RAT Chat - May 2026 # 4 - Future Framing Initiative Takes Centre Stage at FTMA Conference

Associate Professor Louise Wallis, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania; Dr Patrick Mitchell, Deputy Director of the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI); Andrew Dunn, CEO of the Timber Development Association; Kevin Peachey Head of Built Environment programmes and Wood Solutions, Forest and Wood Products Association (FWPA); Rhianna Robinson, FTMA National Research and Technical Manager. 2026 FTMA National Conference panel.

The FTMA National Conference on the 18, 19 and 20th May 2026 was a blast and I was stoked to be a part of it! 

This year FTMA welcomed researchers, students, and academics to the conference as an ongoing commitment to encourage linkages between industry and academia and to encourage capacity building for the next generation of the timber industry. FTMA also welcomed FWPA and AFWI to showcase ongoing and emerging research and development projects for the frame and truss sector at the Trade Expo. 

Right now, we have a once in a generation, bipartisan commitment of $100+ million into research and development (R&D) under the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) [rr1.1]until 2030. I see it as my role to help secure and support as much R&D for the frame and truss sector as I can to help industry prepare and respond to changing markets. I also want to ensure that the projects that attract funding are genuine, completed by practical teams and offer high value, bankable outcomes for the sector. 

To further our commitment for R&D, for the first time FTMA offered 2 phd candidates Bini Neupane (Swinburne University) and Claudia Roder (University of the Sunshine Coast) complimentary registrations to attend the conference through a competitive application process. 

From Bini; 
“I had a great experience attending the FTMA Conference and am very grateful to have been part of it. The interactions with industry professionals and academics, along with the suggestions provided, will be highly valuable for my PhD journey, particularly for my research on timber-framed diaphragms.”

 

From Claudia;
The FTMA National Conference and Trade Expo deepened my understanding of the challenges and also the opportunities facing the industry. Connecting with the industry to deliver research that is actually wanted and needed by industry is often overlooked. Thank-you FTMA for giving me an opportunity to meet some truly inspiring and amazing people”. 

The Future Framing Initiative (FFI) was a key focus of discussion at FTMA’s National Conference, with a dedicated panel session bringing together experts to explore the future of timber framing, manufacturing innovation and industry transformation.

I was pleased to welcome Associate Professor Louise Wallis, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania, Dr Patrick Mitchell, Deputy Director of the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), Andrew Dunn, CEO of the Timber Development Association and Kevin Peachey Head of Built Environment programmes and Wood Solutions, Forest and Wood Products Association (FWPA).

A key theme throughout the session was that the timber framing industry is entering a period of major transition and that industry-led research and development will play a central role in ensuring the sector remains competitive, practical and positioned for long-term growth.

The panel shared with attendees that the Future Framing Initiative (FFI) [rr2.1]is an industry-led research and development program focused on advancing the future of lightweight timber framing systems in Australia. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, engineers and industry organisations to develop the technical evidence, systems and standards needed to support more efficient, scalable and modern timber construction.

A major focus of the FFI is the development of deemed-to-satisfy pathways and industry standards for lightweight multi-storey timber framing systems up to 15 metres in height. This is important because much of Australia’s current regulatory framework was developed around traditional low-rise housing and does not yet fully reflect the capability of modern timber framing systems or offsite manufacturing methods.
The outcomes of the project have the potential to competitively and seamlessly position the timber frames and trusses as the material of choice. This is crucial timing as Australia tackles the mission of building over a million homes in the next couple of years.  

As a wrap for the panel session I see a call to action to industry members, big or small.

There is available research and development funding through AFWI and there are researchers out there keen to help with the pain points in your business.

Myself and others through AFWI are here to support you with any research and development needs.

Please feel free to reach out to rhianna@ftma.com.au or 0431 088 918.