Forest Products Industry

A 56% decline in China’s softwood sawlog imports between 2021 and 2024 was driven in large part by its weakened economy, compounded by supply-side constraints including Russia’s 2022 log export ban and Central Europe’s spruce bark beetle infestation. Source: ResourceWise With a high dependence on New Zealand logs making it vulnerable to future shortages, China is also shifting towards sustainable, engineered wood construction practices while exploring the construction potential of its domestic timber resource. China’s economy in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025 expanded by 5.2% year-over-year, down from 5.4% in the prior two quarters. Overall economic growth in China is forecast to slow to about 4.5% in 2025 from 5.0% in 2024, and further decline in 2026 to a little over 4.0%. The real estate industry contributes more than a quarter of China’s GDP, but the market hit a crisis caused by the collapse of several major developers starting in 2021 when Evergrande defaulted on more than US$300 billion. Another huge property developer, Country Garden, collapsed soon after. The crisis threatened to drag down the Chinese economy despite the government’s efforts to revive the sector. There have been some early, uneven signs this year that the real estate market has hit bottom, but it will continue to weigh on the Chinese economy until it recovers, which forecasts suggest will be 2026-2027. According to WoodMarket Prices (WMP) data, 2021 was the peak year for China’s softwood sawlog imports, at 66 million m3. In 2022, import volumes declined by 42% and, in 2024, they were 56% lower than in 2021, at 28.6 million m3. The real estate collapse and the weak Chinese economy were not the only factors in the import decline. Central Europe’s spruce bark beetle infestation and a Russian log export ban since 2022 played a role. Germany supplied 17.4 million m3, or 26%, of China’s softwood sawlog imports in the peak year of 2021. By 2023, that volume had declined to a little over 4 million m3 and it fell by another 68% in 2024, according to WMP data. Russia in 2021, before the log export ban was implemented in January 2022, supplied China with 3.6 million m3 of softwood sawlogs. Of China’s 2024 total import of softwood sawlogs, New Zealand supplied almost 20 million m3, or 70%. The US was the second biggest supplier, with 1.8 million m3, then Canada with 1.5 million m3. Compared with 2023, China’s softwood sawlog imports from New Zealand were up by 5%, imports from the US were 13% higher, and volumes from Canada increased by 36%. In 2024, China accounted for 91% of New Zealand’s softwood sawlog exports. However, New Zealand’s abundant radiata pine forests, planted in the 1990s, are reaching maturity, raising questions about future log export supplies. After about 2030, radiata pine harvest volumes are expected to decline, which will likely affect softwood sawlog exports. Meanwhile, investment in New Zealand’s domestic processing capacity could also ultimately affect log trade. China’s appetite for imported softwood sawlogs further into the future could be influenced by its own significant investment in plantation-grown timber, particularly eucalyptus to feed its expanding pulp industry, but also softwoods that could be used in construction. Government regulations and building codes in China support sustainable import decline. After about 2030, radiata pine harvest volumes are expected to decline,which will likely affect softwood sawlogexports. Meanwhile, investment in New Zealand’s domestic processing capacity could also ultimately affect log trade. China’s appetite for imported softwood sawlogs further into the future could be influenced by its own significant investment in plantation-grown timber, particularly eucalyptus to feed its expanding pulp industry, but also softwoods that could be used in construction. Government regulations and building codes in China support sustainable construction practices and there has been a shift to increased use of engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) in construction. In addition, Harbin Institute of Technology is exploring the use of fast growing species such as Northeast Larch for rural construction projects in an effort to harmonize modern construction technologies with traditional building methods, Sustainable Construction Review reported in January. China’s domestic timber resource is not close to meeting the country’s substantial demand for wood. There are also challenges in dispelling some negative perceptions about wood construction among the Chinese public and some builders, requiring a need to promote it as both environmentally friendly and safe. However, with continued investment in timber plantations and research under way on the use of engineered wood in large buildings as well as finding practical, low-cost solutions for rural housing, domestic timber likely has the potential to play a bigger role in  the Chinese construction sector in future.

