Australian timber industry news

A corrugated cake box produced by Adara Pakkaus for Boulangerie Marco has received top honours in two major international flexographic printing competitions. Printed on MetsäBoard Pro WKL, the exceptionally detailed packaging demonstrates what can be achieved when ambitious design, advanced printing expertise and a high-quality coated white kraftliner come together to create strong brand impact. Source: Timberbiz The Boulangerie Marco cake box won both its category, Corrugated post-print (E and F Flute), and the overall Supreme Award at the FlexoTech International Print & Innovations Awards in London in October 2026. Earlier in the year, the same packaging received a Gold Award and Best of Show recognition in the corrugated category at the 2026 FTA Excellence in Flexography Awards in Milwaukee, US. At the FlexoTech Awards, the judges praised the exceptional level of detail achieved on a demanding substrate and described the work as an example of “best-in-class execution”. They also noted that there was “not a flaw in sight”. The FTA jury similarly recognised the cake box as a technically demanding piece of work that achieved superior tonal range, precision and overall visual impact. MetsäBoard Pro WKL 160 g/m², produced at Metsä Board’s Kemi mill in Finland, was used as the top liner of the corrugated board. “MetsäBoard Pro WKL’s smooth, double-coated surface supports the accurate reproduction of detailed images and brand colours, while its strength contributes to the performance of the finished package. This award-winning cake box is an excellent demonstration of what the material can achieve in high-quality flexographic printing,” said Aaro Åivo, Account Manager, Specialty Packaging at Metsä Board. The cake box was manufactured and printed by Adara Pakkaus. Its structure was designed by Kaisa Pietilä of Adara, while the artwork and prepress work were developed in collaboration between Boulangerie Marco, Adara and Marvaco. “The Boulangerie Marco cake box is an excellent example of what can be achieved with flexographic printing on corrugated board. At Adara, we have worked consistently over the years to develop our printing quality and production processes together with our partners Marvaco and Siegwerk,” Seppälä said. The award-winning cake box was printed at an exceptionally high screen ruling of 62 lines per centimetre, placing particular demands on the properties of the printing surface. “Such a high screen ruling requires exceptional properties from the printing material, starting with the smoothness of the surface. That is why we used Metsä Board’s double-coated MetsäBoard Pro WKL for this demanding print job. Overall, I would say this is one of the most demanding print jobs ever produced on corrugated board,” Seppälä said. The packaging was designed not only to look distinctive but also to make handling the cake easier. Its structure allows even a large cake to be pulled neatly out of the box without the packaging leaving marks on it. “We wanted the opening experience to be just as impressive as the box looks before it is opened. The structure allows the cake to be removed neatly, while the shape of the lid makes the packaging recognisably Boulangerie Marco,” said Kaisa Pietilä, Packaging Designer at Adara. With top honours in two international competitions, the Boulangerie Marco cake box sets an impressive benchmark for detailed flexographic printing on corrugated packaging.

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UK wooden pallet repair volumes continued to rise in 2025 with an estimated 49 million pallets repaired for reuse during the year, according to the latest UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market Report. Source: Timberbiz The annual report, commissioned by TIMCON and Forest Research, shows an increase of approximately 4% on the 47.1m repaired in 2024, and a long-term trend of increasing repair and reuse of wooden pallets and packaging. The interim results of the latest edition of report were presented by Guy Watt, Managing Director of Clegg Consulting, at TIMCON’s Annual General Meeting and industry meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland during September. This scope of this latest study is being extended as TIMCON is working with the National Association of Pallet Distributors (NAPD) to add further data on reuse. The full results will be presented later this year. The combined number of wooden pallets manufactured and repaired has grown significantly, according to the report. The latest figure is around 91 million pallets, compared with approximately 81 million when the survey began in 2015. The report also showed an increase in the proportion of UK-sourced timber used by the sector, accounting for approximately 76.4% of timber used by the industry during 2025. Respondents were also asked for their opinions about challenges in the market. Finding and retaining good staff was the most frequently cited issue, followed by rising costs. However, there were also some signs of optimism, with 70% of companies expecting sales to increase during 2027, compared with only 10% predicting a fall in sales. “We are really pleased to see the positive trend towards repair and reuse continuing, as well as the overall growth in the wooden pallet and packaging market since we first began this survey,” TIMCON President John Dye said. “Being able to quantify the size, activity and importance of the wooden pallet and packaging industry is extremely important to help us demonstrate the contribution our sector makes to UK supply chains and support our lobbying work. “Collaboration is essential if we are going to do this properly, so we are pleased to have brought the NAPD on board this year. Their members’ involvement will help us improve the statistical input into this invaluable report for TIMCON and the wider industry and become even more essential in our lobbying to the UK Government, DEFRA and others.”

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Curved glued-laminated (glulam) timber beams have been used in practice as structural components in roof systems and bridges, capitalizing on the architectural freedom of using wood as a building material. Sources: Timberbiz and ASCE Library Despite their use in practice, there is limited experimental data on the structural behaviour of curved glulam beams, both during fabrication and at their ultimate limit state. To address this gap, this study examines the structural behaviour of curved glulam beams both during fabrication and under mechanical loading to failure through a series of experimental tests. A total of 13 beam tests are described, which varied in their radius to better understand the influence of beam curvature on the residual strain distribution and the beam stiffness, strength, and failure mode at ultimate limit states. The beams were instrumented with distributed fibre-optic sensors to generate high-resolution strain measurements along the length and over the depth of the beams for the first time. Results of the study demonstrate that a complex state of strain, and thus stress, exists in a curved glulam beam after fabrication through mechanical bending of the laminations. Under structural loading, the studied beams exhibited a range of failure modes, which depended on the beam radius, including flexural failure in tension, shear failure, and radial tension failure. The experimental results are also compared with North American wood design standards, and the results suggest that these standards can predict the strength of the curved glulam beams tested in this study to within 5% of their ultimate load-carrying capacity. This study presents first-of-a-kind data on the distribution of strain in a curved glulam beam fabricated by mechanical bending of the laminations, which practicing engineers can use to understand the residual strain state during the design process. Furthermore, this paper highlights the different failure modes that can be encountered in curved glulam beams at the ultimate limit state, which should be considered by practicing engineers in their design. Results of this study highlight that existing design standards in North America are effective in predicting the strength of a curved glulam beam, but engineers should also consider the reductions in deformation capacity relative to a straight beam. For more information visit https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-2362

