Australian timber industry news

When people think of Italy, they think of warm beaches and sun-drenched villages but in the north that’s far from the norm. The north has rugged mountains with severe winters, getting caught unawares in this landscape can be fatal. Source: Timberbiz, photos Studio Francesco Faccin That’s where Pancalpina comes to the rescue – the literal translation is alpine bench. Pancalpina is a hybrid object designed for those who experience the mountains. It is a traditional bench, intended for contemplating the landscape, resting, or reflecting, which can transform when needed into a survival kit. Its belly conceals a survival kit and a tent that can be set up using the bench’s own structure. It is not a bivouac or a place for long stays, but rather a minimal shelter for survival while waiting for rescue or for spending a night protected from rain or snow. In its bench configuration, Pancalpina is discreet and non-invasive, made of materials designed to withstand extreme conditions. In emergency form, it becomes a place of safety: inside, users can find essential items such as thermal blankets, a shovel, a torch, and everything needed to set up the tent. The alpine environment remains one of the few areas of truly wild-and at times harsh-nature left in Europe. Any intervention must therefore be respectful and limited capable of preserving a landscape that is only lightly anthropized. Refuges, bivouacs, and benches are among the structures that define these places, becoming true artificial landmarks that help people orient themselves and find protection. Within this context, Pancalpina proposes a new type of object that could, in the future, contribute to experiencing the mountains in a safer yet minimally invasive way. The structure, made of solid larch wood with stainless steel components, ensures durability and resistance to the extreme weather conditions typical of mountain environments. Pancalpina was designed by Studio Francesco Faccin and it was part of a project promoted by Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Italy.

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As PEFC embarks on a comprehensive revision of its system and standards, it is inviting organisations across the forest products supply chain to help inform the process by taking part in its 2026 Market Survey. Source: Timberbiz Conducted every two years, the survey helps better understand what matters most to organisations when it comes to forest certification, responsible sourcing and the market for certified forest-based products. This year, the survey also serves as an early consultation for the PEFC system revision. Your feedback will help inform discussions on how the PEFC system and standards can continue to meet evolving market, regulatory and sustainability expectations. Whether you’re a retailer, brand owner, manufacturer, supplier, PEFC-certified company, or source PEFC-certified materials, PEFC would like you to share your perspectives. The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Some questions will only be shown where they are relevant to your organisation. The survey covers a range of topics, including: The value and performance of PEFC certification Market demand and future growth opportunities Sustainability impact data, traceability and supply chain integrity Training, tools and implementation support Sustainability reporting and regulatory developments Priorities for the future development of the PEFC system.   As a thank you for participating, you can also choose to receive an advance summary of the survey findings and an invitation to an online briefing on the results. At the end of the survey, select this option and provide your email address if you would like to receive these updates. Your email address will be collected solely for this purpose. PEFC International and/or the relevant PEFC national member may use it to contact you with the advance survey summary and invitation to the online briefing. It will not be shared with other third parties. The survey closes on 26 August 2026. You can access the survey here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3WY7SQT If you have any questions email info@pefc.org

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As the Government of Canada moves ahead with a rail freight support plan for Canadian steel, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has welcomed the decision by the federal government to address cost pressures in the national transportation system and its recognition that Canada’s forest products industry requires a separate path forward. Source: Timberbiz Canada’s forest sector supports nearly 200,000 employees across hundreds of forest-dependent communities from coast to coast. It supplies the renewable materials needed to build homes and infrastructure, strengthens domestic supply chains, and contributes to Canada’s economic and export strength. As the industry works to build more homes and infrastructure with Canadian wood, diversify and grow export markets, and strengthen the prospects for Canadian forest sector employees and their families, getting transportation policy right is key. To demonstrate the importance of rail service and supply chain cost competitiveness to Canada’s forest products sector, an average forest products shipment travels roughly 1,200 kilometres over land. Nearly 90% of FPAC member mills are served by only one railway, limiting practical alternatives for long-distance movements. Rail remains the backbone to move forest products from mills to major domestic markets and international gateways. We must find ways to improve rail system reliability and cost competitiveness. FPAC analysis finds that rail costs can represent 20–25% of typical delivered product value, or Can$2–3 billion annually for the forest products sector. This is roughly equivalent to 15% of the industry’s annual real GDP and 50% of its current annual capital and repair expenditures. “Canada’s railways are essential partners in moving forest products across the country and in helping us bring more Canadian forest products to the world,” said Derek Nighbor, FPAC President and CEO. “We appreciate the government’s recognition that steel and forest products face fundamentally different market dynamics and that the path forward for forestry should reflect the distinct needs of our sector. We’re not looking for band-aid solutions here. We’re looking for measures that will improve the system and cost competitiveness for the long-term. “Governments in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia have all been working to find creative ways to promote rail use and address rail costs in their markets. We are pleased to see that the federal government recognizes the importance of supply chain reliability and the need to reduce costs across the system. “While Canada’s major industrial sectors have many common rail-related challenges and opportunities, we also face different realities. We welcome the federal government’s intention to get this right for the long-term and look forward to working with them and our railway partners to make our industry more competitive and protect and grow Canadian forestry jobs.”

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A large contingent of firefighters has left New Zealand for the United States of America to support the response to wildfires in the north-west of the country. Source: Timberbiz Fire and Emergency New Zealand is leading the deployment, which includes crews from the Department of Conservation, the forestry industry and the New Zealand Defence Force alongside volunteer and career firefighters and incident management personnel. Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says the diverse membership of the contingent reflects the strength of New Zealand’s firefighting capability and the longstanding relationships that underpin it. Of the 57 personnel, 43 are from Fire and Emergency, four from DOC, five from forestry companies and five from NZDF. “New Zealand is better prepared when all of our firefighting partners train, exercise and deploy together,” Megan Stiffler said. “Having depth in our response capability to manage simultaneous large incidents in New Zealand requires specialist skills from across the sector. “The strong relationships that enable that cooperation and coordination are on display as the members of our joint taskforce from around the country mobilise in preparation for their departure to the United States tomorrow.” Jarron McInnes from Manulife in Rotorua, is deploying as a Crew Leader with the forestry sector’s specialist crew. He has previously deployed to fight wildfires in Canada and Australia and says that forestry-trained firefighters have worked with Fire and Emergency in overseas deployments for decades, bringing specialised chainsaw skills and expertise. Forestry workers are tough and used to extreme conditions. “But it’s their chainsaw skills where they really shine – tree felling, cutting fire breaks and fire lines,” Mr McInnes said. DOC’s Wildfire and Field Skills Manager Brent Swanson says DOC is pleased to send four experienced firefighters as part of the New Zealand team. “The four DOC personnel have been selected based on their extensive wildfire suppression experience in New Zealand and internationally, as well as their specialist expertise in advanced and hazardous tree felling. It’s also a great opportunity for our crews to build on their experience and gain further learnings from our overseas colleagues, to improve our response to wildfires in New Zealand,” Mr Swanson said. Staff Sergeant Matthew Anker, Fire Master at 4 Emergency Response Troop (Waiouru) said that the deployment is closely aligned with what the soldiers train for. They are experienced in wildfire response and accustomed to operating in demanding environments as part of a coordinated multi-agency team. “It is an opportunity for them to apply those skills in support of our international partners, while gaining further experience that will strengthen our response capability at home,” he said. Ms Stiffler says that a huge effort goes into sending a large deployment overseas. “Our deployment coordinators in each region have been working with our National Coordination Centre team for weeks to make sure that the people put forward for selection meet all the criteria to be eligible for a deployment. That includes checking their experience, qualifications and fitness align with the host country’s requirements and our own rigorous standards. “Coordinating travel for 57 people from around the country is no easy task, and our logistics team in Auckland have been working for days to assemble the additional kit that the team needs to take with them.” The team will be taking on multiple roles, ranging from firefighters and fire engine crews to chainsaw specialists, and including incident management roles such as helibase managers, logistics and liaison officers. The firefighters are experienced working in arduous conditions, including steep terrain and high temperatures, and living in fire camps in remote areas. Two other deployments are already on the ground in the US and Canada, with five Incident Management personnel working on fires in Washington State and Oregon and six in British Columbia. Ms Stiffler says that the experience gained working on large, complex fires is invaluable to New Zealand’s own rural firefighting and incident management capability.

