Australian timber industry news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than US$8 million for five new projects to reduce wildfire risk, protect water quality, and improve forest health across the nation. Source: Timberbiz The announcement builds on Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L Rollins’ commitment to wildfire preparedness. USDA and its agencies are working together to take action to protect people, communities, and the natural resources on which this country depends. The Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Program is a collaborative effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service to work across public-private boundaries and at a landscape scale. The US$8 million investment in new projects is in addition to US$32 million for 24 existing three-year-long Joint Chiefs’ projects. The five new projects are: Alabama – National Forests in Alabama “Alabama Chattahoochee Fall Line Restoring Longleaf” Colorado and Wyoming – Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest “Headwaters of the Colorado” Montana – Lolo National Forest “Blackfoot River Valley Landscape Mosaic” North Carolina – National Forests in North Carolina “Uwharries to Sandhills, Phase 2” Oregon – Mt. Hood National Forest “Hood River Wildfire and Watershed Resilience”. “Wildfires have no boundaries, and neither should our prevention work,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We need everyone at the table to deliver the kind of active management that will return our forests to health and productivity. Joint Chiefs’ puts local leaders in the driver’s seat, enabling cross-boundary work based on shared priorities with states, partners, industry, and forest landowners. It’s a win-win.” NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt  said that with the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership, NRCS is implementing the Farmer-First mission with the nation’s foresters “Providing technical and financial assistance to private forest landowners is key to supporting locally led conservation, especially in the wildland-urban interface. This allows us to address multiple challenges in one project, such as reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, protecting clean water, and improving wildlife habitat,” he said.  

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A carbon capture pilot plant came online at Metsä Group’s Rauma mill, where the company is testing the capture of pulp mill flue gases in cooperation with the technology company Andritz, the supplier of the pilot plant.  Source: Timberbiz Carbon capture is an existing technology, but it has not previously been used for pulp mill flue gases. During the autumn of 2025, various operating models will be tested concerning aspects such as energy consumption and the amount of carbon captured. The pilot period will also provide information about the need for flue gas treatment and the quality of the end product. “So far, the technology appears to be working well with the pulp mill’s flue gases,” said Kaija Pehu-Lehtonen, SVP Business Development and the Director of Metsä Group’s carbon capture project. As part of the piloting, Metsä Group will also investigate possibilities for a larger-scale demo plant for carbon capture at the Rauma mill site. The annual capacity of a demo plant would be 30,000 to 100,000 tonnes of captured carbon dioxide. No decision has been made regarding the project or the demo plant’s location. Implementing the project would require all technical and financial issues to be resolved. The larger-scale demo plant would have a capacity more than one hundred times that of the pilot plant, which can capture approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide per day. Bio-based carbon dioxide is a virtually untapped pulp mill side stream. Carbon dioxide can be used as a raw material – for example, in the chemical and fuel industries and it can serve as a replacement for fossil-based raw materials. Carbon capture does not increase wood use at the pulp mill, nor does it undermine production efficiency. “Capture-related investments are large, and the market is underdeveloped, so we’re proceeding gradually. In addition, the value chains from raw material to finished products are often new and complex, requiring close cooperation between the participants and an insight into industrial operations,” said Pehu-Lehtonen. Through its development activities, Metsä Group wants to promote the emergence of markets. However, market development also depends on regulation at the EU and national level, as well as on investment support for the green transition. State aid for the green transition will play a key role in accelerating industrial investment.

