Forest Products Industry

The Wood Awards has announced the 34-strong shortlist for 2026, showcasing the UK’s most ambitious and innovative work in wood across architecture, furniture and product design. Source: Timberbiz Selected from more than 200 entries, the shortlist comprises 20 buildings and 14 furniture and object projects. Together, they demonstrate the creativity, environmental responsibility and technical ingenuity of designers and fabricators working with wood today. Among the 20 shortlisted building projects, six are London-based, including a landmark CLT and steel commercial scheme; a six-storey glulam extension to the Old Vic theatre; a timber-hemp addition to a home in Hackney; a series of pavilions for a sustainability centre; a helical timber staircase; and a research showcase of prototype structures and products using a variety of English-grown species. Three university projects have also been shortlisted: a timber and straw kit-of-parts pavilion for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fashion Institute; a glulam-roofed extension for the Liverpool School of Architecture; and a vast new, publicly accessible cultural hub for Oxford University. Elsewhere in Oxford, a circular cycle pavilion brings timber into the public realm, while in Sussex, the Camber Sands Welcome Centre creates a welcoming gateway to one of the UK’s busiest beaches. Yorkshire-based projects include the Heritage Quad, a new setting for heritage crafts within the precinct surrounding the Grade I-listed cathedral in York, and Tesco’s first fully timber low-carbon superstore, in Harrogate. Two projects demonstrate the potential of timber-led retrofit to transform existing agricultural buildings. At Home Farm Evenlode, two barns have been converted into a new headquarters for a finance company, while another has been adapted to create a public exhibition and workshop space for the Henry Moore Foundation. In Cardiff and Winchester are two very different examples of timber design within educational settings. A traditionally joined solid timber pavilion for a Welsh primary school offers a calm sanctuary for children’s wellbeing, while a new swimming pool roof for Winchester College pushes the structural capabilities of CLT. The 14 shortlisted Furniture & Object projects also demonstrate the diverse applications of different timber species and products in contemporary design and making. Three items have been shortlisted in the Bespoke category: a carved ash mantelpiece; a prototype table made from green oak branches; and a cabinet and wall mirror inspired by forms found in roots and branches. Four Production furniture pieces include a collection of five-legged ash stools; a mirror crafted from hazel stems; a pine resin table lamp; and a furniture family made from No. 1 grade cherry wood. The three Sculpted Objects include a circular sycamore table designed to house 200 amulets; an artistic intervention into three sections of wind-blown Scots pine; and a composition of bog oak veneer, carbon-dated to 2500BC. The four Student projects feature a lightweight bench utilising industry oak offcuts; a shelf that reinterprets the butterfly joint at an architectural scale; an iconographic folding screen; and a collection of ultra-low-carbon chestnut and oak stools. Each shortlisted project will be reviewed in person by the Wood Awards judging panels, making the awards a uniquely rigorous competition. The Wood Awards buildings jury is led by architect Jim Greaves, and includes fellow architects Kirsten Haggart, Jonas Lencer, Sasha Bhavan and David Morley, structural engineers Andrew Lawrence, Nathan Wheatley and Andrew Trotman, architectural journalist Ruth Slavid and sustainability expert Neil Smith. The furniture and objects jury is led by designer and maker Sebastian Cox RDI and includes design consultant Caroline Till, curator Hugo Macdonald, woodworker Sophie Sellu and Ercol chairman Henry Tadros. Short listed Buildings: Camber Sands Welcome Centre, Camber, by DK-CM Backstage at The Old Vic, London, by Haworth Tompkins Heritage Quad: York Minster Centre of Excellence, York, by Tonkin Liu Liverpool University, School of Architecture, Liverpool, by O’Donnell + Tuomey Rammed Earth House, Wiltshire, by Tuckey Design Studio Winchester College Swimming Pool Roof, Winchester, by Design Engine Architects Hemp House, London, by Sanchez Benton Architects Metropolis, London, by AHMM Bronwen’s Sanctuary, Cardiff, by Studio Propolis The Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, by Hopkins Architects Tesco Low-Carbon Concept Store, Harrogate, by S+SA Architects The House of Quiet Light Staircase, London, by Robert Hirschfield Architects The Yard OmVed Gardens, London, by Smerin Architects Sheep Field Barn, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Hertfordshire, by DSDHA Pebble Ceiling, by Matthew Burt Home Farm Evenlode, Gloucestershire, by Charlie Luxton Design Building from Forests, London, by dRMM House in the Surrey Hills, Surrey, by Sanchez Benton Architects Robotics Living Lab, Work in Progress Pavilion, Manchester, by Bennetts Associates Oxford North Cycle Pavilion, Oxford, by Fletcher Priest Architects   Shortlisted Furniture & Objects: Portal of Seedlings by Filippo Muzi Falconi BespOak by Students and Staff of the Design + Make Course, Architectural Association Kontur Series by Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng Wattle Mirror by Jacob Marks Patchwork Pina Lamp by Jacob Marks Black House Stools by Ashen Co Common Room by Daniel Schofield Studio Afterlife by Zeller & Moye / Katie Paterson Hollow Bodies by Max Bainbridge A Drop in Time by Olly Fathers Dagwood Bench by Lewis Duckworth Butterfly Shelf by Jack Allfrey The Ocean Screen by Eleanor Pickin Our Grandchildren’s World by Henry Chantler  

