The Hon. Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia; The Hon. Clare Scriven, Minister for Forest Industries, Joint Media Release, 14 May 2026
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 on the Forestry Centre of Excellence, visit forestrycoe.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Peter Malinauskas
The Forestry Centre of Excellence is an impressive space that will play an important role in the future of our state’s forestry sector.
This purpose-built precinct demonstrates our commitment to strengthen our multi-billion-dollar forestry sector by supporting innovation, research and skills development.
It brings together local, national and international experts across forestry research and development, enhancing the region’s role as a global leader in the sector.
By investing in projects like this, we are ensuring South Australia remains at the forefront of industry innovation, supporting local jobs, and building a stronger and more self-sustainable economy.
Quotes attributable to Clare Scriven
I am incredibly proud to see the new Forestry Centre of Excellence now fully completed following its early opening in February.
This state-of-the-art precinct is delivering world-class research, innovation and skills development, helping to strengthen our state’s $3 billion forestry sector and ensure it remains sustainable and competitive well into the future.
With government, researchers, educators and industry coming together under one roof, this Centre is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for innovation and industry development that will be integral to delivering a more prosperous future for South Australia’s forest industries.
Quotes attributable to the Director of the Forestry Centre of Excellence, Professor Jeff Morrell
Timber remains our most important sustainable construction material.
The showcase shows how the Centre is already helping improve sound management and processing of this critical national resource.
The Centre’s first showcase highlights our many industry-supported research projects while providing guidance for future research directions to help the Green Triangle Region remain a leader in plantation forestry.