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Thanks to Indonesia, global imports of hardwood woodchips to Asia rose over the year-ended June 2025. Of the top five importers, Indonesia and Japan saw growth in hardwood chip imports, while Mainland China, Korea and Taiwan all saw reductions, according to latest analysis by the team at IndustryEdge. Source: IndustryEdge Source: Importing country statistics services and Wood Market Edge online * It is important to note that most countries in Asia report woodchip trade in GMT, while the main recipient countries – China and Japan – report in bone dried metric tonnes (BDMT). IndustryEdge has elected to report the data as presented by each country, in this analysis and in our raw data services. As a rough ‘rule of thumb’, one BDMT can be assumed to be equivalent to two GMT. Patterns of trade in the Asian hardwood woodchip market are continuing to change. In particular, China’s domestic hardwood chip supply is increasing from its very significant plantations. Just as important is the altering and tense market dynamics in the global pulp industry, which drives demand for hardwood woodchips. The role of Indonesia as a satellite producer for Chinese manufacturers, as well as its own growing demand profile and established pulp and paper industry is also altering the hardwood woodchip market, as the details demonstrate. Japan, by contrast, is more stable than China, in many respects. It is useful to consider imports of hardwood woodchips for specific countries, using data available on IndustryEdge’s Wood Market Edge online platform. Indonesia Indonesia’s hardwood woodchip imports lifted a very strong 134%, rising to 3.1 million green metric tonnes (GMT) in FY25. Although Thailand and Australia played small roles in Indonesia’s imports, Vietnam was entirely dominant, delivering more than 93% of hardwood chips for the year. Obviously, Indonesia’s import price is driven by the price of Vietnamese supply and there is little reason to show other prices. The weighted average import price for the year-ended June 2025 was USDCif102.25/GMT, up a modest 1.1% on the prior year. Japan Often the stabiliser in the market, Japan’s hardwood woodchip imports lifted 2.0% year-ended June 2025, rising to 9.2 million BDMT. With greater stability comes an emphasis on quality and pulp yields that sees shipments from Vietnam still dominate (46%) but a combination of Australia, Thailand and Chile providing 35% of total supply. Australia and Chile are producing and delivering eucalypt woodchips which deliver a higher pulp yield than supplies from Vietnam, Thailand and elsewhere in South East Asia. Nowhere is the quality of hardwood woodchips more evident than in country specific pricing. The table below shows weighted average annual import prices for each of the major supplier countries to Japan. Supply from Vietnam and Thailand is more than 20% cheaper than supply from Australia. Producers seeking higher pulp yields, brighter paper and often, lower chemical input costs maintain a steady diet of hardwood woodchips from Australia and Chile. China Although it may lack stability, China makes up for the shortcoming with massive import volumes. Year-ended June 2025, China imported 16.1 million BDMT of hardwood woodchips, down 1.6% on the previous year. Unsurprisingly, Vietnam supplied almost 72% of the total, with Australia a distant second delivering 15.3% of the total. Albeit at a different scale and with less stability than Japan, China’s hardwood woodchip imports are operating to the same dynamic when it comes to quality and yield considerations. That is, the South East Asian supply of mainly Acacia is the baseload, with quality delivered from Australian eucalypts, supplemented with small volumes from Chile. Again, the pricing for imports tells the story of quality, with supply from Vietnam averaging almost 30% cheaper than supply from Australia, on a delivered basis. Some of this difference is freight costs, but much of it is driven by the underlying quality of the plantation eucalypt resource in Australia. Some concluding thoughts In a large and slow-moving market, where harvest to pulp mill can be many months, the dynamics of hardwood woodchip markets are changing rapidly. The pressures on the Chinese economy are having an impact, as are its industrial and geo-political policies. In that context, the rise of Indonesia as a hardwood woodchip importer is all the more important to the global industry, especially the nearby producers like those in Australia’s West. Indonesia’s increasing emphasis on environmental standards, its rapid improvement in living standards and its status as the large Asian country with the youngest population, makes it a likely long term customer of the future. Japan appears to be a stable environment, which compared to the rest of the main market in Asia, is a blessing for importers and producers alike. For more information visit www.industryedge.com.au  