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A new training program aims to strengthen auditing capability across the forestry sector in Australia and New Zealand, helping forestry businesses build the expertise to navigate certification requirements, while expanding the pool of specialist auditors equipped to assess forest management practices against certification standards. Source: Timberbiz The JASANZ Futures x Responsible Wood program will help forestry businesses build internal auditing expertise. The program also provides experienced auditors from other sectors a pathway into forestry – or for auditors already in the sector, the opportunity to upskill. JASANZ is Australia and New Zealand’s joint accreditation body, established by treaty in 1991. It accredits organisations that certify, inspect and verify products, services, systems and people, supporting confidence in safety, quality and international trade. Its work spans more than 130 conformity assessment bodies and over 140 schemes across a wide range of sectors. To encourage industry participation, Responsible Wood is sponsoring 15 places in the program. “Forest certification gives businesses a credible way to demonstrate responsible forest management and meet market expectations,” said Responsible Wood Acting CEO, Matt de Jongh. “By investing in auditing capability, our goal is to continue reinforcing the integrity of sustainable forest management practices, to equip businesses with additional skills to maintain their certification and to ensure forests are responsibly managed for generations to come.” The program combines Responsible Wood’s expertise in sustainable forest management certification with JASANZ’s expertise in accreditation and conformity assessment, delivered via online learning, mentoring and field trip opportunities, and is recognised by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) as initial training for forest management auditors. JASANZ CEO Sarah Valentine said the partnership was an investment in market confidence. “Accredited certification is part of the infrastructure of trade. It gives businesses a way to show their products and practices meet the standards their markets expect. “Our partnership with Responsible Wood is a long-term commitment to forestry and the trade it supports,” Ms Valentine said. A reflection of growing adoption of PEFC certification in New Zealand, the program offers an exciting opportunity to build capability for the trans-Tasman forestry sector. “The program builds on existing capability in the region, complementing sustainable forestry practices with on the ground support from JASANZ technical assessors alongside PEFC New Zealand,” said PEFC International’s South Pacific Programme Manager, Richard Laity. “While the program was designed for Australian and New Zealand audiences, it remains open to forestry and conformity assessment professionals from other regions.” The program runs from April to July 2027. Sessions will be delivered by specialists from Responsible Wood, JASANZ and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – potential applicants are encouraged to explore the program for more detailed information go to https://www.jasanz.org/futures-responsible-wood

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Victoria’s Timber Towns have wrapped up three days on the Murray, with the state election now 24 days away. Representatives of Timber Towns Victoria’s (TTV) member councils spent 28 to 30 October in Gannawarra Shire for the association’s 2026 forum, field trip and annual general meeting. Source: Timberbiz Gannawarra Shire Council hosted this year’s forum, which moves to a different member region each year so councils can see first-hand the industries and communities they represent. The program set out to show how a family red gum sawmill, worked forests, dairies and agribusiness support one another, and how flooding affects the region’s towns and roads. TTV President Cr Karen Stephens, who is also Mayor of Glenelg Shire, said members were returning home with plenty to share with their own communities. “There is no better way for councils to understand each other’s challenges than to stand in each other’s mills, forests and farms. Gannawarra showed us an industry that keeps investing and innovating, and our members will take those lessons home,” she said. The forum opened on Wednesday evening with welcome drinks and dinner at the Mates Royal Hotel, with Paul Madden, CEO of Arbuthnot Sawmills, as guest speaker. President Cr Karen Stephens presented The Honourable Peter Walsh MP Leader of the National Party 2014 – 2024 and representing Swan Hill and the Murray Plains 2002 – 2026, in recognition and appreciation of his support to Timber Towns Victoria and the communities therein. On Thursday, Mr Madden guided members on foot through the Koondrook mill, followed by morning tea at the Arbuthnot River Redgum Furniture Showroom and a tour of the company’s new sawmill facility. Established on its present site in 1889, the family company employs 15 full-time staff and six contractors who harvest in Victoria and New South Wales. Mr Madden said hosting councillors from across the state was a chance to show what a local mill means to a small town. “Arbuthnot has been part of Koondrook for well over a century, and the new sawmill was built to be able to mill additional volumes from our Victorian Licence based on the original decision of the Andrew’s government to maintain native timber harvesting from Victorian State Forests through to 2030,” he said. “Arbuthnot Sawmills was also led to believe by government officials that our community forest would not be affected by legislation impacting elsewhere in the state and our licence would be rolled over beyond 2030. Arbuthnot Sawmills is now totally reliant on logs from NSW State Forests and private property which in total are only sufficient to run the original mill.” Members then spent two hours exploring Campbells Island and Gunbower Island, inspecting a rehabilitation area of a worked forest and thinning operations. Gunbower Forest covers 19,931 hectares of the mid-Murray floodplain, opposite the 31,150-hectare Koondrook-Perricoota Forest in New South Wales. After lunch in Cohuna, the tour turned to agriculture, taking in the Quinn family’s 700-cow rotary dairy at Mincha West, the Dee family’s robotic compost barn, the first in Victoria, and The Emu Farmers Co, which has spent more than 30 years building a paddock-to-plate emu business. The day ended in Kerang West, which saw areas hit by the 2022 floods, the town’s eighth major flood since 1909. Back in Koondrook, Thomas Chick, Chair of the Koondrook Development Committee, addressed the members’ dinner. On Friday, members met at the Glass House, Sir John Gorton Library, Kerang, for the annual general meeting. Gannawarra Shire Council CEO Geoff Rollinson and Manager Economic Development Scott Wishart presented ‘The Art of Gannawarra’, before Dr Rob Waterworth, AFWI Enterprise Fellow at the University of Melbourne, spoke on carbon market opportunities and challenges for the plantation sector. IndustryEdge Managing Director Tim Woods then outlined Portland’s Plantation Processing Precinct as a regional sovereign manufacturing project, before members appointed TTV’s President, Vice President and Treasurer for the year ahead. Cr Tom Sullivan from Moorabool Shire Council was presented with a special acknowledgement award for his years of dedication to Timber Towns Victoria as a Councillor representative. Cr Sullivan has been a Cr serving at Moorabool Shire Council for 30 years and most of those to Timber Towns Victoria. What members want from the next government. Every stop on the field trip connected to the case TTV has put to all six parties ahead of the 28 November election, and members returned home with fresh examples to support it: Roads that can carry the freight: projected wood flows across Victoria have more than doubled, from 14.7 million tonnes in 2016-20 to more than 34 million tonnes for 2023-27, while floods like those that hit Kerang add to the wear. TTV wants multi-year funding for rural roads and freight-critical bridges. Fire protection across every tenure: January’s bushfires burnt more than 400,000 hectares of forest and farmland. TTV wants forest and fuel management coordinated across public and private land, backed by a statewide network of AI-enabled detection cameras linked to the CFA, FFMVic and the SES. Confidence to invest: a whole-of-government forestry and fibre strategy that supports engineered timber and advanced wood manufacturing and embeds forestry and fibre in Victoria’s climate and housing plans, so businesses like Arbuthnot and projects like the Portland precinct can keep building for the future.   Gunbower’s worked forests are the kind of landscape TTV wants better protected, and Cr Stephens made the case after January’s fires, saying “a coordinated proactive fire management approach, guided by scientific evidence, needs to be prioritised as a key method of reducing the future risk of catastrophic fires of this intensity.” Cr Stephens thanked Gannawarra Shire Council, Arbuthnot Sawmills, the Quinn and Dee families, The Emu Farmers Co. and everyone who opened their gates to members, saying the visit had shown councils exactly what is at stake in the weeks ahead. “Gannawarra showed us why these priorities matter, and we will keep making that case to every party until polling day,” Cr Stephens said.

