Forest Products Industry

Britain’s oldest wooden sauna, a rare survivor of the 1948 London Olympics, has been given protected status by the government after a campaign involving the Finnish ambassador to the UK, Finland’s Olympic committee and a small group of sauna enthusiasts from Kent who until recently were still using the historic facility. Source: The Guardian The prefabricated wooden building, which was installed in London during the post war “austerity” Games and is almost unchanged since, has been Grade II-listed, giving it the same level of protection as the Barbican, Alexandra Palace and the Radio City tower in Liverpool. Historic England, which oversees the national register of protected buildings, said the building was a “unique relic” of the event. “This building has got multiple layers of significance that make it so interesting,” said Tim Horne, the organisation’s listing adviser. As well as being one of a tiny handful of buildings known to survive from the Games, he said, it was believed to be the oldest sauna in Britain in continuous use, and possibly the oldest Olympic sauna in the world, “which is quite exciting”. The Finnish company that provided the building, Puutalo Oy, played an important role in the development of post war prefabricated structures, and the building’s level of preservation is highly unusual. “Any one of those would contribute to being a building of special interest, but the multiple layers of significance, and all the interesting historical associations that go with that, made it a clear listing recommendation.” The modest building was installed in London by the Finnish Olympic delegation for the use of its athletes, and was donated to the nation after the Games concluded. After the Olympics, the sauna was acquired by a paper company with links to Finnish timber and moved to Aylesford near Maidstone to be used by members of the company’s staff social club. It was lovingly maintained and remained in constant use by a group of former employees, now known as Cobdown sauna club. “We knew it was important, but we didn’t realise how important,” said Richard Young, the club’s secretary and treasurer. Club members had first contacted Finland’s Olympic committee after the sauna was forced to close in 2020 due to faulty electrics, a non-compliance with fire safety regulations and a broken sauna oven. They in turn alerted the Finnish ambassador in London, Jukka Siukosaari, who personally visited before joining the campaign for its protection. Young said he hoped the newly protected status would open the door to potential grant funding to help restore the sauna. “But really, the main thing was to secure its future.”

Tigercat has a new mulching head for swing carriers in response to fire mitigation equipment requirements in western North America. Source: Timberbiz Wildfire is proving to be one of the greatest challenges facing foresters, landowners, governments and environmental organizations in the 21st century. The summer fire season over the last several years in North America has devastated millions of hectares of forest land, destroying wildlife habitat and carbon sinks, while releasing massive amounts of carbon and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Excessive fuel build-up on the ground is having a devastating effect. Tigercat recently released a mulching head designed to mount on a Tigercat LX830E carrier. This machine can tackle steep slopes and operate within dense stands to reduce build-up of woody debris as a mitigation measure to guard against future wildfires. The new 4161-15 head has a 1,5 m (59 in) mulching swath, 130-degree wrist pivot, and a pin-on rake for added utility. Like all Tigercat mulching heads, it is strength-to-weight optimized and fitted with large bearings. Many of the components including the bearings, sprockets, seals and timing belt are common to the Tigercat 4061 series mulching heads and thus field proven. Hydraulic hoses are routed through the open tip boom into the top of the wrist, providing excellent protection. The replaceable wear liner is field serviceable. Removable covers allow easy access to all service points.