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A faint signal emitted during photosynthesis may reveal physiological stress well before tree mortality appears in aerial surveys, potentially giving forest managers more time to prepare before mortality becomes widespread. Source: Timberbiz Satellite measurements detected declining photosynthetic activity in Western US forests two years before bark-beetle mortality appeared in aerial detection surveys, according to new University of Utah-led research. The first-of-its-kind study suggests that satellite-observed chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), a measure of plant photosynthesis, could provide an early warning of forest stress. As drought, wildfire and insect outbreaks occur with increasing frequency across the American West, the technology could also help scientists understand how these disturbances affect forests’ ability to absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere. “I don’t know of any other tool that can detect this type of signal before tree mortality becomes obvious at a scale large enough to assess the health of entire forests,” said lead author Lewis Kunik, who recently completed his doctorate. Mr Kunik’s doctorate was jointly advised by study co-authors and professors John Lin in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and David Bowling in the School of Biological Sciences. “The ultimate goal isn’t to predict the exact tree that will die. Rather, the technology could identify areas of concern early enough for land managers to investigate, mobilize crews, allocate funding or otherwise prepare before mortality becomes widespread.” The study is online ahead of its publication in the October issue of Remote Sensing of Environment. Many satellites monitor forest health using signals such as greenness and canopy structure because some when some trees become stressed, they might wilt or drop their leaves. But pines, spruces, firs and other evergreen trees present challenges for satellite monitoring: they can keep their needles even while photosynthetically dormant, such as during winter or under other high-stress conditions. This matters for Western US forests, which are largely dominated by evergreens. Fortunately, several next-generation satellites carry specialized instruments which detect a faint red glow that plants emit during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. This signal is known as solar-induced fluorescence (SIF), when a leaf’s chlorophyll molecules absorb radiation, some radiation re-emits at longer, red wavelengths known as fluorescence. When plants get stressed, they absorb more light than they can use, reducing their efficiency and dimming their red glow. By tracking SIF relative to the amount of light absorbed over time, the researchers could identify subtle physiological changes in in evergreen trees that conventional satellite metrics can miss. The authors used SIF observations from TROPOMI, the instrument on the European Sentinel-5P satellite, to compare changes in fluorescence patterns in forests affected by wildfire- and insect-caused tree mortality with non-affected control areas with similar biogeographic characteristics in forests across the American West. In forests that would later experience bark-beetle mortality, the researchers detected a significant SIF decline roughly two years before mortality was seen in aerial surveys conducted by the USDA Forest Service. Drought stress alone couldn’t explain the signal. While nearby healthy forests experienced similar levels of drought, the decline in SIF from healthy forests was 10-20% less severe than the decline in the bark beetle-infested forests. SIF can change for many reasons, including drought, insect infestation, canopy dieback, changes to seasonal timing of growth, reduced sunlight and changes in the mix of plants growing from the forest floor to the top of the canopy. The researchers accounted for these factors, but the complexity of forest ecosystems makes year-to-year changes in SIF difficult to interpret. In this case, however, their analysis revealed a clear pattern. The findings suggest that SIF signal could provide an early warning of forest stress that precedes widespread tree mortality. The researchers validated their approach using wildfire mortality as a testbed for detecting SIF changes from a wide range of mortality severities. They saw declines in SIF that scaled proportionally with the amount of vegetation