Australian timber industry news

Since 2023, teams from across the globe have competed in the US$11 million XPRIZE Wildfire Competition to transform how we detect and respond to wildfires through technological innovation. Source: Timberbiz As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity worldwide, XPRIZE Wildfire has incentivized innovation in firefighting technologies to help end destructive wildfires so humanity and beneficial wildfires can safely coexist. Teams competed across two complementary tracks, Space-Based Wildfire Detection & Intelligence and Autonomous Wildfire Response. Track A challenged teams to utilize space-based Earth Observation data synthesized with artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect, characterize and report wildfires faster and more accurately across vast landscapes. XPRIZE awarded US$1.05 million across five Track A teams, recognizing meaningful advances in space-based wildfire detection and intelligence. Judges recognized progress in multi-sensor system integration, detection methodology, commercial readiness, operational capabilities, and innovative algorithms. The results also helped identify key technical gaps that must be addressed to enable reliable, real-time wildfire detection from space. Track A: Space-Based Wildfire Detection & Intelligence First Place _ System Integration Awardee, US$500,000: SIRIUS Wildfire Alliance demonstrated comprehensive end-to-end and system integration methodology, integrating SAR and optical data to support fire characterization and spread modelling. Second Place – Methodological Innovation Awardee, US$250,000: Team Snuffed developed a probabilistic data-fusion framework designed to provide transparent, auditable and uncertainty-aware wildfire detection, with strong firefighter-facing usability. Special Recognition, Commercial Viability, US$100,000: MyRadar As a commercially mature team, MyRadar utilized upstream satellite acquisition and demonstrated spatial precision. Special Recognition, Operational Deliverable, US$100,000: DeepFire demonstrated an operational fire-spread-alert capability designed to support wildfire detection and intelligence. Special Recognition, Innovative Algorithm Application, US$100,000: Mayday.AI applied an algorithm originally developed for volcanic-ash detection to identify wildfire smoke plumes through cloud cover.   Track B: Autonomous Wildfire Response In June 2026, Autonomous Wildfire Response competitors put their solutions to the test in the Alaskan wilderness. Teams were challenged to autonomously detect and completely suppress a high-risk fire within 10 minutes of ignition across 1,000 km² of challenging terrain, without disturbing nearby decoy fires. The XPRIZE Wildfire Judging Panel awarded US$2.5 million across three Track B Finalist teams, recognizing distinct breakthroughs across the autonomous wild-fire response cycle: First Place Awardee, US$1.2 Million: Anduril Industries. Anduril’s modular Lattice software platform provided a detection-to-suppression integrated pathway for cameras, sensors, and drones. Second Place Awardee, US$800,000: Dryad Networks. Dryad’s Silvanet, a 170-sensor persistent field network, combined with their Silvaguard drones, demonstrated end-to-end autonomy. Third Place Awardee, US$500,000: AURA Foresight. AURA successfully demonstrated autonomous and persistent detection, meeting the critical 10-minute detection gate. Lockheed Martin Accurate Detection & Intelligence Bonus Prize, $US1,000,000: Anduril Industries. Recognized for their rapid and precise multi-sensor detector performance.  

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Researchers at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, have tested a compact, flexible, and cost-effective floor slab system for multi-story timber buildings. The “UniversalTimberSlab” (one word) is scheduled to be installed soon at the “Zukunftsforum” in the German town of Oberkochen. Source: Timberbiz Reinforced concrete floor slabs account for about 40% of buildings’ embodied carbon emissions. However, until now, there has been no practical alternative for complex, multi-story buildings. Using a construction demonstrator, researchers at the University of Stuttgart have now shown for the first time how floor slabs can be built sustainably from an innovative timber-concrete composite system. The demonstrator, which was tested in June as part of the Future Cleantech Festival in Remscheid, showcases “UniversalTimberSlab” – the first point-supported timber-concrete composite flat slab for two-way long spans. “With the UniversalTimberSlab, we aim to make multi-story timber-concrete composite construction significantly more flexible, performative, and adaptable. The demonstrator is the result of several years of research at the University of Stuttgart and is based on innovative digital design and manufacturing methods,” said Professor Achim Menges, director of the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) and spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence “Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture” (IntCDC). “UniversalTimberSlab” is as slender and performative as a reinforced concrete slab, but significantly more sustainable. This system largely relies on wood, a renewable resource, material-efficient construction, and circular design. Compared with conventional post-and-beam timber floor slab systems, which require deep beams for larger two-way spans, the compact “UniversalTimberSlab” reduces the structural height by 30 to 70 centimetres – a significant cost advantage: With the same floor-to-ceiling height, a building can accommodate more stories, and the fa-cade area is reduced by up to 20%. “UniversalTimberSlab” also sets entirely new standards for design possibilities in timber construction. The structural system is based on point supports, meaning that the building loads are transferred through columns that can be spaced relatively far apart. Load-bearing partition walls are not required; walls can be arranged freely as needed. In mixed-use buildings, this allows for flexible layouts tailored to retail, dining, offices, and residential spaces. In addition, floor plans can be easily reconfigured at a later date, if the building is to be repurposed. The novel floor slab could thus help promote the further spread of timber construction in inner-city areas. In timber construction, larger slabs are divided into individual prefabricated elements. While these elements and their supports previously had to be arranged along rigid grids for technical reasons, the “UniversalTimberSlab” system now makes it possible to also build regular and irregular floor slab geometries. The principle is based on a new, patent-pending segmentation method. Glued-laminated timber segments with straight laminations that are easy to prefabricate ensure cost efficiency. The fibres in the floor slab are arranged to follow the force flow to optimize the system’s load-bearing capacity. The project also developed new digital design methods for timber buildings: During the planning phase, AI-powered tools generate detailed models for numerous floor plan and building variations and assist with design optimization. For example, if a planner moves a column, the impact of that action on costs, slab height, and sustainability can be immediately shown. “What was particularly exciting for us was that the first load test wasn’t conducted in the lab, but in front of the approximately 200 visitors at the Future Cleantech Festival in Remscheid. This made it possible to verify the load-bearing capacity required for construction under real-world conditions,” said Professor Jan Knippers, director of the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE). For the structural test, the team built a 9 x 5 meters full-scale demonstrator of the floor slab with a two-way span of 8 x 4 meters in just three months. At just 36 cm, it was as thin as a reinforced concrete slab of equivalent load and span yet required about two-thirds less reinforced concrete. As a preliminary step, the researchers performed computer-aided calculations – so-called FEM simulations – to investigate how the floor slab structure deforms and vibrates under load. In the structural test, the demonstrator was loaded with a total of 20 metric tons in addition to its own weight. This made it possible to test the load-bearing capacity for a heavily used office building with finish loads of 1.4 kN/m² and a live load of 3.0 kN/m². The measurements confirmed the simulations, with a maximum deformation of only 12 mm. With a natural frequency of over 8 Hz – that is, eight oscillations per second – the floor slab met the requirements for multi-story buildings in terms of deflection and vibration. With the successful feasibility test, the researchers have reached a crucial milestone on the path to the widespread use of the “UniversalTimberSlab” in multi-story wood construction. “The system builds on the existing manufacturing expertise of the wood construction industry. This means it has the potential to be rapidly deployed in larger construction projects once further development work is successfully completed,” said Hans Jakob Wagner, group leader at the ICD and head of the EIC Pathfinder project The first pilot building is already in the works: The town of Oberkochen in the German state of Baden-Württemberg is planning the “Zukunftsforum,” a three-story, 1,400 m² building constructed using the innovative “UniversalTimberSlab” method. The building is intended to house exhibitions, workspaces, makerspaces, workshops, and laboratories.

