Australian timber industry news

Commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus will be the first European truck producer to launch a small series with a hydrogen combustion engine. The initially planned small series of around 200 units is to be delivered to customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland and selected non-European countries as early as 2025. The “MAN hTGX”, as the vehicle will be called, offers an alternative zero-emission drive variant for special applications, for example for transporting heavy goods – such as construction work, tank transport or timber transport. The hTGX can also be an environmentally friendly alternative to battery-electric trucks for use in areas without sufficient charging infrastructure or for markets where sufficient hydrogen is already available. MAN will hand over its battery-electric truck to customers for the first time in 2024 and scale it up from 2025. MAN has been the market leader for electric city buses in Europe since 2023. “We are continuing to focus on battery-electric vehicles to decarbonize road freight transport. These currently have clear advantages over other drive concepts in terms of energy efficiency and operating and energy costs,” said Friedrich Baumann, Executive Board Member of MAN Truck & Bus and responsible for Sales & Customer Solution. “However, trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines are a useful addition for special applications and markets. We anticipate that we will be able to best serve the vast majority of our customers’ transport applications with battery-powered trucks. “For special applications, hydrogen combustion or, in the future, fuel cell technology is a suitable supplement. The hydrogen combustion engine H45 is based on the proven D38 diesel engine and is produced at the engine and battery plant in Nuremberg. “The use of familiar technology enables us to enter the market at an early stage and thus provides a decisive impetus for the ramp-up of the hydrogen infrastructure. With the hTGX, we have now added an attractive product to our zero-emission portfolio,” The hydrogen drive is particularly suitable for special transport tasks that require a special axle configuration or where there is no space for the battery on the frame due to the need for truck body work. The MAN hTGX offers high payloads and maximum ranges of up to 600 kilometres in its initially offered 6×2 and 6×4 axle variants. The H45 hydrogen combustion engine used has an output of 383 kW or 520 hp and a torque of 2500 Nm at 900-1300 rpm. The direct injection of hydrogen into the engine ensures particularly fast power delivery. With hydrogen compressed to 700 bar (CG H2) and a tank capacity of 56 kg, the vehicle can be refuelled in less than 15 minutes. With less than 1g CO2/tkm, the MAN hTGX will fulfil the criteria as a “zero-emission vehicle” under the new planned EU CO2 legislation.

Envisioning a climate-stable future requires a dual strategy as far as the world’s forests are concerned: protecting and restoring natural forests for all of their ecological and climate benefits while also sustainably managing working forests to drive the global transformation to a sustainable, circular bioeconomy. Source: World Economic Forum Many are uncomfortable at the thought of cutting down a tree. While wood is a useful material, people don’t like the idea that it should be harvested from a forest. In a 2017 study commissioned by the North American Forest Partnership, nearly four out of five respondents thought wood was a renewable material; however, fewer than one in five associated the forest sector with sustainability. That’s an unfortunate misconception and in our current era of climate disasters, it’s becoming a dangerous one. The reality is that sustainable forestry and forest products can help us save the planet from ourselves. Here are five ways how. Investing in reforestation Investing in natural forest restoration Supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities Reducing pressure on intact forests and their biodiversity Reducing the carbon footprint of construction The full article can be read at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/04/sustainable-forestry-climate-action-development-biodiversity/

Old-growth forests, with their intricate and rich biodiversity found nowhere else, are indispensable to our planet’s health and resilience. Recognizing their importance, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has diligently developed standards aimed at safeguarding these precious ecosystems. Source: Timberbiz Since FSC first developed the High Conservation Value (HCV) approach in the late 1990s, it has been used to identify and manage outstanding and/or critical environmental and social values in production landscapes, this includes old-growth, rainforest and mature forests. It is essential to acknowledge the diversity of definitions surrounding old-growth forests as recognized by various formal entities including the European Commission, FAO, UNESCO, Carpathian Convention and others. The term ‘old-growth’ is often misused interchangeably with others such as primary, virgin, and primeval forest. These various definitions lead to different interpretations of how to identify and preserve them. Moreover, distinguishing between old-growth forests and managed forests with similar tree age and ecological attributes is crucial. While managed forests can exhibit characteristics similar to old-growth forests, they are designed and managed to support sustainable timber harvesting and economic development. Restricting logging based solely on tree age, reduces the overall environmental value of managed forests. In Romania, trees can be harvested only after they reach their maturity: 120 years for beech and 140 years for oak. When limiting logging beyond this age, forests will be managed with shorter rotation periods, favouring younger trees for logging – a common practice in other parts of Europe. This prevents forests from reaching their natural structure and age and has detrimental effects on biodiversity and the wealth of ecosystems inside of them. Starting in 2011, FSC worked closely with WWF Romania to promote the strict protection of old-growth forests (read more about this here and here). This laid the groundwork for significant achievements, culminating in the introduction of the National Forest Stewardship Standard (NFSS) for Romania in 2017. The NFSS details specific rules and criteria aimed at safeguarding old-growth forests. These measures include provisions for maintaining biodiversity, protecting threatened habitats, and fostering stakeholder engagement. Notably, the NFSS was developed through an inclusive, multistakeholder approach with environmental NGOs actively participating in the process. As we move forward, it is important to continue this collaborative approach, ensuring that our focus and actions align with the shared goal of preserving old-growth forests for generations to come. Together, we all stand with trees, advocating for their protection and nurturing the rich ecosystems they sustain.