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Systemic shortcomings in the state’s emergency response was a major finding of the Victorian parliament committee looking into the 2026 Victorian summer fires which tabled its report last week. Source: Australian Rural & Regional News Around 440,000 hectares was burned by the January fires including 120,000 hectares in the Walwa fire and more than 130,000 hectares in the Longwood fire. One person died and 451 homes were lost along with 1,110 outbuildings and 45,000 livestock deaths were recorded. Seventy-four homes were also lost in the fire that quickly swept through the central Victorian town of Harcourt. The report, compiled by the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee, heard about a number of issues relating to the cause of the fires and emergency services response; making 80 recommendations in all. The ABC reported that it highlighted “systemic shortcomings” with “fuel management, emergency communications, animal welfare response, infrastructure resilience, volunteer support, recovery coordination and community recovery.” Some of the terms of reference for the committee included considering “preparation and planning by government” and other agencies and the community, “funding, equipment and appliances” for firefighters, “resilience of critical services and infrastructure” and the “prevalence of misinformation”. The inquiry was also tasked with reviewing findings from “previous inquiries, reports and Royal Commissions” and looking at what progress had been made. A total of 480 submissions were made to the inquiry which also held a number of public hearings. The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, is a member of the committee which conducted the inquiry and heard harrowing first-hand stories from those involved in the fires. “The devastating 2026 summer bushfires were not simply the result of extreme weather – they were the consequence of years of poor planning, under-investment and repeated warnings to the government that went unheeded,” Ms Broad said. “The findings of the inquiry make it clear that what unfolded on the firegrounds reflected a decade of policy, governance and preparedness failures that left regional communities exposed. “Throughout the inquiry, communities shared heartbreaking stories of courage, sacrifice and frustration. Brigades described pleading for backup that never arrived. Some volunteers served on the fireground for 38 consecutive days. “Telecommunications and power failures left entire communities isolated without emergency warnings or reliable information. Families feared loved ones had been lost because they simply could not make contact. “Farmers were forced to ration feed to starving livestock, while teenagers were left to euthanise injured animals. “Local councils were expected to lead recovery efforts but were left waiting for funding while trying to support devastated communities. “More than six months later, many communities are still waiting for the recovery they were promised,” Ms Broad added. The report also found that operational Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers had declined by 26 per cent over a decade and recommended the Emergency Management Commissioner commission an external review into declining volunteer numbers. It also called for the government to commit to an “accelerated replacement of all CFA single cab frontline firefighting tankers”, finding that 802 single-cab tankers were still operational and 650 of those tankers carried members in rear seating that exposed them to the elements. Another key finding was that some residents who stayed to defend their properties had become ineligible for government assistance. The report also found that the process for people accessing relief payments was “complex and administratively burdensome” and called on the government to review the support packages and eligibility requirements for disaster payments. One positive from the inquiry is that the VicEmergency app was found to be “highly effective” as a mass communication tool and the committee suggested it may have contributed to the low fatality numbers from the fires. However, the committee also found that inconsistencies in the app’s messaging along with usability issues “contributed to community confusion” and called on Emergency Management Victoria to prioritise updates. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has also called on the government to deliver action, not another report documenting the same failures that farmers have been warning governments about for years. VFF President Ryan Milgate said Victorian farmers are tired of paying the price for poor public land management and woefully under-resourced emergency services. “Every summer, farmers are the ones on the frontline protecting their families, livestock, neighbours and communities,” Mr Milgate said. “We continue to bear the brunt of decisions made from Spring Street and worst all of, we are left to pick up the pieces long after the fires are put out. “The reality is the government has been told what needs to change and these recommendations already exist. The question is why they haven’t been acted on?” The VFF’s submission to the Inquiry reinforced long-standing calls for practical fuel management at the public-private land boundary, greater investment in the CFA and stronger frontline firefighting capability that recognises the unique impacts bushfires have on agricultural businesses. “These findings will rub salt into the wound into CFA volunteers already seething from the outrageous Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund tax-grab,” Mr Milgate said. The Victorian government now has six months to respond to the report.

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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the interim report of the Senate Select Committee on Productivity in Australia, saying it confirms housing affordability and supply are now critical determinants of the nation’s economic performance. Source: Timberbiz HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the report recognises that Australia’s housing challenges can no longer be viewed solely through a housing policy lens. “The committee has recognised a reality that has become impossible to ignore: you can’t fix housing affordability without fixing productivity, and you can’t fix productivity without fixing regulation,” Ms Martin said. “Housing affordability and supply are fundamentally productivity challenges and must be viewed through that prism.” Ms Martin said HIA was encouraged by the report’s conclusion that housing affordability is a structural determinant of productivity performance. “Housing is no longer simply a single policy issue. It increasingly shapes labour mobility, workforce participation, business investment and national competitiveness.” She said Australia’s housing shortage had become a significant economic constraint. “Australia’s housing shortage is now a persistent macroeconomic constraint rather than a cyclical sectoral issue,” said Ms Martin. The report’s recommendations on housing finance, macroprudential regulation, National Construction Code reform, pattern books, planning and environmental approvals, infrastructure delivery, EPBC approvals and WHS accreditation recognise the need to address regulatory barriers that are constraining housing supply and economic growth. Ms Martin said the Productivity Commission had already highlighted the scale of the challenge. “The Productivity Commission has found that the number of homes completed per hour worked has fallen by 53 per cent. That should concern every government in Australia because we are delivering fewer homes relative to the resources being committed.” “The question is not whether the industry is less capable, but where effort is being directed. “An increasing share of industry resources was being absorbed by regulatory compliance rather than housing delivery. “Resources are increasingly consumed by approvals processes, changing codes, specialist reports and navigating multiple layers of government requirements. “Too much effort is being directed towards administering process rather than delivering outcomes.” “Every additional approval, assessment and compliance requirement adds cost, delay and uncertainty to new housing.” HIA welcomed the committee’s recognition that housing projects are affected by multiple regulatory systems that are rarely designed or administered as a single framework. “Housing delivery is not determined by any one approval. It depends on how effectively planning systems, environmental approvals, infrastructure provision, finance settings and building regulations work together. “The cumulative effect of these systems is increasing housing costs and reducing the industry’s capacity to meet demand.” Ms Martin said the committee’s support for pattern books, National Construction Code reform, improved access to EPBC approvals and stronger coordination across approval systems reflected the practical reforms needed to improve productivity while maintaining standards. “Improving productivity does not mean lowering standards. “It means ensuring regulation is proportionate, coordinated, evidence-based and focused on delivering genuine public value. Ms Martin said the committee’s findings reinforced a conclusion long identified by industry. “If we want more affordable homes, we need a more productive housing system. “That means reducing duplication, improving coordination and removing unnecessary regulatory barriers. “The Senate Committee has recognised that housing and productivity are inseparable. The challenge now is turning that recognition into meaningful reform,” Ms Martin said.