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Data, traceability, and digital tools were a central focus of discussions between FSC, certification bodies (CBs), training providers, and Assurance Services International (ASI) at the Annual FSC-CB Meeting, held in Cologne, Germany, from 15 to 17 September. Source: Timberbiz The event brought together around 200 professionals. Representatives of the FSC Indigenous Foundation and Permanent Indigenous Peoples Committee also attended, bringing Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives to discussions about applicable auditing practices. The Annual FSC-CB Meeting is an important forum for FSC, ASI, training providers, Indigenous Peoples, and certification bodies to align on evolving certification requirements, emerging assurance topics, and implementation challenges, as well as to exchange practical experience and gain insights into broader FSC developments and strategic direction. As the independent organizations responsible for assessing conformity with FSC requirements and making certification decisions, certification bodies are central to the credibility of the FSC system. “Data and digital tools give us new opportunities to strengthen assurance, but technology alone is not the answer. What matters is how we use these tools together with the expertise and experience of our assurance providers to identify risks and support credible certification outcomes,” said Elena Tveritinova, Head of Certification Integrity at FSC International. At the event, FSC outlined its direction towards a more data-centred approach to assurance and certification, including how data and digital tools could contribute to more effective auditing and identification of certification risks. Discussions also explored how this work relates to FSC’s evolving approach to traceability. “We need to continually refine the data-driven approach to make sure we are using data effectively and providing the best service to certificate holders and FSC stakeholders, while ensuring the system remains credible and auditable,” said Emily Blackwell, Head of Accreditation at Soil Association Certification. “One of the biggest expectations from the FSC system is to ensure that the traceability system is transparent, credible, and robust,” said Tigran Martirosyan, Senior Quality Manager at Preferred by Nature. Participants also discussed the ongoing normative changes in FSC certification and explored emerging trends and challenges with potential implications for certification credibility, stakeholder confidence, regulatory compliance, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in assurance activities alongside human auditors. “There is a big potential to make the certification process more efficient, but I’m convinced that we still need humans,” said Christian Kobel, Global Head of Forestry and Nature at SGS. “We need humans interviewing humans, and we can’t replace this by machines.” On the final day, discussions focused on forest management topics such as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and its implementation in practice, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, Intact Forest Landscapes (IFLs), and audit reporting tools. The discussions in Cologne will inform FSC’s continued work with its assurance partners as it responds to emerging risks and challenges and further develops its approach to assurance.

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Forestry Corporation is proud to support long-standing recreation partner, the Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club, through sponsorship of a major anniversary event in Girard State Forest. Source: Timberbiz The club will celebrate its 40th anniversary with its Ruby Ride on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday September 27, a milestone event expected to attract more than 100 horses, riders and spectators. The Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club has grown from a small group of local riders into a proud, community-focused organisation built on horsemanship and a shared love of the bush. The anniversary event will feature a 100km endurance ride and social and competitive activities. “What started as a handful of members sharing rides, knowledge and campfire stories has evolved into a welcoming endurance hub with a reputation for great tracks and good company,” Tenterfield Endurance Riding Club Ride Secretary Rachel Brown said. “Our club’s Ruby Ride is a special celebration of 40 years of endurance riding in Tenterfield and the support of Forestry Corporation helps make this event possible reflecting the strong partnership we’ve built around recreation and access to the forest.” Forestry Corporation has sponsored the Spirit Award trophy recognising participants, volunteers or supporters who embody the camaraderie and community spirit that define the club. “The Tenterfield Ruby Ride showcases the unique recreational opportunities that are offered in NSW State Forests and the club’s event is unique on the endurance riding circuit in that it is entirely held in an actively managed state forest, bringing together horse riders from all over to enjoy the Girard State Forest trails,” Forestry Corporation Partner-ships Leader Ryan Ellis said. For more information on the Ruby Ride visit www.terc.com.au

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The Victorian Tree of the Year competition celebrates the significant trees of the state – the towering icons, quiet companions, and local legends that shape our landscapes and communities. Source: Timberbiz This is your chance to shine a spotlight on a tree that matters, nominate your favourite significant tree for this year’s shortlist. The Tree of the Year contest isn’t just about the oldest, the largest, or the most beautiful tree, it celebrates the vital role trees play in enriching our lives; supporting biodiversity and wildlife; cooling the places where we live and providing cleaner air; boosting mental health and wellbeing.  Our trees hold stories, memories, and deep cultural significance. Here is the list of Victorian trees for which you an vote. Ginkgo Geelong Ginkgo biloba This female ginkgo tree started life as a seed planted in Geelong Botanic Garden in 1859. This example is the largest in Victoria and may be the largest in cultivation in Australia. Myrtle Beech Apollo Bay Nothofagus cunninghamii This is a particularly fine example of a native myrtle beech may be the result of two or three trees growing together, making it possible to wander through the complex living structure: a parallel to the web of life they support. Flooded Gum Carlton North Eucalyptus grandis This tree is a beautiful aberration. Flooded gums naturally grow north of Newcastle and are the dominant species in the rainforest edges around the Daintree, where rainfall is between 1000 and 3500mm per year. In their natural habitat, they grow straight and tall. Californian Redwoods Warburton Sequoia semperverens Although originally planted as a experimental plantation by the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) the redwood forest has come to mean much more to visitors. Canary Island Pine Ballarat Central Pinus canariensis Planted by Jacob Bernstein (an active member of Ballarat’s Hebrew community) in 1867, this Canary Island Pine is a striking feature in the landscape of central Ballarat. Canary Island Pines are remarkable for their longevity and ability to survival climatic challenges: particularly relevant in our changing climate. Indian Bean Tree Castlemaine Catalpa bignonioides Native to central south eastern US, this Indian Bean Tree is the finest example of this species known in Victoria, and a lovely feature tree within the historic Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. The name Catalpa is derived from the Muscogee, the local native tribe, name for the plant, “kutuhipa” meaning winged head, likely relating to the form of the seeds. Smooth Barked Apple Myrtle Prahran Angphora costata Of State level significance, this enormous angophora is the largest known specimen in cultivation. Located in a highly urban area that is being developed for higher density living, the architects and landscape architects immediately recognised that retaining the tree was essential to the character of this new housing. Bunya Pine Maldon Araucaria bidwilii Widely planted in early Victorian gardens, this giant towers above it’s garden, creating a striking feature within the beautiful historic goldmining town of Maldon. Victorian gardeners likely appreciated the tree for it’s fascinating form and geometry, but there is another side to these native trees. Golden Wych Elm South Yarra Ulmus glabra ‘Lutescens’ Commonly known as the Golden Wych Elm, this tree is seen and appreciated by thousands of commuters every day. Voting is open and closes midnight Thursday 22 October 2026, the winner will be announced on Tuesday 27 October 2026. Vote at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TOTY26

