Australian timber industry news

On the coastline of Porthleven, Cornwall,in the UK twin brothers and surfers Sam and Will Boex noticed a problem. They saw first-hand the impact of single-use plastic on the coast and ocean, while surfboards were usually transported in large amounts of bubble wrap. In response, and after much experimentation, they created a paper honeycomb sleeve to protect surfboards in transit and launched Flexi-Hex in 2018. Source: Timberbiz Flexi-Hex packaging is designed using a honeycomb shape with hexagonal paper cells that wrap tightly around a product. “The honeycomb is one of nature’s strongest and most efficient structures, using minimal material to create maximum strength,” said Will. When a package gets hit, the force is spread across many cells instead of one concentrated point, allowing the cells to flex and absorb the energy before it reaches the product. Flexi-Hex ships flat and can expand up to 35 times its compact size, taking up less space in storage and transport than bubble wrap. “The biggest misconception is that paper isn’t as strong as plastic. We’ve proved that isn’t the case: our packaging has passed European drop tests, and we’ve filmed bottles surviving a 4-metre drop in Flexi-Hex. The honeycomb structure gives paper a strength and cushioning ability most people don’t expect,” said Will. Flexi-Hex soon expanded beyond surfboard protection. In 2020, as e-commerce peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boex brothers launched the Mini Sleeve for bottles, which is now their most popular product. The following year, they developed Flexi-Hex Air, a lighter tissue-paper sleeve for smaller fragile items such as cosmetics, electronics, and glassware. Today, Flexi-Hex is used to protect a wide range of products from eyewear to terrariums. Beyond protective sleeves, Flexi-Hex has expanded to corner protection for transporting books, picture frames, electronics, doors, and flat-pack furniture. The drinks industry makes up most of Flexi-Hex’s business and is where the brothers are proudest to see their impact. For example, Laphroaig Whisky, one of the first major brands to come on board, has replaced polystyrene and plastic air pouches with a paper-based solution that protects glass bottles as they travel through the postal network. Through Flexi-Hex’s corner protection solution, one kitchen manufacturer cut its breakage rate on doors from 7% to 1.3% after switching to Flexi-Hex. Because the design expands to different sizes, one protector can be used to replace several alternatives. “Since switching, we have seen a reduction in the number of damaged item complaints by over 50%,” said a marketing manager at Celtic Timber. All Flexi-Hex products are supplied under a FSC Chain of Custody certificate. “For us, FSC certification is how we prove to customers that the paper replacing their plastic is responsibly sourced,” said Will. The paper honeycomb products, including sleeves, board and pallets, are supplied under FSC RECYCLED 100% and FSC MIX Credit claims, and their corrugated outer boxes under an FSC MIX 70% claim. The Boex brothers are proud of the amount of single-use plastic their customers have removed from their packaging since 2018. And they have been able to quantify it: to date, Flexi-Hex has replaced 7,743 km of bubble wrap, roughly the distance from Cornwall to Austin, Texas. Yet Sam and Will are still looking for more ways to reduce plastic. This year they are working to develop a product that removes the need to ship bottles in corrugated boxes altogether and instead uses only Flexi-Hex and a paper bag.

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Stora Enso and Shanshan Technology have entered into a partnership to jointly accelerate the development and industrialisation of sustainable battery materials with the construction of a demonstration line for lignin-based hard carbon battery anode materials. Source: Timberbiz The collaboration marks an important step in strengthening capabilities across the battery materials ecosystem. As part of the agreement, a demonstration line for hard carbon development will be established at Shanshan Technology’s facility in Ningbo, China, enabling faster technical development and industrial-scale validation globally. Together, the companies will be better positioned to respond to the rapidly growing interest in sodium-ion battery technologies and the increasing demand for sustainable anode materials. By combining Stora Enso’s expertise in renewable materials and lignin-based innovation with Shanshan Technology’s extensive industrial capabilities and global position in the anode material business, the companies aim to accelerate product development, industrial readiness, and commercialisation of sustainable battery materials. The joint development focuses on lignin-based hard carbon materials derived from renewable wood-based feedstock, particularly relevant for sodium-ion batteries, where hard carbon is required as the anode material. The partnership supports Stora Enso’s long-term ambition to establish large-scale production of hard carbon materials for battery anodes in Europe as sodium-ion battery technologies continue to gain momentum across a growing range of energy storage and mobility applications. “Our partnership with Shanshan Technology is a significant step in advancing our sustainable battery materials business. By combining our expertise in renewable materials with Shanshan Technology’s industrial-scale anode material capabilities, we can accelerate development, strengthen our readiness for future scale-up, and support our long-term ambition to establish hard carbon production in Europe,” said Juuso Konttinen, SVP, Head of Growth, Biomaterials at Stora Enso.

