Australian timber industry news

Metsä Group has selected Valmet to deliver a 3D Fiber moulded fibre production line for their mill in Äänekoski, Finland. The investment responds to growing demand for alternatives to replace plastics by enabling high-volume industrial production of three-dimensional fibre-based packaging that is competitive with similar plastic solutions. Source: Timberbiz This investment marks a significant milestone as the world’s first commercial-scale implementation of the innovation. It follows Valmet’s extensive development, piloting, and the successful launch of the 3D Fiber technology in June 2026. The start-up of the line is scheduled for 2028. “After years of fruitful co-development with Valmet, including the start-up of the joint demo plant in 2022, Muoto is now entering an exciting new phase. We are expanding our capabilities, deepening customer collaborations, and building the foundations for future growth. At the same time, demand is growing for packaging solutions that combine performance, circularity, and scalability,” said Antti Valtonen, Vice President of the Muoto project, Metsä Spring. Valmet 3D Fibre technology enables the production of lightweight yet rigid end products, including trays, plates, and food packaging containers, offering alternatives to plastic. The technology uses cellulose fibres to form ready-to-use, three-dimensional products directly from pulp, eliminating the need for intermediate steps. Valmet offers a complete solution from fibre processing to automatic packing of end products along with services. With comprehensive testing and piloting opportunities, customers are able to develop and test new end products together with Valmet. “Valmet 3D Fiber technology is the first large-scale moulded fibre production technology on the market, and it provides an attractive and competitive end-to-end solution for the growing sustainable packaging market. “The investment confirms the market potential of the technology and accelerates the replacement of plastic packaging in high-volume production. Over the years, Metsä Group and Valmet have worked closely together to develop and validate the 3D Fiber technology, creating a strong foundation of trust and shared ambition,” said Juho Pyrrö, Head of 3D Fiber at Valmet. Valmet and Metsä Group have been developing the technology together in a demo plant in Äänekoski. The new production line will be located alongside the existing demo plant with a nominal capacity of more than 100 million products per year, demonstrating the scalability of the technology and paving the way for future industrial investments.

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Timber crane operators are increasingly looking for control systems that offer ease of use, precise controllability, and superior operating comfort. During long working days, a smooth control feel, quiet operation, and the ability to adapt the system to individual operator preferences become especially important. Source: Timberbiz Kesla addresses these needs with the new KESLA proPILOT and KESLA proC i 2.0 control systems. Both systems have been developed to provide smooth and precise crane control together with a user-friendly operating experience across a wide range of timber crane applications. KESLA proPILOT – Smooth, Precise and Quiet Crane Control KESLA proPILOT is a hydraulically pilot-operated control system designed for both high seat and cabin-mounted timber cranes. The system delivers smooth and precise crane operation through load-sensing (LS) control hydraulics and light, smoothly operating control levers. Key advantages of proPILOT include its comfortable operating feel and exceptionally quiet operation, helping to reduce operator fatigue during long working shifts. Control options include: 2-lever control with pedals 4-lever control with pedals   KESLA proC i 2.0 – An Electrically Pilot-Operated Control System Designed for cabin-mounted cranes, KESLA proC i 2.0 is an electrically pilot-operated control system that combines precise crane handling, versatile adjustment options and operator-specific customization. Its smooth and precise control feel is achieved through the combination of load-sensing (LS) hydraulics, joystick controls and touchscreen-based adjustment features. Operator profiles allow the system to be tailored to the preferences of multiple users. In addition to the factory default settings, the system can store personalized settings for up to five operators. Separate loading and unloading profiles can also be configured for each operator. KESLA proC i 2.0 control options include: 2-lever control with mini joysticks 2-lever control with maxi handles 2-lever control with pedals 4-lever control with pedals   Both proPILOT and proC i 2.0 have been designed to meet the expectations of today’s timber transport and forestry professionals, including comfortable operation, precise controllability, reliability, and the ability to tailor crane controls to individual preferences. With the introduction of these new control systems, Kesla continues to enhance its timber crane offering by providing operators with greater comfort, flexibility and control throughout the working day.

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When we talk about forests, we tend to focus on what they provide – wood, non-wood forest products, raw materials, and the foundation of a sustainable bioeconomy. Rarely do we talk about them as workplaces. And rarer still do we ask who, exactly, works in them. Source: Timberbiz The forest sector employs approximately 42 million people worldwide – not only inside forests themselves, but in the industries, services, and supply chains that forests support. Until now, however, fragmented data and incomplete country coverage have left significant gaps in the global picture and no breakdown by gender. Together with the International Labour Organization and the Thünen Institute of Forestry of Germany, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are addressing these gaps with more precision than ever before. This new joint study provides the first globally comparable, sex-disaggregated employment figures for the forest sector between 2011 and 2022, covering 182 countries and representing 99% of the world’s forest area. The need for this kind of data is massive. To help build a green economy, we need a clear picture of who works in our forests. Internationally comparable data on employment in the sector is essential for creating policies that protect both people and forests. Across every region studied – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania – a persistent gender employment gap is evident. Fewer than 11 million of the 42 million forestry sector workers are women – roughly one in four. Forests provide ecosystem services that are critical to the environment and sustainable development and whose provision needs prudent management. Forests also provide renewable resources which build the basis for sustainable bioeconomies. Particularly in rural areas, where sources of income are often limited, the forest sector provides essential livelihood options and underpins food security, supplying wild foods and non-wood forest products that supplement diets and provides a safety net when other sources of income fall short. The new Forest EMployment model (FEM) used in the study represents a genuine methodological advance over previous approaches, enhancing precision. The FEM model utilizes annual, country-specific data, drawing on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, labour-market variables and forest-related variables to fill the considerable gaps in what countries might report. Wood and wood product manufacturing accounts for 58% of global forest-sector employment – the dominant subsector by far. Forestry and logging consistently represent nearly one-third of the total, while pulp and paper manufacturing make up approximately 16%. Asia, driven by China, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam, dominates with roughly half of all forest-sector employment worldwide. Meanwhile, the forest sector’s share of total global employment has declined by about 3% since 2011 – not because absolute numbers have decreased, but because employment across all economic activities has grown at a faster rate. The study estimates that fewer than 11 million of those 42 million workers are women – roughly one in four. Across every region studied – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania – a persistent gender employment gap is evident. Between 2011 and 2022, approximately 1.5% of men and only 0.8% of women in the global workforce were employed in the forest sector. The gap is widest in Europe, where 1.8% of the total male workforce is employed in the forest sector compared with just 0.5% of women. In South and Southeast Asia, the gender employment gap narrowed between 2011 and 2022, declining from 0.36 percentage points to 0.15. Expanding national data systems to capture non-wood forest products and job-quality indicators, and continuing to invest in sex-disaggregated data, will bring greater attention to the true value of this workforce and strengthen the evidence base for shaping the future of forests. From smallholder producers to skilled technicians, this workforce manages forests, harvests and processes timber and non-wood forest products, and shapes how forests are conserved, restored and used as part of a growing bioeconomy. Making these jobs attractive, safe and rewarding, particularly for youth and women, is key to sustaining livelihoods, attracting new talent and fostering innovation for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient bioeconomy and society.