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Carl James Peterson passed on 11 September 2026, following a period of illness, he was the founder of Peterson Sawmills and the creator of the first commercial portable swingblade sawmill in 1988. Source: Timberbiz From that breakthrough came the Peterson Sawmill brand, now recognised around the world for practical, innovative portable sawmills built for people who want to turn their own logs into valuable timber. Mr Peterson was far more than an inventor and entrepreneur. He was a creator, an adventurer, a determined problem-solver, and a man who lived a remarkably colourful life. His experiences and escapades were many, and his stories were as memorable as the first machines he designed. His ideas, energy and independent spirit shaped a business, a product category and a worldwide community of sawmill owners. His legacy will live on in the thousands of Peterson Sawmills operating across the world, and in the customers, distributors, staff, friends and family who knew him or benefited from his vision. His invention shaped the portable sawmill world, as his original technology continues to be utilised in various other subsequent swingblade brands and models as well. For more on Mr Peterson there is a YouTube video.

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Scientists are trialling satellite-enabled smart sensors on trees across the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area to provide an unprecedented picture of how Australia’s forests are responding to changing environmental conditions. Source: Timberbiz Using low-Earth-orbit satellites, the project will extend continuous environmental monitoring into remote forests beyond the reach of mobile networks including parts of western NSW. It will collect real-time data on how individual trees and ecosystems respond to drought, bushfire and climate change. Better information about how forests respond to environmental change will help governments, land managers and researchers make more informed decisions about biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, climate adaptation and natural hazard management such as bushfires and drought. Project lead Professor Brendan Choat from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University said Australia has relatively few intensively monitored forest plots capable of continuously measuring how trees and ecosystems respond to environmental change. “Australia’s forests are changing as our climate changes, but until now we’ve lacked the continuous monitoring needed to understand exactly how they respond,” Professor Choat said.“This project will give us an unprecedented picture of what happens before, during and after events such as drought and bushfire, helping us better protect these ecosystems into the future.” Led by researchers from Western Sydney University and UNSW Sydney, the Space-Enabled Smart Sensing for Forest Monitoring project is being funded through the NSW Smart Sensing Network’s (NSSN) Grand Challenge Fund. The project brings together Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications company OQ Technology, Scenic World, the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute and the NSW Space Research Network to develop the next generation of environmental monitoring technologies. Unlike traditional monitoring, which relies on periodic field visits or sensors within mobile coverage, the project will provide continuous, real-time measurements from remote forests. The sensors will monitor how trees use water, grow and respond to environmental stress, while also measuring soil moisture, microclimate, wildlife activity and insect populations. Building on Western Sydney University’s Blue Mountains Hub for Ecology and Conservation, and long-term monitoring sites near Bourke established by UNSW ecologist Associate Professor Daniel Falster, the project will create a connected network spanning ecosystems from the World Heritage-listed rainforests of the Blue Mountains to semi-arid woodlands near Bourke. The project also builds on lessons from the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires and WSU’s Dead Tree Detective citizen science project, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of Australia’s forests. Associate Professor Falster said the expanded monitoring network would provide unprecedented insights into Australia’s remote forests. “We are working at four locations east and west of Bourke, from Narran Lakes to Wanaring, in collaboration with Climate Friendly on properties where tree regeneration supports carbon projects,” A/Prof Falster said. “While the existing sites are within the outer limits of mobile coverage, many comparable forests across this vast region, including Sturt National Park, are not. Satellite-enabled sensing could allow us to extend continuous monitoring into these more remote areas and gain a much clearer picture of how Australia’s inland forests are changing.” Successful field validation could pave the way for wider adoption of the technology across forestry, biodiversity monitoring, carbon farming, agriculture, land rehabilitation and natural hazard management. OQ Technology Founder and CEO Omar Qaise said the project demonstrates the growing importance of satellite-enabled IoT infrastructure in supporting environmental monitoring in remote and climate-sensitive regions. “Australia is an ideal environment to showcase how satellite communications can support critical monitoring applications in remote and climate-sensitive regions,” Mr Qaise said. “The long-term opportunity is not only to monitor forests more effectively, but to build a model for resilient, standards-based connectivity that can support remote industries, public infrastructure and climate adaptation more broadly.” Scenic World Sustainability Coordinator Ben Allen said the project would establish a new rainforest monitoring site within Scenic World’s conservation estate. “At Scenic World, we feel deeply privileged to care for our historic site bordering the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park,” Mr Allen said. “This project will help us better understand and monitor the health of our rainforest over time, strengthening our efforts to protect and sustainably manage this remarkable environment for generations to come.” Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute CEO Joel Dalberger said the project would provide valuable real-time insights into ecosystem health while creating a model for environmental monitoring that could be applied well beyond the Blue Mountains. “The combination of satellite communications and continuous sensing will provide new opportunities to better understand and protect some of Australia’s most significant natural landscapes. “The NSW Space Research Network, a sister network to the NSSN, is also supporting the project. Business Development Manager – Industry Engagement Maurice Borer said it demonstrated how collaboration can accelerate the adoption of space-enabled technologies. “The project shows how research networks can build strategic partnerships, foster international collaboration and translate space-enabled technologies into practical outcomes aligned with Australia’s national science and civil space priorities,” Mr Borer said. Environment & Agriculture Theme Lead at the NSSN, Dr Tomonori Hu, said the project demonstrates how collaborative research can translate world-class science into practical solutions for climate resilience and environmental management. “By bringing together expertise in environmental science, satellite communications and smart sensing, this project has the potential to transform how Australia monitors forests and responds to future environmental challenges,” Dr Hu said.