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At CBD COP17, Building for Forests brought together housing, forestry, science, industry and city perspectives to explore how growing demand for affordable housing could also benefit climate, biodiversity and forest-dependent communities. Source: Timberbiz Sometimes, the future of a forest is decided long before the first tree is harvested. It may depend on whether managing that forest makes economic sense, whether communities can earn a living from it, or whether the land becomes more valuable for another purpose. But some of the decisions shaping that future are made thousands of kilometres away, in the cities where buildings are designed, materials selected and investments made. For PEFC, this connection between what happens in forests and what happens in the marketplace is particularly relevant. Sustainable forest management requires investment, and demand for responsibly sourced wood can help create the economic incentives to maintain healthy forests, protect biodiversity and support forest-dependent communities. Forest certification helps connect that demand with responsible management on the ground. This relationship was explored at CBD COP17 in Yerevan on 22 October 2026, during Sustainable Wood Construction and the Global Biodiversity Framework, a side event moderated by Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy at PEFC International. According to figures presented by UN-Habitat, approximately 3.4 billion people live in inadequate housing, including 1.1 billion in informal settlements. Meeting their needs will require substantial new construction, with major implications for natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions. Responsibly sourced wood offers opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, store carbon in long-lived products and create economic value in forest-dependent communities. “We spend a great deal of time discussing how to give forests an economic value, including through increasingly sophisticated financing mechanisms,” said Thorsten. “But perhaps we’re overlooking something much more straightforward. We need millions of affordable homes. Why not use that demand to create opportunities for forests, while also reducing emissions?” Lea Ranalder of UN-Habitat emphasised that sustainable housing goes well beyond material choices. Affordability, access to transport and services, local employment and appropriate urban planning are equally important. A home can be affordable to construct without being affordable to live in. Christoph Wildburger of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) presented research showing that biodiversity and timber production can reinforce one another. More diverse forests are often more resilient to disturbances, supporting their capacity to produce wood over time. However, trade-offs remain. Not every forest should be managed for production, and forest management decisions must reflect local ecological and social conditions. Preliminary research presented by Merle Quade from IIASA/SITCA examined whether growing demand for construction timber could be met without compromising biodiversity and other forest functions. The contribution highlighted the importance of forest resilience, plantation management, resource availability and safeguards when assessing opportunities to increase sustainable wood supply. Yuuko Iizuka of Sumitomo Forestry illustrated how long-term business investment can connect forest management, restoration and construction. Drawing on experience in Japan, she highlighted the challenges that arise when productive forests lose economic value and investment in their management declines. Kate Strachan from ICLEI brought the perspective of cities and local governments, emphasising that sustainable construction must consider the wider urban environment, including biodiversity, transport, infrastructure and access to services. Cities can influence the transition through procurement, building regulations, spatial planning and investment, but need technical capacity and financial resources to make sustainable solutions accessible and affordable. “Building with wood is not automatically good for forests,” Thorsten noted. “We need to look at where the wood comes from, how forests are managed and what happens to biodiversity. And we shouldn’t pretend that timber is the answer to every building. The real opportunity is to use the right materials, responsibly, and make sure the benefits reach beyond the construction site.” These connections are central to Building for Forests, launched at COP30 in Belém with contributions from organisations across forestry, construction, housing and finance, including PEFC. The initiative seeks to connect responsible forest supply with the policies, investment, technologies and demand needed to make sustainable construction more widely accessible. Its approach also recognises that different buildings require different materials, including timber, concrete, steel and hybrid solutions. What matters is choosing appropriate materials and ensuring that their use contributes to better environmental and social outcomes. As Building for Forests moves towards COP31, the focus is on demonstrating what already works, identifying barriers and encouraging practical action by governments, cities, businesses and other stakeholders. The Yerevan discussion reinforced the importance of keeping biodiversity and affordable housing central to that effort, while connecting decisions made in our cities with their consequences for forests and communities. As Thorsten asked in his opening remarks: “We often ask what forests can do for our cities. Perhaps it’s time we also asked what our cities can do for our forests.”

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Grown from seed planted in Geelong Botanic Gardens in 1859, the female Ginkgo at Geelong Botanic Gardens is the largest of its kind in Victoria, and possibly the largest in cultivation in Australia. It is notable for unusual stalactite-like growths from its trunk and branches. This phenomenon is normally only seen in much older Ginkgo trees. source: Timberbiz The tree has thrived for more than 160 years thanks to the care of Geelong Botanic Gardens, their garden staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. The Ginkgo received 27% of the 4435 votes cast in this year’s competition, beating out 8 other finalists for the title. Second place went to the Smooth Bark Apple Myrtle (Angophora costata) in Prahran, and third place to the Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) at Apollo Bay. Together, the top trees highlight three settings that play a vital role in preserving Victoria’s significant trees – Botanic and heritage gardens, urban streetscapes and national and state parks. They show what is possible when established trees are valued and looked after. Gingkos, also known as Maidenhair trees, are among the oldest tree species on Earth. A truly ancient tree belonging to an order of plants that thrived during the Middle Jurassic period (174 to 161 million years ago), Ginkgo fossils have been found on every continent. Once thought to be extinct in the wild, small relic populations survived in China and thousand-year-old examples can also be found planted at temples in Japan and Korea. Their distinctive fan-shaped leaves have inspired artists and designers for centuries, from traditional Japanese ceramics and metalwork to Art Nouveau architecture and furniture. These ancient leaves have also helped scientists investigate climate change. By comparing microscopic pores in fossilised and living Ginkgo leaves, researchers have reconstructed past atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to investigate the relationship between greenhouse gases and a period of rapid global warming around 56 million years ago. Ginkgo’s delicate appearance hides extraordinary resilience. In Hiroshima, Japan, six trees growing one to two kilometres from the 1945 atomic blast miraculously survived and are today revered as symbols of hope, longevity and peace. Ginkgos are a true evolutionary relic, yet they thrive as street trees in modern mega-cities such as Tokyo and New York. “Botanic and historic gardens play a vital role in protecting established trees like this one. We congratulate the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Botanic Gardens and the volunteers who have cared for this tree for generations,” said Justin Buckley, Executive Manager Gardens & Landscapes, National Trust Victoria. Every year, the National Trust Victoria holds our Victorian Tree of the Year competition to celebrate our best-loved trees, but protecting them takes more than a vote. The affection Victorians hold for trees is undeniable. We instinctively understand their value. Trees cool our streets, clean our air, provide habitat for wildlife, reduce stress, and make neighbourhoods healthier and more beautiful places to live. As the population of Victoria continues to grow, equitable access to cooling green spaces becomes all the more urgent. Yet despite the benefits they provide, we continue to lose established trees at an alarming rate. For example, Stonnington City Council recently released their Urban Greening Framework, which notes that within their municipality, in the last 10 years over 17.9 hectares of tree canopy has been lost within private land, and this trend is likely to continue. National Trust Victoria strongly supports thoughtful development and recognises the need for more housing, but trees cannot remain an afterthought in the planning process. National Trust Victoria thanks everyone who nominated and voted, and the communities behind all nine finalists: Ginkgo, Geelong Botanic Gardens (winner) Indian Bean Tree, Castlemaine Smooth Bark Apple Myrtle, Prahran Myrtle Beech, Apollo Bay Bunya Pine, Maldon Flooded Gum, Carlton North Golden Wych Elm, South Yarra California Redwoods, Warburton Canary Island Pine, Ballarat Central.

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Responsible Wood has released its annual report for the 2025-2026 year. Each year the organisation publishes this report to inform members, stakeholders and the public of the progress made and highlights activities. Source: Timberbiz This review covers the 2025/26 period and was presented to members at the recent AGM. “The Board and our highly competent staff have worked hard over the past year, focussing on both strategic issues and high-quality service delivery to our members and certificate holders,” Responsible Wood Chair Tony Bartlett wrote in the report. “In February, the Board decided to create a new position of Manager, Business Operations to provide additional capacity in business management and stakeholder engagement, as well as to address the unsustainable workloads of the existing staff.” The report provides a rundown of changes to the directors and committees as well as a review of its activities with organisations such as standards and accreditation organisations, PEFC, certification and endorsement bodies, chain of custody and other accredited certification bodies. There is also a snapshot of other activities like marketing and communications work, forums and events, and community interaction. The report can be downloaded here.