Isuzu Australia has released new independent industry research revealing evolving trends and challenges within Australia’s road transport sector. Developed in conjunction with external research specialists, The Future of Trucking Report: The Way Forward is the largest and most comprehensive survey of its kind ever conducted in Australia. Source: Timberbiz The report highlights findings from more than 1,300 survey respondents from transport operators, including prominent general freight and last mile delivery fleets, through to construction, government, health and other niche industry sectors with the results offering a unique insight into the state of Australia’s essential road transport industry. IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison, explained that since first publishing the inaugural The Future of Trucking report in 2020, the road transport operating landscape has continued to evolve, both locally and globally. “An important goal of this year’s report was to identify and monitor emerging and entrenched trends, and to look at how operators are navigating these within the Australian truck industry. “The second instalment of the study uses this critical lens to delve into these issues—with the intent of better understanding overall industry sentiment, evolving technology systems, as well as procurement and maintenance requirements. “There’s no doubt that our industry is on the cusp of transformation, especially in relation to technological and regulatory change,” Mr Harbison said. “Pleasingly, our updated findings paint a confident picture of a strong and proactive sector ready to grapple with these challenges head-on.” With a positive response from industry participants, The Future of Trucking (2024) report includes the following key takeaways. The Australian truck industry is expected to evolve rapidly in the coming three years; with that growth comes tighter profit margins and rising fuel prices, which are at the top of business and truck fleet challenges faced by Australian transport operators right now. The national freight task continues to grow, although growth expectations are bullish from previous findings. Across the Australian truck parc, the average tenure of new truck ownership remains at six years. Concurrently, the purchase preference for pre-built OEM vehicles as an alternative to custom built trucks has increased for Australian businesses. The evaluation of new truck ‘total cost of ownership’ continues to be the primary driver of purchase over initial upfront pricing, with this approach having increased since previous findings. Data reveals that the market continues to be motivated by increasing safety standards, and bolstering safety the number one reason for adopting new truck technology. In the next five years, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are some of the key safety technologies business are looking to adopt. Active (autonomous) safety features available in new model trucks are being more widely adopted by larger fleets and Government operators. Australian fleets have indicated a strong appetite for the adoption of zero tailpipe emission vehicles, though the timescale for introduction remains mixed. Perceptions continue to improve surrounding the current suitability of electric trucks and supporting charging infrastructure, with participants earmarking electric vehicles as a key solution to Australia’s transport future in the next 10-15 years. Industry awareness and action on Chain of Responsibility (CoR) compliance remains unchanged from previous findings with three out of 10 operators unaware of CoR or without policies to comply. Businesses indicated a preference for completing major truck repairs at OEM dealerships (including parts and componentry), citing workmanship, timeliness, or service and availability of parts as key factors. John Walker, IAL’s Head of Marketing and Customer Experience and Project Lead for The Future of Trucking report, said these fresh findings point to the innate resilience across the sector. “Be it regulatory, societal or technological, a key theme emerging from the report is that change within our sector is as constant as it is ongoing,” he said. “Overwhelmingly, our latest report shows significant positivity about the overall position of the road transport sector. We trust that this ongoing research project will arm and assist strategic thinking and decision making within our industry.” For further information about the report, including a full report download, visit The Future of Trucking: The Way Forward at www.isuzu.com.au/news/future-of-trucking

An alliance of housing, property and social service organisations is pressing the Federal Government to significantly amplify its efforts to alleviate the national housing shortage. Source: Timberbiz The Property Council of Australia, National Shelter, the Housing Industry Association, the Community Housing Industry Association, ACOSS, Master Builders Australia, and Homelessness Australia are jointly urging the government to double the Housing Australia Future Fund to $20 billion in the upcoming budget. This would be a critical step towards meeting the ambitious target of constructing 1.2 million new homes by 2029 under the National Housing Accord. “The government has made important commitments and progress is under way – but the Prime Minister must bolster his housing agenda to strengthen the delivery of new homes,” said Shelter CEO Emma Greenhalgh. CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said: “We are at a critical juncture in addressing the housing crisis in Australia. Doubling the Housing Australia Future Fund would boost revenue to invest in much-needed affordable homes to benefit generations to come.” Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said that there was no time to lose. “We are at a housing crossroads. The government should double down on its leadership position and help states and territories speed up planning and housing supply across the board,” he said. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said: “We know one of the biggest handbrakes on housing supply is making it easier for new projects to get the green light by kickstarting private investment and reducing development costs and delays.” The alliance outlined a series of recommendations in a detailed letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging comprehensive enhancements to the National Housing and Homelessness Plan. The recommendations are: Doubling the Housing Australia Future Fund in the upcoming budget to $20 billion, Publishing a draft of the National Housing and Homelessness Plan for further engagement and consultation with the sector Setting targets for both social and affordable housing in the National Housing and Homelessness Plan and reflecting these in the Accord. Including the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council in the oversight of the delivery and the reporting of the Accord and the National Housing and Homelessness Plan. Establishing transparent and accountable governance arrangements with regular reporting on the progress of the delivery of the Accord and the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, including reporting each six months on barriers to the delivery of homes, and ongoing formal engagement with the sector on the progress of the Accord. Requiring Commonwealth departments that touch on any aspect of the delivery of the 1.2 million homes commitment to place the National Housing Accord at the forefront of their policies and programs and remove any barriers that will delay or inhibit the delivery of these homes. Holding State and Territory governments to account against the National Planning Reform Blueprint.