lost due to fire. “Wildfire mortality has more predictable impacts to forest productivity than bark beetle mortality. There is also a lot more wildfire-affected land to study, and we can use established tools to estimate the severity of those events. Testing our method on wildfires really helped build confidence in our bark beetle assessment,”Mr Kunik said. The researchers were also able to use SIF to monitor how the ecosystem recovered from wildfire, highlighting the technology’s potential for tracking how disturbances alter forest productivity and carbon cycling over time. Because forests store massive amounts of carbon, tracking these changes will help scientists better understand how disturbances affect the carbon balance of western forests. “SIF is an emerging tool that Earth scientists can use to show the fingerprint of plant CO2 uptake at regional or global scales,” said Mr Kunik. “Drought, wildfire and bark beetle outbreaks can weaken a forests’ ability to absorb carbon and may release the carbon stored in the trees. Tracking these changes will help us understand whether these disturbances potentially turn forests from carbon absorbers to carbon sources.” While other SIF-observing satellites exist, the authors used data collected by TROPOMI due to its coverage and sampling frequency. The study tested the sensitivity of SIF measurements against several forest-health and vegetation-productivity remote-sensing measures. These included other frequently used satellite signals like land surface temperature, as well as vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). While other SIF-observing satellites exist, the authors used data collected by TROPOMI due to its coverage and sampling frequency. The study tested the sensitivity of SIF measurements against several forest-health and vegetation-productivity remote-sensing measures. These included other frequently used satellite signals like land surface temperature, as well as vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The publication: is Kunik, Lewis et al. (2026). Characterizing effects of tree mortality from wildfire and bark beetles using satellite observations of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. Remote Sensing of Environment, 334 (October special issue), 10.1016/j.rse.2026.115550.  

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JP Morgan Asset Management has announced the rebrand of Campbell Global, a leading global investment manager focused on forestland and nature-based assets, to JP Morgan Natural Capital. This reflects the evolution of the business and the growing importance of nature-based assets in institutional portfolios. Source: Timberbiz Five years ago, JP Morgan Asset Management acquired Campbell Global, expanding its alternatives platform with a pioneer in sustainable timberland investing. Since then, the platform has grown in size, scale, and client reach, positioning itself to capitalize on broader investment opportunities across land, carbon, biodiversity, and other nature-related investments. “This is more than a new name. It reflects who we are today and the direction we believe the asset class is moving,” said Angie Davis, CEO, JP Morgan Natural Capital. “Our roots in sustainable forestry remain central to who we are, but our mandate has expanded to the broader role nature-based assets can play in creating long-term value for clients.” The company says the rebrand underscores JP Morgan Asset Management’s commitment to building a disciplined natural capital investment platform. The team leverages robust in-house capabilities, rigorous data and measurement infrastructure, and embedded governance and risk controls to deliver scalable climate and nature-based solutions for investors globally. “As institutional demand for nature-based and climate solutions accelerates, our platform provides access to unique opportunities for both financial returns and sustainability benefits,” said Jed Laskowitz, Global Head of Private Markets, JP Morgan Asset Management. “The evolution to JP Morgan Natural Capital enables us to unlock new opportunities and deliver innovative solutions across the natural capital asset class.” With over four decades of experience, JP Morgan Natural Capital manages more than 1.5 million acres globally for pension funds, foundations, family offices, and other institutional investors. As of December 31, 2025, the platform oversaw approximately $11 billion in assets under supervision, supported by approximately 150 employees across 15 US states, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. The team has also demonstrated meaningful fundraising scale, including the close of one of the largest funds raised to date in the natural capital asset class. The rebrand builds on Campbell Global’s more than four-decade legacy as a pioneer in sustainable timberland investing while reflecting the broader opportunity now emerging across natural capital. As JP Morgan Natural Capital, the team will continue applying its forestry expertise, stewardship approach, and investment discipline to help investors access the long-term value of nature-based assets.