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Victorian truss and frame manufacturer AG Trusses has been named one of the successful recipients of the Victorian Government’s Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund, with the Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle announcing the grant at the company’s site this week. Source: Timberbiz The Melton-based company received $543,610 to fund the Installation of automated frame manufacturing equipment to increase production capacity, efficiency and accuracy. The $12m Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund (TFIF) is a forward-looking initiative designed to strengthen Victoria’s timber and plant fibre industries for a sustainable future. The Fund builds on Victorian Government’s forestry transition programs by shifting focus from transition to transformation. It supports eligible Victorian businesses to invest in innovation, advanced manufacturing, alternative fibres, and new market opportunities that strengthen the long-term outlook of the sector. The Fund supports practical and scalable projects that move beyond small-scale trials into real-world implementation, commercial deployment and broader adoption. Funded projects are expected to contribute to economic growth, sustainable materials, emissions reduction outcomes and benefits for regional communities. FTMA Australia CEO Kersten Gentle said that while Modern Methods of Construction and offsite manufacturing were often talked about as new ideas, the frame and truss sector had been doing this for decades, investing millions in automation, machinery, design software and engineering technology along the way. “We’re the OGs of offsite prefabrication,” Ms Gentle said. “Our manufacturers are a significant part of the solution to Australia’s housing challenge, and we’re ready to do more.” Ms Gentle welcomed the Fund’s focus on practical innovation: improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing waste, making better use of locally grown timber and developing higher-value products that open new markets. She also highlighted timber’s environmental benefits as a renewable material that stores carbon for life, and the role the sector can play beyond detached housing in townhouses, multi-residential and mid-rise buildings, helping builders “build up, not just out”. AG Trusses has been a family business for more than 40 years and remains proud to manufacture in Victoria. Jennifer van den Bussche, Special Projects Manager and Detailer from AG Trusses, said the grant will support the business to stay competitive, improve efficiency and keep production local, while upskilling its team. “For us, automation isn’t about replacing people,” Ms van den Bussche said. “It’s about giving our people better tools, improving productivity and allowing us to manufacture more, while maintaining the quality our builders rely on.” In all six projects received funding to help support automated truss, pallet, post and timber production, improving productivity, workplace safety, operational efficiency and competitiveness. The other recipients were: ADVANCED TIMBER MANUFACTURING AND AUTOMATION Alberton Timber & Treatment Plant – Alberton Upgrades to steam treatment plant to enable night operations, improving production capacity. $73,571.06 Associated Kiln Driers – Colac Purchase and installation of automated docking saw and strapping equipment to increase productivity. $1,000,000.00 Costa’s Builders Mart – Hoppers Crossing Installation of a Flowmax automated timber handling system to improve manufacturing efficiency. $983,129.00 Dannymar – Sunshine West Upgrade timber processing equipment to increase throughput, recovery, safety and product value. $857,206.00 NACO Studio – Blackburn Installation of specialised manufacturing equipment to commercialise an innovative thick-veneer panel system for locally manufactured furniture. $62,000.00 HIGHER-VALUE ENGINEERED TIMBER AND CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS Three projects will expand Victoria’s engineered timber and prefabricated construction capability, converting lower-value timber into high-value products for housing and advanced manufacturing markets. Allstairs – Bayswater Implementation of CAD/CAM software to expand manufacturing capacity of custom staircase products. $54,795.00 Australian Sustainable Hardwoods – Heyfield Commercialisation of hardwood cassette building systems using robotics and digital automation. $800,000.00 WTIBEAM – Warrnambool Commercialisation of Bluegum glulam manufacturing through automated grading and processing technology. $1,710,000.00 TIMBER RECOVERY, RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND VALUE-ADDING Five projects will improve timber recovery, reduce waste and increase value from existing fibre resources through advanced processing, digital manufacturing and recycled timber technologies. Candour Trading – Tottenham Commercialisation of the CASE prefabricated hardwood building system through automated manufacturing and digital design integration. $49,920.00 Forrest Timber Products Australia – Birregurra Install advanced scanning and sawing equipment to maximise recovery and reduce waste. $994,477.00 Kenney-Pierce Timber – Violet Town Install advanced moulding technology to expand recycled timber manufacturing capacity. $82,000.00 Porta Products – Myrtleford Upgrade veneer manufacturing operations to increase capacity through better use of inputs for structural plywood. $1,000,000.00 Recycled Timber Flooring – Hurstbridge Modernisation of recycled timber processing through automated handling and manufacturing equipment to increase efficiency. $211,197.00 ALTERNATIVE FIBRE MANUFACTURING AND NEW FIBRE INDUSTRIES Two projects will establish advanced alternative fibre manufacturing capabilities, converting industrial hemp, marine biomass and recycled fibre resources into high-value engineered products. Seascape Restorations Australia – Portarlington Establish a marine-fibre facility to produce sustainable acoustic panels from recovered seagrass biomass. $900,000.00 UPP Operations – Cranbourne Installation of advanced fibre-processing equipment to convert low-value resources (including industrial hemp) into high-value nonwoven products $1,000,000.00 CIRCULAR ECONOMY, BIOENERGY AND FIBRE UTILIZATION One project will support conversion of timber residues into renewable energy and biochar, reducing waste, strengthening circular economy outcomes and creating higher-value manufacturing products. Radial Timber Australia – Yarram Installation of biochar and renewable energy systems to convert residues into value-added products. $819,607.42