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Next generation Tigercat feller bunchers come with major upgrades for the operator. The Tigercat H-series feller bunchers are set to enter regular production next month Source: Timberbiz The three-model line-up includes the 720H, 724H and 726H. The wheelbase of all three machines has been increased by 4.5 in (115 mm) and the physical size of the 720H and 724H remains identical. The increased wheelbase, along with a built-in 900 lb (410 kg) rear bumper, improves handling and stability while decreasing the turn radius for increased agility in tight stands.

The primary differentiator between the three models is engine horsepower. When equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Tier 4f engine, the 720H is rated at 203 hp (151 kW), the 724H is rated at 246 hp (183 kW), and the 726H is rated at 285 hp (212 kW). The common operator’s cabin has been completely redesigned with increased interior volume, resulting in more legroom, additional storage and a roomier feel. Operator sightlines have been improved with a front windshield that is 27% larger and rear quarter windows that are 40% larger. Visibility is further augmented by the dual camera rearVIEW system. For upward visibility, the skylight is 40% larger and installed directly on a ¾ in (20 mm) forward sloping roof plate to easily shed debris. The operator can easily access the outside of the front window area for cleaning.

Simplified joysticks with programmable buttons allow the operator to customize controls for the clamp and accumulator arms, saw, differential locks, and drive functions. The roof-mounted A/C system, common with the 600H series skidders, improves cooling performance and comfort. Another major change for the H-series feller bunchers is a new hydraulic system option. Loggers will now have the choice of the tried-and-true gear pump system, or the new piston pump load sense system for improved multifunctioning. Both system choices maintain the use of pilot operated joysticks for boom and steer control. New in-tank hydraulic filtration extends service intervals up to 2,000 hours. Maintenance and service improvements include a larger engine air filter, a more conveniently located manual fuel fill port, an optional ground level fuelling system and improved access to the hydraulic pumps and electrical systems.  

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Cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufactured from reclaimed wood is no longer just a sustainability ideal thanks to Stora Enso and the EU Woodcircles project, circular CLT is real, and the next frontier is scaling it. Source: Timberbiz A milestone in the EU Woodcircles project marks a significant achievement for Stora Enso, as the company has successfully produced a CLT panel entirely from reclaimed wood within the EU-funded Woodcircles project. This achievement, realised at the Ybbs Mill in Austria, marks a major step forward in the transition to circular construction and demonstrates the potential of up-scaled timber in high-performance applications. Woodcircles is a four-year Horizon Europe initiative involving 20 partners across the continent. It explores how wood can be reused, re-engineered, and reintroduced into the built environment without compromising structural integrity or design flexibility. The process began with a batch of reclaimed wood, collected by a project partner, Enemærke & Petersen A/S which was processed into standard boards in Ybbs, Austria. These panels were then sorted, planed, and turned into CLT lamellas, thin timber layers used in CLT production. In collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), Stora Enso manufactured two full-size CLT master panels: one made entirely from reclaimed wood, and another hybrid panel combining reclaimed and virgin timber. These panels will form the structural core of a modular demonstration building that will be assembled, dismantled, and reassembled in cities across Europe. They will showcase the viability of circular timber construction in real-world settings. “The process looked straightforward on paper, but in practice it involved a steep learning curve,” said Michael Harm, Stora Enso’s project lead for Woodcircles. “There’s increasing pressure to move from linear to circular material use, and this project is helping us take meaningful steps in that direction.” While the panels represent a technical success, scaling up production poses significant challenges. Reclaimed wood can vary widely in quality, may contain contaminants, and is not consistently available in the quantity or grade required. Sorting, cleaning and grading demand new industrial processes, as well as fresh supply chain actors capable of delivering uniform-quality reclaimed timber at scale to manufacturers like Stora Enso. “This is just the beginning,” Harm notes. “We’ve proven it can be done but scaling it will require innovation across the entire value chain—from demolition practices to digital tracking of material provenance.” The project also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Engineers, architects, researchers, and manufacturers must work together to develop standards, tools, and systems that support circularity without compromising performance. The next phase of Woodcircles focuses on Design for Manufacture, Assembly, and Disassembly (DFMAD), a concept that enables buildings to be taken apart and reused with minimal waste. Stora Enso, collaborating with Waugh Thistleton Architects and other partners will develop a standardised component-based mass timber building that can be reused across multiple life cycles. “From October 2025 to spring 2026, we will work with Stora Enso and other consortium partners, as well as the valuable input of the cities of Turin, Rotterdam and Tartu, to construct the first DFMAD demonstrator building using the reclaimed CLT panels. “The demonstrator will showcase high-value recycled timber materials as well as demonstrate the benefits of adaptability and reuse of building systems. Once complete, the structure will tour partner cities, serving as a mobile showcase of circular timber design,” said Kirsten Haggart of Waugh Thistleton Architects. The building will not only demonstrate material reuse but also incorporate smart monitoring systems to track performance, durability, and environmental impact over time. “To prove the concept of upcycling wood waste, the journey began in Denmark, continued in Austria, and will extend through collaboration with our UK partners, culminating in a demonstrator across Torino, Tartu, and Rotterdam. This pilot paves the way for our transformative ‘Urban Sawmill’ initiative, positioning Woodcircles as a model of sustainable construction’s future” said María Teresa López Bertani, Communications Officer for Woodcircles. The buildings of tomorrow may arrive disassembled, again and again. Stora Enso’s achievement is a reminder that circularity in construction is not a distant ideal it’s a practical challenge that can be met with the right mix of innovation, collaboration, and persistence. “We’re proud to have taken this first step,” says Harm. “But the real work lies ahead, scaling the process, refining the technology, and building the ecosystem that makes circular timber construction the norm, not the exception.” “For the mass timber sector, the implications extend far beyond carbon accounting and storage. As the demand for sustainable construction materials continues to grow, the ability to reclaim structural timber from urban environments, effectively treating cities as secondary forests offers a powerful response. Not only does this conserve resources, reusing wood also supports biodiversity by reducing pressure on primary forest ecosystems. Projects like Woodcircles offer a glimpse into a future where engineered wood products are not just renewable but reusable,” said Essi Laapas, Sustainability Manager for Stora Enso.  