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By the time forest products reach our everyday lives, it can be easy to lose sight of the forests, people, practices and decisions behind them. This year’s FSC Forest Walk brought those connections into focus for businesses that support FSC, giving them a firsthand view of what responsible forestry looks like in Australia. Source: Timberbiz Each year, FSC Australia and New Zealand invites businesses to get their boots on the ground, stepping into a certified forest to meet the people responsible for its management. For FSC certificate and promotional licence holders, this experience provides them with a first-hand connection between the responsible sourcing commitments they make and the forests those commitments help support locally. This year, the FSC Forest Walk took place at Taswood Estate in northern Tasmania and was hosted by Timberlands Pacific. The 54,000-hectare plantation estate is predominantly planted with radiata pine and provided the setting for representatives from some of Australia’s leading brands, including Coles Group, Kimberly-Clark, Essity, Merry People, Bunnings, Opal, Winc, Uncle Bills and Visy. The experience began with a smoking ceremony, creating a powerful sense of place and connection to Country. Mark Harriss of Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation invited participants to engage and see an alternative view of self, industry and harmony with Country, burning local native plants to create smoke that moved across the participants. Collaboration and self-ownership were a strong theme throughout Mark’s reflections, particularly the importance of working together in ways that are respectful and responsible to Country. He spoke about the importance of industries such as forestry operating responsibly and in harmony with the landscape. Braving the elements was all part of the experience, with rain, mud-caked boots and low cloud drifting through the trees as participants witnessed harvesting in action, something many had never seen before. They learnt how factors such as slope, terrain and environmental values influence the choice of harvesting method, from ground-based and tethered systems to cable harvesting. The team also explained the role of landscape management in forestry, a strategic approach that considers ecological, visual, cultural and sustainability values across the broader landscape, rather than within individual coupes alone. Skies cleared just in time to provide a clear outlook over the Taswood Estate, showcasing the different age classes of the trees alongside areas of native forest managed for conservation under Timberlands Pacific’s FSC certification. A wedge-tailed eagle soared in the distance right on cue as the Timberlands team explained how management focuses on nest protection, disturbance avoidance and landscape-scale habitat retention. This includes nest identification, constraint periods and Forest Practices Plan prescriptions that establish mandatory protection zones around nests, with restrictions on harvesting, road construction and other operations nearby. Site re-establishment was another key focus, with participants learning how establishing a healthy, well-stocked crop is critical to achieving good outcomes. Every tree is planted by hand and subject to quality assurance checks to ensure the new crop gets off to a strong start. Reflecting on the morning’s learnings, Sally Wilson, Landscape Specialist at Bunnings, said, “Seeing firsthand how responsible forest management is implemented across such a large estate was both impressive and inspiring. From planning and harvesting through to regeneration and habitat protection, it was clear that sustainability and environmental stewardship are at the forefront of every decision.” The smell of freshly harvested pine filled the air as we arrived at a thinning operation, where participants saw firsthand how this practice is used to remove suppressed or poorly formed trees, giving the more dominant, better-formed trees greater space and resources to grow and ultimately meet sawlog specifications. Carefully stepping between the pine trees, participants learned from an Operations Forester how to accurately measure tree diameter at breast height and use a handheld laser to measure tree height. Getting hands-on with these tools gave participants a better understanding of the skill and attention to detail involved in managing a forest and making decisions that will shape its future. Warming up by the fire over lunch at Scottsdale Football Clubhouse, participants heard from Peter Coleborn, Dorset Council’s Bikes and Trails Manager, about how forestry operations and mountain biking coexist within the famous Blue Derby network. Mr Coleborn’s presentation reflected Timberlands Pacific’s commitment to proactive engagement with neighbours and stakeholders. As part of its FSC certification, the company is required to meaningfully engage with those who may be affected by forest operations. Timberlands Pacific approaches this with great enthusiasm, and in Derby this includes shuttle operators, tourism businesses, local government, mountain bikers and the broader community. As the day drew to a close, participants talked about what the forest walk experience had given them, including Cassandra Wheat, Head of Product from Merry People, who said, “It was really insightful to see the scale of the operation, both physically and economically, which I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I also really enjoyed seeing firsthand the measures in place to protect native flora and fauna, waterways and bird habitats.” Many travelled long distances to attend the event, showing just how valuable opportunities like the FSC Forest Walk are for FSC stakeholders. The day was a chance to recognise the work of certified forest managers such as Timberlands Pacific and to see what FSC’s requirements look like on the ground.

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Forestry Corporation firefighters have stepped up preparations for the approaching bushfire season through a five-day intensive training camp on the Mid North Coast. Source: Timberbiz Held at Mount Seaview near Wauchope, the camp brought together 45 staff members completing nationally recognised qualifications in Fire Fighter, Advanced Fire Fighter and Crew Leader roles. Forestry Corporation Fire Training and Operations Coordinator Nathan Fischer said the fire camps play an important role in ensuring firefighters are prepared to protect communities, forests and assets during the fire season. “Forestry Corporation has a responsibility as a firefighting authority to ensure our people are trained, capable and ready to respond to fires in the landscape,” Mr Fischer said. “With two million hectares of State forests across NSW, it’s essential we maintain a skilled workforce that can respond safely and effectively wherever they’re needed. “The training combines classroom learning with practical field exercises, helping firefighters build confidence and capability in fire behaviour, tactics, leadership, communications and equipment operation.” The camp included a live fire scenario, providing participants with hands-on experience in a realistic fire situation. Among those undertaking training was Tamworth-based Production Supervisor Mat Newberry, who completed a Crew Leader course having previously gaining qualifications as a Firefighter and Advanced Firefighter. Mr Newberry joined Forestry Corporation as a seasonal firefighter after serving 16 years with Fire and Rescue NSW and said the Crew Leader course provided valuable insight into the responsibilities of leading a team of firefighters. “The biggest shift as a Crew Leader is moving from being on the tools to looking at the broader operation,” Mr Newberry said. “You’re responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your crew, identifying hazards and risks, monitoring changing fire conditions and making sure critical information is communicated from your position on the fireground to those managing the operation.” Having worked in both structural and forest firefighting environments, Mr Newberry said the experience had broadened his understanding of fire management. “Forest firefighting is vastly different to structural firefighting, and it presents a unique set of challenges as we often see across the state over spring and summer,” he said. “Since joining Forestry Corporation, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience through wildfire operations and specialist training, including working as a Planning Officer within Incident Management Teams during major incidents. “These training camps are beneficial to our staff, the instructors bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the training, and it’s a great chance to learn from people who have worked on fires in different forest types across NSW and beyond,” he said. “It also helps build relationships with other Forestry Corporation firefighters, which is important when you’re working together during major incidents.” Forestry Corporation currently has around 500 staff members trained as forest firefighters. The organisation also maintains a statewide fleet of fire tankers, light vehicles fitted with firefighting equipment, contracted aircraft and more than 100 drones operated by trained pilots. Heavy plant machinery used in forest operations, including bulldozers, is also made available through the broader forest and timber industry to support firefighting efforts across NSW. Forestry Corporation is currently planning further fire training camps at Wallerawang near Lithgow in September and at Bondi Forest Lodge near Bombala in October. For more information about Forestry Corporation’s firefighting operations, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