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Tasmania’s farming body TasFarmers has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an inquiry into the sale of the state’s largest farm, Rushy Lagoon. Source: Timberbiz TasFarmers President Nathan Cox said the process was clearly inappropriate, advantaged a foreign-backed buyer over Australian agricultural interests and failed to give sufficient weight to food security. “An inquiry is needed to ensure this can never happen again,” Mr Cox said. “There are better ways to invest $142 million in Northern Tasmania, ways that strengthen agriculture, create lasting regional jobs and increase food production instead of displacing it. “The real question is not whether forestry is more virtuous than dairy or beef production. It is why scarce taxpayer-backed capital was used to repurpose one of Tasmania’s most productive agricultural assets into an instrument of government climate policy. “A fraction of the Commonwealth’s $69 million investment could have supported modern dairies, smart irrigation, processing facilities, soil improvement and new agricultural technology, producing more food from the same land and lifting regional productivity. “Instead of investing in better agriculture, the Commonwealth backed a different use of the land altogether.” Mr Cox said the Commonwealth committed substantial taxpayer backing to the buyer’s project before deciding whether the foreign acquisition should be allowed to proceed. “It became financially invested in an outcome it was later required to assess. That is inexcusable and raises serious questions about the independence and integrity of the process.” Despite pressure to block the foreign acquisition of Tasmania’s largest farm for conversion into a major tree plantation generating timber and carbon credits, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers approved the sale. “Taxpayer-backed support helped place the Gresham House-managed buyer in a stronger position than Australian agricultural interests seeking to retain the property for farming,” Mr Cox said. “Rushy Lagoon could have delivered greater and more enduring economic value through dairy, beef and broader agricultural production. “The description of Rushy Lagoon as degraded or marginal farmland does not reflect its history as one of Tasmania’s largest integrated farming enterprises. “Pasture can be improved through better soil management, rotational grazing, irrigation and investment. Farmers across Australia have transformed underperforming land through relatively modest investments in fencing, water infrastructure, soil health and technology. “The answer to land requiring investment should not automatically be to remove it from food production,” said Mr Cox. Mr Cox further stated the Federal Government continued to fuel the debate with the misleading claims that Rushy Lagoon was simply a private land sale and will result in 190 jobs. “Calling it a private sale ignores the substantial taxpayer-backed finance supporting the buyer. “This was not the normal operation of a private market. Public capital helped finance the buyer, public grant funding supported the planned plantation, and federal approval enabled the foreign acquisition. “The community has already expressed a clear view. In a TasFarmers survey of 328 respondents, 99% opposed the government-subsidised sale to a foreign-owned interest and 98% opposed using government funds to purchase or convert productive agricultural land into plantation forestry. “Public money is now helping convert productive agricultural land into carbon forestry while placing existing dairy, beef-processing, contracting and regional jobs at risk. “The claim that Rushy Lagoon conversion to forestry will create 190 jobs is a fairy tale. While there may be short-term work during plantation establishment, the number of permanent local jobs is likely to be fewer than five, when compared to more than 100 ongoing jobs the property could support under intensive agricultural production. “This is a clear example of government policy directing investment away from immediate agricultural production and towards a carbon project whose claimed economic benefits will be delivered over decades. “The scheme also risks creating a perverse cycle in which productive Australian farmland is converted into carbon credits so major emitters can continue emitting, while Australia becomes increasingly dependent on cheaper imported food that competes directly with our farmers,” Mr Cox said. The Tasmania Natural Asset Trust, managed by Gresham House, was established just six days before applications for the Support Plantation Establishment Program closed, and before it owned Rushy Lagoon. It was subsequently awarded an $8.8 million taxpayer-funded grant to establish 5,194.7 hectares of softwood plantation. The grant was awarded before the Foreign Investment Review Board approved the acquisition, although the funding had not yet been released. The project also received a $69 million investment commitment from the taxpayer-owned Clean Energy Finance Corporation as part of the $142 million investment platform. “This is the central scandal now plaguing the Rushy Lagoon sale,” Mr Cox said. “It was never merely a private transaction. Commonwealth investment, federal grant funding, foreign-investment approval and carbon policy were all instrumental in enabling the proposed conversion of Tasmania’s largest farm. “This inquiry must determine how scarce public capital came to be used against Australian agricultural interests, whether the funding and approval processes were genuinely independent, and how productive farmland can be protected from government-backed market distortion in the future.”