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The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand has welcomed the National Party’s forestry and wood processing policy, particularly its commitment to doubling value-added timber exports, increasing the use of wood in construction, and strengthening workforce development. Source: Timberbiz The WPMA says the policy reflected many of the priorities the sector has consistently advocated for, including creating greater value from the trees we grow and supporting increased domestic wood processing and manufacturing. “We are encouraged by commitments to develop a NZ Pine brand and expand international market opportunities for New Zealand’s wood products,” the association said. “These initiatives align strongly with our objective of growing exports of higher value manufactured timber products and increasing returns to the wood processing sector.” The WPMA says it strongly supports policies that ensure timber and wood-based solutions are considered early in government procurement and project design. Providing greater consideration for New Zealand made wood products created a more level playing field and recognised the important role timber can play alongside other construction materials in delivering sustainable building outcomes. “Workforce capability remains critical to the future success of our industry and we welcome commitments to strengthen vocational training pathways, industry led qualifications, and skills development across wood processing,” the WPMA said. “We are also pleased to see recognition of the need to investigate opportunities to increase the supply of pruned logs. Higher quality log supply is an important foundation for increasing domestic processing, producing higher value products, and maximising the value recovered from every tree harvested. “As we head towards the election, WPMA’s focus will be on ensuring these commitments translate into practical outcomes, regardless of which parties form the next Government. “Our priority is to see policies that drive greater demand for New Zealand made wood products, support investment in domestic manufacturing, and create more jobs in regional communities. We look forward to working constructively with all political parties to realise that potential.”

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AFPA has echoed concerns by the Nationals that the Federal Government is failing to address or act on the continued flow of Russian conflict timber entering Australia. Source: Timberbiz The concerns follow Senate Estimates revelations that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) considers the presence of Russian timber to be “not necessarily an issue for illegality” under Australia’s illegal logging laws. AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said there are serious questions about the effectiveness of Australia’s response to sanctioned Russian timber imports. “We have continued to raise this issue with the Government and Department. We support the comments made at the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) mill in Heyfield today by Nationals Leader Matt Canavan and Deputy Leader Darren Chester highlighting the need to urgently address the growing problem of Russian conflict timber entering Australia,” Mr Hyett said. The Department’s 2023–24 trial found about one in four timber products tested did not match their declared species, origin or both, however DAFF confirmed it had not tested a single sample under the illegal logging laws this year, had tested no consignments for Russian content and had the equivalent of just 2.2 full-time staff working on compliance. “We estimate up to 100,000 cubic metres of timber products imported into Australia each year could contain Russian-sourced fibre, potentially contributing to the construction of 15,000 homes, with particular risks in blended products such as laminated veneer lumber and plywood,” Mr Hyett said. “This latest evidence suggests significant volumes of Russian timber continue to find their way into the Australian market, despite existing sanctions.” Recent forensic analysis by Source Certain has also detected Russian fibre at locations around the world, often accompanied by sustainability and traceability certificates that were cancelled following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “We want to see a better testing regime and Country of Origin labelling along with strengthening border checks to identify and stop rerouted timber before it reaches Australian businesses and consumers,” Mr Hyett said. “We simply want to see a level playing field and transparency in the claims being made.”

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Timber is being imported into Australia from Russia and the response from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is that it’s not necessarily illegal and it’s someone else’s problem, according to Nationals leader Matt Canavan. Source: Timberbiz “Industry is telling the Department Russian timber is coming into Australia, and the response is that it’s not necessarily illegal and it’s someone else’s problem,” Senator Canavan said. The Department told Senate Estimates last week that the presence of Russian timber “is not necessarily an issue for illegality” under Australia’s illegal logging laws and that sanctions are a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), despite industry raising its concerns directly with the Department. Asked at last week’s hearing about testing that found imported timber products did not match their declared country, the Department said it was aware of recent industry-commissioned testing by Source Certain but pointed only to its audits of importers’ due diligence when asked how the laws were being enforced. The Department’s own 2023-24 trial found about one in four timber products tested did not match their declared species, origin or both. Yet in answers to Senate Estimates this year, the Department confirmed it had not tested a single timber sample under the illegal logging laws, had tested no consignments for Russian content, and had the equivalent of just 2.2 fulltime staff working on illegal logging compliance. Senator Canavan said the Department’s evidence showed no one was taking responsibility for keeping Russian timber out of Australia. “The Department’s own trial found one in four timber products didn’t match what was declared, yet it has told Estimates it hasn’t tested a single sample under the illegal logging laws. That leaves the door open to illegal and Russian timber undercutting our own forestry industry, which has to meet some of the highest standards in the world. It is extremely unfair and must be fixed. “The Department has had testing powers since March 2025. If it hasn’t used them, Labor needs to explain why.” Senator Canavan said the Senate Committee report this year highlighted the need for stronger action and tougher reforms to prevent Russian timber products entering Australia vindicated local timber industry fears. “The report recommended tighter sanctions against Russia, ensuring penalties evolve with global developments, and addressing the imports issue,” he said. Australia’s forest industries contribute $24 billion a year to the economy, directly employing 80,000 people and another 100,000 indirectly. Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Gippsland’s timber producers were held to strict standards on how they grew, harvested and processed timber, and deserved a level playing field. “Since Victoria shut down native timber harvesting, Gippsland producers have been left fighting for supply. They shouldn’t also have to compete with imports the Department isn’t properly checking,” Mr Chester said. “At the same time, the Regional Forest Agreement exemption ends in July 2027 with no state yet agreeing a replacement, and Labor’s $300 million Forestry Growth Fund still hasn’t paid out a single grant. Labor needs to start backing the people who grow and process our timber.” Leader of The Victorian Nationals and State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said the Coalition would bring back the timber industry, with a focus on active forest management. “The industry has been devastated by Labor’s shutdown,” Mr O’Brien said. “We will bring the industry back through an active forest management program that actually looks after our forests, and with the residual that comes out of that – the logs that come from building roads, from clearing fire breaks, from thinning the forests, will be made available to the Victorian timber industry.” Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) managing director Vince Hurley said cheaper imports were hurting the industry. “Local producers are struggling to compete and if you lose the local producer, you won’t get them back,” Mr Hurley said. “Lose all the local producers and then you are reliant on those imports for your products. We want a level playing field as well. Let’s have Australian manufacturing, let’s not kill Australian manufacturing, because you won’t get it back.”