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The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has recognised outstanding achievement, leadership and service to New Zealand forestry at its 2026 Awards Dinner, held at Larnach Castle in Dunedin. Source: Timberbiz The annual awards celebrate forestry professionals whose work is helping to strengthen the profession, advance sustainable forest management and support the future of the sector. This year’s recipients were recognised across four of NZIF’s major awards. The Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup went to Aidan Braid who is a Regional Forest Advisor with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service for his commitment to sustainable forest management, professional development and community involvement. Mr Braid works across a broad range of forestry and environmental matters including native and exotic forests, biodiversity, pest management and the Emissions Trading Scheme. He also contributes to collaborative environmental initiatives and volunteers extensively in conservation, predator control, biodiversity protection and forest restoration. The award, first presented in 2017, recognises an outstanding young forestry professional who demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in policy, planning and practice, together with public outreach, knowledge exchange and responsible land stewardship. The award for Forester of the Year went to Peter Casey in recognition of his leadership, service to the forestry profession and contribution to professional standards and accountability. Mr Casey has played a significant role in strengthening the standing of Registered Forestry Professionals at a time of increasing scrutiny around forestry advice, carbon forestry, land use change and professional competence. His career spans senior roles across the private and public sectors, forestry governance, investment and carbon forestry. As Chief Executive Officer of Nateva, he has also led a substantial forestry business while continuing to support the development of emerging forestry professionals, including through the Early Career Development Program and summer internship opportunities. Phil Taylor received the 2026 Kirk Horn Award, one of the most prestigious honours in New Zealand forestry. Presented every two years, the award recognises eminence in forestry and an enduring contribution to the sector. Mr Taylor’s forestry career spans more than four decades and reflects a strong commitment to stewardship, practical leadership and long-term thinking. His contribution has included industry leadership, advocacy, forestry research, climate aligned forestry, workforce sustainability and the development of strong teams and future leaders. He has served on the Forest Growers Levy Trust and the Executive Council of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, including a period as President. He was also the inaugural Chair of Future Forests Research, now Forest Growers Research Ltd, and has served on the Board of Scion. Mr Taylor has also been a longstanding supporter of NZIF, including chairing the organising committee for two NZIF conferences. NZIF President Adrian Loo said the 2026 recipients reflected the depth of knowledge, leadership and commitment that exists across New Zealand forestry. “These awards recognise people who have made a real and lasting contribution to forestry, whether through professional leadership, sustainable land stewardship, research, industry service or by supporting the next generation. NZIF is proud to acknowledge their achievements and the example they set for the profession.” The FRESTRA Young Forester of the Year Award was presented to Hamish Scown. Now in its third year, the award recognises a young forester who demonstrates strong professional commitment and contribution to the forestry community. The award continues to gain recognition within the sector and reflects the important role emerging forestry professionals play in shaping the future of the profession.

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Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries has resigned after more than 11 years of service to Responsible Wood and sustainable forest certification in Australia. Source: Timberbiz Mr Dorries joined the organisation in May 2015 and played an instrumental role in the development and growth of Responsible Wood and the PEFC certification system in Australia. During his time as CEO, Responsible Wood has strengthened its position as Australia’s leading forest certification scheme, while building greater awareness of the importance of sustainably managed forests and responsibly sourced wood and paper products. “Simon has always been much more than simply the CEO of Responsible Wood,” Responsible Wood chairman Dr Tony Bartlett said “He genuinely believes in certification, in the principles behind PEFC, and in the role responsible forest management can play in supporting our forests, our industry and the communities that depend upon them. “His passion, technical knowledge and commitment to Responsible Wood have been evident throughout his leadership. He has represented the organisation nationally and internationally with professionalism and integrity and has built strong relationships across the forest and wood products sector, government, environmental organisations and the broader PEFC network.” Dr Bartlett said Mr Dorries had made the decision to take on a “new professional opportunity” as he begins transitioning towards eventual retirement. “While we are naturally disappointed to see him leave Responsible Wood, the Board fully supports his decision and wishes him every success in this next chapter,” Dr Bartlett said. The Board will shortly commence a recruitment process for the next Chief Executive Officer with the position to be publicly advertised. During this transition, Matt de Jong, Responsible Wood’s Sustainability Manager, will act in the CEO role, ensuring continuity for our members, certificate holders, stakeholders and PEFC partners.