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Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and digital technologies are set to play an increasingly important role in Queensland’s forest and timber industry, with two of the 2026–2027 Timber Queensland Growth Scholarship recipients undertaking projects that explore how emerging technologies can improve workplace safety, product quality and manufacturing efficiency. Source: Timberbiz Timber Queensland has announced the recipients of the 2026–2027 Growth Scholarship Awards Program, which supports individuals pursuing learning and development opportunities that will strengthen both their careers and Queensland’s forest and timber industry. Timber Queensland General Manager Strategic Relations & Communications Manager Clarissa Brandt said this year’s recipients highlight an industry embracing innovation while continuing to invest in practical skills, leadership development and workforce capability. “Queensland’s forest and timber industry has always been built on innovation, and this year’s scholarship recipients demonstrate how technology, research and workforce development will help shape our future,” said Ms Brandt. “From artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to training the next generation of forestry workers and developing future operational leaders, these projects show an industry prepared to embrace new ways of working while remaining focused on people. “The scholarships support individuals with ambitious ideas that have the potential to create broader benefits for businesses, workers and the wider forest and timber supply chain.” The recipients of the 2026–2027 Awards are: $10,000 Kennedy’s Timber Award to Isaiah Denman Learning Project: Beyond the Physical: Leveraging Data and AI to Predict and Prevent Psychosocial Hazards in the Timber Industry $5,000 AKD Award to Zidi Yan Learning Project: AI Driven Treatability Prediction for Queensland Softwood Processing $5,000 HQPlantations Award to Jackson Smith Learning Project: Certificate III in Forest Operations plus Business and People Management Units $2,500 DTM Timber Award to Ian Goldie Learning Project: Certificate IV Training and Assessment Upgrade   As the recipient of the Kennedy’s Timber Award, Isaiah Denman, Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator at AKD Caboolture, will investigate how artificial intelligence, Power BI, predictive analytics and psychosocial health and safety frameworks can be used to identify workplace risks before incidents occur. His project aims to create more proactive approaches to managing fatigue, burnout and psychological health in industrial workplaces. “I want to help demonstrate that a traditional industry like timber can use emerging technologies to improve both physical and psychological safety outcomes,” said Mr Denman. “Ultimately, my goal is to help create workplaces that identify risks early, protect people and support a healthier, more sustainable workforce.” AKD Award recipient Zidi Yan, a researcher specialising in timber structures and durability, will explore how artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning can improve timber treatment quality assurance. The project will include participation in either the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG) conference or the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) and visits to timber treatment and processing facilities to investigate how AI tools can support decision-making before timber enters the treatment process. By analysing timber characteristics such as sapwood, heartwood, density and visible defects, the project aims to help processors better predict treatment outcomes, reduce waste and improve manufacturing efficiency. “The timber industry has a significant opportunity to harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies in practical ways that improve productivity and confidence in timber products,” said Mr Yan. “My goal is to bring back knowledge, industry connections and practical ideas that can help Queensland timber processors make better and more informed decisions.” HQPlantations Award recipient Jackson Smith will undertake a Certificate III in Forest Operations combined with specialist business operations and people management training. Having grown up in a family with deep connections to the forest and timber industry, Mr Smith is seeking to build the skills needed to progress into future supervisory and leadership roles. His learning project will develop technical operational knowledge, business management capability and leadership skills to support both his personal career development and the mentoring of younger workers entering the industry. “The forestry industry is something I have always been passionate about and I want to build a long-term career within it,” said Mr Smith. “This opportunity will help me develop the skills to become a stronger leader and contribute to attracting and supporting the next generation of forestry workers.” DTM Timber Award recipient Mr Goldie, a trainer and assessor with more than three decades of forestry experience, will upgrade his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to ensure his skills remain aligned with current national vocational education standards. Mr Goldie’s project will strengthen his ability to deliver industry training and support Sunchip Group’s innovative simulator-based training program, which is used to engage school students and future workers with careers in forestry. “One of the most important challenges facing our industry is developing the workforce needed for the future,” said Mr Goldie. “Maintaining contemporary training qualifications will help me continue supporting new entrants to the industry and build the skills our sector needs to remain strong and sustainable.” Ms Brandt said the breadth of this year’s projects demonstrates the industry’s commitment to future-focused thinking. “Whether it’s applying AI to improve safety and manufacturing performance, developing future leaders, or strengthening workforce training, these projects will deliver benefits well beyond the individual recipients,” she said. “The ongoing support of our Foundation Partner Kennedy’s Timber, Diamond Partners AKD and HQPlantations, and Ruby Partner DTM Timber ensures the Growth Scholarship Program continues to help develop the talented people who will drive Queensland’s forest and timber industry into the future.”

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Tasmania’s farmers, forest landowners and rural communities are being encouraged to have their say on the future operation of the Forest Practices Regulations, with public consultation now open. Source: Timberbiz Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said the Regulations are an important part of Tasmania’s forest management framework and affect how many landowners manage their properties. “Whether you’re a farmer, a forest grower, or manage land, these Regulations play a role in how you use and manage your property,” Minister Ellis said. “We want to hear directly from the people who deal with the system day-to-day about what’s working well and where improvements could be made. “We know these Regulations play a role in the way many Tasmanian farmers and landowners manage their land, so we’re providing plenty of time for people to have their say. “Feedback will be considered as it is received, and if there are immediate improvements that can be made, we will take action.” In addition to an online consultation portal, consultation will be undertaken directly with farmers, forest growers, industry groups, councils and other stakeholders over the coming months to better understand their experiences with the current rules and identify opportunities for improvement. Consultation will also help inform future improvements to the Regulations while the Government continues to assess potential impacts from the Australian Government’s national environmental law reforms. “While the Regulations must be remade before they expire in April 2027, they can be amended at any time,” Minister Ellis said. “Feedback received through this consultation will help inform future improvements, ensuring the Regulations remain practical, effective and fit for purpose. “Our goal is to create a system that strikes the right balance by supporting productive farming and forestry, providing certainty for landowners and communities, and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.” Tasmanians can provide feedback through the online consultation portal here. Consultation closes on 31 March 2027.

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The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) is calling for an immediate $18 million commitment to regional road upgrades, putting transport infrastructure at the centre of a five-point campaign it will take to candidates ahead of the 2027 NSW election.   Source: Tumbarumba Times The group’s Securing and Growing – Plantation Timber Possibilities for the South West Slopes NSW roadmap argues further investment is needed to support an industry it says provides more than 5500 regional jobs and contributes almost $2.3 billion to the regional economy each year. Alongside road infrastructure, the road map seeks action on bushfire preparedness, blackberry management, investment in new plantations and the potential establishment of a Strategic Plantation Economic Zone. SWG executive officer Carlie Porteous said improving regional roads was a priority given the volume of freight generated by the industry. “The region moves a significant amount of product, up to 5.7m tonnes per year,” Ms Porteous said. “In order to do this safely and more efficiently, we would encourage the NSW government and candidates to the upcoming election to look at the need for better regional road funding and give consideration to the Regional Local Government preparedness program which aims to level the playing field for small regional councils to access funding for critical infrastructure upgrades.” The $18 million road package includes proposed works on Batlow Road, Bombowlee Creek Road and Wagga-Tumbarumba Road. “There are a number of bridges that we have had independently assessed for safety and volume of traffic and are considered as ‘urgent’,” Ms Porteous said. “These three bridges; Blue Cut Bridge, Jacksons Bridge and Glenroy Bridge are too narrow with limited visibility on entry. “We have real concerns about the safety of all users of these bridges.” The roadmap also proposes overtaking lanes at three sections of Batlow Road and upgrades to a section of Wagga-Tumbarumba Road, with the broader package aimed at improving safety and freight efficiency for local commuters, visitors and heavy industry traffic. SWG is also proposing a Regional LGA Road Funding Preparedness trial, which would provide participating councils with up to $400,000 each year for surveys, designs, environmental assessments, cultural heritage studies and road safety audits needed to make infrastructure projects “shovel ready”. The roadmap argues regional councils in the South West Slopes manage between 82 and 186 metres of road network per resident, compared with two to three metres per resident in metropolitan councils, leaving them at a disadvantage when preparing projects for infrastructure funding. Ms Porteous said the campaign was intended to address broader community concerns as well as the needs of the timber sector. “The SWG has a unique membership that includes local government hence all our asks not only address industry concern, but concerns of the community,” she said. “There are community critical asks in our election document such as better management and coordination of blackberries, better bushfire outcomes and safer local roads.” On bushfire preparedness, the roadmap calls for a permanent plantation timber representative on the Bushfire Coordination Committee, greater recognition of plantation assets in bushfire risk management plans, continued funding for the NSW Fire Trails Policy and the removal of barriers preventing plantation forestry crews assisting across different land tenures during fires. The campaign also seeks more coordinated management of invasive blackberries, measures to encourage investment in new plantation timber and consideration of a Strategic Plantation Economic Zone for the South West Slopes. Such a zone would identify suitable locations for plantation development and coordinate planning, infrastructure, regulation and government spending on issues including transport, fire and weeds. Ms Porteous said SWG had launched the campaign document to its members on 7 August and would seek to put its proposals before all sides of government and as many candidates as possible ahead of the election. “The SWG values its ongoing relationship with the NSW government and will happily work closely with the next NSW government on practical and solutions-based outcomes,” she said.