Sumitomo Forestry has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sumitomo Forestry Australia is partnering with the Australian company Cedar Pacific Investment Management on a Build-To-Rent (BTR) multi-family housing development project. Source: Timberbiz This is the first time Sumitomo Forestry Group has participated in BTR development operations in Australia. The project involves the development of a 475-unit, 31-floor multi-family rental building in Brisbane, Queensland. The project is part of the Queensland Government’s BTR Pilot Project to deliver affordable rental housing, of the total 475 units, 250 units will be provided as affordable housing. The building will contribute to decarbonization, aiming to achieve net zero operational carbon, based on a 5-star rating under Australia’s Green Star environmental certification program and Australia’s Net Carbon Neutral Standard. Construction will begin in May 2024 and completion is scheduled for October 2026. The site is located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia’s third largest economic region, approximately 1.5 km from the central business district (CBD), a major employment hub. Conveniently located, the site is about 10minutes by foot to Roma Street Station on the Cross River Rail, a new subway line scheduled to open in 2025, and approximately 20 minutes by car to Brisbane Airport. The Brisbane Live Arena, slated to be one of the main competition venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, will be built nearby. In addition, throughout the South Bank area across from the Brisbane River are universities and other educational institutions, the Queensland Museum and other museums, and amusement facilities.

In an era where corporate responsibility and community engagement are more crucial than ever, the Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) takes great pride in recognising businesses that go the extra mile with the introduction of the FTMA Community Award. Source: Timberbiz This accolade is designed to honour FTMA members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities, through sustainable practices, social responsibility, and active involvement in local initiatives. The 2024 award found its deserving winner in Big River Group Breakwater (BRG Breakwater), a company that has set a sterling example of community engagement and ethical business practices. BRG Breakwater’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community is evident across various initiatives, including their seminal sponsorships of the River’s Gift Foundation, Bay Leaf Community Kitchen, and House4Health. These projects, aimed at combating sudden infant death syndrome, alleviating food insecurity, and promoting health and well-being, respectively, stand as testaments to BRG Breakwater’s holistic approach to community service. Their capability to lead by example, particularly in achieving a significant 95% reduction in landfill waste, further underscores their leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. What set BRG Breakwater apart in the eyes of the FTMA judging panel was not just their remarkable contributions to crucial community projects but their genuine, unwavering dedication to societal well-being. Through their actions, BRG Breakwater has breathed life into the concept of a ‘social license’—the idea that businesses should not only generate economic value but also positively contribute to the fabric of society. Upon receiving the 2024 FTMA Community Award, General Manager Darren Benn encapsulated the spirit of BRG Breakwater. “For generations, our business has been ingrained in supporting the local community. Recognising the value of people and being actively involved in community initiatives is part of our DNA,” he said. This accolade not only celebrates BRG Breakwater’s past and present efforts but also shines a light on the path they are paving for a future where businesses play a pivotal role in nurturing their communities. The FTMA Community Award is about more than just recognising good deeds; it’s about inspiring a movement within the industry towards greater corporate responsibility and community involvement. BRG Breakwater’s achievements are a call to action for businesses everywhere to take a step forward in making the world a better place, one initiative at a time. FTMA News congratulates Big River Group Breakwater on their well-deserved win, looking forward to the continuous impact of their work and the example they set for businesses across the nation. Their recognition serves as a reminder that amid the pursuit of business success, the most enduring legacy is the difference we make in the lives of others.

  The inception of the Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award was born out of a profound personal tragedy, yet it transformed into a compelling force for positive change within the timber frame and truss industry. Source: Timberbiz Moved by the loss of Jackson Kidd, a vibrant individual whose life ended far too soon due to the struggles with mental health, his parents Dean and Tammy Kidd worked alongside FTMA to create a lasting legacy in his honour. The idea was to present an award that would not only serve as a perpetual tribute to Jackson’s memory but also act as a catalyst for eradicating the stigma around mental health issues in the workplace. Together, Mr and Mrs Kidd and the FTMA launched an accolade that emphasised the critical importance of mental health awareness and support. The Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award which aims to encourage companies to prioritise the mental well-being of their employees as much as their physical safety. The presentation of the inaugural 2024 Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award to AAA Advanced Trusses was a great occasion, marked by emotional speeches from Mr and Mrs Kidd. In a night tinged with solemn remembrance and heartfelt commitment, AAA Advanced Trusses stood under the spotlight, not just for their industrial achievements but for the profound impact they’ve made in the realm of mental health within the workplace. AAA Advanced Trusses, led by Colin and Andrew Clements and Ryan Goodes, has set a precedent for how companies can cultivate a nurturing, supportive work environment. Their comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing, underscored by initiatives such as the Annual Wellness Reviews and Employee Assistance Programs, reflects a deep understanding of the importance of mental health. Their commitment goes beyond standard practices, creating a workplace where employees not only have access to physical wellness facilities like an on-site gymnasium but also benefit from emotional support systems fostering a sense of belonging and safety. The award presentation at the Geelong Cats Stadium during the 2024 FTMA National Conference Dinner was emotionally charged. The AAA team’s acceptance speeches shed light on personal tragedies with mental health, underscoring the imperative for attention and action in this area. It was a night that touched the hearts of the 270 attendees with a raw, powerful message about the importance of mental health support in the workplace. AAA Advanced Trusses’ victory in winning the inaugural Jackson Kidd Wellbeing Award was a poignant reminder of the impact companies can have on their employees’ lives beyond the workspace. They stand as beacons of hope and progress in the industry, pioneering efforts to ensure that their employees feel valued, safe, and supported at all times. This award is a testament to the fact that change is possible and that the fight for mental health awareness and support in the workplace is gaining ground, one step at a time.

