23 May 2008
THE CSIRO’s decision to integrate the Forest Biosciences Division into other divisions was a massive setback and disappointment to the forest and wood products industry, the chief executive of the Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) Neil Fisher said.
“The demise of the Forest Biosciences Division is extremely disappointing to the whole of the industry,” Fisher said. “Forest and wood products have a vital role to play, in the sustainable future of land management, in Australia and a focal point for research is essential.
“The division currently plays a fundamental national role in researching key issues, such as the role of forest and wood products in climate change and the production and use of bioenergy. With a decision like this the industry faces a massive setback to the long- term research needed to ensure we live in a sustainable Australia.”
Earlier this month the federal Government announced in the Budget a reduction in direct funding to CSIRO over the next four years of $63.4 million.
The CSIRO has reacted to these cuts by, among other things, closing the Forest Biosciences Division and moving its staff and projects into the plant industries, sustainable ecosystems and material science and engineering divisions.
Fisher said CSIRO now had no dedicated forest-specific research; forestry research had now been split into different areas.
“A3P is concerned that while current forest and wood products research will continue, the diverse expertise and essential equipment required to support the industry will be spread to the four winds and will be unable to work together,” he said.
“A3P calls on CSIRO and the responsible Minister Senator Kim Carr [Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research] to find a way to provide an ongoing focal point for forest and wood product industry research within CSIRO.
“Ultimately, we could face the risk of having to go overseas to find research and development (R&D) providers for forest and wood products related R&D”.
New GM for ArborGen Australasia
Rob van Rossen, previously general manager southern at Rayonier Asia Pacific, has been appointed general manager of ArborGen Australasia, effective June 16.
van Rossen will oversee ArborGen's New Zealand and Australian operations. He comes to ArborGen with a deep forestry experience. Most recently, at Rayonier, he has been responsible for their three southern forest regions and until December 2007, Tasmania. Prior to joining Rayonier, he was employed by Carter Holt Harvey for 15 years holding senior management positions in forest operations, harvesting and forest management, as well as in CHH's wood processing businesses.
ArborGen LLC, a world leading tree improvement and production business, is a partnership supported by more than 100 researchers and plant scientists from the US, Brazil and New Zealand.
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