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In partnership with Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), OneFortyOne recently welcomed 18 Year 9 and 10 students from Grant High School to its Jubilee Sawmill for a hands-on Tool Skills Day, an initiative designed to build confidence and spark interest in timber and trade careers among young women. Source: Timberbiz The event was facilitated through the PINE Community Grants Program, which connected EWIT with OneFortyOne to deliver a practical and engaging experience. OneFortyOne Maintenance Manager Kyle Summers said the Tool Skills Day was a special opportunity to see beyond the gates and meet the Jubilee teams. “This year, we worked closely with EWIT and Grant High School to tailor the event specifically for Year 9 and 10 students, recognising the value of introducing career pathways early on,” Mr Summers said. The day began with an empowerment session led by EWIT, helping students build confidence and self-awareness, and a presentation from OneFortyOne foresters Robyn Patient and Chloe Mackenzie. They then rotated through mechanical and electrical activities with Jubilee’s maintenance team, using tools to build and test their creations. A behind-the-scenes sawmill tour gave the group a close-up look at timber processing and the technology behind it, with the day wrapping up with a career pathways talk by Julie Tipene from SYC. “I enjoyed talking to the employees about how they got into their careers, their pathways and what they do and don’t like about their jobs,” Chelsea said. “The tour was also really interesting because we got to see how the wood was processed and see how the activities we did would relate to real jobs in the mill.” “I liked the mechanical activity, and when the people talked through what each part was used for. Once you put it together, you could see that in action,” Aynslee said. “Also, seeing how much of the process in the mill is done by machines and electrical systems, it’s not just about physical strength anymore. There are opportunities for all kinds of people.” Both students expressed interest in pursuing trade careers, with Chelsea considering cabinetry and architecture, and Aynslee planning to gain experience as a diesel mechanic before joining her family’s business. “I think this sort of stuff should be held very often,” Chelsea said. “It was really cool to see how it all works, and I think there’d be lots of interest for girls to explore different trades and pathways, even if they don’t know what they want to do.” Kyle said the day was a valuable way to connect with a different group, especially in an industry with a long history of male representation. “There’s no shortage of ability – it’s about making sure people can see what’s possible,” Mr Summers said. “Opportunities like this give students a chance to explore different pathways they might not have considered and help break down the idea that trades and timber jobs are only for a certain type of person.” OneFortyOne’s apprenticeship program is now open, taking applications for electricians and mechanical fitters. Applications close 19 September 2025; for more information, visit Job Vacancies – OneFortyOne. Visit https://onefortyone.com/careers/job-vacancies  