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One Nation has described its view of what Australia’s forestry policy should look like saying that we have all the land we need to plant forests and be self-sufficient in timber, an essential material for housing and construction. Source: Timberbiz Yet Australia is not self-sufficient in timber. We have a $2 billion trade deficit in wood products (for example, Australia no longer produces standard office paper), importing raw timber from countries with lower stewardship credentials like Indonesia, Russia and Malaysia with all the biosecurity risks and expense that come with it. This doesn’t make sense, especially when timber prices in Australia have risen more than 200% since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is having a significant impact on housing supply and construction, slowing it down and making it more expensive at a time when Australia can least afford it. Rising material costs are also a factor in the collapse of building and construction businesses. Forestry industries contribute about $24 billion to the Australian economy, directly supporting 80,000 jobs and indirectly supporting another 100,000 jobs. Forestry industries are vital employers in many regional areas. These jobs were placed at considerable risk by legislation introduced by the Albanese Labor government in 2024, which would have prevented investors in forestry from realising full returns due to the long period of time required for new plantations to mature. One Nation moved an amendment to the legislation to fix this issue after forestry industries had unsuccessfully approached the major parties, and we convinced a majority of the Senate to back it. One Nation strongly supports Australian forestry and strongly supports expanding the plantation forestry estate to make our country self-sufficient in timber. One Nation also supports current levels of native forestry, which represents a small fraction of all forestry: only six out of every 10,000 native trees in Australia are harvested every year. Strict laws require that native forest is regenerated after harvesting, and that ‘old growth’ forests and environmentally sensitive areas and habitats are left completely alone. One Nation supports this position – we can be self-sufficient in timber without harvesting in these areas. One Nation doesn’t subscribe to the ideology that human activity is responsible for climate change – humans are responsible for only a fraction of the world’s CO2 emissions, most of which come from natural sources. However, in this world of carbon accounting and offsets, it’s also a fact that more plantation forests in Australia will absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – Australian forestry plantations currently store about 258 million tonnes of carbon. Trees are, in fact, the perfect renewable resource and we should be planting more of them. One Nation will support Australian forestry jobs and promote timber self-sufficiency by: incentivising greater use of Australian timber in construction through a ‘local wood first’ policy in government procurement processes exempting basic building materials – including timber – from the GST for a period of five years for homes up to a value of $1 million supporting the industry’s call for a summit to develop policies incentivising adoption of modular and prefabricated timber housing cracking down on illegal timber imports supporting the introduction of country-of-origin labelling so that consumers can pro-actively choose Australian timber and wood products over foreign imports supporting the development of a national fire response plan for Australia’s forests supporting the delivery of forestry tertiary education for workforce sustainability and development changing National Electricity Market (NEM) rules to favour cheaper coal and gas to reduce electricity costs for timber mills and other wood supply chain businesses by 20% extending plantation establishment grants to assist the industry’s target of establishing an additional 18,000 hectares of forestry plantations per year opposing any moves to lock away more areas of native forest that is available for commercial harvesting.

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In 2014, something impressive happened on a building site in Melbourne. A nine-storey apartment building, containing 34 homes, was assembled in five days. Thirty-six prefabricated modules were craned into place, creating a building complete with balconies, double-glazed windows and a six-star energy rating. The building was called One9. Its construction used a system developed by Australian architect Nonda Katsalidis and manufactured by Hickory Group. The entire project took considerably longer. There were designs to prepare, approvals to obtain and modules to manufacture. But the assembly of nine storeys in five days showed different way of building. More than a decade later, Australia is starting to turn that demonstration into an industry. Today, I want to talk about modern methods of construction, and how they could change the way Australia builds homes over the coming decade. Let’s start with a troubling statistic. According to the Productivity Commission, Australia builds around half as many homes per construction worker as we did 30 years ago. Over those decades, we’ve seen enormous technological progress. Computing power has soared. Manufacturing has become more automated. Digital design has changed what architects and engineers can do. Yet housing construction productivity has gone backwards. Some of this reflects larger and more complex homes, alongside higher building standards. But even adjusting for that, there’s been a 12% drop in building sector productivity over the past three decades. Much of our construction industry still operates in ways that would have been recognisable to builders a century ago. A house is assembled on-site, with different trades arriving in sequence. Work is interrupted by rain. A delay in one part of the project cascades into another. Economists are big on specialisation. In 1776, Adam Smith described how workers in a pin factory could dramatically increase production by specialising in particular tasks. In 1913, when Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line, the assembly time for a Model T fell from over 12 hours to just 93 minutes. Yet today, much of our housing construction still takes place through a succession of trades working on individual building sites. Modern methods of construction offer a different approach. Prefab wall panels, bathroom pods and complete modular units allow more work to happen in controlled factory environments. A factory can standardise processes and invest in specialised equipment. Factory manufacturing can also proceed while foundations are being prepared on-site. There’s a few advantages to building under a roof. Work can continue on days when it’s pouring rain or blazing hot. The Productivity Commission estimates that a 2% increase in construction output could lift Australia’s GDP by around $5.7 billion. Small productivity improvements, spread across a large industry, can have big economic benefits. And we can already see what this might look like in Australia. In Sydney’s Macquarie Park, a 20-storey student accommodation tower is being constructed using volumetric modular construction. The project will contain 528 student rooms. By September, 12 levels had been assembled, approximately 13 weeks after the first modules arrived. Each module is manufactured with its internal fit-out and facade already installed. Work continues at the factory as the building rises on-site. When completed, the project is expected to be Australia’s tallest volumetric modular building. There’s also considerable promise in regional and remote Australia. In remote communities, conventional construction can be prohibitively expensive. Specialist trades may need to travel long distances, and bad weather can delay projects for weeks. Manufacturing components elsewhere and transporting them for assembly can make a substantial difference. And consider crisis accommodation. Under the Housing Australia Future Fund, $71 million is supporting 117 crisis and transitional homes using modern construction methods. These include homes for women and children escaping family violence. When construction time falls, people who urgently need secure accommodation can get it sooner. Now let’s look at the economics. A CEDA and Urbis report estimates that modern methods of construction can reduce building times by 20% to 50%. At scale, construction costs could fall by around 20%. Right now, some modular developments still carry a cost premium of 10% to 20%. In other applications, particularly regional construction and high-density developments involving repeated unit designs, costs can already be around 10% lower. Part of the explanation is scale. Factories need a reliable flow of orders. Expensive machinery delivers its greatest benefit when production is steady. Design is another factor. Standardisation works best when it’s incorporated from the beginning of a project. Retrofitting a conventional design for modular construction can be expensive. And the benefits of faster construction extend beyond the direct building costs. Finishing a project earlier reduces financing costs. It also means that rental income starts flowing sooner. For a developer, those savings can determine whether a project stacks up financially. For a homebuyer, better productivity can eventually mean a lower price. But achieving these gains requires us to rethink some of the rules governing construction. Our regulatory system evolved around buildings being assembled on-site. Factory production changes the process. A completed module may arrive with structural elements and electrical systems already enclosed. Inspectors need reliable ways of establishing that these components meet Australian requirements. Ideally, a manufacturer should be able to demonstrate that a compliant product meets national requirements, then supply that product across Australia. Financing arrangements also need to catch up. Traditional construction finance often releases funds against progress achieved on-site. Factory manufacturing requires substantial spending before components reach the development. These are the sorts of challenges that become easier to solve when government works closely with industry. The Albanese Government is providing $120 million through the National Productivity Fund to help states and territories place modern construction methods on an equal regulatory footing with conventional building. We’re also investing $4 million in nationally consistent definitions and a voluntary manufacturer certification scheme, with full commencement scheduled for mid-2028. Led by Housing Minister Clare O’Neil, the aim is to give manufacturers a clearer route to demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code. We’re supporting standardisation through the $39.3 million Kit of Parts initiative. This will make Australian-designed building […]