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The Federal Coalition will move to introduce a Bill to end what it says is the Federal Government’s Net Zero obsession that is making Australians poorer and stop taxpayer money being used to help investment funds buy up Australian farmland and turn it into carbon-offset projects. Source: Timberbiz Under the move the Coalition would introduce new legislation to end the Federal Government’s over $80 billion net zero spending spree and prohibit the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) from providing funding or financial assistance to entities to acquire agricultural land in Australia for the purpose of growing trees to offset carbon emissions. The move follows the sale of Tasmania’s 21,745-hectare Rushy Lagoon property to UK investment firm Gresham House for $142 million, with the taxpayer-backed Clean Energy Finance Corporation providing $69 million towards the purchase. Around 9000 hectares of the property is expected to be converted to pine plantation, sparking concern from farmers and regional communities about productive agricultural land being lost to carbon projects. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said Australia’s food security should come before taxpayer-backed carbon schemes that take productive farmland out of agriculture. “Families are already paying too much at the supermarket and the last thing we should be doing is weakening our ability to grow food by turning productive farms into carbon assets,” Mr Taylor said. “It is extraordinary that taxpayers are being asked to help investment funds outbid farmers for Australian farmland. “We support practical action to reduce emissions, but it should not come at the expense of our farmers, our food security and the future of regional communities,” he said. “When a farming family wants to expand, they should not have to compete with a foreign carbon fund backed by tens of millions of dollars from the Australian taxpayer. “This is about putting Australians first, protecting productive farmland and making sure government policy does not push up the cost of producing the food Australians put on the dinner table.” Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said the Federal Government’s net zero obsession was driving up power prices, increasing inflation and shutting down Australian industry. “At the heart of Labor’s net zero transition is a transfer of Australian jobs overseas and a transfer of wealth from Australian families to multinational companies living off taxpayer subsidies,” Senator Canavan said. “Under Labor’s net zero ideology, prime Australian agricultural land that should be growing food for Australians is being locked up to grow weeds and breed pests. “The Liberals and Nationals will repeal Labor’s failed net zero laws and stop taxpayer money being used to buy up the farms that feed us.” Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester said protecting productive farmland was critical to Australia’s food security and the future of regional communities. “Prime agricultural land is a national asset, and once it is taken out of food production it can be very hard to get it back,” Mr Chester said. “Regional communities should not be hollowed out so carbon funds can chase credits while Australian farmers are priced out of their own backyard,” he said. “We need to protect our food security, back the next generation of Australian farmers and make sure taxpayer money is supporting regional communities, not working against them.” Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said Labor’s climate policies were creating perverse incentives to take productive land out of agriculture. “The CEFC was established to support clean energy investment, not to bankroll funds buying up Australian farmland for carbon credits,” Mr Tehan said. “Under Labor, big emitters can find it cheaper to buy offsets than make real changes to their own operations, and regional Australia is being left to carry the cost. “We cannot allow a situation where productive farms are steadily swallowed up because carbon credits are worth more than growing food, running livestock or giving the next generation of Australian farmers a chance to get on the land. “This is a sensible safeguard that protects farming, food production and regional communities while allowing genuine forestry and emissions-reduction projects to continue in the right places. “This is part of our plan to fix the economy and protect our way of life by putting Australians first, protecting our food security and backing the farmers and regional communities who feed our nation.” The Coalition will also seek to introduce a bill into the Parliament to abolish the Federal Government’s net zero and carbon taxes to ensure Australians have access to affordable and reliable power.

