Forest Products Industry

Ten of the UK’s “toughest” trees, from an oak that survived a plane crash to a yew hit by a cannonball, have been shortlisted for this year’s Tree of the Year award. The Woodland Trust said its annual competition aimed to celebrate and raise awareness for rare, ancient or at-risk trees across the country. Source: BBC An oak tree in Rutland that was hit by a World War Two bomber and a yew in Surrey which could be 4,000 years old and was struck by a cannonball in the English Civil War are among the final 10 contenders for the title. Actor and nature podcaster David Oakes, a Woodland Trust ambassador, said the nominees had “defied the odds in extraordinary ways”. Of the 10 shortlisted, a panel of experts selected eight trees of differing ages and species, while the public chose two as wildcard entries. The public can vote for their favourite tree until late September via the Woodland Trust website, and the winner will be announced in early October – before progressing to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year finals. The aptly named “Bomber Oak” in Rutland features a slight dip in the top of the canopy as well as twisted misshapen branches after it was hit by a Lancaster Bomber during World War Two. The tree was also nearly lost some decades later when a water company sought to install pipes in a field. The Bollihope Burn Birch in County Durham has also been nominated. It is perched “precariously off a cliff” in an area once dominated by industry, including quarries, lime kilns, mines and a goods railway. Another shortlisted tree – the Crowhurst Yew in Surrey – survived a direct hit from a Civil War cannonball that villagers later discovered in 1820. A different plucky yew in Devon is up for contention because of its location at the top of a church tower overlooking Culmstock Village, where it has been for some 200 years. Another nominee, the “Preston Twin” in Brighton – is said to be the world’s oldest English elm and has lived four centuries despite the threat of Dutch elm disease, which killed another specimen of the same age that stood nearby. A wildcard selection for the list is the Donnington Oak, in West Berkshire, which stands between a small patch of forest and the ruined walls of Donnington Castle. The Woodland Trust said it was a young established tree during the English Civil War and survived unscathed during the castle’s gruelling siege and bombardment. Another wildcard selected by the public is the Balloch Castle ash, which stands on the lawn of the semi-derelict castle by Loch Lomond and is more than 150 years old. The trust said it had experienced a lightning strike, multiple storms, ash dieback, footfall from millions of visitors and an Oasis concert. The “Bendy Tree” in Newcastle, Northern Ireland – a much-loved wych elm along the town’s seaside promenade that grows almost horizontally after withstanding more than a century of the harsh coastal conditions – has also been nominated. Another nominee includes an oak, which stands alone in the Ynys-hir nature reserve in mid-Wales overlooking the Dyfi estuary, the Cambrian Mountains. The “Earlstoun Lightning Oak” in Dumfries and Galloway made the list, not only for its stature but for surviving a lightning strike. Oakes added: “Most things survive by fleeing … a tree, rooted for life to a single patch of ground, doesn’t get that option. “So, trees have perfected the opposite: the art of weathering whatever arrives. But a few are frankly show-offs. “The 10 nominees for Tree of the Year have all defied the odds in extraordinary ways, from clinging to cliffs and church towers, to enduring collisions and cannonballs.” May Chemais, who runs the Ancient Tree Inventory at the Woodland Trust, said: “Trees can be both tough and flexible, as the shortlist proves. “We hope people will enjoy discovering all the incredible stories of resilience behind our nominees this year.”