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Nokian Tyres will end sponsorship of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship if Russia participates. Source: Timberbiz Nokian Tyres has decided that it will end its sponsorship of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship if Russia is allowed to participate in the tournament,” said Tiina Frazer, SVP, Brand, Marketing and Communications at Nokian Tyres. “Our sponsorship agreement with the IIHF covers the 2026 and 2027 World Championships, and our cooperation around the 2026 tournament was very successful. “However, under the current circumstances, continuing the sponsorship if Russia participates would not be aligned with our values. We have therefore decided to end our sponsorship of the 2027 World Championship should Russia be allowed to take part.”

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SCA has been working to improve safety at wood terminals and other similar locations at sawmills and industrial sites in Sweden. Following a pilot project, SCA has now decided to move forward with AI-based camera solutions. SCA Forest is the first business area to implement the technology at its wood terminals. Source: Timberbiz To reduce the risk of people being struck by heavy vehicles at wood terminals and other locations within SCA with similar conditions, SCA carried out a group-wide pilot project at SCA’s wood terminals in Torsboda and Töva. The most common risks of vehicle-related accidents include speed, limited visibility, and work taking place within the machines’ operating area. Reversing is a particularly exposed situation because visibility is often limited. SCA has now tested and evaluated technical solutions, which produced good results. Among other things, trucks and wheel loaders at Töva, Tunadal harbour and Bollsta sawmill have had AI-assisted reversing cameras installed. SCA has now decided to proceed with two technical solutions and will use both an AI-assisted reversing camera, which complements the machine’s own reversing camera, and a fixed AI camera. “Technical solutions can reduce the risk of accidents when used together with clear working procedures,” said Torbjörn Edman, Business Developer at SCA Forest’s Wood procurement function. The AI-assisted reversing camera can detect people and alert the machine operator. It is used in the inner zone, meaning close to the machine where the risk is greatest, for example during reversing. The fixed AI camera operates in the outer zone, meaning it monitors a defined area where it can detect people and alert the machine operator if someone moves in an area where people should not be. Forest is the first business area within SCA to install the equipment at its wood terminals. However, the solutions will be available and can be implemented in more business areas within SCA. “Within SCA Forest, we have long worked in various ways to improve safety at our wood terminals, and this is a good step in the right direction. We are starting with the terminals in Östavall, Töva and Torsboda, followed by Bensjö and Krokom. After that, the rollout will continue to the remaining terminals according to our priorities and planning,” said Mr Edman. “The new technology supports machine operators and reduces the risk of being struck by vehicles, which is an important step towards greater safety. But it is important to remember that safe working practices and good communication remain essential to safety at our terminals.”

