Exhibition and event showcases sustainable timber use

Fraser Coast residents can learn more about the future of sustainable timber and forestry through an upcoming Hervey Bay Regional Gallery art exhibition and a free event featuring talks from industry leaders and a tour of Council’s hardwood plantations.

Mayor George Seymour said the new exhibition ‘Forest to Fibre’ would be on display from 21 September to 17 November 2024 and would showcase cutting-edge research into sustainable timber processing and design alongside local stories, artworks and histories.

“The exhibition will feature research from some of Australia’s leading universities and architectural academics along with loans from the State Library of Queensland’s exhibition Purpose Built Architecture for a better tomorrow,” he said.

“Hervey Bay has a long forestry history, with Council using recycled water to help grow native hardwood plantations in our region since 1991.

“We now divert 2.5 billion litres of effluent wastewater from our oceans annually to irrigate our Council timber plantations on the outskirts of Hervey Bay.

“Our plantations help capture carbon and reduce ocean pollution while also providing long-term benefits through sustainable farming of trees.”

Find out more about the exhibition at: https://hbrg.ourfrasercoast.com.au/events/event/1478/forest-to-fibre-fcrc-hardwood-plantations

In celebration of the Forest to Fibre exhibition, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery will also host a day of talks and tours on Wednesday October 2 from 10am to 5pm.

Cr Seymour said the Forest to Fibre: Timber Futures event will allow residents to explore career paths in the timber industry, discover the latest advancements in processing and design, and connect with industry professionals.

“The first part of the day is ideal for students and those looking to enter the industry, as it will focus on career opportunities in the timber industry and sustainable forestry,” he said.

“Starting at 12:30pm, you'll hear from industry leaders discussing innovative timber processing, have opportunities to network, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Council’s native hardwood plantations at Hebblewhite Farm.”

Forest to Fibre: Timber Futures is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.  For more details and to register go to https://hbrg.ourfrasercoast.com.au/events/event/1697/forest-to-fibre-timber-futures