Net sawmill capacity in North America declined by 2% in 2023 as slowing lumber demand and over-production made their mark. A flood of sawmill expansions and new greenfield mills over the last six to seven years has added large amounts of lumber capacity, mainly in the US South. These capacity increases have tended to offset numerous mill closures, mainly those in British Columbia, Canada (BC) and the US West, with a few surprising closures recently in the US South. And as lumber prices moved below breakeven prices in some regions in 2023, higher cost mills were closed, sometimes to rationalize timber supplies around multiple company sawmill sites. Nine sawmills were permanently closed in 2023. So far in 2024, three new sawmills started operating in the US South while nine more sawmills – in all regions of North America, except Eastern Canada – have announced closures, not to mention many shift reductions at BC mills, some permanent. Forisk’s North America top ten softwood lumber producers’ ranking had an estimated 36.9 billion board feet of lumber capacity in 2023 and represented 49 % of total North American capacity. Five of the top ten companies have their head offices in Canada. West Fraser remains the largest producer in North America with 7.0 billion board feet of capacity, while Weyerhaeuser and Interfor were closely grouped in second and third spot (see table). The top US softwood producers were led by Weyerhaeuser with 4.6 billion bf of capacity. The top ten companies had about 50% of total US softwood lumber capacity. The top Canadian lumber producer was West Fraser with 3.5 billion bf of capacity. The top five Canadian companies had about 47% of total Canada softwood lumber capacity, all with operations in the US. In the North American lumber markets, April can often be the start of two-to-three-month cycle of higher prices. In contrast to last year, W-SPF 2×4 prices (FOB mill) plummeted starting late February and did not recover until July 2023. In 2024, W-SPF prices have so far stayed in the US$400s and slightly eclipsed their 2023 peak price of US$460/Mbf in March. Things have been looking better for SPF, but lower prices are inevitable! It is the US South, however, that region has been experiencing very weak lumber prices. Normally, SYP trades at a US$ 50-60/Mbf premium to W-SPF on a FOB mill basis, but in mid-April it was trading at a massive US$ 120/Mbf discount (W-SPF at US$ 410 and SYP-W at US$ 290). Many SYP sawmills are now below cash-costs, and this has resulted in some temporary and permanent sawmill curtailments in the South – something not seen since the housing market collapse 15 years ago. Consequently, SYP mill capacity curtailments are expected prices to allow prices to move higher over the next few months and more. At the high end, US Inland lumber prices have come off 10% from their recent peak levels. Fir-Larch 2×4 KD R/L prices in mid-April were US$ 525/MBF and Hemlock-Fir at US$ 520 – both are huge FOB mill premiums to W-SPF and SYP. Nevertheless, SPF lumber prices in BC are moving lower to below break-even levels due to constrained and expensive log supplies that make sawmilling so difficult in that province. So far this year, closure announcements include West Fraser (Fraser Lake) and Western FP (Port Alberni), and curtailments or reduced output at a variety of mills includes at Tolko Industries (Williams Lake), Interfor (scattered mill production reductions), with Dunkley, Teal Jones, San Group and others have been reported as taking some temporarily downtime or shift reductions. The US market will probably be the most stable global market in 2024 despite having a few headwinds. High mortgage rates from global inflation and a shortage of existing homes for sale has been a benefit to new residential home builders as a key option for new home buyers. US housing demand and housing starts are expected to remain like 2023 in 2024, and slightly better if the pending recession is avoided. A net benefit to lumber demand is that more single-family houses are forecast to be started in 2024 than in 2023 and they consume three times the lumber as multi-family units. In other major markets such as Europe, China and Japan, lumber demand so far in 2024 has been negatively impacted by oversupply, high interest rates and a lack of consumer confidence, creating flat to lower demand and prices. Essentially, the global lumber markets are not doing too well, as there is still too much supply chasing weak to perhaps stable demand. The global outlook for 2024 is for flat to perhaps some increase in demand in a few regions, but stable markets will still require a constrained supply – this could be a challenge in 2024 in some markets. Most, including myself, expect the second half of the year to be better than the first half – early signs indicate that this could be very possible. These topics and others will be in full discussion at the GLOBAL WOOD SUMMIT in Vancouver BC between October 28 and 30! Visit: https://russtaylorglobal.com/global-wood-summit-vancouver-bc/ Russ Taylor is a US-based forest industry consultant and analyst.

