{"id":32771,"date":"2026-02-19T20:14:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T10:14:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/?p=32771"},"modified":"2026-02-19T20:14:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T10:14:32","slug":"worlds-first-blue-gum-glulam-takes-centre-stage-at-centre-of-excellence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/worlds-first-blue-gum-glulam-takes-centre-stage-at-centre-of-excellence\/","title":{"rendered":"World\u2019s First Blue Gum Glulam Takes Centre Stage at Centre of Excellence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>South Australia&#8217;s new Forestry Centre of Excellence is now open for business, with the Mount Gambier facility unveiling the world&#8217;s first example of Aussie Blue Gum glulam. That is according to the Commonwealth\u2011funded Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, which confirmed that the GL24 glulam\u2014made from glued and finger\u2011jointed laminates\u2014now anchors the centre&#8217;s lobby alongside other locally produced engineered timbers, including Timberlink\u2019s NeXTimber cross-laminated timber and glulam as well as other products from OneFortyOne\u2019s plantations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/from-pulpwood-to-glulam-the-aussie-bluegum-as-strong-as-steel\/\">Previously covered by Wood Central<\/a>, the new glulam\u2014developed by WTIBeam in partnership with Australian Bluegum Plantations and OneFortyOne\u2014marks a major shift in how plantation hardwoods are used. Instead of being chipped or pulped, blue gum can now be turned into high\u2011value structural products capable of replacing native hardwoods restricted under forest\u2011harvesting bans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s really pleasing to see our research deliver a real\u2011world application, proving that plantation\u2011grown blue gum can deliver high\u2011performance structural products at scale,\u201d according to Tony Wright, CEO of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, who added that GL24 could help Australian plantations displace imported timbers and supplement steel and concrete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cThe next step is translating this research into commercial manufacturing via the recently announced Precinct feasibility study in Portland, which will explore the creation of other new products using traditionally exported fibre, including softwood.\u201d<\/p><cite> Tony Wright, CEO of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"oPF0KtHVDxE\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Splinters to Structures\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oPF0KtHVDxE?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The new blue gum comes after a landmark DAFF\u2011funded project proved that lower\u2011grade blue gum and radiata pine can be turned into higher-value engineered wood products. Led by the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, the Splinters to Structures project has opened the door for the ambitious Precinct project, a new factory model that could help short-circuit Australia&#8217;s housing crisis.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Edwina Vulcz, owner of WTIBeam, the glulam product signals a new way of valuing blue gum. \u201cWe\u2019re excited to see our new product come to life in the home of plantation forestry in Mt Gambier. \u201cBlue gum makes incredible glulam when manufactured the right way, and the high\u2011strength grades like GL24 can support builders to achieve longer spans, reducing material use and construction costs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Forestry centre opens to fanfare<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Opened late last week, the $16.5 million centre is a partnership between the Peter Malinauskas\u2011led state government, the University of Adelaide\u2014which has committed $6.55 million over 10 years\u2014and the forest industry. The building brings together the National Centre for Forestry Innovation, led by Professor Jeff Morrell, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and Tree Breeding Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis centre is about backing one of our state\u2019s great regional success stories with world\u2011class research, innovation and skills, ensuring the forestry sector remains strong, sustainable and competitive well into the future,\u201d Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur plantation forest region is one of the powerhouses of the Australian forest sector, and this centre will help drive economic growth, attract investment and support local jobs. By bringing together government, researchers, educators and industry in one location, we are creating the right conditions for collaboration, innovation and long\u2011term prosperity for the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">South Australia&#39;s Forestry Centre of Excellence is now open in Mount Gambier. The new centre will house the National Centre for Forestry Innovation, led by Professor Jeff Morrell, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and Tree Breeding Australia. More in Wood Central today. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/c88N6om6hh\">pic.twitter.com\/c88N6om6hh<\/a><\/p>&mdash; WoodCentralAu (@WoodCentralAU1) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WoodCentralAU1\/status\/2024406110128750819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 19, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Professor Nicola Phillips, Vice\u2011Chancellor for the University of Adelaide, the new centre demonstrates how research can deliver direct benefits to regional communities and industry. \u201cBy co\u2011locating world\u2011class researchers with industry partners in the heart of the Green Triangle, ideas will be translated more efficiently from the lab to the plantation and processing floor,\u201d she said. \u201cThe centre will also strengthen pathways between research, education and industry, ensuring that students and early career researchers gain hands\u2011on experience in the sector.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst Professor Morrell said the centre\u2019s mission is to deliver practical, industry\u2011led research. \u201cThe centre works closely with growers, processors and product manufacturers to address real challenges such as productivity, sustainability, climate resilience and the development of high\u2011value timber products,\u201d he said.  \u201cBy translating science into solutions, the centre will ensure the industry continues to innovate, adapt, provide secure jobs and remain globally competitive in a rapidly changing market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Did you know: SA&#39;s new Forestry Centre of Excellence features the world&#39;s first glulam made from Blue Gum? Find out more in Wood Central today. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/RFy7mpleKO\">pic.twitter.com\/RFy7mpleKO<\/a><\/p>&mdash; WoodCentralAu (@WoodCentralAU1) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WoodCentralAU1\/status\/2024403412545393105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">February 19, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Jim O\u2019Hehir (Timberlink CEO), Nathan Paine (SAFPA CEO), Minister Clare Scriven (SA Minister for Forest Industries), Professor Jeff Morrell (Director, Forestry Centre of Excellence) and Professor Nicola Phillips (Vice\u2011Chancellor, University of Adelaide) at the opening of South Australia\u2019s new Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And with the state election only weeks away, South Australian Forest Products Association CEO Nathan Paine said the opening sends a clear signal about the sector\u2019s future.  \u201cIt sends a strong message well beyond Mount Gambier, the centre reinforces South Australia\u2019s commitment to future\u2011focused industries built on sustainability, innovation and community,\u201d he told the SA Voice yesterday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cToo often, we see good ideas announced but never delivered. Today shows what\u2019s possible when government listens, commits and follows through,\u201d he said. \u201cAs the birthplace of Australia\u2019s commercial plantation forestry sector, the centre recognises the 150\u2011year legacy of regional workers, businesses and researchers, and it will strengthen the global competitiveness of forest industries research while creating lasting economic and employment opportunities across the Limestone Coast and throughout the state.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To learn more about how researchers are using plantation fibre to build frames, panels and modules in factories,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/new-precinct-model-to-use-australian-timber-to-make-prefab-viable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here for Wood Central\u2019s special feature on\u00a0<em>The Precinct<\/em><\/a><em>,<\/em>\u00a0an IndustryEdge project funded by Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), the $100 million\u2011plus Commonwealth\u2011supported research institute co\u2011matched by industry and partners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Australia&#8217;s new Forestry Centre of Excellence is now open for business, with the Mount Gambier facility unveiling the world&#8217;s first example of Aussie Blue Gum glulam. That is according to the Commonwealth\u2011funded Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, which confirmed that the GL24 glulam\u2014made from glued and finger\u2011jointed laminates\u2014now anchors the centre&#8217;s lobby alongside other [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":32772,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"default","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[3,38,50,37,35,47,33,2,32,46,39,68,83,31,1],"tags":[201,202],"ppma_author":[70],"class_list":{"0":"post-32771","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-architecture","8":"category-architecture-and-design","9":"category-australia","10":"category-building-and-construction","11":"category-case-studies","12":"category-commercial","13":"category-editors-picks","14":"category-featured","15":"category-global-news","16":"category-industry","17":"category-mass-timber","18":"category-sector","19":"category-south-australia","20":"category-top-stories","21":"category-uncategorized","22":"tag-nextimber","23":"tag-timberlink"},"authors":[{"term_id":70,"user_id":2,"is_guest":0,"slug":"jason","display_name":"Jason Ross","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/J-Ross-headshot.jpeg","url2x":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/J-Ross-headshot.jpeg"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32771"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32789,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32771\/revisions\/32789"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32771"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=32771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}