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The Hyne Group has commenced a strategic review of its XLAM Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) manufacturing business. The company says the business does not fit with the long-term strategy of the Group’s parent company James Jones & Sons Ltd. This review does not point to a closure of the business but an opportunity to find a new owner to continue the business. Source: Timberbiz The review will assess all scenarios, but the preferred outcome is to secure a new owner with the capability, passion and commitment to build on XLAM’s strong foundation, continuing to manufacture CLT and providing specialised design and engineering services that support sustainable, carbon-storing construction throughout Australia, New Zealand and the broader southern hemisphere. XLAM was founded in New Zealand in 2010 and later became part of Hyne. The company’s site is located in Wodonga, Victoria where prefabricated CLT panels are made for commercial and mass timber construction. It also provides specialised design and engineering services. A formal process to seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified parties within Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America and Europe has started. Hyne Group Chief Executive Officer Jim Bindon said the Group remained optimistic that a suitable purchaser could be found while being transparent with employees, customers and stakeholders about the process. “Over the past 14 years, the XLAM team has established the business as Australia’s leading Cross Laminated Timber manufacturer, delivering some of Australia and New Zealand’s most innovative and award-winning timber buildings while genuinely advancing the use of sustainable construction,” he said. “Our clear preference is to see XLAM continue under new ownership, preserving its manufacturing capability, specialist expertise and the opportunities it creates for our people, customers and the broader construction industry. “XLAM is a highly respected business with world-class manufacturing capability, experienced technical expertise and an enviable portfolio of landmark projects. We believe it offers a compelling opportunity for an organisation whose long-term strategy is centred on mass timber, prefabricated and modular construction, and the commercial construction industry.” The Hyne Group will work closely with employees, customers, suppliers and government throughout this process and will provide further updates as appropriate.

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The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union has welcomed the announcement of $150 million in new grants through the Albanese Labor Government’s Forestry Growth Fund. Source: Timberbiz The centrepiece is up to $85 million to transform timber processing and manufacturing, backed by funding for innovation, skills, plantations and stronger checks on timber imports. The grants form part of the Government’s initial $300 million Forestry Growth Fund commitment, which also includes $150 million in concessional finance for wood-product processors through the National Reconstruction Fund. TFTU National Secretary Michael O’Connor said the Fund gave the industry a fighting chance to grow. “This is a vote of confidence in timber workers and Australian manufacturing,” Mr O’Connor said. “This announcement shows the Government believes there is a strong future for our industry and the workers, families and communities who rely on it. “The package is well designed and responds directly to the Timber Fibre Strategy – the long-term plan developed by industry and endorsed by the Government. “In recent years, around 40% of Australia’s harvested timber fibre has been exported as wood chips or unprocessed logs. “We can create more jobs from the timber we already harvest by processing more of it here. “This is not just about replacing old machinery – it is about doing things different with new investment, new technology, new processing, new skills, new products and new jobs. “This is what Future Made in Australia should mean – Australian resources, value added and turned into Australian products by Australian workers. “We welcome a policy approach that links industry growth and transformation with secure, well-paid jobs, workforce skills, safe and high-performing workplaces and a real voice for workers. “Targeted plantation funding strengthens future timber supply, gives manufacturers confidence to invest in value-adding and supports local timber jobs. “Minister Julie Collins has shown real leadership, with strong support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Environment Minister Murray Watt and Industry Minister Tim Ayres. “Our message across politics is simple: back the industry, back the jobs and do not play politics with timber workers’ livelihoods. “Give this industry a fighting chance and it will make a massive contribution to the national interest – building homes, growing Australian manufacturing, increasing Australia’s economic resilience and sovereign capability, and providing good, secure jobs in regional communities.”

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The Federal Government yesterday announced new grants and initiatives that will be delivered through the Forestry Growth Fund. Source: Timberbiz The Government will be investing $150 million in five key streams to help modernise Australia’s forest industry, support more well-paid, secure jobs and rural communities, strengthen innovation and industry modernisation, secure a sustainable fibre supply, and increase our sovereign capability to produce high-value products to support housing and construction. AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said the $150 million in funding was a significant vote of confidence and step in the right direction for Australia’s forestry and forest products sector. “Forestry is already a major contributor to regional communities and the national economy, and this much-needed investment provides us with a vital opportunity to build on that strong foundation,” Mr Hyett said. Through this funding the Government will deliver: Up to $85 million to encourage forestry industry transformation through investment in modern wood product processing and value-adding through large-scale grants that significantly transform manufacturing capabilities and innovative facilities; Up to $30 million to encourage forestry industry innovation to promote greater efficiency and productivity across the supply chain; Up to $15 million to build forestry workforce capacity, to continue supporting well-paid regional jobs, with clear forestry career pathways and safe and high-performing workplaces; Up to $15 million additional support for plantation establishment to boost the supply of domestic forest resources for our nation’s manufacturing and construction needs; and $5 million to strengthen the integrity of forest product imports by developing and using tools to support compliance with Australia’s illegal logging laws and reduce the risk of illegally logged or conflict timber entering our supply chains.   