Monday’s Earth Day provided a chance to reflect on why one of our most climate-smart materials is wood – specifically, engineered mass timber. While other bio-sourced materials also exist, timber is growing in forests as we speak with volumes making it feasible for commercial use in construction industry on a global scale. Mass timber in construction brings with it a vast array of environmentally sustainable benefits. Its lightweight durability means that you can deliver a higher volume to site with a single delivery, saving on emissions across transportation. Compound this with the benefits of mass timber being prefabricated in factories: a mass timber building kit can be erected in weeks. This means that workers need not be on site for as long as compared to current mainstream construction materials, reducing construction timelines whilst potentially increasing profit margins. Most importantly, prefabricated elements support increased worker safety, as more work is performed in controlled factory conditions versus the project site uncertainties of weather and much else. Not to mention timber’s inherent sustainability strength. Trees remove CO2 during their growth, with the carbon stored in the wood remaining sequestered within the building’s structure for its lifespan. Utilising biogenic materials with this high carbon sequestration capability can turn a building from a source of carbon emissions to something positive – a means of carbon storage. Even more, wood substitutes for high-emission conventional building materials. Thus, wood can be a powerful means of contributing to sustainability and climate mitigation efforts. Earth Day is focused on raising awareness and fostering action towards environmental protection – a collaborative effort that extends to the forestry practices associated with producing mass timber. With two million hectares of forest land globally, the majority in Sweden and significant holdings in Finland, Estonia, Romania, China, Brazil, and Uruguay, Stora Enso exemplifies commitment to sustainable forestry. The 99% of forests owned or managed by Stora Enso are certified, and all the wood used in its sawmills is sustainably and legally sourced by implementing third-party certified chain of custody and due diligence systems, such as PEFC. In addition, Stora Enso is committed to a net positive impact on biodiversity within our own forests and plantations by 2050. This holistic approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability is the basis for sustainable forest management that responsibly cares for and uses forests, enhancing biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, and vitality for the long term. Johanna Pirinen is  SVP, Sustainability and People & Culture at Stora Enso

Dirt Works Studio, an academic design-build studio at the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design, has designed and is currently building Phoenix House, a small, solar-powered house designed to assist members of the Lawrence community in transitioning from homelessness to a secure home. Source: Timberbiz Working in collaboration with Tenants to Homeowners Inc. (TTH), a Lawrence nonprofit that has helped more than 350 families become homeowners, Dirt Works Studio aims to provide TTH with a repeatable model for a home that can provide comfort and stability for occupants as they work to reach personal goals. Dirt Works Studio allows third-year KU architecture students to explore innovative new methods of construction while serving the local community. “The mission of Dirt Works Studio balances care for our local communities, concern for the health of the planet and a dedication to educate future leaders in the design of a more sustainable, equitable and inspired built environment,” said Chad Kraus, associate professor of architecture and founding director of Dirt Works Studio. Phoenix House has been designed using an innovative cross-laminated timber (CLT) shell, wrapped in a highly insulated, airtight building envelope, and clad with a wood rain screen. Designed to accommodate 1-2 people, the home’s interior is characterized by durable materials and surfaces, including CLT timber walls and ceilings and exposed concrete floors with radiant floor heating. Wood surfaces were prioritized for aesthetics and as a natural solution for humidity regulation. The colour, tactility and smell of wood, along with its positive effects on interior air quality, have documented regenerative and stress reduction outcomes. “This partnership exemplifies how innovative design, education and service-based learning can be advanced through public/private partnerships,” said Nicholas Ward, TTH assistant director. “Through Phoenix House, TTH has the unique opportunity to learn from these young, enthusiastic designers. The designers, in turn, are offered a glimpse into the world and work of affordable housing from their partners at TTH. When the designers of tomorrow are informed by the struggles of today, their work can’t help but to be infused with empathy. A great partnership, to say the least.” Phoenix House is located on the 1100 block of Oregon Street in Lawrence. The home is expected to be completed in late spring this year. Student Reese Gilmore of Leawood said that working directly with neighborhood residents to create something that gives back to the local community has been a fulfilling experience. “The process of designing and building an affordable home has presented many challenges but has also provided unforgettable experiences, such as working with peers, engineers, suppliers and partnering with Tenants to Homeowners to make a one-of-a-kind affordable small home,” Gilmore said.

