Forest Products Industry

ForestFit has launched a new technology platform and welcomed ArtesMobius as a Foundation Sponsor. As expectations around safety, environmental performance and supply-chain assurance continue to grow, ForestFit is helping Australia’s forest service businesses translate continual improvement into independently verified performance. Source: Timberbiz The launch of ForestFit’s new website and Forest Services Portal marks an important step in the development of Australia’s Forest Services Standard and Certification Scheme. The platform gives businesses undertaking harvesting, haulage, civil and silviculture operations clearer access to the certification pathway, practical resources and information to strengthen their management systems and demonstrate safer, more sustainable and professionally governed operations. ForestFit CEO Dionne Olsen said the Scheme is designed to evolve alongside the businesses it supports. “ForestFit is built on continuous improvement. Our role is to keep strengthening the Forest Services Standards and Certification Scheme so forest service businesses can strengthen their own systems, manage critical risks more effectively and demonstrate measurable progress over time,” she said. “The credibility of the accredited Scheme provides confidence in the integrity of the ForestFit Standards, while independent certification gives growers, workers and the broader supply chain confidence in the capability, governance and performance of certified businesses.” This commitment is closely aligned with inaugural Foundation Sponsor ArtesMobius. Their support reflects a shared understanding that resilience is built through sustained investment in equipment, workforce capability, management systems, risk controls and appropriate insurance. Chris Thomas, CEO of Artes Specialty, said insurance should be recognised as part of a broader strategy for protecting businesses and supporting long-term continuity. “Insurance is not simply a response when something goes wrong; it is an investment in protecting people, assets and operations,” he said. “Supporting the industry means more than underwriting its risks. It means recognising and encouraging the investment businesses make in modern machinery, operator training, fire suppression technology and safer ways of working. Those investments help prevent losses, strengthen resilience and support the long-term sustainability of the industry.” Tom Richards, Director of Mobius Insurance, said that we see first-hand how forest service businesses are investing in safer equipment, better technology and stronger operating practices. Supporting ForestFit is a practical way for us to recognise that progress and contribute to a more resilient industry. ForestFit will reach another significant milestone later this month when its newly established Board of Directors holds its inaugural meeting to develop the strategic plan for the Scheme’s next phase. Visit the new website at www.forestfit.com.au

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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO’s North Ryde fire testing facility by six months, saying the announcement provides valuable breathing space but does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia’s building product testing capability. Source: Timberbiz “The extension was a positive step that acknowledged industry concerns, but the underlying issue remains,” said HIA Chief Executive Industry and Policy, Simon Croft. “HIA has raised concerns with the federal government on behalf of Australian manufacturers and builders about this looming problem, so this extension provides an opportunity to further these discussions. “However, the extension simply buys time. Australia still needs a long-term plan to protect this critical national asset,” Mr Croft said. “It is about ensuring Australia retains the testing capability needed to certify safe, compliant and innovative building products. “The North Ryde facility plays a vital role in testing products used throughout residential construction, including timber windows, doors, plasterboard systems, flooring, façade assemblies and bushfire-rated building materials. “Without it, Australia risks relying on a single private provider for many forms of fire testing. This reduces competition, risking increasing costs and creating uncertainty and longer delays for manufacturers seeking certification. “At a time when governments are focused on lifting productivity and delivering more homes, we cannot afford to lose nationally significant testing infrastructure,” Mr Croft said. “This extension gives governments, CSIRO and industry a genuine opportunity to find a permanent solution. We urge all parties to use this time to secure Australia’s long-term fire testing capability. “If six months passes without a long-term commitment, we’ll simply be back having the same conversation with the same risks hanging over manufacturers, builders and home buyers. “A six-month stay is an opportunity that should not be wasted. The clock is now ticking, and industry will be looking for a positive solution,” concluded Mr Croft.  

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