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The domestic firewood collection season opened this month, but just on two weeks in, there is no firewood to collect in the designated areas. Source: Timberbiz Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said government policy and nothing else had led to the firewood shortages. “To give some idea of the lack of understanding, we have an environment minister who recently described firewood as a ‘limited resource’, which as locals know is just a load of rubbish,” Mr Bull said. “In reality, we have near-record levels of bush fuel building up, which is deeply concerning as we head into another summer. “You would think any Minister paying attention could see that we have both a firewood shortage and excessive forest debris, and realise that with sensible policy, one problem could help solve the other. “However, we are left with near-record levels of forest debris and tightly policed collection areas that prevent community members from accessing the firewood they need. “The Environment Minister, Steve Dimopoulos, amazingly did not envisage when the government closed down the native timber industry, our major supplier of firewood, it would create a shortage. “Even worse, now that it has become apparent, he has failed to act. Some simple solutions like more collection areas, extended collection seasons and restoration of coupes to firewood contractors would help solve the issue. “All the while, fuel continues to build up in the bush and the government has completed less than a quarter of the fuel reduction burns recommended by the Royal Commission to keep our communities safe. “It can only end one way, the same way it did in 2019/20 – with a megafire, there is no other outcome. When it does, the Greens will shout ‘climate change’ from the rafters, but the real reason will be fuel loads as we have not heeded the advice of the Royal Commission or learnt our lessons from five years ago,” he said.  

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The forestry industry contributes around $5.2 billion to the Victorian economy and supports more than 25,000 local and regional jobs, according to a new study commissioned by Forest & Wood Products Australia. Source: Timberbiz The Economic Contribution of the Forestry Industry in Victoria report found the industry contributes to jobs, economic activity and social wellbeing in regional communities and across the state. These benefits were measured across the supply chain – from the growing and harvesting of plantations, to primary and secondary processing of logs – and encompassed wood products such as sawn timber for use in construction, appearance products such as flooring and decking, woodchips for export, pulp and paper. Analysing the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years, the report attributed $5.2 billion in direct output from the industry. $1.3 billion of this came from the primary processing stages with $3.9 billion generated across the rest of the supply chain. Similarly, around 9,300 jobs are supported up to the point of sale of primary processed products, followed by more than 15,700 full-time jobs downstream in the supply chain. FWPA’s Manager of Statistics and Economics, Erick Hansnata said the report supports decision makers and communities with a clear evidence base. “This study provides an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of the forest industry’s economic contribution in Victoria,” he said. “It will serve as a key reference for the industry and communities in understanding and recognising the sector’s value, particularly in identifying where forestry contributes most to regional employment and economic activity.” CEO of the Victorian Forest Products Association, Andrew White echoed this statement, saying by quantifying flow-on employment, the report underlines forestry’s role as a foundational industry for regional Victoria. “This report shows the incredible multiplier effect of Victoria’s wood fibre industry. For every person directly employed, up to three more jobs are created across transport, manufacturing, and regional services,” he said. “It’s proof that our industry doesn’t just grow sustainable timber – it grows whole communities and local economies right across the state. “In total, more than 25,000 Victorian jobs rely on our industry every year.” Beyond producing fibre for processing, Victoria’s forests also create the setting for a diverse range of activities that bring extra value to regional communities. Grazing, beekeeping, bushwalking, camping, mountain biking, hunting, tourism and even firewood collection all take place on forestry land, creating jobs, drawing visitors and supporting local livelihoods. While the economic value of these activities wasn’t measured in this report, they highlight how forestry’s contribution extends well beyond timber to touch everyday life across regional Victoria. Download the full report from the FWPA website at https://fwpa.com.au/report/economic-contribution-of-the-forestry-industry-to-victoria