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Ho Chi Minh City is building a transparent wood supply chain, and traceability of forest products to meet the new regulations of the EU. Source: DanViet Ho Chi Minh City has approved the Forestry Management Program in the period of 2026-2030, aiming to digitize the entire area of production forests, traceability of forest products according to the supply chain and strengthen the control of wood processing and trading activities to meet the increasingly strict regulations of the international market. The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has issued a decision approving the Forestry Products Management Program in the City in the period of 2026-2030 to improve the effectiveness of state management, strengthen the control of forest products supply chain, conserve biodiversity and support enterprises to adapt to the new requirements of the export market. According to the program, Ho Chi Minh City currently has more than 1,000 wood processing enterprises operating in industrial parks, export processing zones and industrial clusters. The woodworking industry has contributed positively to economic growth, job creation, increased export turnover and promoted many supporting industries. However, the wood processing industry still faces many difficulties when it is heavily dependent on imported raw materials, the cost of production is high, lack of high-quality plantation materials, while export activities are affected by the decline in the demand of the world market and the increasingly strict requirements on legal timber traceability, forest certificates and carbon credits. In particular, the European Union’s Anti-Forest Loss Regulation (EUDR) requires agricultural, and forest products imported into this market to ensure that there is no origin from deforestation or forest degradation. This is considered an urgent requirement that enterprises and management agencies must build a transparent supply chain, strictly controlling forest products. The program aims to support the construction of sustainable production planting databases, improving the effectiveness of state management for importing, exporting, manufacturing, processing and trading forest products; at the same time, inspecting and classifying timber enterprises, minimizing violations and strengthening the management of wildlife farming activities. One of the outstanding objectives is the construction and deployment of supply chain traceability systems to each planting area, associated with geographic coordinates and planting area codes for EUDR-implemented industries. The city also aims to be 100% digitized production forest area, granting planting area codes and forest certificates; setting up applications for forestry forces and forest owners to declare forest products online. In addition, 100% of organizations, enterprises, production, processing, trading and import and export of timber and forest products will be fully disseminating the regulations on management, inspection and traceability of forest products; at the same time, it is managed and supported legally on the basis of information technology application. The city also aims to detect, strictly handle and gradually eliminate the points of sale, transportation, storage, processing, trading in forest products and illegal wildlife. To accomplish the above objectives, Ho Chi Minh City will build an information system and database for the classification of wood processing enterprises; deploy traceability according to the supply chain; apply information technology and geographic information systems (GIS) in the management of production, processing, trading and forest products, integrating into the shared database of the city. The city also strengthens inspection and control of production, processing and trading of forest products; regularly review establishments with signs of violations, identifying key areas, hot spots for illegal wildlife to organize inspection and processing according to regulations. Every year, it will organize an inspection plan for enterprises producing, processing, trading in forest products and establishments for wildlife. According to the decision of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Agriculture and Environment shall lead the implementation of the program, coordinate with the departments, branches, People’s Committees of communes, wards and special zones of Con Dao to organize; At the same time, periodically inspect and synthesize the results, advise the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to handle the difficulties and obstacles arising in the implementation process.

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A new study led by Japanese researchers from Tohoku University and National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) reveals that some of the minerals most essential for green technologies may have a significantly negative impact on biodiversity. Using remote sensing and machine learning, the scientists produced an unprecedented global map of mined commodities. Source: Timberbiz Combining this map with public datasets on forest loss and species extinction risk, they then quantified how the extraction of these commodities is reshaping forests and biodiversity worldwide. Analyzing approximately 70,000 mining sites across 20 commodities, the study found that mining activities caused the loss of 16,268 km² of forest between 2001 and 2022, an area roughly comparable to the size of Beijing, with the majority of that loss occurring in rainforests in the Amazon, Southeast Asia, and the Congo Basin. “Advances in remote sensing and machine learning offer new opportunities for automated analysis of mining at a global scale. The transition to green technologies is driving demand for a different set of minerals, but there is insufficient data to fully understand the environmental implications,” explained Keiichiro Kanemoto, an associate professor at Tohoku University and author of the study. While the study shows that commodities such as gold and coal remain the largest drivers of deforestation, it reveals a different pattern when biodiversity is considered. Green energy minerals such as lithium show some of the highest biodiversity risks despite being associated with lower levels of forest loss. This contrast highlights a critical shift: while traditional mining has been defined by large-scale deforestation, the extraction of minerals central to the energy transition may exert subtle – but equally serious – pressures on ecologically sensitive habitats. For example, lithium extraction in salt-flat and wetland environments can disrupt fragile ecosystems and endanger species despite minimal visible deforestation. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are indispensable for technologies like electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, yet their extraction can impose substantial environmental costs. The findings highlight the need to balance decarbonization goals with biodiversity protection, particularly as demand for these materials is expected to rise in the coming decades. The resulting dataset offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. Governments can use the data to design targeted, commodity-specific environmental regulations, while companies can better anticipate policy shifts and assess risks within their supply chains. By identifying which commodities and regions carry the greatest environmental costs, the research supports more informed decision-making toward sustainable resource use. “This study represents a major step forward in understanding the true global footprint of mining and demonstrates that the path to a greener future must also account for the hidden environmental costs of the materials that make it possible,” Kanemoto said.

