The Gippsland Forestry Hub is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the forest and wood products industry by identifying growth opportunities within this evolving sector. Our efforts focus on:
- supporting industry expansion and innovation
- strengthening local and regional communities
- enhancing public perceptions of the industry
- increasing awareness of career opportunities and employment pathways in the region.
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2025-26 Projects In Progress
The Potential for Pyrolysis Products from Forestry and Timber Waste to Enhance Plantation Growth and Reduce the Carbon Intensity of Production
Project Summary:
The Potential for Pyrolysis Products from Forestry and Timber Waste to Enhance Plantation Growth and Reduce the Carbon Intensity of Production. The project investigates the feasibility of converting forestry and timber waste into valuable products—biochar, bioenergy, and wood vinegar—using pyrolysis technology. With a regional focus on Gippsland and broader national relevance, the research aims to improve plantation productivity, support carbon sequestration efforts, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This project explores the potential of converting forestry and timber waste into valuable pyrolysis products—bioenergy, biochar, and wood vinegar—to improve plantation productivity, timber quality, and reduce the carbon footprint of production. By assessing feasibility and application, the project supports a circular economy approach to forest management.
Overcoming Regulatory Barriers to Cultural Burning in Gippsland’s Forests
Project Summary:
This research project focuses on identifying and addressing the regulatory and institutional barriers that prevent First Nations communities from practicing cultural burning. Despite growing support for cultural fire practices as an effective tool for land management, ecological restoration, and bushfire risk reduction, existing legal frameworks, bureaucratic processes, and funding limitations hinder their broader implementation.
Employment Opportunities in Gippsland’s Forest and Timber Industry A Gippsland Initiative to Link Forestry Education and Career Opportunities
Project Summary:
This research project focuses on strengthening Gippsland’s Forest and timber industry workforce by identifying current and future employment opportunities and aligning them with relevant training and education pathways. This will include conducting comprehensive research into operational, technical, and managerial roles across the sector, evaluating the skills required for these roles, and mapping them against existing training programs offered by local providers such as TAFE Gippsland, Federation University, and RTOs.
Expansion of the Landowner Plantation Assessment Tool
Project Summary:
The Expansion of the Landowner Plantation Assessment Tool project is designed to support landholders and advisors in evaluating the economic viability and environmental benefits of integrating plantation forestry into farming systems. In response to changing land use dynamics and fibre supply challenges in Victoria and South Australia, the project is being delivered through a collaborative partnership with the Green Triangle Forestry Hub, Murray Valley Hub, and DEECA, all of whom are financially supporting the initiative. The enhanced tool will be housed within the Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier, ensuring it remains accessible as a key resource for the forestry and farming sectors across the region.
Review and Implementation Planning of Gippsland Forestry Hub Reports (2019–2025)
Project Summary:
Since 2019, the Gippsland Forestry Hub has produced a range of reports addressing key challenges, opportunities, and strategic directions for the forestry and timber industry in the region. This project aims to systematically review all Hub produced reports from 2019 to 2025, identify all included recommendations, and develop a clear, prioritised action plan for the Hub to implement or advocate for these recommendations—starting with those that are most feasible and impactful.
Exploration of Hardwood Thinning Operations for Gippsland
Project Summary:
Thinning is a critical silvicultural practice for producing high-value hardwood logs, but early and mid-rotation thinning is often non-commercial or semi commercial, making it costly and difficult for plantation managers. The proposal recognises that different thinning methods—manual, chemical, and mechanical—have varying costs, risks, and potential benefits, particularly in relation to supplying emerging bioenergy markets in Gippsland.