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Industry personnel and students are invited to apply for the 2026 round of The Gottstein Trust Skill Development Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships. Source: Timberbiz Individuals working, or training to work, in the forest products value chain are encouraged to apply before 19 October 2026. Grants are open to anyone in the Australian sector. They could be a saw doctor, mill or machine operator, GIS analyst, forest ecologist, harvest planner, farm forester, tree geneticist, timber product engineer, marketer, tree nursery expert or a forest scientist, PhD researcher, TAFE student, architect. Each grant category has an online application and a competitive selection process. Then grant funds are provided to a small number of successful applicants. People can use those funds for agreed activities that will build their skills, knowledge and network. The employer of a grant recipient can also benefit from their staff member’s commitment to their own skill development. Funding helps an individual to pursue activities to match their ambition. Applications close at midnight Monday, October 19, 2026. More information, and online application forms are at  https://gottsteintrust.org/grants-courses Enquiries to Helen Murray on 0419-991-424 or email: team@gottsteintrust.org

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Building approvals for new homes declined by 3.6% in July, led by a 4.5% fall in houses, with a 2.4% fall in multi-units. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday released its monthly building approvals data for July 2026 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt said that despite these monthly declines, approvals in the last three months remained materially higher than a year earlier (+8.3%), led by houses (+12.4%), with multi-units up by 2.5%. “There are long lags between changes in market conditions, building approvals and construction activity,” he said. “New home building activity had good momentum heading into 2026, on the back of strong population growth, low unemployment and ongoing shortages of housing across the country. “This year, the Australian government has increased taxes on housing investors, while restricting the ability of SMSFs to invest in housing. “Combined with rising interest rates, global conflict and surging fuel costs, this has interrupted an expansion in home building that was already underway,” Mr Devitt said. “The effect is already visible in a number of leading indicators across the economy. “As expected, the increase in taxes on investors in the established market will have a short-term adverse impact on established home prices, further reduce the supply of new homes, and lead to a worsening in affordability.” He said that lending in the established housing market had tumbled, with loans to investors, in particular, dropping almost 20% in the first half the year. Dwelling prices were declining across the country, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. “This is predictably filtering into the new construction pipeline, with new home sales declining for the three consecutive months to July,” Mr Devitt said. “This adverse shock to new housing supply is yet to emerge in building approvals data. “Increasing the supply of housing and sustainably improving affordability requires the cost of construction to be reduced,” he said. In seasonally adjusted terms, Tasmania saw the largest increase in building approvals in the three months to July compared to the same period a year earlier, to be 44.9% higher. This was followed by Queensland (+24.0%), Western Australia (+15.3%), South Australia (+9.5%) and Victoria (+2.8%), while New South Wales was down by 1.3%. In original terms, building approvals increased by 60.8% in the Northern Territory, while declining by 15.6% in the Australian Capital Territory.

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The Australian government’s announcement of an additional funding stream under the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to build 1,000 social and affordable homes proves the importance of sustained Commonwealth leadership in housing. Source: Timberbiz The new Stream 5 release will support up to 1,000 social and affordable homes through ready-to-go projects, while encouraging greater diversity in housing typologies, including detached and semi-detached homes, and creating opportunities for community housing providers to partner with builders to deliver housing more quickly. National Shelter CEO Jackson Hills said the stream directly addresses the lag between funding decisions and highlights the value of the HAFF as a long-term national mechanism for social and affordable housing. “National Shelter welcomes this additional funding stream, which recognises the need to get more social and affordable homes built quickly while supporting a broader range of housing types and locations,” Mr Hills said. “For the hundreds of thousands of people in Australia on social housing waitlists, the difference between a home in 2027 and a home five years later is life changing. “The Housing Australia Future Fund has made clear its value as a long-term national mechanism for increasing social and affordable housing, with this additional stream showing how it can respond to opportunities in the market and help bring forward projects that are ready to be delivered. “Backing low-density homes broadens the scope of social housing in this country, and it opens up regional centres and outer suburbs where medium density is harder to deliver. These homes will connect people to work, schools and healthcare rather than isolating them. “At this pivotal moment in Australia’s housing history, Commonwealth leadership has never been more important. The scale of Australia’s housing challenges requires sustained national investment, coordination and partnership across all levels of government, community housing providers and industry. “The Commonwealth’s leadership through the Housing Australia Future Fund is helping rebuild Australia’s pipeline of social and affordable housing and demonstrating the value of a long-term national commitment to housing supply.” Mr Hills said the announcement reinforces the need for long-term national housing targets that extends beyond individual funding rounds and election cycles. “The fact that the Fund has opened a new stream in response to what the market can deliver makes the clearest case for making it permanent. Round 3 is currently the final round, and Australia faces a shortfall of 640,000 social and affordable homes by 2041, a gap no single program with an end date can close,” he said. “National Shelter believes future National Housing Accord targets should explicitly include social and affordable housing outcomes alongside broader housing supply goals. Establishing long-term targets across the next 20 to 30 years would give governments, community housing providers and investors greater certainty about the scale of housing Australia needs to build. “We also welcome the Senate’s recent focus on examining the nation’s social housing needs. Programs such as the Housing Australia Future Fund are an essential delivery mechanism, but we must also maintain a clear picture of future need so that housing investment can keep pace with Australia’s growing population and changing communities.” National Shelter said the focus on shovel-ready projects and accelerated delivery demonstrated how targeted Commonwealth investment could bring desperately needed social and affordable housing online sooner while strengthening Australia’s long-term housing system.