These investments will support the forestry industry and workforce of the future –one which is at the centre of the Federal Government’s national goals including a Future Made in Australia and our $47 billion Homes for Australia plan. The design of these investments has been informed by consultation across the forestry industry, unions, communities and state and territory governments. This will ensure the Government’s investment reflects the sector’s key priorities and supports a stronger forestry industry, more secure jobs, better pay and increased production of high-value products. It will also help ensure workers remain an important part in shaping the future of Australia’s forestry industry. Grant development is now underway, with first grant opportunities to open in thecoming months. The new measures are part of the $300 million Forestry Growth Fund and support delivery of the Timber Fibre Strategy. The Fund also includes $150 million in concessional finance to support advanced manufacturing investments for wood-product processors, including mills and manufacturers. Applications for finance are open through the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation. These investments bring the Federal Government’s total forestry funding to $600 million. “Australia’s forestry industry has a bright future, and our government is committed to delivering new opportunities to make this happen,” Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said. “This will mean more secure jobs, better pay and high-value outputs, particularly in regional Australia. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to our world-leading forestry-sector, recognising the significant economic, environmental and social benefits it delivers for everyday Australians.” Mr Hyett said that it was positive to see the program – which aligns with the Timber Fibre Strategy – had been informed by industry, unions, communities and state and territory governments. “This consultation has been crucial because the people working across our industry understand where the opportunities are and what is urgently needed to help forestry grow and thrive,” he said. “Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing industry has an important role to play in our future, and we want to make sure we have the certainty and investment needed to keep growing and supporting communities.”

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The Tasmanian Government’s inquiry into Rushy Lagoon matters because this was never just a private land sale. At the centre of it is a simple question. Did Commonwealth taxpayer funding help a foreign-backed buyer acquire Tasmania’s largest farm and put Australian agricultural buyers at a disadvantage? The Clean Energy Finance Corporation committed $69 million to a broader $142 million Gresham House investment platform. On top of that, the Tasmania Natural Asset Trust, managed by Gresham House, was awarded an $8.8 million plantation establishment grant before the Rushy Lagoon acquisition had received foreign investment approval. The trust had been established just six days before grant applications closed. The inquiry needs to establish who approved what, when they approved it and whether taxpayer support strengthened the buyer’s position before the foreign investment decision was made. The CEFC’s $69 million investment was also approved by its Investment Committee under delegated authority rather than by the full board. That may be perfectly lawful, but with taxpayer money, foreign ownership and Tasmania’s largest farm involved, the level of oversight should be tested. When government puts tens of millions of dollars behind one investment strategy, it is no longer standing on the sidelines. It is helping shape the market. That is why claims this was simply a private transaction do not stack up. Public investment helped finance the buyer. Public grant money supported the plantation. Federal approval enabled the foreign acquisition. Gresham House must also provide clear answers about what it intends to do with Rushy Lagoon. How much land will be planted to trees? How quickly? How much will remain in agriculture? What farming will continue? The community needs firm commitments, not shifting numbers or distractions about agritourism and mountain-bike trails. The claimed 190 jobs also need to be tested. How many are short-term planting jobs? How many will be permanent? How does that compare with the jobs Rushy Lagoon could support through dairy, beef, contracting, processing and other agricultural activity? The same applies to the environmental argument. Carbon sequestration may support Australia’s net-zero goals, but climate policy should not come at the expense of food production. The Paris Agreement itself recognises that climate action should not threaten food production. The principle matters here. Finally, Rushy Lagoon was also not continuously on the market for nearly a decade. It was offered for sale in 2017, withdrawn, and formally returned to the market in September 2024. That distinction matters when claims are being made that Australian agricultural buyers had years to act, we must be extremely careful with the spread of disinformation in the community on this point. The inquiry must follow the money and the decisions. Who approved the funding, when was it approved, what influence did it have on the sale, and was Tasmania’s agricultural interest properly considered? Clearly, in this case there have been several failures to protect Tasmania’s interests. Federal safeguards have not worked, and the state has had no mechanism to fall back on to protect agriculture. This inquiry is important because when the Federal Government fails to act in Tasmania’s interests, we need our own safeguards to protect productive farmland, agriculture and regional communities. That is why this inquiry matters. Nathan Calman is CEO, TasFarmers

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