European sawlog prices plunged 12% quarter-over-quarter in the 3Q/23 with the largest declines in Central Europe. The sawlog market in Europe has gone through a turbulent period over the past three years, with wood demand falling, log flows shifting, and sawlog prices going through unprecedented swings. Source:  ResourceWise The European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI) was at an 11-year low of less than €70/m3 in the 3Q/20, surged to €110/m3 in the 2Q/22, following a decline to €92.91/m3 in the 3Q/23 (down 12% quarter-over-quarter). According to WoodMarket Prices, the ESPI, which represents sawlog prices in nine European countries, is currently €13/m3 above its 28-year average. Over the past year, log prices have fallen the most in the Baltic States and Central Europe, with the decline ranging between 10-25%. In the Nordic countries, prices have been practically unchanged the past year except for Sweden, where spruce prices were up almost 10% from the 3Q/22 to the 3Q/23. The higher log costs were driven by a slowing in deliveries by private forest owners, predominantly in the southern region of the country, rather than by an increase in demand. Instability and ambiguity about the market has persevered throughout the last few years thanks to several ongoing global factors. Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine is fast approaching its 2-year anniversary. The country has faced several consequences for their acts of war, including an export ban from Russia into the EU. China’s economic growth slowed to approximately 5% growth year-over-year (YoY). Although this growth is slightly higher than previous forecasts of about 4.5%, it still marks a much slower growth than the 20-year average of 9%. The softened demand here yielded lower wood product exports to the country from sources such as Europe. Sweden, as in most European countries, has seen a reduction in lumber demand as activities in the building sector have fallen. Although domestic wood consumption has fallen in 2023, the export market has remained healthy due to competitive lumber prices in Euro-terms, thanks to the weak Swedish Krona. In the Baltic States, a region that is exporting both logs and lumber, sawlog prices fell due to reduced log demand by the domestic sawmills and to a small decline in log exports in 2023. Lumber exports from Estonia and Latvia were down 16% y-o-y in the 3Q/23, with the biggest declines in shipments to China, the UK, and the US. Log prices also fell in Central Europe during the first nine months of 2023 due to reduced production levels at the sawmills in the region. The three largest lumber producers in the region, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany, are all major exporting countries. However, with lumber demand weakening throughout Europe, the three countries’ total export volume has fallen from over five million m3 in the 1Q/22 to less than four million m3 in the 3Q/23. Fortunately, the 2024 outlook across the EU sees a modest but positive growth pattern ahead. With issues such as Russia’s export ban and China’s economic downturn, we will likely continue to see market instability in several European wood markets this year. However, other factors may impact this market in other ways. For instance, massive growth and interest in decarbonization has become a top priority in 2024 for European businesses. With increasing mandates and reporting requirements looming, many businesses are actively working on their plans to reduce their carbon footprint and focus on sustainable operations. Wood products have quickly come into the spotlight as a feedstock for renewable fuels. These developments will assuredly play a role in how the market moves from 2024onward. For more information:  www.resourcewise.com

Despite all the upsets that 2023 brought to bear in Victoria ASH has brought to light some of the upticks. Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) is an advanced manufacturer and operates one of the largest hardwood mills in Australia. Source: Timberbiz In 2023 the company produced more than 1.5 million products sold across three species – GoodWood, Plantation Oak, Glacial Oak with: 36% increase in sales of Glacial Oak 402,397 staircase components sold 3350 customers served through the Retail Centre 14,493,388kg of CO2 equivalent stored in long term timber products. The MASSLAM area with 6050 MASSLAM members designed, pressed and CNCed 15 major commercial projects featuring MASSLAM and achieved EWPAA certification for MASSLAM SL35 and MASSLAM 45 – the only mass timber glulam in Australia to hold this certification. The company also added a total of 4,688m2 of additional roof area for both manufacturing and storage spaces and developed 14,000m2 of new hardstand area in the airdry yard. A major achievement though was launching its mass timber flooring solution – Advanced Timber Composite Floors. ASH used extensive research and development to prepare ATC for market including acoustic performance, char tests, service penetrations, FRL and long-term serviceability. To make all these things possible the company also onboarded 30 new employees resulting in a 17% increase to the workforce. For 2024 the company will be launching Australia’s only 100% Australian-made, pre-finished engineered flooring, commissioning a new lean-manufacturing staircase component line and launching architectural joinery products in its new Plantation Oak range. And most importantly it will be installing its third mass timber CNC to significantly expand MASSLAM’s manufacturing capacity.

Forestry Corporation of NSW has closed burnt areas in Bibblewindi, Jacks Creek and Pilliga East State Forests to the public following the recent Duck Creek fire. Source: Timberbiz The damage is a potential safety risk to visitors, said Forestry Corporation’s Cypress Production and Fire Manager District, Conan Rossler. “Forestry Corporation staff are currently assessing burnt areas to make sure roads and fire trails are safe for the public,” Mr Rossler said. “Burnt and damaged trees are a particular concern and may pose a significant risk due to falling. “This risk is amplified during periods of high wind or when the ground is saturated after heavy rain – sections of the burnt trees might drop or indeed the whole tree may fall over. “Parts of the burnt forest in the Pilliga have experienced significant rain recently, so this risk is quite real.” The Duck Creek bushfire burnt through most of December, before being contained over the new year period. A total area of 130,000 ha was burnt during the fire, covering State forests, national parks and freehold land. Just over 79,000 ha of State forests were burnt. Once a comprehensive assessment of all forest roads, fire trails and adjacent tree-lined areas, and any remedial works has been carried out, Forestry Corporation will look to reopen the affected areas.