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Europe’s forests are losing more biomass than previously thought, with disturbances such as drought and pests causing increasingly large losses from some of the oldest forests in Europe. This situation has deteriorated markedly since 2018. Source: European Space Agency These are the findings of a study published in Nature Geoscience. The research, which was supported by a European Space Agency (ESA) initiative, found that biomass losses increased sharply after 2018 as drought, windstorms and insect outbreaks increasingly affected some of central Europe’s oldest and most biomass-rich forests. The study was supported by the ESA Climate Change Initiative through its RECCAP-2 project, an international effort that uses satellite-based climate datasets to support the Paris Agreement’s Global Stocktake. For the first time, scientists have quantified how much biomass is lost from forest disturbances across Europe, rather than simply measuring the area affected. They found that, for each hectare of disturbed forest, 46% more biomass is being lost since 2018. Europe’s forests cover about 39% of its land area and store 10.6 billion tonnes of carbon in above-ground biomass, for example in their leaves, branches and trunks. This is one of Europe’s largest terrestrial carbon stocks. However, between 1985 and 2023, disturbances such as wildfires, pests and logging caused an estimated total of 6.5 billion tonnes of above-ground biomass to be lost across Europe, although a substantial share of these losses has since been offset by forest regrowth. For decades, scientists have assessed the impact of forest disturbances by measuring the area of land affected. But area alone does not accurately quantify biomass losses. A wildfire, for example, can sweep across a large area of open, shrubby Mediterranean woodland yet remove relatively little biomass, whereas a similar area of dense, mature forest would suffer far greater losses. This study is the first to measure not just where Europe’s forests were lost, but how much biomass disappeared along with them – across the whole continent and over a period of nearly four decades. “What surprised me most was how differently disturbances translate into biomass loss across Europe. Two events can look almost identical on a map yet have very different implications for the amount of carbon stored in forests. Until now we’ve largely been flying blind on that difference,” said Katja Kowalski, lead author of the paper and a postdoctoral researcher in the Earth Observation for Ecosystem Management group at the Technical University of Munich. The study combines two satellite records: annual maps of tree cover loss across Europe derived from the Landsat archive and a high-resolution biomass map for 2019, showing how much biomass each forest held per unit area. Overlaying the two, the team reconstructed how much biomass Europe’s forests have actually lost, year by year. The results reveal a clear break around 2018, when severe droughts affected countries across central Europe, notably Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. The droughts left trees weaker and less able to defend themselves, triggering mass outbreaks of the European spruce bark beetle, which bores into the bark and can kill a mature tree within weeks. While logging accounted for about 82% of biomass loss between 1985 and 2023, the remaining 18% loss caused by natural disturbances drove the sharp rise since 2018. A second study, also supported by the RECCAP-2 project has produced complementary findings. Published in National Science Review, the study found that increasing loss and damage to forests is putting their role in climate change mitigation at risk. By combining national forest reports with satellite maps of disturbance and biomass, including the biomass dataset from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative, the team projected how Europe’s forest carbon sink is likely to evolve to 2030. They found that the capacity of European forests to absorb and store carbon is likely to have decreased by 39% in the period 2010 to 2030. This is due to disturbances that far outpace the ability of forests to naturally regrow and recover. “Europe can increase its forest area but still lose carbon sink capacity. The real question is whether growth and recovery can keep up with disturbances and harvest. Right now they can’t – and closing that gap means managing our forests differently, above all by harvesting less as natural disturbances keep rising,” said Philippe Ciais, from France’s Laboratory of Climate and Environmental Sciences, co-author of the National Science Review study and overall science leader of ESA’s RECCAP-2 project.

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There’s an invisible world humming beneath our feet. Under forests, a vast network of fungal filaments connects the roots of trees – a subterranean road system for resources. Isotopic labelling experiments have proven that carbon does travel from one tree to another along these fungal highways, even between species that, on paper, are fierce competitors. Some studies suggest these carbon flows ramp up when a tree is in decline. Source: Futura Sciences This underground system, known as a mycorrhizal network, forms when the roots of two plants are colonized by the same fungus. The resulting mycorrhizae branch out in the earth, weaving a meshwork of hyphae – filaments that extend from the roots and sometimes connect entirely different species. Biologists have playfully dubbed this hidden life-support system the Wood Wide Web. The scale is dizzying: several hundred species of fungi can interact with a single tree, and a single fungus might connect 20 trees or more. Climate change is moving the goalposts for these relationships. As the planet warms, biodiversity is on the move, not just animals, but plants and entire forests. But will the fungi these trees depend on for survival be able to keep pace? Scientists are raising the alarm. As mycologist Marc-André Selosse of the Natural History Museum puts it, this relationship is about barter, not generosity. Trees supply fungi with sugars made through photosynthesis; fungi, in turn, improve trees’ access to water and minerals. Each partner gets something it desperately needs, this isn’t charity, it’s symbiosis. The Canadian researcher Suzanne Simard put all this on the scientific map back in 1997, publishing in Nature a landmark study documenting carbon transfer between trees via mycorrhizal networks under natural conditions. Her work shifted the focus of forest biology, which had until then zeroed in on competition for light and water, toward the possibility of cooperation. In the 1990s, isotope tracing experiments using enriched carbon dioxide on young birch and Douglas fir trees colonized by the same ectomycorrhizal fungus allowed researchers to quantify these exchanges. The measurements revealed two-way sharing, but with a net flow towards Douglas fir. The carbon received amounted to 10–25% of the fir tree’s photosynthetic output. In a similar experiment in Switzerland’s Jura forests, about 4% of the carbon compounds made by photosynthesis in one tree were transported to neighbours connected to the same ectomycorrhizal network. Within this underground web, mature trees that are strongly connected—sometimes called ‘mother trees’ hold a central spot. An old oak or Douglas fir can be tied into the network with hundreds of neighbours. Simard’s research at the University of British Columbia found that carbon transfers intensify during a large tree’s final days, with a share of its reserves ending up in neighbouring trees. But the picture isn’t as simple as a selfless bequest. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain these transfers, none of which involve intention on the part of the tree. The first explanation is physical: carbon moves much more efficiently through the fungal mycelium than it does via the surrounding raw soil, where it would otherwise be gobbled up and transformed by microbes. As a tree nears the end of its life, it gradually stops mobilizing its own reserves for growth. As its internal carbon sinks collapse, unused carbon follows the network’s gradients to still-active neighbours. A 2025 study in Plant Diversity adds another layer of complexity. When researchers artificially reduced the carbon available to a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), they saw a drop in root physiological activity, accompanied by a 110% increase in mycorrhizal colonization and a 340% increase in extramatrical hyphal length. In other words, when the tree struggled, its fungal partners ramped up their game. The upshot? This could suggest a fungal drive for survival more than any plant altruism. The fungus, keen to safeguard its own sugar supply from still-living trees, could be the middleman behind the so-called “final gift.” The practical effect on the ecosystem is the same, but the motive is strictly practical, not sentimental. The idea of trees selflessly supporting their kin is charming—but is it the full story? In 2023, Justine Karst, Melanie Jones, and Jason Hoeksema published an analysis in Nature Ecology & Evolution concluding that the real-world data is far thinner than public stories suggest, and that preliminary or heavily qualified results have often been cited as gospel truth. That same year, Nils Henriksson’s team cautioned in New Phytologist that isotope tracing methods, while fascinating, can sometimes lead to bold conclusions from tiny variations. There is no disagreement about the existence of mycorrhizae and their critical role in protecting and nourishing roots, nor about carbon circulation between plants. The debate boils down to the scale of these flows, the precise function of the network, and the real benefit for young trees. Still, these underground mechanisms help explain an old puzzle: seedlings often survive in deep forest shade, where photosynthesis alone ought to doom them. Something more is at work, a hidden helping hand from below. Deforestation, intensive farming, and the widespread use of chemicals disrupt or destroy these networks. Clear-cutting not only removes trees—it also dismantles the very infrastructure that supports resource sharing. A recent global map shines light on this immense hidden living network, revealing the dizzying scale of mycorrhizal fungi, plant allies that move billions of tons of carbon each year and could play a key role in climate regulation. There is no disagreement about the existence of mycorrhizae and their critical role in protecting and nourishing roots, nor about carbon circulation between plants. The debate boils down to the scale of these flows, the precise function of the network, and the real benefit for young trees. Still, these underground mechanisms help explain an old puzzle: seedlings often survive in deep forest shade, where photosynthesis alone ought to doom them. Something more is at work, a hidden helping hand from below.

