WoodChat

This episode we take a focus on biosecurity. You’ll hear about three exciting research initiatives aimed at improving Australia’s protection measures to help mitigate the risks posed to our forests by exotic pests and diseases. Lucy Tran-Nguyen, GM of Partnerships and Innovation at Plant Health Australia, tells us about The National Forest Pest Surveillance Program - also known as Forest Watch Australia - which commenced on the 1st of July 2022, and recently completed its first full year of activity. Lucy also told us about The MyPestGuide Trees app, which equips all forestry stakeholders with the tools to do their bit and help minimise the damage caused to Australian forests and trees by the presence of exotic pests and diseases. In addition, you'll hear from Dr Madaline Healey, Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Forest Research Institute, about work to improve risk management for invasive forest pests and diseases right across the South East Asia region.

In today's episode, we focus on the latest achievements of the FWPA-supported ForestLearning initiative. And with so much exciting news to report - from new and highly innovative resources, to award wins, glowing testimonials from kids and teachers, the embracing of new technologies such as drones, and much, much more - we’ll be presenting this episode in two parts … a first in the history of WoodChat! So make sure to keep an eye out for Episode 2 next week.

In the face of a climate likely to become hotter and drier in the future, and with bushfires continuing to pose a significant threat, a variety of forestry-related research initiatives are currently underway across Australia. As an industry, forestry is particularly vulnerable to bushfire threat, with the associated risks having the potential to impact plantation companies, native forest managers, wood processors and manufacturers in a variety of ways. The latest episode of WoodChat focuses on a recently-completed FWPA-supported research project aimed at increasing the industry’s capacity to minimise the impacts of future bushfire events. This work is focused on updating fuel accumulation and fire spread models for Australian forestry plantations. The project was co-funded by most of Australia’s large plantation managers, with matching funding from the Australian Government. During the episode, we also provide a round-up of other interesting projects around bushfire mitigation and management happening around Australia. Discover more about what you hear during the episode at the following links: https://www.forestry.org.au/nbmp-objectives-kpis/ https://fwpa.com.au/characterising-and-managing-fire-risks-to-plantations-under-changing-climates/ djadjawurrung.com.au

Discover how new research into priority areas identified by Australian forest growers will be addressed, thanks to six new PhD research scholarships at the University of Tasmania. The research projects were selected for funding by a working group of FWPA and forest grower members, known as the Grower Research Advisory Committee (GRAC). Successful PhD students will work to address a wide range of challenges, from the risk that browsing herbivorous mammals pose to plantations, to traits in genetic material that affect resistance to drought, heat, diseases and pests. Also covered will be management approaches to help maximise tree survival under various conditions. For each of the six projects, GRAC members and companies with a particular interest in each specific research area will become project partners and/or advisors, meeting regularly with supervisors and students in either a formal or informal capacity, to allow industry direct input into the projects.

Take a deep dive into some exciting Australian projects focused on the fusion of forestry and technology to help shape and strengthen the forests of the future. Listeners are invited to discover how scientists are working to make smarter, healthier and more productive forests, utilising everything from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to genomics and airborne sensors.

Listeners will hear about a research project that took an in-depth look at the various elements of Australia’s log and woodchip export supply chain, and how it can most effectively be managed. The team behind the comprehensive FWPA-supported study reviewed optimum conditions for logs during storage, haulage and at ports. Their findings are now being used to identify solutions and innovations for an enhanced and more cost-effective timber export process.

The latest episode of our WoodChat podcast series takes a look at a new research project that is monitoring the impact of forestry activities on a number of iconic at-risk Tasmanian species, such as wedge-tailed eagles, masked owls, giant freshwater crayfish and Tasmanian devils. During the episode, the hosts speak to Dr Amy Koch, Biodiversity Research Manager at the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) which is leading the initiative. Results will be used to improve understanding of the effectiveness of current protocols that guide forest management practices where these species are known to be found. This knowledge will help determine whether new or adapted approaches could better protect animals, and minimise the impact on forestry operations. “It’s hoped greater knowledge about the species’ habits will allow for the development of more finely-tuned, species-specific management practices that will benefit wildlife and foresters at the same time,” Koch explained.