Timber industry on show

THE Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) will host its first Annual Showcase this May, signalling its national role in plantation research, innovation and industry collaboration.

Held on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May 2026 at the newly established FCoE building in Mount Gambier, the event will bring together a national cohort of growers, processors, contractors, researchers, technology providers and policymakers to explore how industry-led, locally delivered, research is shaping the future of Australia’s plantation forestry sector.

The showcase formally marks the public opening of the new $6.8 million centre, highlighting its role as a national platform for applied research, technology demonstration and commercial pathway development.

Hosted by Professor Jeff Morrell and Centre manager Dr Jim O’Hehir, the showcase will cover themes including new technology for grower management, timber processing innovation, silvicultural innovation, forest health monitoring, and workforce safety.

Professor Morrell said the showcase reflects the centre’s ambition to deliver impact at scale, working in close collaboration with the local forestry sector.

“This event aims to demonstrate the national capability available from our regional base. The Forestry Centre of Excellence exists to solve real problems for industry, accelerate innovation and support the long-term competitiveness of Australia’s forestry sector. These themes will be explored across the two-day showcase, headlined by many of our talented researchers, amongst other industry leaders.”

The two-day program includes:

Wednesday 13 May – Field Demonstrations and NetworkingAn optional field-based program will showcase silvicultural trials and applied research in action, alongside hands-on demonstrations of emerging technologies including drones, LiDAR, water monitoring, virtual reality and advanced forest assessment tools. The day will conclude with an informal networking dinner at the Bob and Gayle Cowan Auditorium at the Adelaide University Mt Gambier campus.

Thursday 14 May – Industry Research ShowcaseThe main showcase will feature keynote presentations, applied research case studies and parallel breakout sessions focused on:

technology-enabled forestry and data-driven decision-makingtimber processing and next-generation engineered wood productsgrower productivity, climate resilience and silvicultureforest health, biosecurity and long-term surveillancePresentations will span topics such as climate-ready tree breeding, biochar and circular economy opportunities, artificial intelligence, immersive analytics, worker safety systems and advanced forest health intelligence.

The event will conclude with a panel session, exploring industry’s long-term vision for the centre.

Professor Morrell said the Centre’s success depend on collaboration.

“We are deliberately industry-facing. This Showcase is as much about listening as it is about presenting – so industry can help shape the Centre’s priorities over the next decade and beyond.”

The Forestry Centre of Excellence is a partnership between the South Australian Government, Adelaide University, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and the SA Forest Products Association.

To learn more about the Annual Showcase visit www.forestrycoe.com.au