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PEFC participated in the APEC Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT) meeting in Shenzhen, China, reaffirming its commitment to advancing legal and sustainable timber trade across the Asia-Pacific region. Source: Timberbiz The EGILAT meeting was held alongside the sixth APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry, where forestry ministers and senior representatives from 21 APEC economies renewed their commitment to tackling illegal logging, expanding legal timber trade, and accelerating the adoption of digital technologies to strengthen timber traceability and market confidence. Ministers and senior representatives called for stronger action to protect the Asia-Pacific forests, warning that illegal logging, mangrove loss and rapid urban growth are putting one of the region’s greatest economic assets under pressure. Representing PEFC, APAC Market Development Manager Benson Yu delivered a presentation titled “PEFC: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Forest Management.” The presentation highlighted how PEFC certification supports legal timber trade through independently verified sustainable forest management, chain of custody certification, and robust due diligence solutions that help companies meet evolving regulatory and market requirements. Mr Yu also reaffirmed PEFC’s commitment to supporting EGILAT’s work in promoting legal and sustainable timber trade across the Asia-Pacific through continued collaboration, technical engagement, and knowledge sharing. As a long-standing observer to EGILAT, PEFC continues to contribute expertise on forest certification, traceability and responsible sourcing to support the group’s objectives. “China plays a pivotal role in global forest product supply chains. By working together through platforms such as EGILAT, we can strengthen market confidence, promote legal timber trade, and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and resilient forest value chains,” Mr Yu said. The discussions at both the Ministerial Meeting and EGILAT recognised the increasing role of digital technologies – including artificial intelligence, DNA profiling and blockchain – in improving timber traceability and helping businesses demonstrate the legal origin of forest products. Ministers also highlighted the importance of practical tools such as the Timber Legality Guidance Template, developed through EGILAT, to assist businesses in navigating timber legality requirements across APEC economies. Illegal logging is estimated to account for 15–30% of the global timber trade, resulting in economic losses of approximately US$51 billion annually. Strengthening legal supply chains through credible certification, digital innovation and international cooperation remains essential to protecting forests, supporting responsible businesses and maintaining market confidence. PEFC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with APEC economies and EGILAT members to strengthen sustainable forest management, enhance timber legality, and promote resilient, transparent and responsible forest product supply chains throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

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Gippsland East Nationals’ candidate, Gemma Rendell, has called on the Victorian Labor Government to address worsening firewood shortages in East Gippsland, saying vulnerable residents are paying the price for the closure of the native timber industry. Source: Timberbiz “I’m a strong advocate for the timber industry, my family worked in it for years and I was pleased to hear our leader, Danny O’Brien, say last week we will bring it back and eagerly await the formal announcement. “The Labor government created this situation through its forestry decisions and now has a responsibility to ensure people, particularly elderly Victorians, can still access affordable firewood,” Ms Rendell said. Current Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull, raised the case of an 84-year-old Marlo resident who is unable to collect his own firewood and now faces significantly higher costs simply to heat his home. “For decades local businesses served these communities, but with the closure of the native timber industry the wood supplies have dried up. “This gentleman’s nearest available provider is now Bairnsdale, and the transport costs are almost as much as the firewood itself.” Mr Bull said this was not an isolated case, and many smaller communities were now experiencing similar difficulties. He has asked the Minister for Environment what measures are being put in place to ensure communities have reliable and affordable access to firewood. “No Victorian should struggle to keep warm because government policy has removed their local supply.”