A new program for Accelerating Innovative Monitoring of Forests (AIM4Forests), led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has supported 11 countries and trained more than one thousand people in its first year. Source: Timberbiz The five-year program (2023-2028), with US$30.53 million funding from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aims to empower countries to monitor their forests using modern technologies, technical innovation, space data and remote sensing. “Supporting countries to create better data on forests is key to halting and reversing forest loss,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division. “AIM4Forests sets out to accelerate innovation in forest monitoring and help countries gather more comprehensive and accurate data, and it has already made significant progress.” More than 420 million hectares of forest have been lost since 1990, with 10 million hectares still lost to deforestation annually. World leaders have committed to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030. A summary of the project’s achievements so far confirms that it has provided technical assistance to 11 countries (Bolivia, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Uganda and Vietnam) focusing on four areas in which data is key: better resource management, deforestation-free commodities, measurement reporting and verification (MRV) of mitigation results, and tracking progress in ecosystem restoration. The program has trained 1,268 individuals (40% women and more than 100 members of Indigenous Peoples and local communities) to strengthen their forest monitoring capacities. Technical assistance has supported some countries to measure and report their forest mitigation efforts in order to unlock climate finance. At the same time, the program has made e-learning accessible so that individuals can increase their knowledge and skillsets in different aspects of forest monitoring. Some 4,677 English, Spanish and French speaking e-learners have completed five courses alongside the successful launch of a new e-learning curriculum. Through AIM4Forests, FAO is rapidly advancing methods and technology used to monitor forests and made new tools, platforms and datasets available for governments to use for free. During the last year the program has produced four new technical publications overcoming methodological challenges, and three innovative new open-source technical solutions. Under AIM4Forests, FAO has also partnered with the International Land Coalition to support Indigenous Peoples and local communities to play a key role in forest monitoring and mapping and in relevant decision-making affecting their territories and livelihoods. In its second year, AIM4Forests will expand its reach to include two more countries – Colombia and Zambia and continue to support countries to report their forest mitigation efforts and accelerate innovative forest monitoring.

An ancient elm tree that has stood alone in the far reaches of Glen Affric, Scotland for hundreds of years is now the guardian over a new generation of its species. Source: Timberbiz The wych elm – known as the Last Ent of Affric in homage to the tree-shepherds from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings story and a former Scottish Tree of the Year has been chosen to help in the fight against Dutch Elm disease. Thirty-five young elm trees have been transferred from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and replanted in the shadow of the Last Ent of Affric. These will be the first of 200 trees planted over the next two years. It is part of a joint effort between the Gardens and the University of the Highlands and Islands along with landowners like Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) to save the species from Dutch Elm disease. The project involves cultivating disease resistant seedlings and then planting them at suitable sites of which Glen Affric is one. It is hoped there will be cross pollination between the seedlings and maybe even with the mature elm itself to help in the recovery, from decades of loss, for one of Scotland’s most majestic native trees. “Having lived hidden away, many miles from the closest tree of the same species, the old elm of Glen Affric has escaped the ravages of Dutch Elm disease. It is fitting this site has been chosen as part of efforts to save the wych elm,” FLS Forester Sam Brown said. “Glen Affric also benefits from ongoing conservation efforts between FLS and our partners that includes managing deer populations. By limiting or removing the chance of deer damage to the young trees we can give them a better chance of survival. “Our local FLS teams – specifically the craftsperson squad – have worked very hard in all weather, on difficult terrain to install a fenced enclosure that has made the project possible. “Many of Scotland’s most threatened species can be found on our land in in our woodlands and we are committed to working with partner organisations to conserve and tackle the things that threaten them.” Dr Max Coleman of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh explained that by using surviving, large wych elms in the Scottish Borders, exposed to Dutch elm disease for around 40 years, they have bred a new generation of seedlings that they hope have inherited resilience to disease from both parents. “The offspring of these rare, promising trees are being planted in carefully selected sites that meet their needs and offer potential for natural spread. This work is assisting the formation of new populations of wild elms that have the genes and the genetic diversity that we hope will enable survival and adaptation in a changing environment,” he said. FLS Seed Resource Manager Kenny Hay added that the planting that’s been undertaken in collaboration with RBGE and gives great hope to be able to harvest valuable seed which may be resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. The recovery of the wych elm is part of a project aiming to increase the numbers and distribution of ten threatened native plants and is funded by a three-year grant totalling £715,000 from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund.

Combilift has delivered a first-of-its-kind solution to a shipping container storage company on Australia’s east coast, aiding in ergonomics, efficiency, and operator safety. Source: Timberbiz The three-high straddle carrier was delivered to FBT Transwest following a comprehensive consultation, design, and delivery process. The collaboration was initiated by FBT as it tendered multiple parties for a solution that could optimise storage space while maintaining a safe environment for all. The straddle is equipped with eight wheels for greater stability and larger windows for increased visibility of the container. Of course, the main requirement was for a machine which could stack containers three high and set a new standard in storage optimisation. “Combilift’s philosophy is one of customer-driven innovation. It’s something that we’ve done for years and will continue to do. It’s why we have such an expansive range,” Combilift Australia straddle carrier product manager, Jarad Wilson said. “The key to developing a product in conjunction with the customer is understanding their functional requirements and their key concerns. “Then, it’s important to continue communicating with them through the process, so the end result considers the engineering constraints while still addressing the key functionality that the customer needs on site.” FBT was founded in 1972 and has since built a formidable business which services Melbourne, Sydney, and Newcastle. It handles dangerous and perishable goods, as well as servicing leading manufacturers and importers of agricultural equipment, plastics, edible oils, and waste stream products. Without FBT’s experience or capacity, these major Australian ports would struggle to cope with an influx of imports. This made the need to stack containers three high even greater. “The new straddle carrier from Combilift greatly increased our storage capacity. It’s a much faster and more stable unit than previously used and we’re finding that our turnaround times for trucks in an out of the depot have been greatly improved,” FBT Sydney transport manager, Scott Major said. “By including eight wheels, the stability of the unit has made it a lot easier for the team to drive around.”