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New Zealand Institute of Forestry says it rejects a blanket forestry moratorium in the country. The NZIF says proposals to halt new forestry registrations or progressively remove forestry from the scheme are premature and risk further undermining investor confidence. Source: Timberbiz NZIF President Adrian Loo says that the Adrift: What future does the Emissions Trading Scheme have? report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment raises legitimate questions about the balance between reducing gross emissions and removing carbon through forests. “New Zealand needs faster reductions in gross emissions, but this does not diminish the importance of carbon removals,” Mr Loo said. “We need both. The challenge is to design a system which recognises their different roles and provides credible incentives for each.” NZIF is concerned the report’s media release presents modelled scenarios as settled outcomes. The report itself acknowledges its results are projections rather than predictions and depend heavily on assumptions about future carbon prices, planting rates and forest owner behaviour. “A model looking ahead to 2075 can help us understand possible risks, but it cannot tell us with certainty how markets, technology, landowners or governments will behave over the next 50 years. Major policy decisions should not be based on one set of modelled scenarios,” Mr Loo said. NZIF also says an important distinction is being overlooked between Government auction units and forestry units. “Government auction units are permissions to emit. Forestry units recognise carbon which forests have actually removed from the atmosphere. Treating both forms of supply as though they have the same climate effect overlooks a fundamental difference,” Mr Loo said. NZIF agrees biological carbon storage carries risks from fire, pests, disease and extreme weather. However, it says these risks should be addressed through professional forest management, monitoring, enforceable standards and appropriate financial provision. Descriptions of “vast new plantations of highly flammable, storm prone pine” are unhelpfully emotive and do not reflect the diversity or reality of modern forestry. “Forestry is not a single land use. A managed production forest, a permanent exotic carbon forest, an indigenous forest and a planned transition forest have different purposes, benefits and risks. Sound policy must distinguish between them,” he said. “Broad descriptions of pine forests as inherently dangerous show insufficient recognition of forest management, fire planning, engineering, harvesting controls and the regulatory improvements made across the sector.” NZIF says a blanket moratorium on new forestry registrations would not simply pause the present system. It would be a significant policy intervention which could affect production forestry, farm forestry, indigenous regeneration and transition projects. It could also strand investments made in good faith under rules established by successive governments. “Foresters did not design the ETS. Landowners and investors have responded to the incentives created by government policy. They should not be blamed or retrospectively penalised for following those rules,” Mr Loo said. He said forestry was a long-term investment and unnecessary changes to ETS settings would seriously erode investor confidence and would result in significant reductions in planting rates across all forest types. New Zealand did not need to face a choice between reducing emissions and growing forests. “We need faster reductions at source alongside the right trees, in the right places, managed for the right purposes,” Mr Loo said. “Foresters must be part of the discussion and forestry part of the solution.”

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Tree Breeding Australia has officially opened its new $1.2 million National Genetics Research Centre in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Located on Kilsby Road, the research facility will accommodate up to 12 staff – mostly technical specialists – to provide better infrastructure for TBA’s national tree breeding and genetic improvement programs across both hardwood and softwood plantation species. Source: Timberbiz Key capabilities at the site include the storage and management of genetic material used in seed and pollination programs, with plans to progressively undertake DNA sequencing and analysis on-site, reducing the need to send samples interstate or overseas. The new TBA research facility represents another jewel in South Australia’s crown as a national leader in research and innovation and builds on the State Government’s investment in the recently opened $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence. South Australia’s Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven, who officially opened the building, said the State Government’s investment in the research facility would strengthen the State’s role in forestry research and help secure the future of South Australia’s timber plantation industry. “Tree breeding and genetic improvements are critical to developing productive and resilient plantations, and this facility will support the research, skills, and innovation required to meet the industry’s future challenges and opportunities,” she said. “Through this partnership between the Malinauskas Government and the forestry sector, we are supporting skilled technical roles and strengthening Mount Gambier’s position as a centre for forestry research and innovation.” Built by Parham Construction, the facility was delivered by an entirely local trade base comprising more than 15 businesses. TBA purchased the Kilsby Road site in 2005, building on an organisational history dating back to 1983 when it began operating locally as a cooperative focused on the genetic improvement of plantation timber species. Today, it is the premier breeding organisation in Australia for plantation softwood and hardwood species. The chairman of Tree Breeding Australia, Dr Andrew Jacobs, said the project represented a significant investment in the future of Australian plantations. “The new research facility will enable us to better protect and manage valuable genetic material, improve the efficiency of our breeding programs, and develop the skills and technology we need for the next generation of tree improvement,” Dr Jacobs said. “Our goal is to develop trees that grow faster, produce better-quality timber, and are increasingly resilient to the conditions in which they are grown, including adapting to more challenging environments. This facility is a long-term investment in the people, science, and genetic resources that will underpin Australia’s future timber supply.” Forest & Wood Products Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer Craig Taylor said the opening of the new facility – known as “The Shed” – marked an important milestone for Australia’s plantation forestry sector and the researchers, growers and industry organisations working to improve the productivity, value and resilience of Australia’s plantation resource. “We recognise the vision and commitment of all those involved in bringing this important facility to life,” he said. “FWPA has a focus on helping our plantation grower members increase their profitability by growing more fibre on every hectare of land they manage, while also increasing the value of that fibre through improvements in wood characteristics that better meet the needs of downstream manufacturers. “We are also helping plantation growers increase their resilience through the development of genetics that will be best suited to a changing climate. Increasing the volume, quality and resilience of Australia’s plantations benefits participants right across the supply chain.” FWPA has been a major investor in plantation genetics research and development delivered in partnership with TBA, focused on tree improvement, genomics, plantation productivity, disease resistance and climate adaptation. Since 2020, the $11.5 million investment, leveraged through Australian Government matched funding, significantly expands the impact of industry research funds. An independent assessment of one recent research project found that for every $1 invested the research is likely to deliver $6.70 of direct economic benefit, plus other environmental and public good benefits. FWPA Head of Forest Research Jodie Mason said sustained investment in genetics and breeding was critical to the long-term success of Australia’s plantation estate. “Tree breeding and genetics underpin the future productivity, quality and resilience of Australia’s plantation forests. The Shed provides an important platform to accelerate the research and collaboration needed to deliver benefits to growers and processors for decades to come.” The projects supported by FWPA and its funding partners include research to increase and sustain productivity gains in national tree improvement programs, accelerate genetic gain through advanced genomics, optimise tree survival and resource quality, design genetically improved pine varieties, develop more productive trees adapted to changing environments, and future-proof plantations through disease-resistance screening. Mr Taylor said the opening of the Centre demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between industry, government and researchers. “Facility investments such as this, combined with continued investment in research and development, help ensure Australia’s plantation sector remains internationally competitive and capable of meeting future demand for sustainable, renewable forest products.” TBA’s longer-term plans include a purpose-built glasshouse at the site to assist quarantine measures for the introduction of plants interstate and to fast-track the propagation of elite genetics.