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This Sunday morning, in parks, paddocks and backyards across the country, thousands of Australians will kneel in the winter soil and plant a tree. Planet Ark’s National Tree Day turns 30 this year, and Australians have planted almost 28 million trees through the event since 1996. Source: Timberbiz Schools get their turn a little earlier, with Schools Tree Day from Friday 24 July 2026. The scientists, professionals and growers who manage Australia’s forests would like those trees to still be standing for generations to come, and that is why Forestry Australia has released its top nine tips for planting a tree that thrives. Whether a seedling grows into a healthy, mature tree is determined largely by what happens before planting and in the months and years that follow. Careful preparation, selecting the right tree for the right place and consistent follow-up care are as important as the enthusiasm of planting day. “Planting a tree is something anyone can do to make a positive and enduring difference for your community and environment. Our handy tips for tree planting ahead of National Tree Day will help to make sure your efforts continue to have an impact for many years to come,” Forestry Australia Director and tree grower Leon Holt said. Here are the top nine tips from the experts. Get to know your area. Before choosing a tree, take time to understand the conditions. Consider annual rainfall, seasonal temperatures, exposure to frost, heat or drought, and the kind of soil you are working with. Check before you plant. Make sure you have permission to plant, especially on public, rented or shared land. Keep well clear of buildings, boundaries, powerlines, roads and underground services. Choose the right species. The right tree in the right place has the best chance of thriving. Select a species suited to your local climate, soil, available space and intended purpose, whether that is shade, habitat, shelter, food production or visual appeal. Your local nursery can offer valuable advice. Decide between seedlings and advanced trees. Small seedlings are often easier to establish and can adapt quickly to their new environment. Larger, more advanced trees provide immediate impact but generally require more careful planting, watering and maintenance. Pick the right spot. Look closely at the conditions within your planting site. Sunlight, shade, wind, moisture and competition from nearby vegetation can vary considerably across a small area. Avoid planting too close to established trees, where your seedling will compete for water, nutrients and light. Prepare the site. Preparation makes a significant difference to survival and growth. Loosen compacted soil so air and water can move through the profile, remove competing weeds and consider whether protection from grazing animals, wildlife or other pests will be needed. Plant with care. Follow the planting and care instructions from your local nursery or tree supplier. Handle roots gently, plant at the correct depth, firm the soil carefully and avoid burying the trunk. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and involve family, friends or your local community. Water and protect. Newly planted trees need reliable moisture while their roots establish. Water deeply during dry periods and use mulch to suppress weeds and slow evaporation, keeping it clear of the trunk. A tree guard can also protect against animals, wind and accidental damage. Keep caring for it. Planting day is only the beginning. Regular watering, weed control, inspection and protection during the first few years can greatly improve a tree’s chance of reaching maturity, and a little attention early on can deliver joy and benefits for decades.   A tree planted this weekend will still need care next summer, and for many summers to come. The trees that thrive are generally those that someone continues to watch, protect and nurture. The same is true of Australia’s forests, which need ongoing, active and adaptive management to stay healthy and resilient. That is the everyday work of Forestry Australia’s members, who draw on science, practical experience and local knowledge to care for our forests now and into the future.

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nxzen has announced that it has been awarded the LiDAR Acquisition – North Coast Native Forest, Plantation and Habitat Monitoring Areas contract by Forestry Corporation of NSW. Source: Timberbiz The project will see nxzen deliver high-resolution airborne LiDAR and four-band aerial imagery across significant areas of Forestry Corporation’s plantation estate throughout northern New South Wales. The captured data, together with a range of derived datasets, will be delivered through Cognitive Earth, nxzen’s Digital Reality Platform, providing secure access to critical geospatial intelligence that supports informed operational and strategic decision-making. Cognitive Earth is nxzen’s operational infrastructure intelligence platform, bringing together engineering-grade LiDAR, imagery, IoT, SCADA, digital network models and other critical datasets into a single, integrated operational view. nxzen says the platform underpins its Virtual Communities initiative, enabling organisations to unlock greater value from shared intelligence to address complex challenges including bushfire risk mitigation, vegetation management, canopy analysis, flood modelling and long-term infrastructure resilience. Through this partnership, Forestry Corporation of NSW will leverage high-quality spatial data to support forest inventory, yield estimation, operational planning and future analytical applications, creating a valuable digital asset for ongoing forestry management. “We are delighted to welcome Forestry Corporation of NSW to the nxzen Virtual Communities network and look forward to working together to deliver innovative, data- driven solutions that support sustainable forestry operations and improved environmental outcomes,” Dileep Viswanath, CEO nxzen Australia said.