TradieGuide New Zealand has announced three new comprehensive informational guides: Arborists South Auckland, Arborists Tauranga, and Arborists Timaru. These guides are designed to provide essential information and resources for individuals and businesses seeking professional arborist services in their respective regions. Source: Timberbiz The launch of these guides marks a significant step in TradieGuide’s commitment to offering accessible, detailed, and user-friendly resources in the field of tree care and maintenance. The new guides serve as a central hub for various arborist services, offering insights into tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and emergency tree care. Each guide is tailored to its specific region, ensuring that users have the most relevant and up-to-date information. This launch aligns with TradieGuide’s mission to bridge the gap between professional arborists and the communities they serve, emphasising the importance of safety, expertise, and environmental responsibility in tree care practices. TradieGuide invites the public and industry professionals to explore these new resources. By providing comprehensive and easily navigable guides, TradieGuide aims to enhance public awareness and engagement in professional arboriculture, ensuring safe and effective tree care services across Auckland, Tauranga, and Timaru.

Latest building approvals figures show new home builds continue to remain too low despite an uptick in higher density building, according to Master Builders Australia. Source: Timberbiz Responding to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, MBA chief economist Shane Garrett said detached house building approvals slid by 1.9% during November. “(The) figures mean that just 945,554 new homes have been approved across Australia over the past five years,” he said. “Master Builders has forecast that 2023-24 will see around 170,100 new homes built, well below the 240,000 needed per year to meet the 1.2 million housing accord targets. “However, there was a modest 1.6% increase in the overall number of new home building approvals during November 2023 thanks to a 7.2% gain in higher density approvals. “More higher-density building will help alleviate some of the pressure in the rental market which has seen big inflationary impacts in the economy. “Labour market shortages, lack of shovel-ready development, planning delays and interest rate rises continue to be the biggest impediments to home building,” Mr Garrett said. Master Builders Australia Deputy CEO Shaun Schmitke said that with a new parliamentary year ahead it was hoped at the top of all government action lists was how to reduce the time and cost pressures around home building. “We know the cost of living crisis is currently being exacerbated by stubborn inflationary impacts in housing,” he said. “Any decision taken by Government needs to consider closely the impact it will have on the cost of doing business. “This is why Master Builders remains deeply concerned about the proposed ‘Closing Loopholes’ workplace reforms that impact independent contractors and the businesses who engage them. “If you make it harder to engage independent contractors and casuals, you’re ultimately going to make it more expensive to build,” Mr Schmitke said.

Wood Transport & Logistics 2024, on from 22-23 May in New Zealand, will follow up on last year’s popular event. It covers recent transport developments, including automated driving systems, truck platooning, hydrogen, dual-fuel and hybrid electric trucks, the development of electricity-based fuels, innovations around new biofuels and automation, remote-controlled machines and improved remote site connectivity. Source: Timberbiz These developments show an unprecedented level of innovation being seen in moving logs through the supply chain. Wood transport faces the largest shift in technology we have ever seen. Transitions to new electric, hydrogen and diesel-hybrid powered heavy vehicles, including the integration of truck automation and platooning, are already happening. There are also new innovations in log measurement, scheduling and logistics that are nothing short of phenomenal. Join us to hear the latest developments and be at the forefront of this conversion. Last year, more than 250 forestry and log transport delegates from companies across Australasia, North and South America and Europe met up in Rotorua, New Zealand for the 2023 conference, workshops and exhibitions. Wood Transport & Logistics 2024 is planned to run in Rotorua, New Zealand on 22-23 May 2024, the event will also be live streamed for those outside Australia or New Zealand. For more information including the speakers and workshops programs visit: https://innovatek.co.nz/hubs/wood-transport/