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Keith Manufacturing has showcased its RX2 Drive Unit for the Australia and New Zealand wood-products market at Residues-2-Revenues 2026 in Brisbane. The RX2 is a two-cylinder Walking floor drive engineered to rapidly unload chips, sawdust, biomass and similar materials. Source: Timberbiz The RX2 uses a re-engineered hydraulic sequence to unload a 14.6-metre trailer in about four minutes. In mill operations where truck turnaround affects production flow, this faster discharge capability can support more loads per day and help reduce congestion at receiving areas. Designed with a two-cylinder configuration, the RX2 reduces drive weight while delivering the performance and durability required for wood-products applications. For wood-products fleets operating close to legal limits, the lighter system can create additional payload potential over thousands of loads. RX2 also features an 80% moving and 20% stationary slat configuration, designed to maximize push force while minimizing drag. The layout reduces hydraulic strain, improves energy efficiency and contributes to long-er floor life. Part of Keith’s RX Technology platform, its first major redesign in more than a decade, RX2 is built to address recurring performance and maintenance challenges, including corrosion, difficult component replacement, hydraulic heat and contaminated oil. Its adjustment-free design removes threaded rods and adjustable switching valves, helping promote consistent operation and reduce long-term maintenance demands. For easier serviceability, RX Technology uses cartridge-style check valves that can be ac-cessed and replaced quickly with a single wrench. This design helps simplify routine maintenance and minimize downtime. The platform also incorporates integrated heat sensors and automatic over-temperature switches. When oil temperature rises beyond a safe level, the system intervenes by shut-ting down until temperatures return to a safe operating range, helping protect critical components from heat-related wear, seal damage and efficiency loss. A high-flow filtration system helps keep hydraulic oil cleaner and reduce contamination in dusty lumber-mill environments. With fewer parts and potential leak points, the simplified hydraulic pathway can further reduce maintenance requirements and the time spent diagnosing issues. RX2 supports intuitive operation through an electric control interface. Single-action commands simplify training and help reduce operator error, giving drivers more predictable control during unloading. For chips, fines and sawdust, Keith recommends pairing RX2 with its CleenSweep tarp system. The CleenSweep system automatically draws a tarp across the trailer floor during un-loading, helping reduce leftover material, improve safety and reduce the time operators spend inside trailers.

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Sumitomo Forestry Australia has been revealed as Australia’s largest home building group in the 2025/26 HIA Housing 100. The HIA Housing 100 ranks Australia’s largest 100 residential builders based on the number of homes commenced each year. Source: Timberbiz Sumitomo Forestry Australia (Henley, Wisdom, Scott Park Group, Metricon) recorded 8,038 new home starts in 2025/26 across these four Australian home building businesses. The result follows Sumitomo Forestry’s acquisition of Metricon and brings together some of Australia’s largest and most established home building businesses within one group. “Metricon had held the number one position on the Housing 100 for the previous decade, making this a new name at the top of the list as the Housing 100 enters a new decade,” HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said. “ABN Group was Australia’s second largest home builder with 3,764 starts, while NEX Building Group moved from fourth to third with 3,585 starts.” The consolidation of Metricon and Henley, two of the top ten builders last year, within Sumitomo Forestry Australia also saw Summit Homes enter the top ten for the first time, continuing its rise from 15th in 2023/24. There were also some significant movers further down the Housing 100. Homecorp Constructions moved from 31st to 13th, while Hutchies moved from 14th to eighth. Parkview Constructions was Australia’s largest multi-unit builder, commencing 2,735 homes. Meriton Apartments was second with 2,324 starts, followed by Hutchies with 1,907. “The largest apartment builders have moved down the overall rankings this year as detached housing led the increase in new home construction,” Mr Reardon said. In total, the Housing 100 commenced 70,553 homes in 2025/26, an increase of 9.4% from 64,481 in the previous year and the first time since 2021/22 that the total has exceeded 70,000 homes. Detached home starts increased by 11% to 52,058, semi-detached starts in-creased by 14% to 7,397, while multi-unit starts increased by just 1% to 11,098. The Housing 100 accounted for 35% of all new homes commenced in Australia in 2025/26. “These results show that Australia’s home builders responded to improving market conditions and increased the supply of new homes in 2025/26,” Mr Reardon said. “The concern is that the conditions which produced this increase have changed significantly during 2026. “New home sales strengthened through the second half of 2025 and into early 2026, providing builders with a pipeline of work that continued to translate into commencements throughout 2025/26. “Since then, the reversal of the 2025 interest rate cuts, weaker consumer confidence and changes to property investment taxation settings have seen new home sales fall,” he said. “There is always a lag between a new home sale and commencement of construction. This means the strong result recorded in this year’s Housing 100 reflects market condi-tions from earlier in the cycle, while the deterioration in sales during 2026 will increas-ingly weigh on commencements in 2027.” Mr Reardon said that underlying demand for housing remained exceptionally strong. Australia continued to have a shortage of homes, population growth remained strong and unemployment remained low. “The Housing 100 demonstrates that the industry has the capacity to increase the sup-ply of new homes when market conditions allow,” Mr Reardon said. “Australia cannot resolve the housing shortage unless governments lower the cost of delivering new homes and provide the stable investment and financing environment re-quired to sustain this increase in supply.” Key findings from the 2025/26 HIA Housing 100 include: The Housing 100 commenced 70,553 homes, up 9.4 % from 64,481 in 2024/25. Detached starts increased 11% to 52,058, semi-detached starts increased 14% to 7,397, and multi-unit starts increased 1% to 11,098. The Housing 100 accounted for 35% of Australia’s new home market. Sumitomo Forestry Australia ranked first with 8,038 starts, followed by ABN Group with 3,764 and NEX Building Group with 3,585. Parkview Constructions was the largest multi-unit builder with 2,735 starts. Homecorp Constructions recorded the largest move up the rankings, from 31st to 13th, while Hutchies moved from 14th to eighth.   To order copies of the full report please go to www.hia.com.au

