers to optimise the productivity of their current resources while also expanding our domestic supply to meet our housing requirements, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the fight against climate change by producing more sustainable and renewable wood products,” Deb Kerr concluded.
ENDS