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Komatsu Forest has launched a new generation of forestry machines, where both harvesters and forwarders have been comprehensively updated to meet the evolving demands of modern forestry. Source: Timberbiz The new range combines improved productivity with reduced environmental impact, focusing on efficiency, operator comfort and long-term reliability. The launch includes a complete update of Komatsu’s harvester portfolio as well as a new generation of six-cylinder forwarders. Across both segments, the upgrades are centred around a new engine platform, enhanced driveline performance and a more refined operator environment. At the core of the new generation is the AP Core engine, designed to deliver higher power and torque while enabling more efficient operation. The increased engine performance makes it possible to operate at lower engine speeds while maintaining – or in many cases improving – productivity. In the harvester range, all seven models have been upgraded. New crane designs play an important role in this development. The cranes feature a more robust design, with additional cast components and increased dimensions in key areas. This improves durability, particularly in demanding operations, while maintaining high performance and precision. The hydraulic system has been optimised to reduce pressure losses and improve overall efficiency, while a revised hydrostatic transmission enables high performance at lower engine speeds. Together with the engine updates, these improvements contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, while supporting efficient performance in a wide range of operating conditions. “We have focused on delivering more performance where it matters, while also improving efficiency,” said Joakim Johansson, Product Manager, Harvesters. “The new generation gives operators more capability in demanding conditions, while enabling lower engine speeds and more fuel-efficient operation in everyday work.” The new forwarders – Komatsu 855, 875 and 895 – benefit from similar core upgrades, including the same engine platform and an updated transmission. These changes enable higher transport speeds, improved traction and increased productivity in challenging terrain. “We continue to develop our forwarders with a clear focus on productivity and usability,” says Daniel Grabbe, Product Manager, Forwarders. “The improvements in engine efficiency, driveline performance and serviceability all contribute to lower cost per cubic metre and a more reliable machine in daily operations.” Additional updates in the forwarder range include flexible load configurations, improved crane performance and several design changes that simplify service and maintenance. A redesigned access system and improved component layout also enhance operator safety and daily usability. With the Next Generation range, Komatsu Forest continues its focus on delivering machines that combine productivity, operator experience and environmental consideration – supporting forestry operations both today and in the future.

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Water is essential to making pulp and paper. Domtar’s Water Reduction Capex Fund sets aside a portion of capital spending solely for projects that help conserve water. Domtar’s mill teams submit competing proposals, and since 2023, the company has saved 2.3 billion gallons of water per year through the program. Source: Timberbiz Since 2023, employee-led projects at 10 Domtar mills have reduced the company’s water use by more than 2.3 billion gallons a year — enough to fill 3,480 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Twenty-four projects, designed and driven by the people who know the mills best, are helping Domtar’s paper and packaging mills reach the company’s water target: a 20% reduction in water-use intensity by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. The program works like a competition. Through the Water Reduction Capex Fund, Domtar sets aside a portion of capital spending solely for water-reduction projects, and mill teams submit proposals for a share of it. There’s one unusual rule. “The projects didn’t need to provide a financial return. The priority was saving water,” said Brian Kozlowski, senior director of environment and sustainability for Domtar’s Paper and Packaging business unit. “That gave our employees the chance to think beyond the bottom line and they really did.” The best water-saving ideas didn’t come from headquarters. They came from operators, engineers and maintenance teams who saw where water could work harder, often in places most people never think about. Some projects put used water back to work. When a new sheet of paper is made, the water that drains away (papermakers call it white water, because it’s cloudy with wood fibre) can be captured and put back to use instead of being replaced with fresh water. The same goes for cooling water, which carries heat away from equipment: instead of running it through once and letting it go, teams rerouted it to cooling towers, where it sheds its heat and goes back to work again. Other projects stop the draw before it starts. Many industrial pumps run a constant trickle of water (called “seal water”) to keep their moving parts cool and sealed tight. A trickle sounds small, but run it around the clock across hundreds of pumps and it adds up to millions of gallons; swapping older-style pump packing for modern mechanical seals cuts that trickle to nearly nothing. Flow regulators help deliver only the water the job actually needs. And converting open-loop cooling, where water passes through once and leaves, to closed-loop systems that recirculate the same water can eliminate that demand entirely. The first year of the competition alone produced 10 projects at seven mills, saving more than one billion gallons annually. The program has since grown to 24 completed projects at 10 mills and the healthy competition between mills that leaders hoped for is real. This spring, Domtar’s Nekoosa Mill in Wisconsin earned the company’s internal Water Reduction Award for a series of conservation initiatives projected to save more than 129 million gallons. The results are showing up on the company scoreboard. According to Domtar’s Q2 2026 sustainability strategy update, the Water Reduction Capex Fund has now completed its third year of projects, and water use across the Paper & Packaging business unit is down 10% from 2020 levels through the first quarter of 2026, halfway to the 2030 target. The program earned the American Forest & Paper Association’s Leadership in Sustainability – Water Management award in 2024.

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Finnish forest investments had a better performance during the first half of 2026 compared with their counterparts in Sweden. Finland’s H1 return reached 5.9%, supported by a Q2 gain of 7.1%. In Sweden, H1 returns fell to -6.6% as Q2 declined by -7.3%. On a twelve-month basis, returns remained negative in both markets, with Finland at -11.7% and Sweden at -15.0%. Source: Timberbiz However, despite recent negative returns, Sweden continues to outperform Finland over the medium term. Strong quarterly returns in Sweden following Q1/2024 have resulted in substantial value accumulation for forest owners. By Q2/2026, the index level was at 127.4, corresponding to a cumulative return of 27.4%. In Finland, the corresponding index reached 109.4, representing a cumulative return of 9.4%. Both index levels declined sharply from the peak levels reached in Q2/2025, as shown in the figure. Changes in stumpage revenues, calculated as the sum of changes in timber prices and harvest volumes, continue to be the main factor explaining return fluctuations in both countries. In Finland, pulpwood prices diverged from sawlog prices recently, as pulpwood has seen a relatively larger decrease in price. Furthermore, the prices have decreased since June, while biological growth continued to provide a stable positive contribution to returns. Indufor’s Forest Investment Return Index now covers both Finland and Sweden, representing almost 30% of EU wood market and nearly one million forest owners. The index measures private forest returns using public market data on timber prices, standing stock volumes, harvests and forest management costs. The methodology is based on the Montgomery-Vartia index, allowing the total return to be consistently decomposed into its underlying components. Founded in 1980, Indufor Oy is an internationally recognised forest sector consultancy headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with experience in more than 100 countries.