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A 2,200-year-old Huon pine tree ring has returned to its symbolic home at The Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart. Source: Pulse Tasmania The ancient Pearce River Tree Ring, which dates back to before the birth of Christ, is now on public display in the IXL Atrium following negotiations with Sustainable Timber Tasmania. Originally salvaged in 1975 from the Lake Gordon area before it was flooded by the Gordon Dam, the artefact was initially gifted to the Tasmanian Government by IXL Timber. The tree ring features a detailed timeline mapping major world events across more than two millennia onto its growth rings. Ross Boobyer, General Manager of The Henry Jones Art Hotel, said the collaboration celebrates Tasmania’s unique environmental legacy. “We’re proud to partner with Sustainable Timber Tasmania in celebrating Tasmania’s heritage through the story of the Huon pine,” Boobyer said. “This collaboration not only helps preserve this incredible natural legacy but also gives our guests, and the public, a very special opportunity to connect with Tasmania’s natural resources and history, firsthand.” The ancient relic had spent a decade away from public view before the new installation. Suzette Weeding, General Manager of Conservation and Land Management at Sustainable Timber Tasmania, described the art hotel as the ideal venue for the tree ring’s return. “We’re delighted to see the Pearce River Tree Ring showcased in a space that celebrates the connection between art and nature. These special timbers are a strong reminder of Tasmania’s rich natural and cultural heritage,” Ms Weeding said. The Pearce River Tree Ring joins other Huon pine relics at the hotel, including a 750-year-old, 5.6-metre burled log nicknamed ‘Monster’ that was installed earlier this year. Two more ancient specimens, carbon-dated to approximately 14,000 and 32,000 years old, will soon complete the collection.

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Victoria’s Allan Labor Government says it is helping more Victorian families open the door to greener and leafier streets across Melbourne, making their suburbs cooler and better to live in. Source: Timberbiz Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny visited Ardeer South Primary School announced new protections for the tree canopy and $9.5 million to plant 500,000 more trees across Melbourne. Ardeer South Primary School planted over 1,800 plants and trees as part of the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program – improving air quality, creating more shade and cooling down the school grounds during summer. In addition to the half a million trees planted across Melbourne’s west, the new More Trees in Melbourne program will deliver half a million more trees across Local Government Areas with below-average tree canopy cover and high heat vulnerability. To help support the delivery of more trees where they are needed most, a new tree canopy mapping project will provide up-to-date, high-resolution data on urban tree canopy cover across Melbourne – enabling planning, smarter investment and more effective tracking of progress over time. There will be stronger protections for established trees across the state – a planning permit will be required to remove trees taller than five metres on vacant residential lots.  For lots with an existing house or planning approval for a house a permit will be required for the removal of trees within six metres of the front boundary and 4.5 metres from the rear boundary – all permits to be fast tracked through the 10-day VicSmart process. As part of the consultation process for the Labor Government’s Plan for Victoria, the community highlighted the importance of green spaces, and this feedback has helped shape the Plan’s target to deliver 30 percent tree canopy cover with further protections on industrial and commercial land to be introduced later this year. The More Trees in Melbourne program will be delivered in partnership with local councils and land managers, who will be invited to apply for grant funding next year.

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The Halo project in the heart of Sydney’s CBD has been given a fresh lease on life, as super fund developer Cbus Property joins a venture to develop the 55-storey hybrid timber tower. Source: The Australian Financial Review The involvement of Cbus Property in taking a 50% stake in the site alongside the project’s originator Milligan Group, secures the future for one of the city’s most high-profile but long-challenged developments. When built, it will lay claim to being the world’s tallest such hybrid timber tower. However, the tower project, which has an estimated end value of $1.8 billion, had been struggling to come out of the ground as Milligan Group juggled a heavy debt burden after buying over 70 individual titles on the corner of Hunter and Pitt Streets. That effort created a super-site across a new metro station, giving the developer scope for such a landmark skyscraper. But with its finances stretched and office market valuations falling, Milligan also needed to win support from a capital partner before going ahead with the ambitious development. “This acquisition is a strong reflection of our strategy to secure well-located commercial assets that respond to future customer demand,” Cbus Property’s chief executive Adrian Pozzo, said in a statement on Wednesday. “It supports our portfolio reweighting to Sydney and continues our track record of delivering high-quality developments that capture market uplift through timing and delivery excellence.” The involvement of Cbus Property, the real estate arm of the $105 billion Cbus Super, comes just as the tide is turning for the national office market. Sydney’s CBD has been the first to recover, especially at the top end of the market, where rising business confidence and a return-to-office vibe have encouraged blue-chip corporates to seek new spaces with high levels of amenity. At the same time, high costs have made new projects unfeasible for most developers in the past few years, with the result that new office supply in Sydney’s CBD is forecast to fall well short of its historical average over the next three years. Those factors combined are expected to put a premium on the few new office projects that do come out of the ground. “Halo is widely recognised as an ambitious project that has the potential to redefine sustainability, design and workplace experience in Australia,” Milligan Group’s managing director, James Milligan, said. “Cbus Property’s involvement will ensure the project benefits from the company’s proven track record in delivering complex, large-scale developments in partnership with leading industry participants.” ASX-listed developer Lendlease had previously signed a non-binding agreement to acquire the project for $685 million by the end of last year, but the mooted deal did not proceed. A turning point came for the project earlier this year, when its main lender, Merricks Capital – which was owed more than $500 million – made a bold decision to boost its loan by another $30 million, despite its exposure on Halo having contributed to its first monthly negative return in almost five years. That top-up proved critical, providing further funding for demolition and early works at the site, boosting confidence it would go ahead, and giving Milligan some much-needed breathing room as it looked to bring on board a capital partner. Cbus Property and Milligan are now working with Multiplex to finalise a construction contract, with main works expected to get underway late next year and completion early in 2030. The proposed result will be 42,000 square metres of office and retail space in a tower that has direct access to the new Hunter Street Metro station and is close to Martin Place, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour.

