South Australia’s $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence has officially opened its new purpose-built facility in Mount Gambier, marking a major milestone in the State Government’s long-term commitment to strengthening the state’s forest and timber industries.
The new education, training and research precinct is a collaborative project between the State Government, Adelaide University – which contributed $6.55 million over 10 years – and the forest industry.
The centre will support innovation, sustainability and workforce capability across one of Australia’s most important plantation forest regions.
Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Nicola Phillips, who attended today’s official opening alongside the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development the Hon Clare Scriven, said it was an exciting milestone for the University.
“The Forestry Centre of Excellence is a powerful example of how university research can deliver significant benefits for our regional communities, the industries they support, and the environment we all depend on,” Prof Phillips said.
“By co-locating world-class Adelaide University researchers with industry partners in the heart of the Green Triangle, ideas will be translated more efficiently from the lab to the plantation and processing floor.
“The centre will also strengthen pathways between research, education and industry, ensuring that students and early career researchers gain hands-on experience in the sector.
“Adelaide University is committed to working side by side with the Mount Gambier community and the forestry sector to generate the knowledge, technologies and skilled graduates needed to support the region and state,” Prof Phillips said.
L to R: Mr Jim O'Hehir (General Manager Forestry Centre of Excellence), Professor Jeff Morrell (Director), the Hon Clare Scriven (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development), Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Nicola Phillips, and Nathan Paine (SAFPA Chief Executive)
The centre was constructed using plantation timber from the region and showcases a variety of timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), engineered hardwood, and panelling.
The facility will also accommodate 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 has been operating since 2024 within temporary accommodation and will now migrate its operations to its permanent home, co-located alongside Adelaide University’s Mount Gambier Campus, the Mount Gambier Technical College and Mount Gambier TAFE, creating strong pathways between research, skills development and industry.
The centre is led by its inaugural director, Professor Jeff Morrell, who started in 2025 and is overseeing the development of research partnerships and programs to support long-term productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness of the forestry sector.
“The Forestry Centre of Excellence is about delivering practical, industry-led research that supports the future of Australia’s forestry sector,” Prof Morrell said.
“We will be working closely with growers, processors and product manufacturers to address real challenges such as productivity, sustainability, climate resilience and the development of high-value timber products.
“By translating science into solutions, the centre will ensure the industry continues to innovate, adapt, provide secure jobs and remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing market,” Prof Morrell said.
Minister Scriven described the Green Triangle region as “one of the powerhouses of the Australian forest sector, helping to drive economic growth, attracting investment and supporting local growth”.
“This centre is about backing one of our state’s great regional success stories with world-class research, innovation and skills, ensuring the forestry sector remains strong, sustainable and competitive well into the future,” Minister Scriven said.
For more information on the Forestry Centre of Excellence, visit forestrycoe.com.au