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When Forest Growers Research (NZ) launched its 2025 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge, it set out to unlock the ingenuity of young forestry professionals working at the frontline. For Establishment Forester Tessa McCarthy, the spark for her winning idea came from working in blackberry as a graduate. Source: Timberbiz “I started working with pruning crews in May last year,” she says. “We had a really warm autumn and we were in quite a tough blackberry block. I was watching the guys push their way through. They either chose to have no arm protection to manage the heat, or they wore two hoodies and overheated.” Neither option sat well with her. Bare arms meant scratches and thorns. And in forestry, blackberry scratches aren’t minor inconveniences – they can become infected, layered on top of old cuts, day after day. Hoodies reduced the scratches but created a different risk. “If they’re not keeping up hydration, that exposes them to heat exhaustion,” Ms McCarthy said. “Sometimes you can push through it, but it hits you later. Or the next day.” For Ms McCarthy, it was clearly a health and safety issue, but also a wellbeing issue. “It’s mentally challenging too. It’s an environment where you just have to push through,” she said. One simple question emerged: If we’ve got leg chaps, why don’t we have arm chaps? Before the challenge even opened, Ms McCarthy had begun experimenting. In true upcycling style, she salvaged old car seat covers destined for the bin to use as canvas. When the Youth Micro Innovation Challenge was announced, it felt like the right pathway to take her idea further. Unlike traditional funding rounds, the process was deliberately simple. No lengthy business case – just a clear explanation of how the innovation would improve forestry. With up to $10,000 available and a fast-track timeframe, it was designed to move ideas quickly into proof-of-concept. Ms McCarthy’s concept, Forestry Arm Chaps, was selected as one of two winners. The funding allowed her to purchase an industrial sewing machine and materials to build a robust prototype. But as with most forestry projects, the timeline had to flex around operational realities. Planting season was intense, and Ms McCarthy negotiated an extension so she could give the design the attention it deserved. She completed her first field test in early December with a volunteer from a crew working in Murupara. “I was a bit nervous,” she admits. “At first, they looked at me like … what is this? But once I showed them, they were really encouraging. They said it’s something they would use and wanted to be part of the trial.” That response mattered. “If you design PPE that’s more of a hindrance than a help, it just won’t be adopted.” Arm protection isn’t entirely new in forestry. But Ms McCarthy is clear that her design targets a very specific user group: pruners operating in high-intensity, high-movement environments. “With plotting, you’re putting your arm around the tree and breaking through blackberry. With pruning, there’s so much more movement. You’re bending your arms all day, stretching your back, climbing ladders. Your joint movement can’t be impacted.” That insight shaped every design decision. While other arm chaps she’d seen were full canvas, Tessa introduced flexible neoprene panels at the elbow to allow natural movement and reduce pinching. “Full canvas would just pinch all day.” She also added a soft cuff at the wrist for comfort. She has also replaced Velcro closures with adjustable buckles for durability and longevity. “Velcro wears out. I want this to last.” Back straps were redesigned to accommodate the wide variation in men’s body shapes. This year, a full-size range, from small to XL, were produced for trials involving crews in dense blackberry blocks where the benefits were expected to be the most evident. Feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive, with users reporting they “love them”. Contractors R & L Contracting are providing feedback from the field and KT’s Tree Establishment Manager Rob Brown has been a sounding board for Tessa during trials. OHS Partnering General Manager Ian Barrett applauds Ms McCarthy’s efforts. “Tessa has taken a real frontline challenge, listened to the people doing the work, and developed a solution that has the potential to reduce injury risk, improve comfort and support better wellbeing in tough operating conditions,” he said. Ms McCarthy is now working on a name for her product, but she says the goal isn’t commercial success. “I’m not money driven. I’m people focused. If I can improve the working environment of the workers out there, that’s what matters,” she said. Ms McCarthy also recognises the potential beyond forestry. Farmers, lifestyle block owners, conservation workers, even search and rescue volunteers could benefit from flexible arm protection in thorny environments. In five years? “If there’s demand, it could go further,” she says. More than anything, the journey has reinforced her belief in backing your ideas. “Don’t let doubt deter you,” she says. “People will tell you it’s already been done. I’ve had that. But you can’t let that stop you from giving it a go.” The process has also equipped her with practical innovation skills she’ll carry into her forestry career – understanding design, testing, iteration, and the importance of end-user feedback. In a way, the project has brought together two of her passions. “I was almost going to study fashion design,” she said. “It came down to fashion or forestry.” Forestry won, but through the Micro Innovation Challenge, the two have merged in an unexpected and impactful way.

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A senior Indonesian forester whose work focused on his country’s native forest species, Dr Anto Rimbawanto likes to joke that he was destined for the field. Part of his surname, rimba, means ‘lush forest’ in Indonesian. Source: Timberbiz For more than four decades, Dr Rimbawanto has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding and sustainable management of Indonesia’s forest resources as a researcher with the then Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Agency for Forest Research and Development and, later, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Through much of that journey, collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) connected him and his team with Australian researchers through joint research, training and capacity development. Having stepped back from a lifetime devoted to forestry, Dr Rimbawanto reflects on a partnership that has connected researchers, strengthened scientific capacity and delivered lasting benefits for Indonesia’s forestry sector and the communities that depend on it. ACIAR’s forestry partnership in Indonesia spans more than three decades, bringing together researchers and institutions from both countries to address shared forestry challenges and deliver practical benefits for forest-dependent communities. The partnership has also deepened Australia’s understanding of tropical forestry systems and plantation species across the region. Dr Rimbawanto was at the centre of many of these collaborations. A specialist in forest genetics and tree improvement, Dr Rimbawanto played a leading role in eight ACIAR-supported forestry projects over 25 years. His work tackled plantation forest diseases, improved cajuput varieties (Melaleuca cajuputi) and applied DNA technologies to strengthen plantation productivity and resilience. For Dr Rimbawanto, the research was never just about trees. ‘It is about ensuring plantation forests continue to provide materials and economic opportunities for communities across Indonesia.’ Over the years, Dr Rimbawanto collaborated with Australian researchers from universities, research agencies and industry on a wide range of forestry challenges. One of ACIAR’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect Indonesian research institutions with leading research organisations and universities in Australia. Working together allowed us to share knowledge, learn from different approaches and address challenges that affect both our countries. One recent example is a regional forest biosecurity project that brought scientists and communities together to detect threats early, strengthen surveillance and protect forest livelihoods. By combining Indonesian expertise and local knowledge with Australian innovation and regional networks, the project contributes to regional preparedness for emerging forest pests and diseases that cross national boundaries. In the project, Dr Rimbawanto tested acacia and eucalyptus species that are shared by Indonesia and Australia and widely grown in Indonesia to supply the pulp and paper industry. The work identified varieties better suited to disease-prone areas, supporting productivity and giving communities access to more resilient planting material. Some of Dr Rimbawanto’s most widely felt impact came through his work on cajuput, a tree species native to eastern Indonesia, Timor-Leste and northern Australia. Its oil has been a fixture in Indonesian households for generations as a trusted natural remedy. As demand for cajuput oil grew, his work on improved planting material and practical guidance contributed to more productive plantations and more reliable incomes. The research also became an important part of his partnership with ACIAR, which supported his team’s breeding program through specialised training, technical expertise and tools, including analysis of leaf oil content. The impact of this work extended well beyond the laboratory. In 2022, the Kofarwis farmer group in Biak Numfor Regency that he supported received the Kalpataru Award, Indonesia’s highest environmental accolade. Their experience has since become a model for community-led, environmentally responsible forestry in other villages. Two years later, Dr Rimbawanto received Satyalancana Pembangunan, Indonesia’s Medal of Honour for Development, recognising years of work with farming groups and communities, including supporting the shift from illegal logging to sustainable cultivation. Dr Nick Hogarth, ACIAR Research Program Manager for Forestry said Dr Rimbawanto’s generosity and commitment to supporting others had strengthened relationships, knowledge and capability that would continue benefiting Indonesia’s forestry sector into the future. Through ACIAR-supported capacity development programs, 10 researchers and academics from Indonesia’s forestry sector whom he mentored completed John Allwright Fellowship and postgraduate studies in Australia, returning with new skills, professional networks and strengthened research expertise.