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The Senate has made a political decision to allow the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) Method, which credits carbon for reducing or ending timber harvesting in native forests, to stand. The vote reflects the environmental ideologies that drive Australian politics. The decision does not settle the question of the Method’s integrity, nor does it verify that the maths adds up. For more than a year, Forestry Australia has raised detailed technical concerns through multiple channels about how the INFM Method calculates carbon abatement. We have the analysis that supports those concerns and have offered to work constructively with government and stakeholders to resolve the problems. Our members include some of Australia’s foremost forest carbon experts. Their independent analysis identified material accounting concerns. None were addressed in the Senate debate, and none have yet been fixed. The maths and integrity of the INFM Method should have formed the basis of the decision, but the long-standing and highly emotive debate about native forest harvesting ultimately prevailed. The problem is that a politically convenient outcome, such as ending native forest timber harvesting, does not automatically create a genuine carbon credit. Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) are the currency of climate policy. Businesses buy them to meet obligations or offset emissions. Governments rely on them to help meet Australia’s emissions targets. Landholders and investors make long-term decisions based on their value. If an ACCU says one tonne of carbon abatement has occurred, the system must be able to demonstrate that one tonne really has occurred. The Greens announced their support for INFM under the headline “Real pollution cuts, not accounting tricks,” while simultaneously announcing opposition to a Bill intended to strengthen the governance, transparency and integrity of the ACCU scheme and announcing an intention to disallow a private land method that has been transparently developed through many years of co-design involving scientists, agricultural organisations, carbon practitioners, conservation organisations, governments and land managers. At the same time, they have supported an INFM Method that has lacked transparent pro-cess, was not developed with forestry experts and has material technical issues that re-main unanswered. The irony is difficult to miss. Poor-quality credits have consequences. If an ACCU overstates the carbon benefit achieved in a forest, a real tonne of emissions elsewhere in the economy may be offset by something less than a real tonne of abatement. Further, large volumes of inexpensive, over-credited ACCUs can also suppress the car-bon price and make it harder for genuinely additional projects, including new plantations, environmental plantings, farm forestry and landscape restoration, to attract in-vestment. These are investments Australia desperately needs. We should be designing carbon markets that help put more forests and trees into the landscape, improve the condition and resilience of existing forests and support land-holders willing to undertake genuine additional action. For that to happen, investors need confidence that an ACCU means what it says. The Senate vote is over, but the Government still has an opportunity to fix the INFM method before significant volumes of credits enter the market. Ultimately this debate should not be about whether someone supports timber harvesting, national parks, farmers, fossil fuel companies or any particular political party. It should come down to the very simple principle that one ACCU represents one genuine tonne of carbon abatement, that carbon methods are designed transparently and with independent expert verification, and that they meet this expectation before projects start. On INFM, Australia has not yet demonstrated that it does. Dr Michelle Freeman, President, Forestry Australia

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For decades, Bigfoot believers have chased shaky photos and grainy footage that never closed the case. Now Hard Mountain Dew is joining the hunt and has launched its first-ever Bigfoot Bounty – a Can$1 million challenge to prove the legendary creature exists. Source: Timberbiz Cryptid hunters, sceptics, and armchair experts 21 and older now through November 30c an submit verified evidence for a shot at the prize. Evidence will be judged against rigorous standards co-developed by Bigfoot expert, Bryce Johnson. Known for starring in and producing a hit docuseries that follows a team of Sasquatch specialists venturing into the wilderness to prove Bigfoot is real; he brings a trusted voice and genuine enthusiasm to the hunt. Timed to peak Bigfoot sighting season in the autumn Hard Mountain Dew is turning seasonal fascination into a money-backed hunt for the truth. As temperatures cool, more adventurists head outdoors, while increased wildlife activity and soft, moisture-rich ground create ideal conditions for spotting and preserving tracks of Bigfoot. To be considered for the Can$1 million prize, participants 21 or older must submit a compelling entry that includes at least four of the following seven forms of evidence: Bigfoot Paw Print: A footprint measuring 37-38.5 inches long, found pressed 6inches into solid gravel. Bigfoot Handprint: A clearly documented 13-inch handprint displaying distinct shape, proportions, and unusual characteristics suitable for further examination. Thermal Imaging Capture: Night vision footage showing a 7-9-foot-tall heat signature moving at 20-25 mph through dense forest. Hair Follicle Sample: A tuft of dark brown, black, or reddish-brown hair found snagged on a branch 5-10 feet off the ground, containing “unknown DNA markers.” Audio Recording: High-frequency vocalizations, knocks, calls or other unexplained sounds consistent with reported Bigfoot activity. Environmental Remnants: Debris and/or environmental remnants with no visible machinery or storm damage nearby. Bigfoot Cameo: photo that appears to catch Bigfoot photobombing you. The $1 million prize requires actual, verified proof that Bigfoot exists.

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Indufor’s extensive experience in forest due diligence and valuation highlights the importance of reducing uncertainty around forest area, age class, species, yield and spatial distribution when assessing plantation investments. Source: Timberbiz ForestInsights brings together Indufor’s expertise in remote sensing, forest modelling and valuation to provide a detailed picture of planted forest resources. Satellite imagery, spatial analysis and modelling are used to develop GIS data layers describing plantation boundaries, species composition and stand age. These data can then be combined with information on forest yields, costs and pricing to assess future harvest volumes, wood availability, transport requirements and investment opportunities for individual assets, regions or national plantation re-sources. The resource can also be updated over time. As forests are harvested and replant-ed, or affected by events such as fire, storms or other disturbances, new satellite imagery can be used to update the underlying forest information and maintain a current picture of the resource. For investors and forest owners, ForestInsights provides a rapid way to understand an asset, region or wood basket. The information can be used to assess: the location and extent of planted forests; age-class and species composition; the distribution and size of forest holdings; areas approaching harvest; proximity to processing facilities, infrastructure and markets; and likely transport distances and wood supply scenarios.   By applying Indufor’s experience in forest modelling and valuation, the team can use these data to develop regional or asset-specific wood availability forecasts and support due diligence, acquisition strategy, market analysis and longer-term forest planning.

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Forests cover about 4.14 billion hectares, or nearly 32% of the world’s land area, providing habitat for much of the world’s biodiversity, helping regulate global carbon and water cycles, and supporting food security, local livelihoods, renewable biomaterials, and energy. Source: Timberbiz As the climate and biodiversity crises continue to intensify, there has never been a more important time to raise awareness and encourage positive action for forests. By supporting responsible forestry, we can all play a role in protecting forests, wildlife and the communities and livelihoods that depend on them. Highlighting the importance of caring for the world’s forests, the FSC Forest Week campaign returns from 21-27 September, bringing together brands, manufacturers, forest managers, consumers, NGOs, industry groups and more to raise awareness of responsible forest management and its vital role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Since its launch, FSC Forest Week has grown into a powerful global movement. From community engagement activities and workplace initiatives to forest walks and FSC-certified product launches, participants continue to find new and engaging ways to connect people with forests and amplify the campaign’s impact every year. Under this year’s theme ‘Do one thing for Forests’, everyone is encouraged to take one positive action for forests and inspire others to do the same. By getting involved, businesses and individuals help raise awareness of responsible forest management and encourage their community to consider the one thing they can do to support the world’s forests while strengthening the impact of FSC’s work together. Positive action for forests can start with the materials and products we choose every day. Many products we regularly rely upon, from paper and packaging to furniture and building materials, come from forests, and responsible sourcing is a crucial consideration across supply chains and purchasing decisions. Research indicates that consumers are increasingly looking to make a positive impact through their everyday choices, with three out of four preferring products that do not harm plants and animals, and two out of four wanting to protect forests by buying independently certified products. By choosing responsibly sourced forest-based products, businesses and consumers alike can help support forests, protect wildlife and contribute to thriving communities.

