About the FCoE

  • About the FCoE

Vision and Mission

The Forestry Centre of Excellence is acknowledged as an international leader in forest industries research, education, product and market development, enhancing the Green Triangle region through built local capacity, national collaboration and reputation.

Our Focus

The FCoE will respond to short and long term industry needs by supporting value adding through innovation and local capability development including investment in education pathways.

The centre will:

  • Develop and build on its existing research capability in the region providing a hub for greater strategic focus
  • Enhance innovation and support new investment through stronger industry partnerships
  • Strengthen and broker skill development across industries for a future focused workforce

The centre’s education focus will support the development of accreditation required to meet skill gaps, at certificate, degree and post grad levels.

Collectively these objectives will support greater knowledge transfer and community education on the role and contribution of this important sector.

History

The FCoE was born out of the Green Triangle region’s long-standing forestry legacy and intergenerational investment in education and innovation. Backed by industry, government, and education partners, the Centre was established in 2024 to consolidate regional expertise, foster innovation, and secure a future-ready workforce for the region’s vital forest industry.

For more than 150 years, Mount Gambier has been the nation’s epicentre of forestry and sawmilling operations. The region has been at the forefront of research and development, supporting a highly skilled and self-sufficient workforce with globally recognised capability.

The FCoE builds on the successful foundations of Forest Research Mt Gambier, a collaboration between the SA State Government and UniSA first launched in April 2018. Led by Dr Jim O’Hehir as general manager, the centre delivered a transformative program of research, strengthened by funding from the National Institute of Forest Products Innovation, covering everything from characterising sawn products to optimising the use of remote sensed data.

Recognising the success of the program, the State Government invested $15 million over 10 years for a new Centre for Excellence, to create a long term Forestry Research and Development capability, incorporating the NIFPI program and other industry funding streams. Built on the Wireless Road UniSA education precinct, the facility will also incorporate the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and Tree Breeding Australia. Professor Jeff Morrell was appointed as the centre’s inaugural director in October 2024.

The Green Triangle – a pioneer in Australian Forestry

  • The first region in Australia to establish plantations, dating back to the 1870s.
  • The first location to host the Australian Forestry School in xx
  • The first region to domesticate radiata pine and develop a timber market – a softwood market that remains Australia’s biggest.

Strategic Plan

The South Australian Government has committed $15 million over 10 years to establish the Forestry Centre of Excellence, incorporating the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) and aligned forestry funding streams.

Envisioned as an international leader in forest industry research, education, and innovation, the Centre will drive product and market development, support sustainable growth, and strengthen Australia’s competitive position. Located at the UniSA Mount Gambier campus, in the heart of the Green Triangle, it will build local capability, foster national collaboration, and enhance the region’s reputation as a hub of forestry excellence.

2025 Strategic Plan →