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Timber from irreplaceable Swedish forests is ending up in sawmills supplying wood for Ikea furniture production, according to a new investigation from Greenpeace Nordic. Source: Timberbiz Using tracking devices, investigators followed logs from eight logged forest areas in northern Sweden and documented links to manufacturers of Ikea’s popular IVAR and HEJNE shelving. Greenpeace is calling on Ikea, one of the world’s largest consumers of wood, to stop sourcing from forests that need protection, including in the company’s home country. “Ikea prides itself on high sustainability standards and has a stated ambition to use its size to be a positive force for forests and halt biodiversity loss,” Frida Bengtsson, head of Greenpeace in Sweden said. “It should go without saying that wood from forests that need protection has no place in Ikea’s products. No shelf or chair in the world is more important than saving irreplaceable forests. Ikea could make that decision today. All it takes is a clear instruction to its suppliers to stay away from these unique ecosystems.” Several major international companies have already taken action over Swedish forestry practices. Between autumn 2025 and spring 2026, Nestlé, Zalando and L’Oréal announced plans to phase out wood fibre from SCA in their packaging supply chains. The announcements followed criticism of the Swedish forestry company’s logging practices and their impacts on nature and the rights of the Indigenous Sámi people. The new investigation from Greenpeace Nordic tracked logs to two sawmills operated by forestry company SCA. The logged areas are mapped as continuity forests – forests that have remained tree covered over a long period without ever being clear-cut. Wood from one of the sawmills, Munksund, was documented at Hedlunda, a manufacturer of Ikea’s IVAR shelving. The report also maps a supply chain from the other sawmill, Bollstabruk, through SCA to TräTeam, which manufactures HEJNE shelving. Tracking devices followed the logs from the forest areas to the sawmills. The onward links to furniture manufacturers and Ikea were established through company information, customs records, product labelling and field visits. “Our investigation reveals a clear pattern and maps how wood from some of Sweden’s last remaining continuity forests that need protection can end up in Ikea furniture that many of us have in our homes. I do not think this is something Ikea’s customers want, and it should be unacceptable to a company that puts so much effort into sustainability,” Karolina Carlsson, forest campaigner at Greenpeace Nordic and co-author of the investigation, said. Unlike the majority of the Swedish forest landscape which have been clear-cut and transformed for industrial production, continuity forests contain habitats that have developed over long periods of time, creating the best conditions for biodiversity, which cannot be replaced by planting new trees. The Swedish Forest Agency has concluded that logging of continuity forests needs to cease immediately if Sweden is to meet its national and international environmental objectives. Greenpeace Nordic is calling on Ikea to immediately stop sourcing wood from forests that need protection in Europe, including all of Sweden’s remaining continuity forests, and to verify that this requirement is met throughout its supply chain. The Swedish investigation follows two reports published on 13 October 2026. The Missing Manual examines gaps in Ikea’s sourcing rules, including their failure to exclude wood from forests that need protection. A field investigation in Romania documented the logging of an approximately 170-year-old natural forest before proposed strict protection could take effect, and traced timber to a depot supplying an Ikea manufacturer.

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All three Woods Bagot projects shortlisted across four categories have taken home National Awards at this year’s National Architecture Awards. Source: Timberbiz The National Architecture Awards is the industry’s most prestigious national awards program, with a highly specialised jury assessing each project in-person to experience its essence beyond photos alone. Woods Bagot Director and Global Design Leader Bruno Mendes, says the result reflects a conviction that runs across the practice. “We’re grateful to the jury and, above all, to the clients and collaborators behind these projects. Each one took years, and each depended on a client willing to take the harder path with an existing building. This recognition belongs to them and to our teams in equal measure. Being named alongside so many projects we admire is something none of us takes for granted,” he said. Jury Chair Adam Haddow, immediate past president of the Australian Institute of Architects, described this year’s winning projects as “optimistic, with bright outlooks onto the future.” The Forest – National Award for Educational Architecture and National Award for Sustainable Architecture The Forest is the University of Tasmania’s flagship building in the Hobart CBD. It joins three existing buildings, including historic warehouses that had long sat neglected, into a single learning environment. Visitors enter through a glazed dome atrium that has been turned into a landscaped welcome space. The Educational Architecture jury described the project as “a creative reimagining of what a university campus can be”. The jury pointed to its range of learning settings, its access to greenery and daylight, and the warmth of its craftsmanship. It also noted that students were already treating the building as their own. The Sustainable Architecture jury commended the decision to reuse the existing buildings rather than demolish them. The building is all-electric and net zero in operational carbon. Retaining the existing concrete, masonry and timber, and adding bio-based materials, cut upfront carbon well below standard benchmarks. Exposed structure and natural finishes replace synthetic linings throughout. Woods Bagot Director and Global Design Leader Bruno Mendes says, “The Forest was designed for the students who will learn here for generations. The forested atrium and the spaces in between were designed as a civic heart, a place where students, researchers and the wider community can come together. We kept as much of the existing fabric as we could and tested every addition for its longevity, adaptability and end of life, so the building can keep evolving with the University. We’re humbled the jury has recognised the project in both education and sustainability.” The Forest has previously won the Sydney Blythe Award for Educational Architecture and the Barry McNeill Award for Sustainable Architecture at the Tasmanian Architecture Awards. It also received the Premier Award at the 2026 Australian Interior Design Awards. Central Station – National Award for Public Architecture Central Station, designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with John McAslan + Partners, is New South Wales’ busiest transport interchange. It carries more people than any other interchange in Australia and links suburban and intercity rail, light rail, buses and now, underground metro services. The new metro services were threaded through a group of state heritage-listed terminal buildings. The jury praised the team for making a highly complex project feel effortless. Clearer wayfinding and connections make the station work better as part of the wider network. The new roof element brings daylight deep into the interchange without overpowering the historic arrivals hall. The jury called the station “the jewel of the NSW public transport network”. It said the station is a world-class interchange that should serve Sydney for the next hundred years. “Central Station has always belonged to the people of Sydney. Our ambition was to give something back, weaving public art and the station’s story throughout the new spaces while creating a gateway that welcomes locals and international visitors alike,” Woods Bagot Principal and Global Rail Lead John Prentice said. “Preserving the station’s history was fundamental. Every new intervention had to be worthy of standing alongside one of Australia’s most iconic pieces of architecture for the next 150 years, and of representing Sydney on the global stage. We’re humbled by the jury’s recognition, which we share with John McAslan + Partners, Laing O’Rourke and Sydney Metro and many others.” Central Station has previously received the NSW Architecture Medallion and the Sulman Medal for Public Architecture. Younghusband – National Award for Sustainable Architecture Younghusband has transformed a historic woolstore precinct in Kensington, Melbourne, into one of Australia’s first all-electric, net zero operational carbon workplaces. The jury called it “a shining example of adaptive reuse”. Precise interventions reveal the original structure instead of covering it, and most existing materials were kept. Salvaged Douglas fir beams were remade as handrails, bridges and custom joinery. The project achieves an 84 per cent reduction in embodied carbon against standard baselines, saving more than 11.3 million kilograms of CO₂. A 330 kW rooftop solar array with battery storage powers the precinct. The project holds a 6-Star Green Star Design and As Built rating, WELL Platinum certification, a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy rating and a 4.5 Star NABERS Water rating. “The greenest buildings are the ones that already exist. Younghusband is a testament to the courage of La Caisse, Built and Irongate, who championed adaptive reuse from day one. It also reflects their foresight in setting such an ambitious sustainability agenda, so these woolstores can be enjoyed by generations to come. It’s been wonderful to see the impact, both socially and environmentally. The project now opens itself up to the neighbourhood, breathing new life into a cherished part of Kensington and broader Melbourne, offering a model for the rest of Australia. We’re truly humbled the jury has recognised it,” Woods Bagot Director Peter Miglis said. Younghusband has previously won the Award for Sustainable Architecture at the Victorian Architecture Awards.