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WorkSafe New Zealand has confirmed that the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for softwood dust will remain at its current level of 2 mg/m³. The decision follows a recent consultation on proposed WES values for softwood dust, hardwood dust, flour dust and welding fumes.  Source: Timberbiz As part of the outcome, WorkSafe has also confirmed that the WES for hardwood dust will increase from 0.5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³, and that it no longer intends to combine the softwood and hardwood dust exposure standards in the future. The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Mark Ross said the decision reflected a practical and evidence-based approach that considers the realities faced by New Zealand softwood (Radiata Pine) manufacturers and wood processors. Alongside confirming the revised WES values, WorkSafe has released a range of new plain-language resources to help businesses better understand workplace exposure standards and manage risks associated with harmful airborne substances. The resources include educational videos, practical case studies, and guidance on working with occupational hygienists. These resources are available on the WorkSafe website at: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/monitoring/ Workplace Exposure Standards are guideline values used to help assess worker exposure to airborne substances such as dusts and fumes. They are not mandatory limits or regulatory targets. Businesses should continue to focus on eliminating exposure wherever possible, or minimising exposure so far as is reasonably practicable using effective controls. Mr Ross said the outcome demonstrates the value of constructive engagement between industry and regulators. “We thank Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden and the WorkSafe team for listening to industry concerns and taking a common-sense approach to setting workplace exposure standards for softwood dust,” he said. “This outcome provides greater certainty for businesses while maintaining a strong focus on worker health and safety.”

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UNSW Sydney and Fire and Rescue NSW have launched iFire 2.0, the world’s first AI-driven scenario-modelling system that allows firefighters and communities to experience and prepare for megafire conditions before they occur. Source: Timberbiz The technology will be demonstrated at AFAC26 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Combining artificial intelligence, immersive visualisation and advanced simulation, iFire 2.0 is designed to strengthen emergency response capability and community resilience as fire seasons become more extreme. Building on iFire 1.0, showcased at UNSW earlier this year, the new system uses advanced machine-learning trained on a large fire-behaviour data sets to model fast-moving, unpredictable fires like those seen during Australia’s Black Summer and current European seasons. iFire provides an immersive environment where users can navigate simulated firegrounds, practise decision-making under pressure and rehearse response strategies safely. “Megafires can behave in ways that defy established expectations and response procedures,” Scientia Professor Dennis Del Favero, Director of the iCinema Research Centre at UNSW Sydney said. “iFire 2.0 lets users rehearse their response to these unpredictable conditions in a safe, immersive environment. By selecting variables such as wind speed and temperature, users can generate and explore extreme fire scenarios, rehearse their preparedness and develop the confidence and resilience needed when conditions become catastrophic. “The partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration between emergency services and academia in driving innovation and developing next-generation capability for firefighters and communities alike.” The technology can support operational planning, incident management training, community preparedness and post-event review. It is intended to complement established practical training by providing a safe, repeatable environment to rehearse responses to uncertain and rapidly evolving fire conditions. The iFire program is part of a five-year partnership between UNSW and Fire and Rescue NSW. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1woqOLfV8wM

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Western Australia’s Housing Minister John Carey will open WoodSolutions Built Evolution, hosted by Timber Insight, on the state’s housing delivery transition, before a panel spanning lending, apartment advocacy, off-site manufacture, and the housing industry takes the same stage. Source: Timberbiz Mr Carey MLA will open the day at Crown Perth on 16 September, with conference organiser Craig Oatway, CEO of Timber Insight, moderating the panel that follows, titled “The Role of MMC in Affordable Housing.” The panel will sit one session after the minister. Minister Carey awarded $49 million to 15 local manufacturers in May, and the builders and manufacturers who received will be in the audience. Mr Oatway counts almost half of that funding as directed to timber-based operations, with matched private investment putting more than $40 million into bio-based building systems. This conference forms part of WoodSolutions, Forest and Wood Products Australia’s program for the built environment, which works to drive greater demand for timber across the construction sector. Delivered in partnership with Timber Insight, the event is one of a series of initiatives in Western Australia aimed at increasing industry confidence, specification, and adoption of timber and modern construction systems. The Built Evolution event brings together speakers and practitioners from across the built environment to showcase timber structures in multi-residential, commercial and single-dwelling projects. Designed as a learning-focused conference, the event highlights timber construction and modern methods of construction (MMC), offering practical, project-based insights from industry experts. For suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to the timber and construction sector, Built Evolution offers a rare opportunity: a full day with a concentrated audience of the people who specify, design, approve and build, all gathered specifically to learn how to deliver more projects using sustainable timber-based systems. Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Oatway said the case for modern construction in affordable housing runs on speed, prefabrication, off-site manufacture, and quality control across the public and private sector, leaving the state with “a really great asset base of social housing that’s going to be around for generations”. The panel at Built Evolution runs across the delivery chain, Michael McGowan will bring the Housing Industry Association’s market outlook from the previous session, and Keystart’s Liam Loan-Lack will bring the state-backed lender that funds first-homeowners. Mr Oatway added that Sam Reece of Australian Apartment Advocacy will complete the panel and she will be talking to that need for density, “Affordable housing won’t be solved by talking about innovation; it will be solved by adopting it,” said Norm Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of OFFSITE. “Developers are embracing panelised timber and offsite construction because they deliver greater certainty, faster build times and reduced reliance on constrained labour markets. “The question is no longer whether MMC works. The market has already answered that.” For more information on the event https://events.humanitix.com/built-evolution-transitioning-to-timber-and-mmc