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The volume of new homes sold (contract-to-build) nationally decreased by 1.2% in August 2025 according to the HIA New Home Sales monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states. Source: Timberbiz HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt said that new home sales in the three months to August 2025 were 5.1% higher compared with the previous quarter. “Despite the slight monthly moderation, sales in the three months to August 2025 remain higher than any previous quarter in the last three years,” he said. “This indicates that cuts to the cash rate are leading to a return in home buying activity, albeit very slowly. “Demand for housing continues to increase due to elevated population growth and sustained low levels of unemployment,” he said. “These factors have contributed to an increase in home buying activity, leading to an increase in the price of established homes. “Ongoing competition for a limited stock of established homes available for purchase has seen buyers moving into new home building as an alternative.” Mr Devitt said that the supply side stimulus resulting from the Australian Government’s decision to remove the requirement for mandatory Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI) for first home buyers, would also boost new home sales. Around a third of all new homes are built by first home buyers and they play an important role in increasing housing supply. “Reducing the barriers to entry for first home buyers will lead to an increase in housing supply, putting downward pressure on prices beyond the short term and increasing rates of homeownership,” Mr Devitt said. This month’s decrease in new home sales nationally was driven by declines across all states except Victoria, where sales increased by 7.1%. The monthly declines were led by Western Australia, with sales decreasing by 7.7%, followed by Queensland (-6.7%), South Australia (-6.0%) and New South Wales (-1.2%).

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NSW Liberal Shadow Minister for the Environment, James Griffin has slammed the State Government for announcing the Great Koala National Park without any concrete details or legislation to back it up. Source: Timberbiz “After two and a half years of delay and inaction, all this Labor Government can produce is a media statement. No legislation, no details, no explanation of funding, and no certainty,” Mr Griffin said. “To make such a significant announcement whilst providing almost no detail is deeply disappointing. It is more than reasonable and fair to ask, why announce something but have no legislation to back it up?” Concerningly, the Minns Labor Government has revealed that the final creation of the proposed park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) Method, which is currently under review by the Federal Government. NSW Premier Chris Minns conceded that while he expects the Federal Government to ‘come through’, this is ultimately a decision outside of his control, stating that the NSW Government will have to look at ways of creating the Great Koala National Park based on the Federal Government’s decision. “There is a total absence of legislation and funding details and a government apparently hedging its bets, and the hopes of conservation groups, on approval from the Federal Government,” Mr Griffin said. “That means the very shape of the legislation, and even whether it proceeds at all, will be determined not in NSW, but in Canberra.” If the Federal Government refuses to provide carbon credits, serious questions arise about how the legislation and plans for the GKNP will change, including whether the proposed boundaries will be altered. Until the Minns Labor Government provides the necessary details and introduces clear legislation to back up this announcement, the NSW Liberals will continue to hold Premier Chris Minns to account. The Former Coalition Government had a proud and strong record on Koala conservation, which included establishing the updated NSW Koala Strategy, which delivered $190 million over five years to support the overarching goal of doubling NSW’s koala numbers by 2050. As part of this, the former NSW Coalition committed: $107.1 million to fund the protection, restoration and improved management of 47,000 hectares of koala habitat, to meet key conservation targets of 22,000 ha of koala habitat protected and 25,000 ha of koala habitat restored by 2026. $19.6 million to fund partnerships across NSW $23.2 million to remove threats, improve health and rehabilitation, and establish a translocation program $43.4 million to fill knowledge gaps and better understand NSW koala populations. Under this Labor Government, those key targets are not being met, with the 2023-24 NSW Koala Strategy Annual Report released in August last month revealing that only 8,353 hectares of koala habitat had been restored. If protecting koalas were genuinely a priority, Chris Minns would have legislated the park immediately and backed the NSW Koala Strategy with real funding. Instead, we’re left with a hollow announcement, no legislation, and a plan that depends on Canberra’s say-so,” Mr Griffin said.