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Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) is demanding answers from the NSW Government over looming cuts to Private Native Forestry (PNF) support services, uncertainty surrounding Commonwealth environmental approvals and a potential conflict with the Government’s forest carbon-credit interests. Source: Timberbiz FWCA says it has received concerning reports that most fixed-term positions supporting PNF within Local Land Services (LLS) may not be renewed beyond June 2027, with some staff reportedly already departing. FWCA Chair Steve Dobbyns said farmers and private forest owners deserved certainty about their right to sustainably manage and harvest timber from their own land. “You don’t have to ban private native forestry if you progressively remove the staff, technical support and approval pathways that make it possible,” he said. Mr Dobbyns said two major threats were converging in July 2027. First, the future staffing of LLS’s PNF program is uncertain. Second, changes to Commonwealth environmental legislation take effect on 1 July 2027, removing the existing Regional Forest Agreement exemption. Although a NSW–Commonwealth strategic assessment is underway, the forestry-specific approval arrangements have not been finalised. “Farmers could find themselves caught between a depleted LLS service and a new Commonwealth regulatory system that isn’t ready,” Mr Dobbyns said. He said that the NSW Government’s Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) carbon methodology contained a particularly concerning provision. Under section 40, increased harvesting in NSW private native forests above a historical baseline can reduce the carbon credits generated by eligible public forest projects. FWCA understands that NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service already holds a PNF harvesting baseline, although its origins, calculation and reliability have not been publicly explained. “This creates a potential conflict of interest. The Government stands to benefit financially from stopping timber harvesting in public forests, while increased private forestry production can reduce those carbon benefits,” Mr Dobbyns said. “We are not suggesting deliberate interference has been established. But the financial incentive exists, and the Government must demonstrate that its carbon interests are not influencing its support for private forestry.” FWCA is calling on the NSW Government to: Guarantee adequate LLS staffing and PNF services beyond June 2027. Publish the PNF harvesting baseline, its data sources and calculation methodology. Confirm a workable Commonwealth environmental approval pathway before 1 July 2027. Explain how conflicts between INFM carbon revenue and support for PNF will be managed.   “Farmers own and manage these forests. They carry the costs of maintaining their properties and should retain the opportunity to earn income through lawful, sustainable timber production,” Mr Dobbyns said. “Private native forestry must not become collateral damage in the Government’s pursuit of forest carbon credits.” FWCA urges farmers, private forest owners and rural industry organisations to raise these concerns with their local MPs and demand firm commitments before July 2027.

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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are planning a 120 sqm New Zealand Pavilion at INDIAWOOD 2027 and are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from New Zealand wood and forestry companies interested in exploring and growing their presence in the Indian market. Source: Timberbiz Taking place from 3-6 March 2027 at India Expo Mart & Centre, Greater Noida (Delhi NCR), INDIAWOOD is India’s leading trade exhibition for the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sector. The event attracts more than 600 brands from over 30 countries and over 30,000 trade visitors, providing a platform to connect with manufacturers, distributors, importers, architects, designers and other key industry stakeholders. For New Zealand companies considering India, participation provides an opportunity to better understand market demand, explore potential applications for New Zealand wood products, build valuable industry relationships, and assess long-term commercial opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing wood products markets. This is an opportunity to showcase products and capabilities as part of a coordinated New Zealand presence while connecting with buyers, manufacturers, distributors, architects, designers and other key industry stakeholders. Participation in the New Zealand Pavilion, including pavilion design, construction, branding, coordination, marketing support and on-site assistance is included with access to an optional pre-event India Market Immersion Program, designed to provide market, cultural and sector insights. For more information contact NZTEIndiaActivations@nzte.govt.nz

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The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has welcomed the Victorian Liberals and Nationals’ commitment to strengthening bushfire prevention and improving forest health outcomes. Source: Timberbiz The Coalition’s proposed Forest Management Program announced on Wednesday includes doubling planned burning, expanding cultural burning, maintaining strategic firebreaks, controlling invasive pests and weeds, and restoring 5,000 hectares of degraded public forests annually. The Coalition will also support funding for 18 bushfire detection cameras. VFPA Chief Executive Officer Andrew White said the commitments were a positive step towards healthier, more resilient forests and safer regional communities, with people’s livelihoods being threatened every year by dangerous bushfires. “Healthy forests require management, and we welcome the Coalition’s recognition that forest management and reducing fuel loads is essential to reducing bushfire risks and improving long-term forest health,” Mr White said. “Strategic and targeted planned burns, fuel reduction, maintaining firebreaks, early bushfire detection and managing invasive species are all vital measures that will help protect our forests, regional communities and critical timber resources. “We also support the principle that timber recovered through forest management and restoration activities should be put to its highest-value use, rather than allowing a valuable renewable resource to go to waste.” Shadow Minister for Public Land Management Melina Bath this week conceded that the Coalition would face legal challenges from environment groups if it won government and tried to introduce its “active forest management” strategy. The Victorians for Nature alliance, which includes the Victorian National Parks Association, the Wilderness Society, Environment Victoria and the Victorian Forest Alliance, quickly claimed that at least 10 ecological, financial and regulatory barriers stand in the way – ranging from environmental impacts, to regulatory and economic barriers, including court cases that found native forest logging breached environment laws. “Logging native forests is catastrophic for wildlife; particularly those that depend on hollows specific to older trees such as greater gliders and powerful owls,” said Nic Fox from the Victorian Forest Alliance. “Forests are worth so much more standing; providing clean drinking water, reducing erosion, carbon capture/storage, habitat and destination tourism. It is pointless to restart something with such low public support, and so many flaws, barriers and costs.” Meanwhile Mr White warmly welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to expanding Victoria’s AI-enabled bushfire detection camera network, building on the Victorian Government’s recent funding. “VFPA has strongly advocated for this technology, and we welcome the bipartisan recognition of its critical importance in providing earlier fire detection, which will better protect both our regional communities and our vital plantation timber resources used for housing,” Mr White said. Earlier this year, VFPA made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 Summer Fires, calling for increased funding for strategically targeted planned burning, fuel breaks and earlier bushfire detection using the latest technologies. “With another bushfire season approaching, investments like these in prevention, early detection technology and forest management to reduce fuel loads is critical to protecting Victoria’s communities, forests and regional industries,” Mr White said.