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Firefighter safety in Australia requires urgent attention as forest structure, fuel loads and fire behaviour shift toward more dangerous conditions. Past crown fires have created dense shrub dominated understoreys, abundant dead wood, reduced height stratification and continuous vertical and horizontal fuel pathways. Source: John O’Donnell These changes favour highly combustible species, replace grassy forest types and generate higher fuel loads, easier crown access and more uniform landscape connectivity. The result is greater intensity, severity and duration in subsequent fires and a recurring cycle of extreme bushfire behaviour that significantly increases firefighter risk. O’Donnell (2023) identifies 21 major firefighter safety concerns across southeastern Australian forests. These include insufficient prescribed burning, inadequate resilient forest management, unsafe access and evacuation routes, poorly located water supplies, ineffective suppression techniques, declining backburning expertise, misuse of aircraft, under adoption of safety technologies, loss of local knowledge, hazardous smoke exposure, declining skilled workforce and other concerns. O’Donnell (2025a) further argues that failures in mitigation, policy and accountability force crews into long unburnt, high fuel forests where flame heights, spotting distances, tree fall hazards and poor access routinely exceed safe suppression thresholds. It is noted that dense understorey fuels and dead timber represent major hazards across southeastern Australia and that future bushfires under bad weather and drought conditions will likely be of high intensity, high severity and long duration, making firefighting extremely difficult. Prescribed burning is central to reducing these risks. Burrows and Sneeuwjagt (2020a) emphasise that fuel reduction burning makes fires slower, less intense and far easier and safer to suppress. Long unburnt eucalypt forests accumulate deep layers of dead fine fuels exceeding 50 t/ha, dramatically increasing flame height, spotting potential and suppression difficulty. Historical data from southwest Western Australia show wildfire extent escalates when annual fuel reduction falls below about 8% of the landscape. Burrows and Sneeuwjagt (2020b) highlight that prescribed burning expands the suppression window, reduces flame height and spotting, improves access and egress, creates anchor points and enables safer backburning and rapid containment line construction. Recent research reinforces the dangers of high severity and repeat fires. Barker and Price (2018) show that high severity fire produces structural legacies that increase the probability of extreme severity in the next fire, creating a positive feedback loop. Barker et al. (2021) demonstrate that high severity fires produce denser midstorey fuels and reduced canopy cover, increasing vertical fuel continuity and crown involvement. Kasel et al. (2024) highlight that short interval, high severity wildfires deplete diversity, alter species composition and increase flammability, exposing resilience debt and driving long term ecological instability. van Wagtendonk et al. (2012) show that reburn severity reflects combined legacies of fire history, vegetation structure and weather. The review also incorporates international safety insights. Kantor et al. (2026) provide quantitative data linking specific fire management activities to injury frequency and severity, showing that many injuries arise from environmental hazards rather than unsafe behaviour. The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Centre provides extensive incident data on medical events, tree strikes, entrapments, vehicle incidents, heat illness and aviation incidents. Gabbert (2016) shows that medical issues, aircraft accidents and vehicle accidents each contribute more fatalities than entrapments, but the latter is a major issue. Section 10 outlines 54 opportunities to improve firefighter safety, including explicit fuel reduction targets, ridge top burning, dead timber treatment, improved access and egress, statutory safety objectives, independent oversight, enhanced training, updated suppression doctrine, entrapment avoidance procedures, tree hazard assessments, contingency planning and national aviation operating procedures. Read the full firefighter safety review here.

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Twenty-four staff members from Parkside Group’s Wandoan, Theodore and Wondai Mills have graduated from the FWP30322 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations traineeship under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme (PALMS) program. Source: NTHA The PALMS workers, who are from Tonga, arrived in Australia from March 2024 as part of an up to four-year program. They completed their chainsaw units in June, finalising their traineeships and achieving their timber industry qualification. Parkside Group has been a great supporter of the PALMS workers program and NTHA Training, providing living, employment and training opportunities for these workers to develop their skills and experience within the timber industry. The program provides workers with valuable skills they can eventually take back to Tonga and implement within their own communities and workplaces. Parkside also places strong value on the ongoing upskilling of its Australian workforce, supporting employees through traineeships and qualification training, including the FWP30322 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations and BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. Parkside has welcomed regular intakes of PALMS workers since 2023, including workers from Samoa and Tonga. From NTHA Training’s perspective, the trainees have been extremely keen, appreciative and a pleasure to train and work with throughout the program. Dave Milard from Parkside Group has been instrumental in getting the program up and running and supporting its ongoing success. The partnership highlights the value of industry-led training programs in creating employment pathways, developing skills and supporting workforce capability across the timber industry.

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Stephen Green is retiring from Tigercat, ending an accomplished career spanning 26 years of support for the Tigercat product throughout Australasia, particularly Australia. His retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by technical expertise, customer focus, and a genuine passion for the forestry industry. Source: Timberbiz Mr Green’s connection with Tigercat began long before he officially joined the company. For eight years, he supported Tigercat equipment through former dealer Forest Centre, developing a deep understanding of both the products and the people who relied on them. He formally joined the Tigercat support team on 1 August 2008, beginning what would become 18 years of dedicated factory support service. Throughout his career, Mr Green earned a reputation for professionalism, loyalty, and practical problem-solving. Whether assisting dealers with technical challenges, supporting operators in the field, or helping customers maximize machine performance, he became a trusted resource throughout the region. “I have been fortunate to spend my career working with outstanding customers, dealers, and colleagues across Australia and New Zealand,” said Mr Green. “The forestry industry is built on strong relationships, and I am grateful for the many friendships and experiences that have made this career so rewarding. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the journey and wish the Tigercat team continued success in the years ahead.” Over the years, Mr Green became a familiar face across the Australian forestry sector, serving as an important link between customers, dealers, and the factory. His commitment to providing responsive, hands-on support reflected the customer-first approach that has long been central to Tigercat’s success. As Tigercat continues to strengthen its support presence throughout Australia, Mr Green’s responsibilities will be shared among the existing Australian-based team, including Damien Ambrose, Jake Peters, and Warren Nolan, who will continue assisting customers and dealer partner Onetrak. After 26 years supporting the Tigercat brand and 18 years as a factory representative, Mr Green leaves behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and service excellence. His contributions have helped strengthen Tigercat’s reputation throughout Australasia and positively impacted customers, dealers, and colleagues alike. “Steve’s professionalism, passion, and commitment to customers, dealers, and the Tigercat team has left a lasting impression across the Australasian forestry industry,” said Glen Marley, Tigercat District Manager, Australia and New Zealand. As he begins the next chapter of life, everyone at Tigercat extends sincere thanks for his years of service and wishes Mr Green, his wife Liz, and their family many years of health, happiness, and fulfillment in retirement.

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Pan Pac was awarded Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti Exporter of the Year at the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards 2026 held on 6 August. Source: Timberbiz The company said that winning Exporter of the Year was a tremendous honour and a win for all staff for their hard mahi over the past three years, as well as the contractors and suppliers who supported us. The Exporter of the Year award is given to a business that has demonstrated sustained and outstanding performance and results in terms of: Earnings, growth and profit Leadership and direction Excellence in marketing Strategy and business planning Commitment to quality management Governance.   Managing Director Tony Clifford said the award recognised all the people who have supported Pan Pac, including employees, contractors and all the other links in our supply chain, including NZTE, Chamber of Commerce, Port of Napier, and PWC, who contributed to Pan Pac’s ability to make and sell to export markets. He noted that all business is challenging but exporting has extra challenges that are often out of your control such as currency movements, shipping costs, and tariffs, but the effort is worth it in the end. The award judges recognised Pan Pac’s ability to rebuild export momentum following Cyclone Gabrielle, despite its mill being closed for 12 months. They said Pan Pac stood out as an established exporter that had returned to global markets with focus and ambition, supported by strong customer relationships, an integrated forest products model, and a disciplined approach to rebuilding supply. ExportNZ Regional Manager Amanda Liddle said Pan Pac’s success demonstrated the strength of the region’s export sector. “Pan Pac’s story is one of resilience, scale, and ambition. The team has recovered from significant disruption and returned to global markets with real focus, while continuing to make a major contribution to Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand,” she said.