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Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has slammed the Minns Labor Government’s announcement of the 476,000-hectare Great Koala National Park, describing it as “a massive kick in the guts” for regional communities across the Richmond and Clarence valleys and the wider North Coast region. Source: Timberbiz Mr Williamson said the announcement, made on Father’s Day while families were celebrating together, shows how tone-deaf the Government is to the impact this decision will have on forestry workers, their families and local communities. “Across the North Coast around 5,500 people are employed in the forestry industry. This decision puts those livelihoods on the chopping block,” Mr Williamson said. He said that sustainable harvesting would end in the 176,000 hectare footprint and that meant “real jobs in real communities will be lost overnight”. “While Chris Minns has looked after this own job, he has sold out thousands of regional jobs to do a deal with the Greens.” Mr Williamson said the flow-on effects will cripple multiple sectors. “The failure to meet wood supply agreements will impact everyday essentials — no timber means no paper, no power poles, no transport pallets, no wooden frames and nothing to build the homes we desperately need,” Mr Williamson said. “The timber industry has been sustainably managed in NSW for over 150 years. Our State Forests are a thriving environment for koalas and native species. This decision isn’t about protecting koalas — it’s about city-centric politics. “The protection of one of our national icons is obviously paramount, but sadly this announcement is not about the long-term protection of koalas. It is about a political deal with the Greens.” Mr Williamson said the process has been disingenuous and cruel.

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The Crisafulli Government says it is delivering on its election promise to secure supply of enough Queensland timber to build one million homes by 2044. Source: Timberbiz Consultation has closed on the draft Queensland Future Timber Plan (QFTP) which sets out policies to secure the sustainable timber supply needed for the future, while also supporting a sustainable resource, creating jobs, driving advanced manufacturing, and backing regional economies. More than 370 Queenslanders, including industry groups, conservation groups, Indigenous representatives, businesses, landowners and individuals have taken the opportunity to contribute to this landmark 25-year plan that will help shape the future of the forestry and timber industry in Queensland. The Crisafulli Governments says that the timber industry was left without any direction or certainty after 10 years of decline under the former Labor Government, with both the Miles and Palaszczuk Governments promising studies and action plans that were never delivered. Just last year, Labor promised a $200 million Sustainable Timber Industry Framework that was never properly costed or even funded. The Crisafulli Government aims to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, with the LNP’s Queensland Future Timber Plan on track to be delivered next month. It’s a key component of the broader Primary Industries Prosper 2050 blueprint which sets out to boost Queensland’s primary production output to $30 billion by 2030. The draft 25-year strategy for the forestry and timber industry was developed using a robust process with input from a range of sources. It will be supported by a detailed five-year action plan to set out the initial implementation process. Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the decade-long decline and lack of certainty for the timber industry is over. “Labor would prefer to see Queensland homes built using imported unsustainable timber or other materials – rather than support our locally sourced hardwood and softwood timber and our world leading industry that employs Queenslanders,” Minister Perrett said. “The Crisafulli Government values the forestry sector; it is sustainable, renewable and necessary to build one million homes over the next two decades. “The timber industry has a major role to play in Queensland’s growth and prosperity and in helping us meet our ambitious goal to boost primary industries value to $30 billion by 2030,” he said. The 28-day consultation was part of an extensive engagement process that will culminate in the release of the final QFTP and the first five-year action plan in late October 2025.

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