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More than 50 forestry industry participants gathered in Nelson, New Zealand recently for the latest Productivity Workshop delivered through the collaboration between FICA and the University of Canterbury. Source: Timberbiz With an even mix of approximately 50% contractors and 50% forest managers, the workshop provided a valuable opportunity to explore how the forestry sector can improve productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability. The strong turnout reflected the importance of productivity as a key issue for the industry. Discussions throughout the day focused on the growing pressure created by rising operating costs, increasing compliance requirements and the need to achieve stronger returns from the significant investment contractors have made in modern harvesting equipment and systems. One of the most encouraging aspects of the workshop was the level of participation from contractors outside the Nelson region. Representatives travelled from across the country, including Speirs Logging (Gisborne), Fast Harvesting (Central North Island), Jensen Logging (Central North Island), Loggabull (Central North Island) and Brand Log-ging (Canterbury). Their attendance highlighted the value the industry places on sharing ideas, benchmarking performance and learning from each other’s experiences. The workshop also showcased the diversity of talent within the contracting sector. Alongside many of the industry’s most experienced business owners and operational leaders were younger forestry professionals such as Ivan Quin and Sam Holmes, both under 35 years of age and currently foremen for separate Loggabull harvesting crews. Their involvement demonstrated the strength of emerging leadership within the industry and the importance of investing in the next generation of forestry decision-makers. A key theme throughout the day was that productivity improvements must extend beyond the harvesting crew itself. Presentations and discussions highlighted the role that harvest planning, infrastructure design, logistics, production monitoring, technology and communication play in improving overall supply chain performance. The message was clear: productivity gains are best achieved when contractors, forest managers and forest owners work together to remove inefficiencies and focus on outcomes. The workshop was also endorsed by respected industry leader Mike Fraser, who rein-forced the value of bringing contractors and forest managers together to openly discuss productivity challenges and opportunities. His support reflected the positive industry sentiment towards the workshop and the importance of creating forums where practical solutions can be shared, relationships strengthened, and future improvements identified for the benefit of the wider forestry sector. A standout presentation was delivered by Jules Larsen from Waratah, who challenged participants to think about the future of production monitoring and the increasing role of machine-generated data in operational decision-making. As harvesting technology continues to evolve, access to accurate production information is expected to become an increasingly important tool for improving performance and identifying opportunities across forestry operations. Jules also generously sponsored the post-workshop refreshments, providing attendees with an excellent opportunity to continue discussions and build industry connections. The success of the workshop reflects the strength of the ongoing partnership between FICA and the University of Canterbury. Special thanks go to Rien Visser and Patrick Humphrey for their continued leadership and commitment to delivering practical, industry-focused events that help lift capability and encourage innovation throughout the sector. FICA would also like to acknowledge the support of the Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT), whose contribution helped make the workshop possible. The momentum generated by the Nelson event is already carrying forward. The next Productivity Workshop is scheduled for 16 October in Balclutha and with more than 20 registrations already received, interest is proving strong. Anyone interested in improving operational performance, learning from industry leaders and contributing to productive industry discussions is encouraged to register early. The high level of engagement, strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback demonstrate that New Zealand’s forestry sector remains committed to working together to improve productivity and build a more resilient future for contractors, forest managers and forest owners alike.

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Affected by fires, Australian architect Adriano Pupilli used FSC plywood to create a flatpack kit home for recovery and resilience. After Australia’s hottest December on record, the South Coast of New South Wales was on fire. The 2019-2020 fires were some of the worst in Australia’s recorded history, burning around 15.5 million hectares of land, and causing the loss of 26 lives and more than 2,400 homes. Source: Timberbiz Architect Adriano Pupilli found his family on the frontlines in the town of Manyana on Yuin Country, 200 kilometres south of Sydney. “Our property came very close to perishing in the flames,” Mr Pupilli said. “The fire was at our back fence. It actually leaped over the property, catching fire to trees on the other side of the road.” The Pupilli family home was spared, but a small timber cabin in the front yard was badly damaged. When it came to rebuilding, bushfire resilience was front of mind. Casa Manyana is Pupilli’s architectural response: a fire-safe, DIY cabin constructed around a frame of FSC-certified plantation pine plywood. The design aims for quick disaster recovery and future fire resilience, while maintaining harmony with the landscape. Placed in the front yard of the family home, the compact structure contains a sleeping loft, kitchenette, and bathroom for guests, as well as a living space for everyday use. Large glass panels invite plenty of natural light, while louvred windows let in a cooling sea breeze. To prepare for future fires, non-combustible corrugated metal and fibre cement form a protective casing around the plywood frame, built to withstand fire-generated winds, while the open windows are covered by screens to protect from flying embers. The design is simple enough to be built without specialist expertise or tools, and small enough to avoid lengthy authority approvals, making it ideal for emergency rebuilding. For Pupilli, participation by households in the rebuilding process not only brings down costs but can foster a sense of community and healing after a disaster, getting people back on their land fast. “We got the structural frame up in one day, and it was the most satisfying and fun process,” he said. “I hope to encourage other architects and designers to look at solutions that explore the human side of prefabricated housing – how designs and systems provide for sustainable and efficient prefabrication while delivering dignified and elegant solutions that bring costs of assembly down and a sense of satisfaction and healing in a post-disaster setting.” Casa Manyana is the latest evolution of the IMBY™ Kit, a flatpack modular system for building small, sustainable spaces ‘in my backyard’ that Mr Pupilli and his Sydney-based firm have been developing for over a decade. FSC plywood pieces are key to the design. The arched frame pieces are nested together on single sheets of plywood to avoid wasted materials and cut by computer-aided machines to ensure precision for assembly. Structural bays are sized to suit standard plywood lining sheets, further maximizing use of the materials. The pieces are strong, lightweight, and easy to lock and layer together without the need for nails or glue. They can be assembled using only a mobile scaffold, avoiding the cost of crane hire. Once assembled, the plywood becomes a key feature of the design, with warm wood hues and exposed beams becoming part of the signature aesthetic. “It’s a common misconception that prefabricated buildings need to be cookie-cutter,” Mr Pupilli said. “They can be dignified and creative solutions that bring joy to occupants while complementing the landscape.” Aside from the use of renewable FSC timber, other sustainability benefits include a small environmental footprint, smart use of natural light and ventilation, and modularity that can extend the lifecycle of the structure and its materials – the cabin can be easily extended or dismantled, flatpacked, and transported to a new location. Casa Manyana updates the IMBY Kit design for a future where hot, dry summers and fire risks are becoming more prevalent, due to the effects of climate change. “My clients are seeking out sustainable solutions in response to the visible signs of climate change we see around us,” Mr Pupilli said. “We need to start thinking about how we design for climate change, how we can increase the options available to people, and how we can enable their participation in the solutions.” For more information visit: https://adrianopupilli.com.au/project/casa-manyana/  