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From 20–26 September, retailers, NGOs, forest managers, manufacturers and consumers across Australia and New Zealand will come together for FSC Forest Week to highlight solutions and inspire action. Source: Timberbiz This year’s theme, “Do One Thing for Forests,” calls on everyone to take steps that add up to meaningful change. For consumers, that might mean choosing FSC-certified products or spreading the word. For businesses, it’s sourcing and stocking responsibly. And for forest managers, it’s their ongoing commitment to maintaining forests to FSC’s rigorous standards. Together, these actions protect forests and the people and wildlife that depend on them. Support for FSC Forest Week continues to build. In 2024, the campaign was backed by major retailers and NGOs, including Big W, Hallmark, Officeworks, Coles Group, ALDI, Mitre 10 New Zealand, Visy and WWF Australia. In 2025, even broader participation is expected, as organisations recognise the role FSC certification plays in meeting consumer demand for credible and sustainable supply chains. Reflecting on the campaign, Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand, said, “FSC Forest Week is about turning awareness into action. From forest managers caring for FSC-certified forests, to businesses sourcing and stocking responsibly, to consumers choosing certified products, every action makes a difference. Together, our community of certificate holders, members, licence holders and conscious consumers is driving responsible forestry to ensure forests thrive for generations to come”. FSC ANZ is encouraging everyone to get involved during FSC Forest Week by looking for the FSC label when they shop and sharing the message online with the hashtag #FSCForestWeek. Every choice counts and together, we can do one thing for forests.

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Carter Holt Harvey is planning to close its plywood manufacturing plant in Tokoroa, at the cost of up to 119 full-time jobs. Source: Stuff The announcement comes after the Kinleith pulp and paper mill in Tokoroa announced the closure its paper-making operation earlier this year, with about 150 jobs lost. E tū delegate Andrew Dobbs, who has worked at Carter Holt Harvey in Tokoroa for 24 years, said staff were devastated. “It’s just really sad. We knew things were tough, but I didn’t expect them to stop manufacturing altogether. You’d say people are feeling sad and depressed – it’s not quite a closure, but there will be so few people left there, making nothing, just reprocessing imports to send to market. “Basically, imported product is just too cheap for us to compete with, that’s the guts of it. Personally, I don’t want to move out of town, but that might be the only choice we’ve got. “You already know that the pulp and paper mill has cut jobs, they’ve either moved out or are looking for jobs. Now there’s going to be a whole lot more people looking for jobs locally, but there aren’t that many jobs at present, not for that many people.” The E Tū union spokesperson for the site, Red Middlemiss, told the Waikato Times that staff and union members were informed on Monday that their jobs were on the line, and that the news came as a shock. Middlemiss said Carter Holt Harvey has already been importing plywood from Australia and a number of other countries, “and has found out that they can import it cheaper than they can make it here”. South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley told RNZ he was shocked. “This doesn’t help us one little bit,” he said. “I believe that staff were notified yesterday and were given time to go home and go over those issues with their family…” Petley told RNZ it sounded like a decision had already been made. He said Tokoroa was resilient, but help was needed from the Government. This comes as Carter Holt Harvey announced last week it will close its sawmill in Eves Valley, with the loss of 142 jobs. E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said that closure was a strategic decision that ignored the human cost.