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In recent times I have sat with former loggers, CFA volunteers and farmers who openly shed tears at the state of our bush and the lessons not learned. The greatest threat to Victoria’s forests is not people managing them. It is governments failing to manage them. Hazardous fuel loads have accumulated forests have become denser and bushfires more destructive. The lesson is clear: healthy forests require active management. Active management is deeply rooted in our history. Areas now occupied by thick forest were historically open woodlands maintained through Aboriginal burning. After settlement generations, foresters, mountain cattlemen and local communities helped maintain and care for these landscapes. The evidence suggests our forests evolved through active management, not abandonment. For 21 of the past 25 years, Labor’s public land policy has been shaped more by ideology than evidence, with a ‘lock it up and leave it’ approach that has allowed fuel loads and risks to dramatically accumulate. Departmental fuel reduction has fallen. Fuel loads have grown. Sixteen years after the Bushfires Royal Commission called for a 5% annual fuel reduction target, Victoria now treats less than 1% of public land annually. Victorians have endured repeated major bushfires too many to list, culminating in the devastating fires of 2026. Yet despite inquiry after inquiry, the lessons around prevention remain unlearned. The solution is a return to practical, hands-on management of Victoria’s public land. That means reducing hazardous fuel loads, maintaining strategic firebreaks, attacking invasive pests and weeds, supporting cultural burning in partnership with Indigenous Victorians. Bushfire preparedness is not a seasonal activity. It is a year-round commitment. The Liberals and Nationals will restore active management as the foundation of public land policy. We will double planned burning and work towards the Bushfires Royal Commission’s recommendation of treating 5% of treatable public land annually. We will rebuild strategic fuel breaks, in collaboration, expand cultural burning and put more people back on the ground managing the land. Labor’s decision to shut down Victoria’s native timber industry devastated our timber communities and saw valuable skills and experience lost or move interstate. In 2026, the choice isn’t between logging and lock-up. It’s between stewardship and neglect. Under our plan, 5,000ha of degraded public forest will be actively restored each year through targeted thinning and fuel reduction to improve forest health, resilience and bushfire preparedness. Strategic fuel breaks will be maintained and expanded across the landscape to strengthen Victoria’s bushfire defences. Timber and fibre recovered through forest restoration and firebreak works will be processed locally and put to their highest-value use, supporting Victorian jobs and regional manufacturing. From sawlogs and fence posts to firewood, biochar and mulch, the resource will be fully utilised in Victoria. This program will deliver healthier forests, reduce bushfire risk, support regional jobs and strengthen Victoria’s timber and manufacturing sectors. Revenue generated through these activities will be reinvested. Victoria can have healthier forests, lower fuel loads, regional jobs and productive use of forest resources. These are not competing priorities. Melina Bath MP
 The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria
Shadow Minister for Public Land Management

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Red Stag TimberLab (RSTL) supplied mass timber roof structures for a series of bus stations along the New Zealand’s Eastern Busway network between Pakūranga and Botany. The bus station structures have been architecturally designed using a modular ‘kit of parts’ approach with consistent components used across all four stations. Source: Timberbiz The four new bus stations are Pōhatu near Burswood, Te Taha Wai (near Edgewater), Koata (near Riverhills), and Pakūranga. The Eastern Busway is delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport, Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs, in partnership with mana whenua. Aspec Construction was sub-contracted by the Eastern Busway Alliance who engaged RSTL as a supply partner for this project. The new Eastern Busway stations showcase the value of hybrid construction, where engineered timber and steel are combined to optimise structural performance, architectural expression, constructability, and material efficiency. The roof system integrates CLT panels supported by curved-cut glulam flitch rafters. The steel flitch rafters were formed from twin 65mm glulam members with an internal steel plate. Rather than relying on a single material, the design leverages the unique strengths of each component to achieve an efficient and highly buildable solution. The CLT roof panels provide a robust structural roof diaphragm while creating a clean, exposed timber soffit. Curved glulam rafters are angled diagonally in plan to enable the architectural form of the station canopies while efficiently carrying roof loads. The incorporation of steel flitch plates within the glulam assembly enhances the overall performance of the system, allowing the project team to optimise member sizes, simplify connection details, and achieve the desired structural and architectural outcomes. The result is a refined hybrid solution that balances efficiency, design flexibility, and constructability across a highly visible piece of public infrastructure. RSTL was engaged to manufacture and supply the engineered timber roof structures across multiple station locations. Working from the documentation supplied by the Eastern Busway team, RSTL developed fabrication-ready models and manufacturing information to support efficient production. Leveraging advanced digital modelling and CNC fabrication processes, RSTL translated the project’s design intent into precision-manufactured timber components ready for installation. This prefabricated approach significantly reduced on-site installation time across the various station sites. The Eastern Busways Stations project demonstrates how hybrid timber construction can unlock greater flexibility for infrastructure projects by combining the strengths of multiple materials within a single structural system.

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Global forest products markets experienced mixed conditions during the first half of 2026, with shifting trade flows, regional price differences, and contrasting demand trends across major commodities. Sources: Timberbiz, ResourceWise While global timber prices softened slightly, hardwood fibre costs increased, international lumber trade declined, and biomass markets recorded modest growth. According to ResourceWise’s WoodMarket Prices (WMP) market intelligence, these developments highlight the increasingly varied conditions shaping the global forest products industry. One of the most notable developments in H1 2026 was the divergence between global pricing and trade trends. In timber markets, the ResourceWise Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) declined by 2% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 but remained 3% higher year-over-year. Regional differences were also evident, with North American sawlog prices remaining substantially below European averages. Global hardwood fibre prices increased by 7% year-over-year, while softwood fibre prices declined by 4%. International trade patterns also shifted. Global softwood lumber exports declined by almost 9% year-over-year, with reduced import volumes in the United States and China. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom recorded an increase in softwood lumber imports. Biomass markets followed a different trajectory, with global wood pellet exports increasing modestly. However, demand trends varied across major importing countries, particularly in Asia. These developments illustrate how market conditions can differ considerably across commodities and geographic regions, creating distinct challenges and opportunities for industry participants. Understanding global forest products market movements goes beyond tracking price increases or decreases. These trends provide valuable context for evaluating supply availability, production costs, international competitiveness, and changing demand patterns. For producers, differences in regional raw material costs can influence manufacturing competitiveness and market positioning. For buyers, changes in international trade flows may signal shifts in sourcing opportunities and supplier relationships. Monitoring these developments over time can also help businesses identify emerging market changes and evaluate potential risks. For example, declining trade volumes in one region alongside growth in another may indicate changing demand patterns or opportunities to explore alternative markets. Similarly, diverging hardwood and softwood fibre prices can influence procurement considerations for companies dependent on these materials. While historical market movements do not necessarily predict future performance, they provide an important foundation for evaluating possible market scenarios and making more informed strategic decisions. The first half of 2026 highlighted the complexity of global forest products markets, with shifting prices, evolving trade relationships, and varying regional demand conditions. The full report can be accessed at: https://www.resourcewise.com/market-insights-report-a-summary-of-the-global-forest-industry-h1-2026?hsCtaTracking=052d096a-ba35-4b43-9a05-f4845888a585%7C50c3192b-c2eb-40f4-8718-da2fac34b5e9