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The timber industry has a strong story to tell and for generations, timber has helped deliver Australian homes, schools and commercial buildings. It continues to play an important role in meeting some of the industry’s biggest challenges, from delivering more housing to reducing embodied carbon and improving construction efficiency. Source: Timberbiz Yet the conversation around building materials is often influenced by advertising campaigns and misconceptions. That’s why WoodSolutions, in collaboration with FTMA Australia, has Launched Let’s Put Timber Back In The Conversation. The campaign is designed to help industry share clear, evidence-based information about timber’s role in the built environment and ensure the benefits of timber remain visible in conversations. The campaign helps turn trusted information into practical content that can be used across the industry, giving businesses, manufacturers, suppliers and industry stakeholders the confidence to communicate timber’s benefits consistently and accurately. Over 14 weeks, the campaign will highlight a series of key topics that showcase the value of timber. Each week focuses on a different benefit of timber framing, drawing on trusted research, technical knowledge and educational resources developed through WoodSolutions. Topics include: Renewable forestry Carbon storage Construction efficiency Thermal performance Structural capability Sustainability outcomes.   The campaign provides industry with resources to share through their own channels. The goal is simple: create greater awareness of timber through consistent, evidence-based messaging. As Australia’s leading resource for timber design and construction information, Wood-Solutions exists to help the built environment access practical, reliable information about timber. This campaign builds on that role by bringing together research-backed content in a format that is easy to share, understand and apply. By working together, the industry can help ensure timber remains part of the conversation about Australia’s housing future, sustainability goals and built environment. Every conversation matters. Download the resources at https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications/timber-framing-resource-library Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, builder, designer or industry advocate, you can help amplify timber’s story by sharing campaign content and encouraging informed discussions about timber’s benefits.

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Millions of pine seedlings have been replanted in NSW state forest pine plantations this year, continuing the cycle of growing renewable timber resources to build future homes, schools, businesses and infrastructure. Source: Timberbiz This year around seven million radiata pine seedlings have been planted across recently harvested NSW State Forest pine plantations. The ongoing replanting program underscores the long-term nature of forestry, where every harvested plantation is replanted to ensure a continuous supply of renewable timber for future generations. NSW’s State forest softwood plantations collectively produce enough timber each year to build around 40,000 homes, making them a critical part of Australia’s housing and construction supply chain. Forestry Corporation Regional Manager Tumut Roger Davies said the annual seedling dispatch highlights the planning and care that underpins sustainable forestry. “Most people see the end product in a timber house frame, a pallet, paper or cardboard product or piece of furniture, but that story begins years earlier with a pine grown from seed in a nursery,” Mr Davies said. “The 230,000 hectares of pine plantations in NSW are carefully managed as they grow to maturity and harvesting just a small portion each year produces enough timber to con-struct about a quarter of the homes built in Australia each year. “Every seedling planted represents an investment in the future. These trees will grow for decades before supplying the renewable timber products Australians rely on every day. “Our plantation forests operate on a continuous cycle of growing, harvesting and re-planting. As one crop is harvested, the next generation is already being established. “Radiata pine takes about 15 years of growth to be ready for fibre extraction and around 28 years for structural timber and in between there are many years of silviculture to produce the best pine sawlogs for processing. The seedlings are grown from carefully selected radiata pine seed and nurtured through their early development before undergoing rigorous quality checks ahead of dispatch. Different seedlots are matched to specific growing regions to maximise survival, growth and timber quality. Once dispatched, the seedlings are mostly hand-planted by crews across the State’s pine plantation estate, where they will grow for around three decades before being harvested and processed into structural timber, engineered wood products, paper and packaging. These forests are an essential source of renewable building materials and play an important role in carbon storage, with growing plantations continually absorbing carbon from the atmosphere as they develop.

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US Customs and Border Protection agents spent four days investigating Auckland timber processor Hermpac after a complaint from the US Lumber Coalition. The finding was uncomfortable. Source: B2BNews A wholesaler on America’s east coast had been routing Canadian-origin wood through New Zealand for processing before shipping it into the US, a manoeuvre that carried timber roughly 27,000km across the Pacific and back. The purpose, according to the investigation, was to dodge the punishing duties the US imposes on Canadian softwood lumber. This is the first confirmed case of a New Zealand processor being directly investigated by US Customs in connection with the Trump-era tariff regime. It is a meaningful escalation from the macro-level tariff debate that has run since April 2025. The fight is no longer just about headline rates. It is now about who inspects your paperwork, and whether the value you add in New Zealand counts for anything. The US-Canada softwood lumber dispute is decades old. Washington argues Canadian provinces subsidise their forestry sector and has repeatedly slapped countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian wood. Those duties create a financial incentive to route Canadian timber through a third country, process it, and re-export it as something else. The practice is called transshipment, and the US Lumber Coalition monitors for it aggressively. Running parallel is the Trump tariff regime on New Zealand itself, which began with a 10% base tariff from April 2025 and rose to 15% from 7 August 2025. Timber was initially exempt from the base rate but sat under a separate Section 232 investigation that produced a 10% tariff on foreign softwood lumber in September 2025. Hermpac ended up caught where those two fights overlap. The legal mechanism at the heart of the case is the US ‘substantial transformation’ test. In April 2025, commercial lawyer Richard Hoare of Sharp Tudhope explained that origin turns on whether a good undergoes a fundamental change in name, character, or use in the country claiming origin, and that the change must add meaningful economic value. Kiln-drying Canadian cedar in Auckland sits squarely in the grey zone. It adds value and changes the product’s condition, but US Customs concluded it did not fundamentally change the wood’s character or use. Origin stayed Canadian, and the duties applied. Hoare’s warning at the time now reads as prophecy. “Merely assembling components in New Zealand may not be enough,” he wrote, adding that exporters should be ready to justify origin claims based on pro-cessing steps and value added. New Zealand exports NZ$380 million in timber products to the US annually, its third-largest timber market, and the 10% tariff already adds roughly NZ$40 million in yearly costs. The sector has almost no room to absorb more. In August 2025, the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association released survey findings showing anything over a 5% tariff would cause 50% of exporters to rethink the value of selling to the US. It is worth noting what New Zealand actually sells there. In October 2025, WPMA chief executive Mark Ross stressed the timber is not the structural framing lumber Canada was hit for, but high-grade clear wood for mouldings that only a handful of countries can produce because New Zealand prunes its trees. That premium segment had grown 30% over the five years to 2025. A compliance scare is the last thing it needs on top of mill closures already stressing the industry. New Zealand sells around $9 billion of goods into the US every year, and the export data already shows tariff pain, with sales to the US falling 4.3% in May and 8.9% in June 2025. New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay has argued the uncertainty and changing nature of the tariffs is harder to manage than the rate itself. The Hermpac case adds a third dimension he has not addressed publicly – enforcement risk. Any New Zealand manufacturer sourcing inputs from a high-tariff country like Canada or China, then finishing goods for the US market, faces the same question. If US Customs decides the local processing does not amount to substantial transformation, the product keeps its origin-country classification, and someone pays those duties. The complaint mechanism is open to any US industry group that suspects origin laundering. The practical takeaway is unglamorous but urgent. Review and document your origin classifications now, before a competitor files a complaint, not after Customs agents turn up. Hermpac learned that the hard way, over four days.  

