How to make the humble backyard fence more durable will be one of the topics at the 25th Forest Products Research Conference beginning today (Monday) at Clayton (VIC).

The first conference was held fifty years ago and it has been held about every two years since.

Dr Glen Kile, Chief of CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products, who will open the Conference said, "The Conference has a proud history of bringing together researchers from government, and in later years from industry, to present their findings and to identify and coordinate further research efforts.

"Many changes have taken place since the first Conference just after the war in 1946. Early Conferences reported the development of plywood from eucalypts, methods of timber preservation and underwater protection of wooden structures," he said.

"Reports in recent years reflect changes in the industry's ability to process a softwood plantation resource as it moves away from the traditional native forest, and environmental concerns for clean manufacturing processes," Dr Kile said.

Major changes in durability ratings of Australian timbers will be announced. The changes are the result of trials lasting 25 years and accelerated testing in the laboratory, and will mean more reliable use of timber in construction. Timber-framing was also approved for multi-storey buildings this year (up to three storeys). This gives increased opportunity for the use of the only renewable construction material in residential development.

The keynote address at the Conference will be given by Mr Thorry Gunnersen, President of the National Association of Forest Industries, at 10.30 am in the Main Conference Room at the CSIRO Forests Products Laboratory, Bayview Avenue, Clayton.

More information from: Dr Harry Greaves: 03-9542 2227 or Mick Crowe: 06-281 8357. Photo opportunities at Clayton (VIC): David MacArthur: 03-9542 2210