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TasFarmers believes the $142 million sale of Rushy Lagoon, one of Tasmania’s largest farms, is now mired in so many unanswered governance questions that only one conclusion is available to the ordinary observer: the financial, funding and approval processes do not add up. Source: Timberbiz The organisation claims that months before the Treasurer Dr Chalmers approved the foreign purchase of Rushy Lagoon, the Commonwealth had already backed the buyer twice over. TasFarmers says that more than $8.8 million in grant funding was awarded under the Support Plantation Establishment program (SPEP), a program run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and announced by the Agriculture Minister, Tasmania’s own Julie Collins, in May 2026. Dr Chalmers announced the approval of the sale of Tasmania’s largest farm, Rushy Lagoon, to UK-based forestry investor Gresham House. The 22,000-hectare property will be converted from an agricultural estate into a $142 million pine plantation and carbon project. The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed the sale, saying the plantation project will expand Australia’s sovereign capability in sustainable timber production. The project will combine commercial softwood plantations on low productive land with large-scale conservation and ecological restoration and sustainable grazing. This is expected to provide a major boost to Tasmania’s forestry industry. The Radiata Pine trees produced by the project are expected to be processed locally by Tasmanian-based sawmills and supplied into the Australian market. TasFarmers President Nathan Cox said the growing number of serious financial questions could no longer be ignored. “It’s now obvious the project was inappropriately supported financially and guaranteed before FIRB and the Treasurer approved the sale of Rushy Lagoon,” he said. “TasFarmers first revealed approximately $69 million in taxpayer-backed finance was lined up through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which is itself a partner in the buying consortium. “Now there is more to this deal, and the Federal Agriculture Minister has signed off on another $8.8 million, taking the total taxpayer bill to $77.8 million swiped on the taxpayers’ credit card. “All of this happened while the Foreign Investment Review Board process was still underway, and while the buyer had no approval to purchase the land, no formalised contract and no settlement. It still has none of those things today,” Mr Cox said. “There was a smell already surrounding the deal, and it’s now rotting. We know the deal was bad and the process was crooked. Tasmanian farmers’ concerns were right. “Multiple Commonwealth arms appear to have supported the same transaction before the statutory approval process had run its course. “It appears that the Government ceased to act solely as an independent regulator and instead became financially invested in the outcome it was later required to judge. “The Federal Government’s ideology on this is driving the displacement of agriculture with trees. “Running hand in hand with that is the poor information coming from proponents of these schemes, which politicians and bureaucrats blindly believe against the national interest. The misinformation is not being checked because no consultation is being done,” Mr Cox said. Mr Cox said the proper checks and balances had failed, the Treasurer was committing to the wrong outcome, and it was all being done in the wrong way for Australia. “The clock is now ticking for the Treasurer to do the right thing by Australian voters and taxpayers. It’s time to put an immediate stop to the sale before the property settlement date passes,” Mr Cox said, TasFarmers listed the governance failures as: Grant money awarded against the program’s own rules. The SPEP requires applicants to demonstrate long-term access to the land. The recipient did not own Rushy Lagoon, had no approval to buy it and still has not settled. How was that criterion satisfied? The Government funded the buyer before deciding whether the buyer should be allowed to buy. Two arms of the Commonwealth financially committed to the sale before the arm responsible for approving it had decided. The approval process was compromised in appearance, if not in fact, before it concluded. A conflict of interest at the heart of the deal. The chair of the CEFC, financier and partner of the buyer, also sits on the board of FIRB, which advised the Treasurer to approve the purchase. No public account has been given of how that conflict was managed. Secrecy until it was too late. The identities of the parties behind the Tasmanian Natural Asset Trust were hidden until the day of approval, and officials refused to answer basic Senate questions, citing “commercial sensitivity” about a deal soaked in public money. Nobody in charge. The Agriculture Minister, a Tasmanian, has confirmed she delegated her review of the project to her department. No elected representative has answered for the whole of this transaction. $69 million dollars was approved without what we believe to be sufficient oversight. