Construction works for the $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) officially started today with the turning of the first sod at UniSA's Mt Gambier campus.
A central hub for the Green Triangle forest industry, the research, education and training centre is a 10-year collaborative project between the State Government, the University of South Australia, and industry.
It has been operating from existing UniSA facilities at the Wireless Road precinct since its establishment in December 2023 and will be co-located with the new Limestone Coast Technical College and Mt Gambier TAFE.
Designed by Russell and Yelland, the FCoE will showcase locally sourced timber materials and is due to be completed in early 2026.
Focusing on innovation, sustainability, national and global partnerships, the facility will conduct long-term research and development for the forestry industry, generating more jobs and investment in the Green Triangle region.
SA Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forest Industries Claire Scriven MLC, was joined by FCoE Director Professor Jeff Morrell, UniSA Standing Acting Vice Chancellor Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO, and Australian Forest Products Association CEO Nathan Paine for the turning of the first sod this morning.
Minister Scriven paid tribute to the local forestry industry, describing it "a powerhouse of the Australian forestry sector".
"This year marks 150 years of innovation and experience in growing and producing world-class forestry products in South Australia, and the work and research that will emerge from this advanced facility will ensure the industry is well placed for the next 150 years," Minister Scriven says.
Prof Morrell, who was appointed FCoE Director earlier this year, said the new centre would be a "driving force" for the forestry industry.
"It will advance research, strengthen economic development and - most importantly - build local expertise, ensuring that forestry in the Green Triangle remains a competitive and sustainable sector for generation to come," Prof Morrell says.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd said the University was pleased to support an industry that contributed more than $860 million to the state's economy each year.
"Turning the first sod on the new Forestry Centre of Excellence also coincides with exciting new beginnings for South Australia's university sector, with UniSA and the University of South Australia set to merge in January 2026 to form Adelaide University," Prof Lloyd says.
"The Forestry Centre of Excellence will benefit enormously from the combined expertise and resources of Adelaide University, drawing on the skills of our researchers to develop innovative solutions and best practice to future proof the state's forestry sector for generations to come."
UniSA has committed more than $6 million towards the centre's operations and construction, along with significant in-kind support.