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South Australia’s forest industries are poised to lead the charge toward a low-carbon fuel future, welcoming today’s announcement by the Federal Government of a $1.1 billion investment package to accelerate the development of low-carbon liquid fuels. Source: Timberbiz The package will support domestic cleaner fuel production for hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation, shipping, heavy transport, construction and mining. “The South Australian Forest Products Association acknowledges the Australian Government’s recognition of forestry residues as a key feedstock that can deliver renewable and sustainable fuel alternatives,” said Mr Nathan Paine, Chief Executive Officer of SAFPA. “Wood residues such as limbs and needles are often underutilised in the forestry sector. This investment represents a massive opportunity to convert those residues into renewable, sustainable alternative fuels that can power industries that are otherwise difficult to decarbonise.” At scale, forestry residue can be transformed into powerful low-emission fuels such as bio-methanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – helping to decarbonise international air transport and shipping, both identified as priority industries in Australia’s net zero pathway. “This isn’t theoretical – HAMR Energy, a leader in low carbon liquid fuel is already advancing, with commercial outcomes only a few years away and with the potential for South Australia to host their first facility,” Mr Paine said. “Bioenergy is a low-carbon liquid fuel source that can both drive a net-zero economy and reduce the nation’s reliance on imported fuels, with the forestry sector already leading by example through investments in renewable energy and wood-waste utilisation.” South Australian-based company OneFortyOne is a clear example of the sector’s leadership in decarbonising the sector. As the operator of Australia’s largest sawmill, OneFortyOne use an alternative renewable biomass to power its operations, showcasing just how diverse the forestry sector is when it comes to decarbonisation. “As South Australia’s forest industries celebrate its 150th anniversary, our forest industries continue to supply the essential, foundational fibre that keeps the economy moving and homes being built,” Mr Paine said. “We’re not just a key part of achieving our net zero ambitions but we’re also a practical part of decarbonising South Australia’s energy and fuel systems.” The Federal Government’s package is designed to strengthen Australia’s energy security and position the nation as a global leader in sustainable fuels. According to Bioenergy Australia’s Securing Our Fuel Future report, even with electrification, Australia will require 30 billion litres of liquid fuel annually by 2050. Without local production, more than 80% of this demand would need to be imported. According to independent analysis produced by Deloitte for BioEnergy Australia as well as the CEFC has shown that a mature renewable fuel industry could: Generate $36 billion in economic activity by 2050. Reduce emissions by 230 million tonnes. Create more than 26,000 jobs, many in regional Australia.   “South Australia’s forest industries are actively driving innovation and exploring new investments in renewable power, biomass technologies and clean fuels. “With the right policy settings, our sector can be at the heart of a new South Australian and national fuel industry, transforming residues into solutions that cut emissions, boost energy security and create jobs across the state,” Mr Paine said.

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Plans for a multi-purpose $715-million sports stadium at Hobart’s Macquarie Point which would have featured the largest timber roofed stadium in the world appear to have been scrapped. Source: Timberbiz A panel set up by the Tasmanian Planning Commission on Wednesday morning recommended parliament reject the $1bn-plus project, concluding: “The benefits are outweighed by the disbenefits …The Panel recommends that the project should not proceed”. Construction of the venue is a condition of Tasmania’s licence for AFL and AFLW entry in 2028. “The panel has concluded that the benefits are outweighed by the disbenefits,” the report said. “Proceeding with the project will give rise to irrevocable and unacceptable adverse impacts on Hobart’s spatial and landscape character, urban form and historic cultural heritage,” it says. “In addition, the project represents a significant net cost and will diminish the economic welfare of Tasmanians as a whole, and it offers almost no scope for the site to become a vibrant active place that is attractive to visit outside of major event mode. “In very simple terms, the stadium is too big for the site and the benefits it will bring are significantly outweighed by the disbenefits it creates. “The panel’s cost benefit analysis shows that the construction and operation of the stadium results in a substantial net social cost to the Tasmanian community. Among the other findings: The size, shape and location of the site is ill-suited to a building like the stadium – a singular, large, bulky monolith which will overwhelm those surrounding buildings and the setting. Proceeding with the project will give rise to irrevocable and unacceptable adverse impacts on Hobart’s spatial and landscape character, urban form and historic cultural heritage. The panel has concluded that the adverse effects are unacceptable. The project will not be a ‘fair’ development in that it (principally parts and features of the stadium) will extensively and irreparably damage the historic cultural heritage of the heritage listed buildings in Hunter Street and the Engineers building, and most particularly, the Cenotaph. The project represents a significant net cost and will diminish the economic welfare of Tasmanians as a whole, and it offers almost no scope for the site to become a vibrant active place that is attractive to visit outside of major event mode.   The concept designs were completed just eight weeks after Australian firm Cox Architecture, which has been involved in Australia’s last four major oval stadiums including Perth Stadium and the redeveloped Adelaide Oval, was awarded the $37.9m contract as the lead architect in early May. The fixed, dome-shaped roof was an important part of the design. “The transparent roof, which is supported by an internal steel and timber frame, provides an opportunity to showcase Tasmanian timber,” Tasmania’s Sport and Events Minister Nic Street said when the plans were released.

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