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has confirmed the $69 million investment was approved under delegated authority by its Investment Committee rather than its Board. Was the Treasurer misled?The most serious question of all is what the Treasurer was told. Did the FIRB application disclose that the buyer’s side had already applied for, and been awarded, Commonwealth grant money for planting on land it had no approved right to acquire? Did the grant application claim secure long-term access to land that the FIRB application acknowledged was uncertain?   TasFarmers says that if those two documents do not match, then a Commonwealth decision-maker was misled. If the Treasurer was misled in a material way, the law gives him express power to revoke this approval. He should use the next three weeks, before contracts are formalised and settlement occurs, to find out. TasFarmers wants: The Treasurer to immediately verify whether the FIRB application was complete and accurate, and to use his revocation power if it was not, before settlement. The Department of Agriculture to suspend all payments under the $8.8 million grant pending an eligibility review. The Auditor-General to audit the administration of the Support Plantation Establishment program. The Senate to order the production […]

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The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has appointed Drew Freeman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Freeman has had executive leadership experience across several of Tasmania’s key industries, including retail, transport, logistics and forestry. Source: Timberbiz Most recently, Mr Freeman served as Chief Executive Officer of Tasmanian Independent Retailers, where he led statewide advocacy, policy engagement and industry representation on behalf of more than 150 retailers. TFPA Independent Chair Sarah Courtney said that Mr Freeman brings a wealth of experience in political engagement, policy development, stakeholder management, leadership and industry advocacy. “Drew is an experienced senior executive, industry advocate and regional leader with more than 25 years’ experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder organisations across Tasmania,” she said. “He has an unwavering commitment to evidence-based advocacy and long-term industry sustainability, together with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.” Ms Courtney said Mr Freman’s previous senior roles within the forestry sector provided him with a strong understanding of the forestry value chain, market dynamics and regulatory environment. “Drew has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build trusted relationships with government, industry, regional communities and peak bodies,” she said. “His experience and leadership make him exceptionally well placed to lead TFPA into its next chapter.” Mr Freeman will start with TFPA on 27 July, working alongside outgoing CEO Nick Steel during a planned one-month transition period. Mr Steel, who announced earlier this year he intended to leave TFPA, will finish his tenure with TFPA on 21 August, following a structured handover that will ensure continuity for members, stakeholders and the organisation. Ms Courtney thanked Mr Steel for his outstanding leadership and significant contribution to the Association. “Nick has played a pivotal role in strengthening TFPA’s position as the trusted voice of Tasmania’s forest industry,” she said. “Under his leadership, the Association has built strong relationships across government, industry and the broader community, creating a solid foundation for the future. We sincerely thank Nick for his dedication and wish him every success in his next chapter.” Mr Freeman said he was excited to return to the forestry sector and work alongside TFPA’s members. “I am looking forward to once again working across the forest industry alongside our members and the Tasmanian businesses and communities connected to it,” he said. “With the ever-increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality Tasmanian timber, I am committed to uniting the full forestry value chain as the industry continues to evolve and advance towards a bright and sustainable future.” Mr Freeman said he was committed to building on the strong legacy established by Mr Steel. “Nick has done a tremendous job developing deep and trusted relationships across industry, government and the community. I look forward to building on that work by continuing to strengthen member representation, enhancing collaboration with State and Federal Governments, and helping our members navigate the significant regulatory changes facing the sector,” he said.