Despite the challenging economic conditions, many businesses are continuing to actively recruit new staff, according to Trade Me Jobs’ latest data from New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz The number of job listings rose in the beginning of the year from January through to March, up 11.7% compared with the previous quarter, with applications also up across the board. “This increase in listings shows that employers are still looking for talent despite softening economic conditions. Companies are hiring although we know from our recruitment partners it’s just taking them longer to make the decision to hire,” said Trade Me’s Matt Tolich. While listings were significantly down on the previous year, the first quarter of the year had shown an uptick. “Among the biggest increases in listings were in Agriculture, Office and Administration and the Hospitality and Tourism sectors,” said Matt Tolich. Total job applications were up compared with the previous quarter, with a 15.4% increase. The biggest increase was in Marlborough with a 25.2% jump, followed by the Otago region at 24.2%. This was mainly driven by the healthcare sector which had the largest increase in applications for both of the regions. “However, when we look at the same time last year, Auckland saw a massive 166.5% jump in applications. “We know of a couple of factors that are influencing the increased application numbers, including increased levels of migration, with the New Zealand population increasing by the equivalent of a Dunedin last year. Also, some organisations are downsizing due to the current economic climate which means there are more available candidates in the market.” “Looking ahead we know there will be less migrants coming into the country so these application numbers may soften but it will continue to be an employer market for some time with plenty of great candidates looking for roles,” he said. When looking at the industries with the most significant surge in applications, the IT sector stands out, with a jump of 70.8% followed by Science and Technology (55.7%) and then HR and Recruitment (39.8%) compared with the previous quarter. Average pay dipped 2.2% this quarter to NZ$70,761, although it was still up from the same period last year. The current average salary in the Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry sector is NZ$68,190 per year. “This suggests that the increase in applications means employers have more choice and aren’t having to reach into their back pocket as much to secure workers,” said Matt Tolich. Salaries remained stable in certain sectors like Hospitality & Tourism, Transport & Logistics, and Manufacturing & Operations, with less than a 1% change. Meanwhile, hands-on fields like Office & Admin (1.7%), Retail (1.2%), and Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry (1.2%) experienced slight bumps in pay compared to the last quarter. Trade Me Jobs data for Wellington is beginning to show the impact of public sector job cuts, said Matt Tolich. The capital’s average salary is down 3.3% on the previous quarter to NZ$72,062 the biggest percentage drop across all of Aotearoa’s regions. “Listings for roles in central government were down 77.2% year on year and 34.1% for the quarter,” said Tolich. Wellington also had the biggest drop in listings year on year, although the city experienced a 7.9% boost for the quarter. The number of job applications in Wellington increased 17.7% compared with the October to December period. This compared with 15.1% for Auckland.  

Forest & Wood Products Australia has announced ground-breaking research that benefits the conservation of the threatened giant freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi) whilst supporting planning and harvesting practices for the forestry industry in Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz, photo The Naturalist Led by a team of researchers including Amelia Koch, Leon Barmuta, and Alejandro Trujillo Gonzalez this study has developed a genetic assay utilising environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of A. gouldi in water samples. These findings will not only help streamline monitoring efforts for the crayfish, but also offer valuable insights for forestry management practices. “Although the giant freshwater crayfish is the world’s largest freshwater invertebrate, the species is cryptic in nature, preferring well-shaded waterway habitat with undercut banks. This research has the potential to underpin new monitoring methods that replace time-consuming and difficult manual monitoring, reducing costs and improving the safety of people undertaking the fieldwork,” Jodie Mason, FWPA’s Head of Forest Research, said. Researcher Amelia Koch from the Forest Practices Authority said that this technique could facilitate the development of a population monitoring program, be used to conduct research on habitat associations of the species or the effectiveness of management actions, or to update management tools such as the habitat availability map used by the Tasmanian forest industry. The research is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable forestry practices in Tasmania, and includes research on Wedge-tailed eagles, Masked owls, Grey goshawks, Tamanian devils and quolls. This comprehensive project (Project number: VNC457-1718 Sub-report 3), funded by FWPA through funds from Tasmanian forest managers, the Forest Practices Authority and the Australian Government, focuses on integrating innovative scientific techniques, such as eDNA analysis, to improve monitoring and management strategies for threatened species. Read more and download the full report at https://fwpa.com.au/report/developing-a-method-to-survey-for-giant-freshwater-crayfish-using-edna/

Community members are invited to review and provide feedback on updated forest management plans for the Cypress and inland hardwood forests managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW and Cumberland State Forest in Sydney. Source: Timberbiz Morgan Roche, Information System and Framework Manager for Forestry Corporation, said the forest management plans would be on public display until Friday 17 May 2024 and welcomed community feedback. “Forest management plans summarise our activities as well as the systems, processes and procedures we maintain that ensure we continue to manage forests sustainably,” Mr Roche said. “The State forests in Western NSW cover a vast area of different forest types, from the Cypress forests in the Pilliga region to the River Red Gum forests along the Murray River, while Cumberland State Forest is nestled in the suburbs of Sydney and is Australia’s only metropolitan State forest. “All of these forests are managed for multiple uses, and the forest management plans summarise what these uses are and set out our commitment to planning, monitoring and adapting our activities in response to new information so that we continually improve our practices, processes and outcomes in these forests. “We review these forest management plans every five years and provide an opportunity for public feedback and input every time they are reviewed. In this review, an important change is that we will incorporate the plans into the broader forest management plan for State forests, which was updated in 2022 and covers general forest management as well as specific management of softwood plantations and coastal native forests. “We welcome the community’s input and feedback and invite people to visit our website to find out more about the plans and provide their feedback.”