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Koppers’ timber manufacturing plant in Bunbury is doing far more than transforming high-quality logs into power poles – it’s keeping Western Australia connected. Source: AFPA During a recent tour, AFPA saw how the innovative facility, located in south-west WA, has transformed renewable timber into essential electricity infrastructure since 1960. Every pole undergoes debarking, grading, sizing, treatment and quality checks before being delivered to local customers. The state-of-the-art plant processes up to 250 cubic metres of timber a day, producing high-grade poles ranging from nine to 23 metres long for local use. Koppers Assistant Manager of Western Australian Operations Pip Taylor said the plant highlights the importance of local manufacturing capability and supplying essential local infrastructure for communities. “We are proud to manufacture this essential timber product in regional Western Australia for the local market,” Ms Taylor said. “The value and importance of this capability was clear after Cyclone Seroja struck the region in 2021, destroying 3,000 electricity poles and causing widespread power outages. Rapid repairs and pole replacement were critical to restoring the network, supported by our local manufacturing.” Ms Taylor said the softwood logs are efficiently debarked, graded and sized on site. “Each pole is individually processed and treated to help it perform its critical role for decades,” she said. Ms Taylor said behind every finished pole is an integrated forestry, manufacturing and supply chain network supporting regional jobs, businesses and driving the economy. “Timber poles are the preferred choice as a critical part of Australia’s electricity networks, carrying overhead power lines across communities and regions,” Ms Taylor said. As one of the only true renewables, timber poles are recognised as an effective carbon store making them the ideal complement to today’s modern green energy installations. Unlike many other essential infrastructure products that generate high emissions during manufacturing, timber poles are also a proven, practical material that operators can easily inspect, maintain and replace. As Australia expands its energy infrastructure, reliable local timber supply and manufacturing, which is provided by Koppers Australia, a fully owned and integrated subsidiary of global company Koppers Inc, will be important. Continued investment in forestry and regional processing will help keep the nation’s power networks standing strong for generations to come. Other products Koppers manufacture and distribute across Australia include engineering and piling timbers and landscaping and viticulture products. To learn more, visit Koppers Australia – https://koppers.com.au/

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An enforcement order has been approved for removal, remediation and native planting at a forestry site on the East Coast described by experts as “one of the worst” they had seen. Source: The New Zealand Herald Summit Forests NZ and associated parties were ordered to remediate and plant native vegetation in Awatere Forest near Te Araroa. Summit is one of the country’s largest commercial forest owners, with forests in Gisborne, Northland and Whanganui. It oversaw the harvest of the 390ha pine forest on Awatere Station, completed by Ngāti Porou Forests Ltd (NPFL). The site is on Māori freehold land, managed by Awatere B Trust. Gisborne District Council staff and an independent expert found the forest “in an extremely poor state”, describing it as “one of the worst sites” experts had ever seen. The enforcement order, first applied for through the Environment Court in July, was amended following a mediated meeting in September. The order against Summit, NGFL and four of its directors requires the cessation of woody debris or sediment discharge into water and beyond the forest boundary. All debris from harvest activity needed to be removed from streams, skid sites and other high-risk locations by burning, helicopter or truck removal. Debris could also be moved to safe disposal locations identified in the site’s Risk Assessment Report, unless the report indicated the debris needed to remain in place, which would require council approval. Work was to be completed by March 31, 2027. By the same date, water and sediment controls were required at all skid sites, roads and tracks to reduce the risk of erosion or site collapse. Water had to be redirected away from skid sites, “an adequate number of appropriately spaced” culverts were needed on roads, and slash catchers were to be installed. A slash catching network was to be installed by October 1, 2027, and until July 1, 2029, catchers would be inspected following 15mm/h or 100mm/24 hours of rain recorded at the Karakatuwhero River. Ongoing monitoring at all streams within the site, including removal of mobilised debris, would continue until July 1, 2029. The enforcement order also required the permanent retirement of areas unsuitable for harvest because of terrain, geology or risks to waterways by May 1, 2027. The areas, about 18.37ha, would need to be replanted as native vegetation. Trees should be removed by hand, poisoning or chainsaw, unless needed temporarily while native species establish. Vegetation and pest management plans, addressing pests such as wilding pines, were due to council last month. If the trust wanted to resume harvesting activities, council was to be notified at least four months before work. A Summit spokesperson said Summit welcomed the court’s approval of an agreement to address issues at the forest. “Summit and Ngāti Porou Forests Ltd have agreed how remediation work will be shared, with most of this work already completed. “The cost of the work is substantial, but Summit remains committed to completing outstanding work and contributing towards resolving the issues identified in Awatere Forest.” Chairman of Ngāti Porou Forests, Whaimutu Dewes, said everyone involved shared goodwill and commitment to completing remediation work, despite challenging conversations during mediation. “Ngāti Porou Forests Ltd and Summit Forests have now agreed how the work will be divided, and good progress has already been made – with work having started well before the Environment Court hearing and continuing at pace.” He was pleased parties could work together towards a shared objective. While the wider iwi may not have been familiar with the orders, he said there was support for the co-operative approach to address effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and the January weather event. “Looking after our lands so they can look after us and future generations is deeply embedded in our iwi DNA.” Gisborne District Council has been approached for comment.

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The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and Eastland Wood Council (EWC) say an independent review of forestry consenting and compliance in Tairāwhiti reinforces the need for a more efficient and workable consenting system, with improvements identified across council, industry and central government ahead of increased harvesting in the region over the next five years. Source: Timberbiz NZFOA chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the review acknowledges the council’s overall regulatory approach while identifying problems with consenting delays, unclear requirements, inconsistent communication and shortages of expertise. “The council now has an independent assessment identifying where improvements are needed and we expect those recommendations to be acted on,” Dr Heeg said. “The review also identifies opportunities to improve the quality and consistency of forestry consent applications. There is always room to refine and improve our practices, and we want to work constructively with council to make the consenting process more effective for everyone.” Dr Heeg said that the report also agrees with NZFOA that Tairāwhiti’s environmental risks don’t automatically justify enforcement action. “Forest owners recognise the region’s environmental challenges and accept their responsibility to manage them. But consent conditions need to be proportionate to the risks, clearly explained and practical to implement,” she said. EWC chair Julian Kohn says the review makes clear the region needs to plan for the substantial harvesting ahead while working through where land use needs to change. “Tairāwhiti needs around 4000 hectares of consented harvesting each year just to sustain today’s reduced activity,” he said. “We can’t afford to lose more skilled workers, contractors and businesses while decisions about the region’s future are being made.” Dr Heeg said both NZFOA and EWC continued to support government-appointed facilitator, Doug Leeder’s efforts to bring the council, industry and community together. “We respect the council’s independence as a regulator. However, this doesn’t change the need for cooperation on future harvesting, legacy woody debris and land-use transition,” she said. “Those challenges go well beyond individual consent applications and require the council, Government and forest owners to work together.” She said the review also identifies the Crown’s historical responsibility for forestry planting in Tairāwhiti and the barriers national policies create for land-use change. “Successive governments encouraged forestry planting after Cyclone Bola and have known about the region’s erosion challenges for decades. “Forest owners can’t resolve these longstanding problems alone. Recent government funding for consenting, woody debris removal and land-use transition is welcome, but the Crown needs to help fund and support a longer-term solution,” she said.