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Low-carbon liquid fuels company HAMR Energy, which is planning to turn Green Triangle forestry residues into jet fuel, has received a $32 million investment boost from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Source: Timberbiz Under the scheme residue from plantation forestry residues in the Green Triangle will be turned into green methanol in Portland. The green methanol will then be processed into sustainable aviation fuel at a facility in Gillman in Adelaide. It plans to process 300,000 tons of biomass per year from the Green Triangle to produce 200,000 tonnes of green methanol per year. The methanol would be then shipped to Melbourne and bunkered at the Port of Melbourne for use as fuel by the international shipping industry. OneFortyOne and HAMR Energy have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the supply of sustainable biomass. ARENA’s funding is in two stages, with $12.5 million available for the early Front End Engineering Design phase, and a further $19.5 million subject to HAMR Energy securing the necessary co-funding to commence the detailed design phase. Liquid fuels make up around half of Australia’s national energy use, and replacing these fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives can deliver a significant climate and economic opportunity. Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the best ways of reducing emissions from aviation, particularly on long-haul flights where alternatives are limited. Crucially, this volume of SAF could displace approximately 140 million litres of fossil fuels, abate around 390,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum and also facilitate approximately 4.5 million economy passenger trips between Adelaide and Melbourne each year. Feasibility work has been completed and HAMR Energy is progressing into Front-End Engineering Design and further development activities across the supply chain. ARENA will provide $12.5 million for the initial phase, with a further $19.5 million to support detailed FEED once HAMR has secured required project co-funding. HAMR Energy expects to create hundreds of construction jobs and more than 200 ongoing roles, while supporting new opportunities across plantation forestry, renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing and regional supply chains. HAMR Energy estimates that SAF produced from plantation forestry residues through its projects could reduce emissions by approximately 85 per cent compared with fossil fuels, offering some of the best carbon abatement of any feedstock. “This funding is a significant milestone in Australia building globally competitive domestic SAF industry,” HAMR Energy’s Co-founder, David Stribley, said. “Our projects bring together plantation forestry residues from the Green Triangle, Australian renewable energy and hydrogen, and proven methanol and refining technologies to produce lower-emissions aviation fuel at commercial scale. “The projects have the potential to strengthen Australia’s fuel security, reduce aviation emissions and create skilled jobs across construction, engineering, manufacturing and regional supply chains,” he said “We thank ARENA and the Australian Government for supporting the next stage of engineering and development work required to bring this nationally significant and strategically critical project closer to delivery.” SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said many were familiar with the substantial investments the state government had made in the Green Triangle and across the South East to ensure “every last ounce” of fibre produced was used productively and efficiently. “Taking that bio mass and turning it into sustainable aviation fuel represents one of the front end peak opportunities that we have to see yet more economic value added not just in regional South Australia but across the state more broadly using our incredible renewable energy resource,” Mr Malinauskas said. “This is using our fibre from the South East, trees being grown in and around Mount Gambier combining with our renewable energy to produce sustainable aviation fuel here in South Australia fuelling long-term jobs and a better outcome for our environment so it ticks every box. “The idea that a pine tree in Mount Gambier can be transformed into jet fuel to power planes is amazing.” He said Australia could not afford to rely indefinitely on imported liquid fuels with developing sovereign and sustainable aviation fuel production about “building greater national resilience” while also supporting the aviation industry and ensuring more of the “economic benefits” from the energy transition which would be created here at home. Federal minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said Australia’s foresters have always been innovators. “That is why our government is backing new opportunities through significant investments in low-carbon liquid fuel,” Ms Collins said. “This will mean more opportunities taking flight for our proud forestry industry, backing jobs in regional communities. “Producing more low-carbon liquid fuels right here in Australia doesn’t just benefit our fuel security and emissions reduction, it supports Australian foresters and our regions.”