The Labor Opposition in Tasmania says that regardless of what the Greens, the Jacqui Lambie Network or the independents do in the new Parliament, it will continue to stand with the timber industry and the jobs it sustains. Source: Timberbiz And the Opposition leader Dean Winter has offered the State Government bipartisan support for the forestry industry. “Labor supports jobs in regional Tasmania.  It is what we believe in and what we fight for,” Mr Winter said. “I am making it my priority to talk to workers in key industries in the regions including those in the timber industry. “Labor stands for jobs in regional communities and the timber industry is a key part of that.” Mr Winter said that Labor’s candidate for the Legislative Council seat of Prosser, Bryan Green, as a former Minister for Resources, has the experience and knowledge to work with the industry to protect jobs without reigniting the chaos and uncertainty of the forestry wars. “The industry doesn’t want another forest war, nor do Tasmanians,” Mr Winter said. “My offer to Jeremy Rockliff is bipartisanship on forestry.  The industry has repeatedly said it does not want the reopen the forest wars, Labor agrees and that should be respected by the Premier.” Mr Winter said that the best thing that could happen for the Bob Brown Foundation and the Greens was another forest war. “It would be the worst thing that could happen to these workers,” he said. The Liberal government needs to stop treating the industry as a political wedge and instead work with it and with Labor to ensure there is long-term certainty for jobs and the economy.” Voters in the seats of Hobart, Elwick and Prosser will go to the polls on May 4.

The Hyne Timber Tumbarumba Mill has begun construction on the largest new site asset since the mill was purchased and re-developed in 2001. Source: Timberbiz The new storage facility will be 4700m2 with the capacity to store 4000m3 timber known in the process as ‘Rough Sawn, Kiln Dried’ (RSKD) material. With development approval granted earlier in the year, Albury based Joss Construction has been appointed to undertake the build. The project is expected to inject over $5,000,000 into the regional economy with local trades and suppliers being prioritised in accordance with the company’s procurement rules. Site preparation has commenced with construction expected to be completed in September 2024. National Projects and Reliability Manager, Darren Wright, said the construction project is critical investment as part of the ongoing bushfire recovery challenges, “With the reduction in log volume as a direct result of the 2019/20 bushfires, it is imperative we protect our products from adverse weather exposure in order to extract the maximum value. his storage facility will assist in achieving this,” he said. “Being able to utilise both NSW Government and Australian Government bushfire recovery funding to help us meet the construction costs, this has made this critical infrastructure investment possible. “I would like to thank the Australian, NSW and local government for all the levels of support this project has received noting the benefits it will bring to both the site, and the increased volumes of higher-grade timber for the construction sector,” Mr Wright said. The project has been funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and the Australian Government Forestry Recovery Development Fund. The Tumbarumba community can expect to see increased activity around the site and amongst the town over coming months as this construction gets underway with up to 30 additional jobs created to undertake the project.

The High Court of Australia has rejected an appeal by environmental activist group Blue Derby Wild to halt logging in a forest near Derby in the Tasmania’s north-east. Source: Timberbiz Chief Justice Stephen Gageler ruled that the group had no special interest in the case beyond general concerns about logging. Blue Derby Wild had applied for special leave to appeal a decision made earlier this month in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, but its application was refused. The Mercury reported that the High Court refusal meant Tasmania’s state government forester, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, has free reign to immediately continue logging the two coupes that have now been the subject of a dispute lasting years. Sitting in Canberra, the most senior judge in Australia said he agreed with the Full Court of the Supreme Court of Tasmania that Blue Derby Wild did not have “standing” to take part in the fight. Chief Justice of Australia Stephen Gageler said as a result, he would not hear an appeal from Blue Derby Wild. The Mercury reported that meant the environmental group cannot contest STT’s logging plans, as it did not have a special interest in the logging operations or was a “person aggrieved”, other than being a group supporting the broad notion of environmental protection. The ruling also means Blue Derby Wild will not get to argue its long-held “conflict of interest” and bias case that STT employees wore “two hats” by simultaneously working for the Forest Practices Authority and by certifying their own plans for logging the coupes. Sustainable Timber Tasmania welcomed Tuesday’s decision after a four-year delay due to legal challenges and plans to commence logging as soon as possible. Pulse Tasmania reported that Blue Derby Wild Campaign Coordinator Louise Morris expressed disappointment at the ruling, saying that it restricts the ability of community groups to defend natural places. Despite the “setback”, the group told Pulse Tasmania it would continue its longstanding campaign to end native forest logging. Resources Minister Eric Abetz praised the High Court decision, saying it was welcome news for the forestry industry that supports the livelihoods of over 5,000 Tasmanians. “The decision provides further confidence that Tasmania’s forest practices system is well-managed, robust and best practice,” he said. “It also further underlines the extreme extent that green groups are prepared to go in their efforts to end sustainable native forestry, at great expense to the taxpayer.” He said Tasmania’s forestry families could rest assured the Tasmanian Government would always back them.