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AFPA has welcomed the opening of the next round of the Federal Government’s successful Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP) for Australia’s sustainable forestry industry. Source: Timberbiz As part of the Forestry Growth Fund, Federal Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Julie Collins announced the latest round of vital plantation grants under the SPEP, which will open for industry tomorrow. More than $14 million in grant funding will be available through Round 4 of the program. The funding is intended to help establish long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantations and respond to projected demand for Australian-grown timber for housing, construction and manufacturing – supporting jobs and communities in rural and regional Australia. AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said the funding was a welcome boost and recognition of the strong government-industry partnership delivering important growth and investment across the sector. “Given the current economic and trade challenges facing our sector, this latest round of funding is essential and will continue to reverse declining plantation investment while strengthening regional economies, future timber supplies and Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability,” Mr Hyett said. “We sincerely thank the Government for supporting plantation expansion and providing the long-term policy certainty needed to grow Australia’s renewable forestry industries. “The funding for new plantations will help to provide future timber supplies, support carbon sequestration and biodiversity, and play a fundamental role in meeting Australia’s housing and construction needs.” The SPEP has so far provided more than $72 million in funding to support almost 40,000 hectares of hardwood and softwood plantations across Australia. “Before the introduction of this program, plantations declined by 230,00 hectares in six years. This program has been critical in reversing the decline in plantation investment that was occurring before it was introduced,” Mr Hyett said. “Continued and long-term investment is essential to build on the program’s success and secure Australia’s future timber and fibre supply. “We hope the SPEP can be further extended, and continue delivering tangible economic, environmental and community benefits right across Australia.” Ms Collins said the fund was delivering practical support to help grow more opportunities for Australia’s forestry industry. “By backing new plantations, we are supporting Australian-grown timber for homes and construction and creating more well-paid, secure jobs in regional and rural communities,” she said.  

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Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) says key questions about the NSW Government’s claimed $1.5 billion carbon benefit from ending public native forest harvesting remain unanswered. Source: Timberbiz On 26 September 2026, former CSIRO Chief Research Scientist Dr John Raison and forest scientist and FWCA Chair Steve Dobbyns wrote to Premier Chris Minns questioning the assumptions behind the claim. The Premier referred the matter to NSW DCCEEW. A month later, the Department responded but did not answer the principal questions raised. “The issue was never whether the Improved Native Forest Management method had been approved,” Mr Dobbyns said. “The issue is whether the numbers behind the $1.5 billion claim withstand scrutiny. “We asked how 1.5 million ACCUs a year was derived, why $67 per ACCU was assumed, whether $15.90 per hectare per year is a realistic management cost, and how 15 years of carbon credits can meet costs associated with a 100-year permanence obligation. “A month later, those questions were still unanswered.” Dr Raison and Mr Dobbyns have now written back to the Premier seeking a substantive response and release of the underlying modelling. The registered North East RFA INFM project covers about 531,677 hectares, including 117,275 hectares of carbon protection areas. “If the Government is forecasting 1.5 million ACCUs a year, it needs to say clearly what area and modelling scenario that figure relates to,” Mr Dobbyns said. There is also a separate transparency issue. In its 5 June 2026 advice, the Commonwealth’s Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee recorded that NSW DCCEEW had provided a fully modelled FullCAM scenario and had “agreed to publish this scenario in the event the method is made.” The method was made on 25 June 2026. “NSW had already agreed to publish the modelling once the method was made,” Mr Dobbyns said. “That condition has now been met. “When a figure as large as $1.5 billion is being used to support a major change in public forest policy, the assumptions behind it should be open to scrutiny. “Release the modelling and let the numbers speak for themselves.”

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Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan is visiting Gippsland this week on a two-day tour focused on the major industries, employers and regional communities driving the local economy. Source: Timberbiz Senator Canavan was invited to the region by Gippsland MP Darren Chester and will visit primary industry representatives in Yarram, Maffra, Traralgon, Morwell, Longford, Maryvale and Heyfield. The tour will include visits to Loy Yang B Power Station, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods in Heyfield, the Longford Gas Plant, Opal’s Maryvale Mill and local farms. Mr Chester said the visit was a good opportunity to showcase the region’s strengths and highlight the impacts of the Albanese Government’s poor policies. “Gippsland is home to some of Australia’s most important agriculture, energy, forestry and manufacturing businesses, supporting thousands of local jobs and families,” Mr Chester said. “These businesses produce the food, fibre, energy and manufactured products our nation relies on, and they deserve policies which support continued investment, competitiveness and regional employment. “Matt’s visit is an opportunity to listen to the employers and workers dealing with the practical impacts of decisions made in Canberra.” Mr Chester said the tour would cover a broad range of issues affecting Gippsland’s economy in the lead-up to the state election on November 28. “Victoria is heading in the wrong direction, and we need a fresh start, with a team that we can trust to deliver a fair share of funding for regional areas,” Mr Chester said. “Under the Labor Party we’ve seen $15 billion wasted on rorts and corruption on Big Build sites. The only way to get the change we need is to vote for your local Liberal or National Party candidate.” Senator Canavan said he was looking forward to meeting local businesses, workers and industry representatives throughout the two-day visit. “The Gippsland and Latrobe Valley region makes an enormous contribution to Australia’s economy, and I’m looking forward to seeing firsthand the businesses and industries creating jobs and opportunities across the region,” Senator Canavan said. “The best way to understand the issues facing regional Australia is to get out on the ground and listen to the people running businesses, employing workers and producing the things our country needs. “But regional industries need certainty and policy settings that recognise the realities of investing and operating outside the capital cities. “Decisions around energy, gas, forestry, manufacturing and agriculture have direct consequences for local jobs, investment and the future of our regional communities.”

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