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Portland looks set to be home to Australia’s first Blue Gum glue-laminated timber. Grown in sustainable plantations across the Portland region, Blue Gum is currently processed into woodchips for wood pulp and paper markets internationally. Source: Timberbiz The Future Portland Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study shows that Blue Gum could be used in-higher value construction products. Portland could create up to 74 full-time ongoing jobs and 150 construction jobs through this type of timber. Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora on Thursday announced the completion of the Future Portland Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study and the Future Portland dashboard. This was made possible by more than $500,000 from the Portland Diversification Fund. The findings will help the next stage of Portland’s Precinct development, backed by $1.75 million from the Victorian State Government, as well as funding from the Federal Labor Government. Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Karen Stephens said the completion of the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study, alongside Council’s Future Portland Project, demonstrated a proactive approach to understanding and preparing for future opportunities across Glenelg Shire. Portland is at the heart of the Green Triangle – Australia’s largest sustainable plantation forestry region, which stretches across the Victoria South Australia border. The new study will explore what could become Australia’s largest plantation hardwood and softwood processing precinct, with a hardwood peeling trial already underway. More than $50 billion has been delivered through the Allan Labor Government over the past decade to make our regions even better places to live, work, visit and study. Precinct Chair Russ Hughes said the project represented a “once-in-a-genera on opportunity for regional Victoria”. “This feasibility study demonstrates that the Green Triangle has a high-quality planta on resource available, industry capability and strategic location to become a leading centre for engineered timber manufacturing,” he said “Phase one of The Precinct has built a compelling investment case that creates greater value from our sustainably grown hardwood planta on resource while delivering long-term economic and manufacturing benefits for Victoria, and indeed the nation.” The project builds on more than five years of research managed by the GTFIH and supported by the Federal Government, focused on deriving more local value from traditionally exported wood fibre resources, both softwood and hardwood. Mr Hughes said the Victorian Government’s commitment had been instrumental in progressing the project from concept to investment readiness. “The Victorian Government has been a key partner throughout this journey, helping transform an ambitious idea into an investment-ready project that strengthens regional manufacturing, creating skilled local jobs for future generations,” Mr Hughes said. The next stage of The Precinct – supported by major Australian industry partners, funding from Australian Forest & Wood Innovations and additional funding support from the Victorian Government – will focus on the development of Laminated Veneer Lumber product, with production trials due to begin in August. Work is also ongoing to attract investment and advance detailed development planning for the site. “Portland has everything needed to become a major hub for advanced timber manufacturing – a skilled workforce, a strong forestry industry and a community ready to grow,” Regional Development and Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle said. “Victoria’s plantation forestry industry has enormous potential, and this study is an important step towards unlocking new markets for locally grown timber and creating jobs.” Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Independent Chair Dr Ruth Schubert said the completion of the Advanced Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study was an important milestone for both the Green Triangle and its communities.

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The New Zealand Government’s recent “Domestic Cement Production Secured” media announcement highlighted their view on the strategic importance of maintaining New Zealand’s domestic cement manufacturing capability. In explaining its decision to support Golden Bay Cement, the Government stated within the release that “Cement has no practical substitutes” and is needed for the construction of homes, hospitals, schools, roads, and other nationally significant infrastructure. Govt Press Release – Domestic Cement Production Secured While cement undoubtedly remains an important construction material, the assertion that it has no practical substitutes does not reflect the growing role of mass timber, lumber, and engineered wood products in modern construction. Across New Zealand and internationally, mass timber technologies such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) are increasingly being used as viable alternatives to concrete and steel in a wide range of building types. Homes, schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and multi-storey commercial buildings are already being successfully delivered in New Zealand using locally manufactured timber-based structural systems. Importantly, the very building categories cited in the Government’s announcement – homes, hospitals, and schools are among those where timber solutions are proving particularly effective within New Zealand. Timber construction offers faster build times, reduced embodied carbon, lower building weight, and strong seismic performance, while also supporting domestic wood manufacturing, the economy and regional employment. Roads, foundations, and many infrastructure projects will continue to require concrete and cement. However, it is equally important for this Government to recognise that for many building projects, timber and wood products are already a proven and practical substitute. The continued growth of mass timber demonstrates that innovation is expanding the range of options available to designers, builders, and building owners and that, in many cases, there are practical alternatives to cement already in use today. Our message to the Government is simple. When it comes to building homes, hospitals, schools, and multi-storey buildings, there is a practical, proven, and readily available alternative to construction materials such as concrete and cement. That alternative is New Zealand grown, harvested, and manufactured wood products. Supporting wood in construction is not about picking winners. It is about making the most of one of our country’s most important renewable resources, supporting our regions, and retaining hundreds of millions of dollars in additional economic value within New Zealand. WMPA – Wood Manufacturers and Processors Association New Zealand

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