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US Congresswoman Andrea Salinas and Congressman Glenn Thompson introduced the bipartisan Mass Timber Growth and Innovation Act, legislation to lower housing construction costs, strengthen American manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs in rural communities. Source: Timberbiz he bill would provide tax incentives to expand domestic production of mass timber, an innovative wood building material that can help builders construct homes faster and at a lower cost. As part of the bill rollout, Ms Salinas visited Timberlab in Portland to tour their mass timber production facility and discuss the details of the bill. “Every Oregon family deserves a home they can afford. Right now, Oregon needs to build nearly 500,000 new homes over the next 20 years to keep up with demand, but we simply aren’t building enough, and the restricted supply leads to increased prices,” she said. “Mass timber can help us build faster and more affordably. Oregon has led the wood products industry for generations, and this bill provides the opportunity for Oregon workers lead what comes next. That means more homes for working families and more good jobs in the rural towns that helped build this state. I look forward to working with Rep. Thompson to get this done.” Mass timber products are made from layers of wood bonded or fastened together to create strong structural components, including large panels and beams. These materials are particularly well-suited for mid-rise housing projects, where traditional wood framing may not be practical and other construction materials may not be economical. Because mass timber components can be manufactured off-site and assembled quickly, they can reduce construction timelines and therefore costs. Despite these advantages, manufacturers face significant barriers to expanding production. Building new facilities and purchasing specialized equipment require substantial upfront investments. Limited domestic manufacturing capacity has contributed to higher material prices, making it harder for builders to adopt mass timber construction. The Mass Timber Growth and Innovation Act would: Help manufacturers build new plants. The bill offers a 10% tax credit for investments in mass timber manufacturing facilities, including machinery, equipment, and buildings. It does this by adding mass timber to the existing Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit. Reward research that brings costs down. This bill creates a 20% credit that covers every dollar a company spends on mass timber research, from new products to better production methods.   For Oregon, expanding mass timber manufacturing presents an opportunity to build on the state’s timber and wood products industry while supporting economic growth in rural communities. Increased production could create new demand for American-grown wood, support family-wage manufacturing jobs, and help builders access more affordable construction materials. “Americans want lower costs, and housing is their biggest bill,” said Adam Kovacevich, CEO of Chamber of Progress. “Housing costs too much because building costs too much, but mass timber frames go up in weeks. The Mass Timber Growth and Innovation Act will help American factories make more of it so we can build more, build faster, and bring rents down.” The bill is endorsed by: American Wood Council, Chamber of Progress, Oregon Forest Industries Council, Washington Mass Timber Accelerator, and Weyerhaeuser.

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Geospatial information can show where forests are, where agricultural land begins or whether a farm overlaps with a protected area. But what happens when two land use maps give different answers about the same place? Source: Timberbiz This was one of the questions explored during a technical workshop on Geospatial Data for Due Diligence, held in Barcelona on 14–15 October 2026. The workshop brought together public authorities, research and technical organisations, companies and geospatial data providers to examine how geographic information can support due diligence under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR has increased demand for geospatial information that can support assessments of deforestation and legality risks linked to specific plots of land. Relevant sources include satellite imagery, land-use and land-cover datasets, commodity and forest maps, protected-area boundaries and systems that alert users to changes in forest cover. But these datasets have been created for different purposes. They can use different definitions, analyse different periods and have different levels of detail and accuracy. For example, information showing tree cover is not necessarily the same as information showing how land is being used. Differences in how trees and croplands are classified can therefore affect how a particular plot is interpreted. Different providers may also use different methods to analyse the information. In some cases, the same plot can be classified as high risk by one system and low risk by another. This creates practical challenges for companies carrying out due diligence and for public authorities responsible for controls. Against this background, the workshop focused on what makes geospatial information sufficiently reliable and useful to support decisions. Participants first examined the existing geospatial data landscape, including differences in dataset scope and accuracy and the particular difficulty of mapping agroforestry systems. They then considered how these limitations affect risk assessment and access to information, especially for farmers and cooperatives. The discussion also highlighted the value of sharing intermediate products, such as ground-truth data and very-high-resolution satellite imagery, where appropriate. The audience also discussed data transparency, methodologies and their limitations, and how to use the data beyond compliance. One recurring question was how to move towards what the workshop described as “decision-grade” geospatial data: information that is reliable, consistent and suitable for a specific decision, while making its limitations clear. The second day shifted from identifying challenges to exploring potential solutions. Participants considered the characteristics of reliable data and how governments, companies, data providers and research organisations could improve it collaboratively. They also examined access: reliable information may exist without being readily available to those who need it, while privacy or sensitivity concerns may prevent some information from being made public. Discussions therefore focused on how data producers can make information more usable while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The discussions brought together perspectives from national institutions in producing countries, European competent authorities, international and research organisations, geospatial service providers and supply-chain actors. Participating organisations included JRC, FAO, GIZ, CIAT, national institutions from Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Ethiopia and Uganda, competent authorities from Germany and Spain, and private-sector representatives from coffee, cocoa and rubber and technical service providers. The workshop aimed to improve shared understanding of how geospatial information is produced, interpreted and used, while identifying opportunities for greater transparency, consistency and collaboration. It also sought to identify priority areas for future work connected to the Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-free Value Chains. Across the data ecosystem, participants emphasised the importance of sharing data and metadata and ensuring that stakeholders have tools and systems they can use. They also highlighted the need for effective communication with smallholders in producing countries and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in consuming countries. Finally, participants noted that private-sector collaboration may be strengthened when improved maps support multiple objectives, including environmental services, emissions reductions and biodiversity.

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Revision of the joint Australia/New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS/NZS 4708:2021) is entering the final approval stages, with publication expected in early 2027. Source: Timberbiz The Standard plays an important role in stewarding responsible forest management practices that support healthy forests, biodiversity, renewable timber supply, regional jobs, cultural values and community expectations. Conducted every five years, reviews deliver a draft Standard developed through a multi-stakeholder process. Along with public consultation, input is sought from a Standards Review Committee comprised of representatives from forest management, forest research, auditing, government, community organisations, environmental groups, Indigenous stakeholders, industry and labour unions across Australia and New Zealand. The regularity of the review and this broad stakeholder involvement both serve to underpin the integrity of the Standard. The ballot process for the Standards Review Committee is currently being finalised ahead of a concluding editorial review and formal approvals by the Responsible Wood Board. Subject to these approvals and the completion of administrative requirements and approvals from Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, the revised Standard is expected to be published in early 2027. Responsible Wood anticipates seeking re-endorsement by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) shortly after.

