Changes in Australian forestry and forest products research for 1985–2013

Estimates of expenditure provide an index of overall forest industry commitment to research and development that underpins sustainable forestry. This article reports on research expenditure and capacity for 2013 and is an extension of a sequence of five-yearly assessments on research undertaken since 1985. Expenditure in 2013 on forestry research was estimated to be about $38 million (m) and on forest products research about $10.1 m, or $48 m in total, which is a reduction from about $122 m (Australian dollars in 2013) in the mid-1980s. These estimates do not include administrative costs and overhead charges. The number of staff (scientists, technicians, support and graduate students) involved in forestry and products research was about 276 in 2013 compared with 794 in the mid-1980s. The structure and type of research being undertaken has undergone major changes since the initial assessment. At the time of the initial assessment (1985) both forest resources and research were largely under the stewardship of state governments and further research was supported by the Commonwealth Government through CSIRO and universities, with strong links between the timber producers and the timber processors. Research was considered fundamental to supporting the development and improvement of all aspects of forest management and production. The loss of linkages between forest management and research organisations, the move away from state and Commonwealth support for forestry and the shift from science-based management, has reduced support for continued research. For research to develop there need to be well-defined, long-term industry objectives with an understanding that such objectives may be achieved with the support of research. It is concluded that commitment to maintain a strong scientific basis for forestry in Australia is greatly diminished and there is no evidence that contraction will not continue further.