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Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) has escalated its complaint about ABC Four Corners’ Timber Turmoil to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, after rejecting the ABC Ombudsman’s finding that the broadcast did not breach the ABC Code of Practice. Source: Timberbiz FWCA Chair and Director Steve Dobbyns said the Ombudsman’s decision failed to deal with the substance of the complaint and set an unacceptably low bar for accuracy, impartiality and fair dealing. “The ABC has effectively marked its own homework and declared there is nothing to see,” Mr Dobbyns said. “FWCA rejects that conclusion. Timber Turmoil was not balanced, rigorous or properly contextual journalism. It was an activist-framed prosecution of Australian native forestry.” FWCA is asking ACMA to review whether the broadcast complied with the ABC Code of Practice, including requirements that material facts be accurate and presented in context, that news and information be presented with due impartiality, and that organisations subject to damaging implications be dealt with fairly. Mr Dobbyns said one of the clearest failures was the treatment of Professor David Lindenmayer. “Four Corners presented Professor Lindenmayer as a leading forest ecologist and the principal scientific authority in the story,” he said. “But viewers were not given a careful scientific explanation of contemporary regulated native forestry. They were given highly charged opinion – including claims that native forestry is a ‘zombie industry that just won’t die’ and that the industry had ‘raped and pillaged the forests of Victoria’. “Those are not neutral scientific findings. They are emotive, activist-style characterisations. “If Four Corners was going to give that commentary the authority of science, it had an obligation to test it against equivalent scientific evidence from forest scientists, silvicultural experts and practitioners with direct knowledge of modern regulated harvesting, regeneration, threatened species prescriptions, certification and regrowth management. “It did not.” Mr Dobbyns said the Ombudsman appeared to accept that comments from a politician and a timber business representative were enough to balance Professor Lindenmayer’s scientific authority. “That is plainly inadequate,” he said. “A politician or business owner referring to sustainable forestry is not an equivalent scientific response. “Balance is not achieved by counting heads. It depends on authority, airtime, sequencing, imagery, tone, framing and whether the strongest claims from each side are properly tested.” FWCA said the program gave anti-forestry and activist voices the narrative momentum, emotive imagery and dominant storyline, while forestry voices were often placed in defensive or limited roles. Mr Dobbyns said production correspondence also raised concerns about the program’s editorial approach. “In an email to Timber NSW Chair Andrew Hurford before the program aired, the Four Corners reporter referred to him as a ‘formidable opponent’,” he said. “We do not rely on that phrase in isolation, but it is consistent with the broader concern that industry representatives were approached as adversaries, not as principal stakeholders whose evidence deserved fair examination.” FWCA also refers to Timber NSW’s account that the Four Corners team repeatedly sought to have Mr Hurford say “End native forestry” to camera before adding his own comments. “If accurate, that suggests an attempt to manufacture a loaded broadcast moment rather than fairly elicit the industry’s position,” Mr Dobbyns said. FWCA said the treatment of Australian Sustainable Hardwoods was another serious concern. “The program told viewers Victorian taxpayers had put ‘more than $110 million into ASH’,” Mr Dobbyns said. “That figure bundled together very different categories of money to create the most damaging number possible. “ASH has publicly stated it did not receive $61 million in 2017, but $3 million applied to union-negotiated redundancy entitlements, leaving it with a net position of zero. “ASH has also stated the $49 million referred to in the program was not a subsidy, but a contractual failure-to-supply penalty arising from the Victorian Government and VicForests failing to meet agreed timber supply obligations. After tax, ASH says the actual amount received was $34 million, and every cent of it, and more, was reinvested into stock, jobs, plant, equipment and manufacturing capability. “The ABC should have clearly distinguished between subsidies, contractual penalties, shareholder transactions, grants, redundancy payments, tax and reinvestment. It did not. “If a program uses forensic accounting commentary, the public is entitled to expect forensic precision. That did not happen.” FWCA said the broadcast also failed to properly examine import leakage – the central environmental consequence of shutting down Australian native timber supply. “Closing Australian native forestry does not make timber demand disappear,” Mr Dobbyns said. “Research by Venn, Huang and Lachhwani indicates that for every 1,000 cubic metres reduction in Australian native forest sawlog production, Australia imports approximately 813 cubic metres of solid wood products to replace it. “In other words, more than 80 per cent of reduced domestic supply is effectively replaced by imports. “As Timber Turmoil itself illustrated, closing Australian native forestry does not end demand; it displaces much of that demand to other jurisdictions.” Mr Dobbyns said Australia already imports timber from countries with weaker forest governance, higher deforestation risk, poorer legality controls and less transparent supply chains. “If the ABC is going to present native forestry closure as an environmental good, it must examine where replacement timber comes from, what standards apply there, and whether Australia is simply exporting harvesting pressure, biodiversity risk, carbon emissions and legality concerns to other nations,” he said. “Mentioning import concerns in passing is not enough. A principal counterargument must be investigated, tested and weighed.” FWCA said the program also failed regional workers and communities. “Workers, contractors, truck drivers, forestry families, mechanics, sawmill towns and small businesses were treated as background scenery in a story about their own future,” Mr Dobbyns said. “Four Corners found time for activists, log chasing, dramatic imagery and highly charged commentary. It should have found time for the workers and communities whose livelihoods were being judged.” FWCA is asking ACMA to review whether Timber Turmoil breached the ABC Code of Practice and is calling on the ABC to publish a clarification on the ASH financial figures, provide a genuine right of reply […]

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The Tasmanian Government will move to establish a Select Committee to interrogate the sale of Rushy Lagoon in Parliament this week. Source: Timberbiz The proposed Select Committee will inquire into matters including the influence of Commonwealth funding on the sale, the extent to which Commonwealth funding facilitated the conversion of productive agricultural land in Tasmania to carbon sequestration, and the transparency around the process. Premier Rockliff said the Federal Government’s role in funding and approving the sale of Rushy Lagoon needs further scrutiny. “Rushy Lagoon has long been recognised as one of Tasmania’s premier agricultural enterprises, supporting jobs, regional economic activity and food production,” Premier Rockliff said. “Our government is a strong supporter of the forestry industry, however, there is genuine community concern about the implications of this sale, how it happened and what it means for productive agricultural land across our State. “Tasmanians want confidence that strategic farming assets will remain available to support food production, regional communities and future generations of farmers. “The Parliament has an important role to play in this – it is incredibly serious for the future of Tasmania.” Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said we have been working with and listening to TasFarmers and the broader agricultural community. “TasFarmers, producers and regional communities have been very upfront about their serious concerns about the future of this highly productive agricultural land,” Minister Pearce said. “We need answers to questions about the impact on food production, agricultural employment, regional investment and opportunities for future agricultural ownership. “There are serious questions that need serious answers, and it should be a line in the sand for Labor, will they keep running protection for their overlords in Canberra? “Tasmania’s agricultural land is one of our most valuable strategic assets and it is important that Parliament examines whether we have the right settings in place to protect our long-term agricultural interests. “This inquiry is about ensuring Tasmanians can have confidence that decisions impacting our most significant agricultural assets are being properly scrutinised and that the interests of regional communities are being considered.”

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