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Australia’s forests are ecologically and economically significant landscapes. They support biodiversity, store carbon, provide timber, and sustain a wide range of environmental and social values. Source: Timberbiz Developing a consistent understanding of these forests is therefore becoming increasingly important for their effective monitoring, reporting and management. Australia already has a wealth of forest data, but these observations are often collected by different agencies using different methods, technologies and standards. The challenge is not simply a lack of data, but the difficulty of bringing these datasets together consistently across regions and through time. SkyForest, an Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) initiative, delivered via AFWI Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry (CCSF), is responding to this challenge by contributing to the framework of a nationally consistent forest inventory framework for Australia. In partnership with the NSW Natural Resources Commission (NRC), Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), and CSIRO, the project is prototyping a transparent, auditable and open operational data platform, called Monitoring and Observation System for Australian Forest Inventory and Change (MOSAIC), that brings together existing forest observations across spatial and temporal scales. It is at this intersection between detailed field observations, remote sensing and forest change that Aakash Chhabra, based at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University, brings his research experience and capability in developing operational monitoring systems to SkyForest. He works with Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn, who leads SkyForest at Western Sydney University. Aakash’s research work has centred on using multi-sensor remote sensing to under-stand forests before, during and after disturbance, particularly wildfire impacts and recovery. During his PhD with Professor Marta Yebra, he combined SAR and optical satellite time series to map the severity of the 2019/2020 “Black Summer” wildfires and monitor recovery across the south-eastern coastline. He later extended this work at NASA Ames Research Centre by developing the Opti-SAR framework, that integrates optical, and multi-frequency radar observations to investigate fire severity of the 2025 Southern California wildfires. Within SkyForest, Aakash is applying this multi-sensor perspective to strengthen an approach that moves beyond traditional indicators such as greenness alone and places greater emphasis on forest structure. His vision is to strengthen the integration of complementary observations, including field inventory measurements, airborne and ground-based LiDAR, and optical and radar satellite data, to build a more complete picture of Australian forests. Connecting these datasets across scales can help reveal not only their current condition, but how they have changed through time, how they respond to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and how those changes unfold afterwards. Through this work, Aakash contributes to SkyForest’s broader ambition of moving forest monitoring beyond a static description of Australia’s forests towards a system capable of capturing structure, condition and change through time. In doing so, the project also contributes to a wider national discussion around what a modern Australian forest monitoring system should look like, and operationally useful and capable of revealing not only where change is occurring, but how and why it is happening.

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Queensland’s future homes, manufacturing capability and regional economies will depend on decisions made today about the state’s future forest resource. A technical report commissioned by the South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub has identified significant opportunities to strengthen future timber supply, support regional investment and improve long-term resource security across Queensland. Source: Timberbiz The study explores plantation expansion, afforestation opportunities, native forest regrowth management, carbon sequestration and forest resource planning. The technical report was commissioned to help address one of the most significant challenges facing the forest and timber sector: ensuring Queensland can meet future demand for timber products while supporting regional jobs, manufacturing growth and environmental outcomes. The work aligns closely with Queensland Future Timber in Focus: Prosper 2050 Delivering Now 2026–2030, the Queensland Government’s first five-year implementation plan under the Queensland Future Timber Plan 2050, which aims to secure and grow sustainable timber resources to support housing, infrastructure, economic development and environmental outcomes. The study findings highlight several significant opportunities and challenges for the sector: Spatial modelling identified significant areas of land suitable for future plantation development and assessed opportunities involving timber production, carbon storage and grazing across the South and Central Queensland region. A study undertaken through the native regrowth carbon sequestration project identified approximately 1.5 million hectares of commercially important regrowth or potential regrowth forest and highlighted opportunities to better recognise the carbon value of managed forests. A technical report examining manufacturing competitiveness identified con-strained timber supply and increasing demand as key challenges for future industry growth Analysis of forest management models found multiple-use forests consistently generated greater long-term benefits than protection-only models, with an assessment estimating approximately $5.4 billion in benefits over a 100-year evaluation period.   Kerry Fullarton, Manager of the South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub, said the study provides practical evidence to support future planning and investment decisions. “Queensland has significant opportunities to strengthen its future forest resource, but realising those opportunities requires informed decision-making and a long-term view of resource security, ” said Ms Fullarton. “This study provides industry, government and investors with practical evidence about where future timber supply opportunities exist and the planning, investment and policy settings that can help support them,” she said. The Queensland Future Timber Plan identifies supply, supply chains and markets, regulatory settings, workforce development, and research and innovation as critical priorities for the sector. The Hub’s study contributes evidence across many of these priority areas, including plantation expansion, afforestation opportunities, carbon outcomes, resource security and future investment confidence. Ms Fullarton said the findings demonstrate the important role evidence-based planning will play in achieving Queensland’s long-term timber supply goals. “The Queensland Future Timber Plan recognises the importance of securing future timber resources to support housing, manufacturing, regional jobs and economic growth. “The study commissioned through the Hub helps identify practical opportunities to expand future timber supply while supporting environmental outcomes and regional development. “Most importantly, it provides a strong evidence base to help inform future industry, investment and policy discussions.” A video on the South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub report is here.  

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