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The introduction of ForestFit’s membership framework marks an important milestone in the evolution of the accredited certification scheme, establishing a platform for broader stakeholder participation, representative governance and collective leadership. Source: Timberbiz ForestFit achieved an international first with establishing Forest Services Standards for responsible and sustainable forest operations and is inviting businesses, industry organisations, environmental and community groups, government and individuals to become members and help shape the future. The membership initiative reflects ForestFit’s commitment to ensuring its future development is informed by diverse perspectives, technical expertise and the environmental, social and economic interests of the broader community. “Having established nationally consistent Forest Services Standards and a credible, independent certification scheme, our next phase is about bringing together the people and organisations who share a commitment to responsible forest operations,” ForestFit CEO Dionne Olsen said. “Their collective expertise, leadership and commitment will be essential to ensuring ForestFit continues to evolve and deliver lasting benefits for our forests, people and communities.” Through participation in standing committees, consultation processes and collaborative forums, members will help ensure the Forest Services Standards remain technically robust, nationally relevant and responsive to emerging risks, industry practices and community expectations. This collective approach will strengthen transparency, accountability and representative decision-making while driving continuous improvement and meaningful environmental, social and economic sustainability outcomes. ForestFit certification provides a practical mechanism for translating environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments into measurable operational practices. Through independent, third-party certification and annual surveillance audits, the scheme strengthens critical risk management, environmental stewardship, workplace safety, business capability and continuous improvement. ForestFit is also progressing initiatives to improve the efficiency and accessibility of assurance, including integrated audit processes with ISO and Heavy Vehicle Accreditation frameworks, expanded digital services and opportunities to extend the scheme into aligned sectors and international markets. These initiatives aim to reduce duplication, strengthen supply-chain confidence and improve the commercial viability of businesses committed to responsible forest operations. Members will play an active role in shaping ForestFit’s future, contributing their expertise and perspectives to governance, standards development and strategic initiatives. “We invite those who share this vision to become part of ForestFit and contribute to a transparent, inclusive and credible certification scheme that delivers meaningful outcomes for generations to come,” Ms Olsen said. For membership application and supporting resources, visit www.forestfit.com.au/members

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A refocused advisory group and redirected funding aim to tackle woody debris, land use and forestry in Tairāwhiti. Source: The New Zealand Herald & Local Democrary Reporter Gisborne Herald While Government-appointed facilitation and a Gisborne District Council-ordered independent review take place, New Zealand Forestry Minister Todd McClay said the changes will co-ordinate regional work. The former Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group has been refocused as the Tairāwhiti Transition Advisory Group (TTAG), with a “wider mandate” to support regional resilience and land-use transition. “No one organisation can fix the challenges facing Tairāwhiti on its own. The group’s wider role will help join up the work across the region and keep it focused on the long term,” McClay said. The group had begun operating. The Government also redirected the remaining NZ$16.4 million from a NZ$27m Ministry for Primary Industries woody debris package towards debris clean-up and pilot projects. “Clearing it [debris] and catching what does come loose before it gets into the rivers, protects vital infrastructure. It’s also work for local contractors over the coming season,” he said. The pilots will explore sustainable logging on hillsides, land-use change and slash traps to reduce debris entering waterways. Initial work will prioritise high-risk areas and work with landowners to address barriers such as harvesting risks, consent requirements and establishment costs. The results would help inform future policy and funding decisions, he said. Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann said it represented an important step towards addressing the challenges caused by vulnerable terrain and extreme weather. “We need a future where forestry can continue on appropriate land, harvesting is undertaken well, and land carrying the greatest risk has a realistic pathway to transition.” Council had worked closely with central government, mana whenua and regional partners to establish the refocused group. “It gives us an opportunity to build on the evidence, relationships and practical work already developed, strengthen co-ordination and move towards delivery. “The next step is testing different land-use options in real situations and identifying approaches that could be applied more widely across Tairāwhiti.” The council pointed to Te Ārai demonstration catchment as work underway, building off local efforts, and working with landowners to develop property plans and a catchment transition plan. “This is about finding the right land use for the right place, while supporting viable livelihoods and reducing risks to communities and the environment.” It said the issue required all parties to work together from the same evidence to find solutions to protect communities and support the economy. Eastland Wood Council chairman Julian Kohn said the region had been through tough years, and the council wanted a future with resilient communities and continued opportunities for local families in forestry. Some of the most erosion-prone land would need to transition, and he welcomed Government funding and recognition of a co-ordinated approach for land use changes. “We’ve already seen the pressure on local contractors, workers, businesses and families who depend on the hundreds of millions of dollars forestry and wood processing contribute to Tairāwhiti’s economy each year. “We can’t afford to lose more skilled workers and businesses while the region works towards a future that is enduring.” He said the refocused TTAG would bring all parties together to create a workable plan for community protection and a stronger future for forestry in Tairāwhiti. Henare Walker, interim chief executive of Ngāti Porou’s governance entity Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou, said broadening focus to long-term land use transition was something Ngāti Porou had called for and it was encouraging for the iwi and the wider region. “We have been saying that Ngāti Porou cannot keep focusing only on cleaning up after each major event. We have to deal with the bigger question of what land use should look like across the rohe and how we protect our whenua, our people and our economy for the future. “For Ngāti Porou, the important thing now is making sure we are part of shaping that transition from the outset, so the decisions being made today deliver lasting benefits for our whenua and our people.” He said the Government needed to consider existing commitments to Ngāti Porou and existing structures to determine the best response to the significant problem. Working with Ngāti Porou to decide what tests, priorities and success levels were in pilots would be important, he said. Mana Taiao Tairāwhiti spokesperson Manu Caddie welcomed recognition that land-use transition could reduce ongoing damage to the environment, infrastructure and properties. However, he said the advisory group needed representation from affected communities, clear links with existing work, including the Land Use Transition Business Case, and transparent measures of progress. “This could be a constructive first step, just a pity it has taken so long and is still not a comprehensive response from the minister.” A clear implementation timetable, details on funding distribution and long-term investment were needed, he said. “Communities deserve to know when the risk will actually start coming down.” He hoped the Government would build on the rejected Transition Business Case to implement pest control, scientific research and “fit-for-purpose regulation”. More evidence was needed on slash trap designs and placement, and how to remove mature trees from high-risk sites, he said. Sustained investment in permanent indigenous cover, pest and weed management, and supported employment was needed to give landowners confidence in the transition, Caddie said.

