The Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) is proud to announce the approval of funding from Forest
and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), with support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry (DAFF), for a critical research project aimed at tackling one of Australia’s most costly and
invasive weeds – Blackberry.
The project, “Novel and Targeted Biological Control of Blackberry Invasions in Forest and Tree
Plantations”, will be led by Dr Rae Kwong in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and the
University of the Sunshine Coast. The research will focus on blackberry genomic mapping, a vital step
toward the development of an effective and targeted biological control.
Blackberry is a Weed of National Significance, causing millions of dollars in lost productivity and
management costs annually. The MRFH has been instrumental in preparing the advice to
government which led to multi-organisation collaboration supporting research to deliver long-term,
landscape-scale solutions for forestry, plantations, and the wider community.
This announcement follows the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s recent statement
highlighting the government’s commitment to innovation in forestry, including $8.6 million over
three years to expand and strengthen the work of Australia’s Regional Forestry Hubs under A Better
Plan for Forestry and Forest Products.
Dean Anderson, Chair of the Murray Region Forestry Hub, welcomed the announcement: “This
funding represents a significant step forward in our fight against Blackberry. The genomic mapping
research led by Dr Kwong will provide the foundations for developing a targeted biological control
that can be deployed across landscapes for long-term impact. It’s a prime example of how the Hubs
can connect industry needs with innovative science.”
Carlie Porteous, Hub Manager of the Murray Region Forestry Hub, added: “The approval of this
funding highlights the power of collaboration – between research institutions, government, industry,
and the Hubs – to tackle persistent challenges. We’re proud to have played a key role in bringing
together the right people and expertise to make this project a reality.”
The MRFH extends it’s sincere thanks to Forest and Wood Products Australia for considering and
approving the application, and to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for funding
this much-needed research.