Through 2022/23 Timber Training Creswick (RTOid 4168) has been working on new courses and course content for delivery to industry. Source: Timberbiz Fire Management Training for Tasmania: In 2023 Timber Training Creswick developed and ran a pilot program for Certificate II in public safety (firefighting operations).  The program involves four days of theory delivery with some practical followed by work placement requirements for participants to get real experience over the fire season. Cutting Edge Program- Queensland A new 2-day Sector Commander training program has been developed and a pilot program is scheduled for February. In conjunction with Timber Queensland’s Canopy project (funded by DESBT) Timber Training Creswick has been delivering industry pre-employment training based on the FIVE+5 model developed by the Arbre Forest Industry Training and Careers Hub in Tasmania. The program uses local job seeker networks to pre-screen potential employment candidates who then undertake 5 days of structured theory training followed with 5x5hour shifts of work placement. For a pre-employment program, this course has an impressive completion and subsequent employment rate. Certificates III and IV in Timber and Wood Product Operations: From January Timber Training Creswick has commenced delivery of these new programs which have amalgamated the previous industry sectors of Sawmilling, Timber Manufactured Products and Wood Panel Products.  The new Certificates will be available via both block release and on site delivery where there are sufficient student numbers. Cadet Forester (CFP) and Next Generation of Harvesting Operators (NextGen) 2023 saw the pilot group of Next Generation Harvesting Operators complete their Certificate II in Forest Operations.  A new group of School based trainees is ready to commence the 2024 program and TTC looks forward to helping them prepare for a career in the industry.  The Cadet Forester Program is now in it’s sixth year and four graduates from earlier programs have now completed their Certificate IV in Forest Operations whilst working in industry. Certificates III and IV These programs have been revised and updated by trainer Andrew to incorporate modern BIM technology into the learning content. Coming Soon: Timber Preservation Course The Timber Training Creswick Timber Preservation course is currently being revised and updated.  Once complete it will be available as a web based learning program followed by on site assessment. Apprenticeship Programs (Wood machining and Saw Technician) We currently have record enrolments in these learning programs.  If you are thinking about putting on apprentices in these areas, please let us know as soon as possible. For more information on these or other courses please contact Timber Training Creswick on 0353452018.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has provided feedback on the Government amendments to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share – Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2023 (Bill). AFPA has said that plantation forestry was never the intended target of the Bill and has been inadvertently captured in the drafting of the Bill. Source: Timberbiz As such, it is pleased to see some changes in the Government amendments to reduce the Bill’s negative impact on the Australian plantation forestry sector. However, AFPA remains concerned that the Bill (even with the Government amendments) will effectively cease plantation forestry expansion in Australia. The Bill (even with the Government amendments) is still contrary to the Albanese Government’s election commitments in relation to plantation forestry, is contrary to the Australian Labor Party Platform in relation to plantation forestry expansion, is contrary to the National Forestry Ministers meeting in relation to plantation forestry expansion and is contrary to international commitments made by the Australian Government. Currently, under the balance sheet method, plantation forestry companies could claim up to 60% of their debt costs. Under the Bill (including Government amendments), companies can only claim a deduction for financing costs up to 30% of their tax EBITDA with any disallowed deductions carried forward for up to 15 years. This will result in effectively ceasing plantation forestry expansion in Australia. AFPA is the peak national industry body representing the growing, processing, and pulp, paper and bioproduct industries covering the forest products value chain. Relevantly AFPA represents the interests of over 90% of Australia’s forestry grower entities. AFPA represents 25 forestry grower companies and government entities, 15 of which are impacted by the Bill. Over 80% of the plantation forestry grower companies are impacted by the Bill and its amendments. AFPA also represents the majority of large timber manufacturing companies and paper and cardboard manufacturers in Australia. Plantation forestry expansion is not only a priority for forest growers. Is the number one priority across the entire supply chain, including harvesting contractors, timber mills and paper manufacturers. Any effect on plantation expansion negatively impacts the entire supply chain including these downstream manufacturers, and severely limits Australia’s future capacity to supply the building industry’s timber needs for housing expansion, limits Australia’s action on climate change and Australia’s plan to replace fossil-fuel-based plastics. The full submission is available on the AFPA website https://ausfpa.com.au/