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Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) is urging senators to closely examine an apparent 85-year liability gap in the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) carbon method before deciding whether to disallow it. Source: Timberbiz The call follows the Nature Conservation Council-led statement urging the Greens to save the INFM method and claiming that, over 100 years, only around 10% of the carbon benefit would be converted into carbon credits, leaving around 90% as an additional emissions reduction. FWCA Executive Officer Steve Dobbyns said such claims make it even more important that Senators understand exactly how the method’s 100-year promise works. “A modelled carbon benefit over 100 years is not the same thing as a guaranteed carbon benefit over 100 years,” he said. “Before Senators rely on claims that 90% of the benefit will remain in the atmosphere as additional abatement, they need to know who carries the liability if the assumptions about leakage, permanence or fire prove wrong.” The 85-year question The INFM has a 15-year crediting period but a 100-year permanence period. Section 18 is intended to account for increased harvesting and leakage during years 16–100. But its specific obligation to cancel ACCUs applies to: “A project proponent that is a State or the government of a State…” At the same time, section 15 expressly contemplates a project proponent that is not the State or State Government. “The wording therefore appears to allow a non-State entity, potentially including a private investment entity, to become the approved project proponent without being captured by section 18’s specific 85-year cancellation obligation,” Mr Dobbyns said. “This is not a minor drafting issue. Section 18 deals with increased harvesting elsewhere in public and private native forests – precisely the leakage that could undermine the claimed climate benefit.” The issue is more concerning because the exposure draft did not contain the same apparent gap. It restricted proponents to State Governments or designated State authorities and applied the post-crediting obligation to “the project proponent”. The final method opened the door to non-State proponents while expressly framing section 18 around State-government proponents. The Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation (ACBF) has publicly acknowledged its involvement in developing and promoting the INFM concept, including work with the INFM’s lead developer Professor Andrew Macintosh at ANU. The Chair, former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry, continues to publicly champion INFM as a means of replacing native forest harvesting with carbon revenue. FWCA is also aware of major institutional-investor interest in monetising forest carbon. “We are not alleging that ACBF, an investor or any individual caused this drafting change,” Mr Dobbyns said. “But when private investment in forest carbon is clearly contemplated, Parliament is entitled to ask whether opening the method to private proponents while limiting the specific 85-year liability to State proponents was deliberate.” “If it was accidental, fix it. If it was deliberate, explain it before the Senate votes.” ERAC’s own advice raises the same question The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee relied on the years 16-100 safeguard when finding that the method met the Conservative Offsets Integrity Standard. Its published advice says that if harvesting increases elsewhere in the State: “the proponent must cancel” the appropriate ACCUs. But final section 18 does not say simply, “the proponent”. It expressly refers to a proponent “that is a State or the government of a State”. FWCA says Senators should ask whether ERAC assessed the final method on the understanding that the 85-year safeguard applied to every permissible project proponent. FWCA said today’s claim of a 100-year carbon benefit also raises a separate permanence question. “Protected from timber harvesting for 100 years is not the same thing as protected from bushfire for 100 years.” Under the broader ACCU Scheme, a significant natural disturbance such as bushfire must be reported. But previously issued ACCUs are not automatically cancelled simply because a forest burns. Depending on the circumstances, the Clean Energy Regulator may require lost carbon stores to be restored or ACCUs to be relinquished. The scheme also applies a 5 per cent risk-of-reversal buffer. “So, Senators should ask: if a major or repeated bushfire reverses carbon used to justify the project, who bears the cost of restoring that carbon and under exactly what circumstances are previously issued credits returned?” Mr Dobbyns asked. “The NCC is asking Senators to rely on a claimed 100-year climate benefit. Senators are entitled to understand the risks and liabilities sitting behind that claim.” Senators should not vote blind FWCA is asking Senators to obtain clear answers before voting: Can a private entity become an INFM project proponent? Does section 18’s specific 85-year cancellation liability apply to it? If not, what equivalent mechanism accounts for State-wide leakage? Why were the proponent and section 18 provisions changed after consultation? Who sought or proposed those changes? Did ERAC assess the final wording knowing about the distinction? What happens to the claimed 100-year carbon benefit following major or repeated bushfire, and who ultimately carries that financial risk?   “The INFM is already contentious over additionality, leakage, baselines and carbon accounting. This apparent 85-year gap further undermines confidence in the methodology.” “We are not asking Senators to accept FWCA’s interpretation without scrutiny. We are asking them not to vote blind,” Mr Dobbyns said. “Individual projects could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in carbon credits while claiming climate benefits lasting a century. The legal and financial responsibility for delivering that promise must be absolutely clear before the Senate votes.”

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Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr has thrown his support behind a Softwoods Working Group (SWG) push for major investment in roads and other infrastructure supporting the Southwest Slopes timber industry. Source: Tumut & Adelong Times Dr McGirr has written to the NSW ministers for Natural Resources and Regional Transport backing SWG’s five-point roadmap ahead of the 2027 state election. At the centre of the plan is a call for an immediate $18 million investment in regional road upgrades, including works on Batlow Road, Bombowlee Creek Road and Wagga-Tumbarumba Road. SWG executive officer Carlie Porteous said road funding was one of the group’s most pressing priorities, with the region moving up to 5.7 million tonnes of product each year. “In order to do this safely and more efficiently, we would encourage the NSW government and candidates to the upcoming election to look at the need for better regional road funding,” Ms Porteous said. She said SWG also wanted consideration given to a Regional Local Government preparedness program aimed at helping smaller McGirr goes to bat for forestry investment push regional councils access funding for critical infrastructure upgrades. The $18 million package includes proposed upgrades to Blue Cut Bridge, Jacksons Bridge and Glenroy Bridge, which SWG says are too narrow and have limited visibility on approach. “There are a number of bridges that we have had independently assessed for safety and volume of traffic and are considered as ‘urgent’,” Ms Porteous said. “We have real concerns about the safety of all users of these bridges.” The SWG roadmap also proposes overtaking lanes on sections of Batlow Road and other road improvements aimed at increasing safety and freight efficiency. Dr McGirr said the scale of the timber industry made the requested investment important to the region’s economic future. “These numbers illustrate the massive importance of the industry to our region and demonstrate why the SWG’s relatively modest requests are essential to our social and economic future,” he said. The SWG says the South West Slopes softwood plantation and timber processing sector supports more than 5500 regional jobs and contributes almost $2.3 billion annually to the regional economy. Dr McGirr has also backed the group’s proposal for funding to help smaller councils make infrastructure projects “shovel ready”, as well as the establishment of a Strategic Plantation Economic Zone. The proposed zone would identify suitable areas for plantation development and coordinate planning, infrastructure, regulation and government investment in areas including roads, bushfire risk and weed management. He said the NSW government’s draft Strategic Integrated Regional Transport Plan had also acknowledged concerns about Blue Cut Bridge, which carries about 500,000 tonnes of timber freight each year. “The inclusion of the bridge in the SRITP provides an important framework to advocate for improvements not only to the bridge itself but also to the entire transport infrastructure that supports our softwoods supply chain,” Dr McGirr said. Ms Porteous said SWG planned to take its roadmap to all sides of politics and as many candidates as possible before next year’s election. “The SWG values its ongoing relationship with the NSW government and will happily work closely with the next NSW government on practical and solutions-based outcomes,” she said. Dr McGirr said he would continue pressing the current government for action rather than waiting for the March election. “The SWG’s plan is aimed largely at new governments following the election next March, but I think it’s important to continually remind the current government of the need for this investment and I look forward to further advancing the case in parliamentary sittings later this year,” he said.

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