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The State Government will usher in a new era for Western Australian research into value-adding local timber products with the launch of the Advanced Timber Concepts Research Centre (ATCRC) today.

WA Forestry Minister Kim Chance said the new research centre had been developed as a joint venture between the Forest Products Commission (FPC) and The University of Western Australia (UWA). It would be located at the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts, on UWA’s Nedlands campus.

“The ATCRC will conduct research into high value-adding to achieve more efficient and effective use of our local forest resources,” Mr Chance said.

“In particular, the ATCRC will focus on market research, design and product development to expand the technical, commercial and aesthetic possibilities for WA’s unique timber species.

“A number of research projects are already under way at the new centre, including the development of a lightweight jarrah chair using smaller timber sections and improved joining techniques, and ‘white wood’ juvenile karri. Each is an example of innovation and design working in harmony.”

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the university was extremely pleased to join the State Government, through the FPC, in a project which had the potential for significant commercial and community benefit.

“This new centre will help drive a rapid research and development cycle, extensive and sustainable cross-sector collaboration and more effective value-adding in the timber and forest products sector,” Professor Robson said.

“This represents an exciting combination of design-led and science-based research which is familiar territory for the University’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts.”

The Minister said the new research centre was built on a long history of innovative research and development into the processing, manufacturing and use of WA timber.

“The location of the new research centre will provide greater opportunities for collaboration between the FPC, tertiary institutions and industry,” Mr Chance said.

“The State Government is working to ensure our strong economy delivers jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians.”

Media references

Alicia Miriklis 61 8 9213 6700
0428 911 240

Simone Hewett / Francesca Robb 61 8 6488 7977
(UWA Public Affairs) 0420 790 097 / 0420 790 098