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Major projects in New South Wales should soon benefit from faster, more efficient environmental assessments under a new national environmental law, this is marking a milestone towards a new bilateral agreement between the Albanese and Minns Governments. Source: Timberbiz Public consultation has opened on the proposed assessment bilateral agreement, which will see projects assessed once, against Commonwealth and State environmental requirements, rather than separate assessments by both levels of government. This is the first new bilateral agreement to reach the public consultation phase following the Albanese Government’s landmark reforms to Australia’s national environmental law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Bilateral agreements reduce complexity, support faster decision making, lower costs for proponents, all while delivering stronger environmental protections. “This new agreement with NSW is a big step forward in implementing our historic EPBC reforms,” Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said. “It presents a significant opportunity to supercharge economic growth and progress key projects like renewable energy for the state, all while meeting our new, stronger environmental standards. “By working together, our governments are taking a significant step towards more streamlined environmental approvals while protecting NSW’s biodiversity and heritage. “NSW is a front-runner when it comes to signing bilateral agreements, and we strongly encourage other States to join us too.” The Federal Government will retain responsibility for the final approval decision under national environmental law, and projects will need to meet new tests introduced in the EPBC Act reforms, including new National Environmental Standards. The new agreement will replace existing arrangements, which pre-date the EPBC Act reforms passed at the end of last year. Consultation on the agreement is open on the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Have Your Say website until 5pm on 19 November 2026. “We want to protect the natural environment that makes our state so special, while speeding up approvals for things we need, like housing and renewable energy,” NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said. “This new agreement with the Federal Government will mean fewer separate processes that add years to approvals while ensuring strong and robust environmental standards are met to protect the habitats our wildlife needs to thrive.”

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One month to the day until the next Victorian State Election, Victoria’s timber towns are meeting on the Murray.  Councillors and officers from Timber Towns Victoria’s (TTV) member councils, the City of Ballarat and the shires of Baw Baw, Colac Otway, East Gippsland, Gannawarra, Glenelg, Moorabool, Moyne, Wellington and West Wimmera, arrive in Koondrook today for the association’s 2026 three-day forum, field trip and annual general meeting. Source: Timberbiz Hosted by Gannawarra Shire Council from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October, the forum puts members on the ground in a working timber, farming and river community, and comes as TTV seeks commitments from every party on the three priorities in its 2026 Government Brief. TTV President Cr Karen Stephens, who is also Mayor of Glenelg Shire, said the itinerary had been chosen to show members what is at stake. “This week our members will see a sawmill that has operated since 1889 still investing in its future, forests being managed and regrown, and a town that knows what floods do to its roads. Every one of those stops speaks to what we are asking of the next Victorian Government,” she said. The forum opens tonight with a members’ dinner in Koondrook, where Paul Madden, CEO of Arbuthnot Sawmills, is guest speaker. On Thursday, members will walk through the Arbuthnot mill and tour its new sawmill facility before inspecting thinning and forest rehabilitation on Gunbower Island. The afternoon takes in two of the region’s leading dairies, including Victoria’s first robotic compost barn, and The Emu Farmers Co, Australia’s largest producer of emu products. The day ends in Kerang West, in a town that has recorded significant floods eight times since 1909, most recently in 2022, a reminder of the weather damage behind TTV’s call for road funding. Members then return to Koondrook for a dinner with guest speaker Thomas Chick, Chair of the Koondrook Development Committee. The forum closes on Friday with the annual general meeting at the Glass House in Kerang, where members will hear from Gannawarra Shire Council CEO Geoff Rollinson and Manager Economic Development Scott Wishart on ‘The Art of Gannawarra’, the University of Melbourne’s Dr Rob Waterworth on carbon market opportunities and challenges for the plantation sector, and IndustryEdge Managing Director Tim Woods on Portland’s Plantation Processing Precinct. Timber Towns Victoria’s election priorities TTV presented its 2026 Government Brief to six parties at Parliament House in May and is seeking a formal response on each priority before polling day: Roads and bridges: multi-year funding for rural road repairs and dedicated funding for freight-critical bridge upgrades. TTV’s Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study identifies 167 local roads needing $128.6 million in maintenance and upgrades. AI fire detection: a statewide expansion of AI-enabled fire detection cameras, with sustainable operational funding and integration with the CFA, FFMVic and the SES. The network detected 40 unplanned fires in Victoria in 2023-24 and 46 in 2024-25. Forestry and fibre: a whole-of-government forestry and fibre growth strategy aligned with the Australian Government’s Timber Fibre Strategy, including streamlined approvals for plantation and processing projects.   Roads sit at the top of that list. Logs cannot move by rail when forests and plantations are spread across rural Victoria, leaving timber communities like those members are visiting this week reliant on rural roads and bridges that TTV says are deteriorating under heavier freight loads. Cr Stephens said that was why TTV had asked every party in May to back long-term repairs rather than short-term fixes. “We ask for a commitment to strengthening Victoria’s regional transport network by increasing roads and bridges maintenance funding, and prioritising long-term, durable solutions that support community safety and economic resilience,” she said at the time.

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A Coalition government in Victoria would restore the native timber industry if elected next month, ecologically thinning 5000ha of native forests annually. Source: Timberbiz The Coalition says timber recovered would be processed locally and put to its highest-value use, from sawlogs to firewood, biochar and mulch, with the revenue reinvested in Victoria. Shadow Minister for Public Land Management Melina Bath said the plan would deliver healthier, more resilient forests, safer communities and more people managing public land. Ms Bath said it had been estimated that thinning and timber from salvaged trees could deliver up to 200,000 tonnes of timber each year. But she conceded that the Coalition would face legal challenges from environment groups if it won government and tried to introduce its “active forest management” strategy. A Coalition government would protect healthy forests and restore degraded ones through a Forest Management Program. The Program would: Double planned burning and expand cultural burning in partnership with Indigenous Victorians, Reduce fuel loads, Build and maintain a statewide firebreak network, Control invasive pests and weeds, Put more rangers on the ground, and Deliver increased public reporting every year on biodiversity and ecological outcomes.   “A Jess Wilson-led Liberal and Nationals Government will rebuild strategic fuel breaks, expand cultural burning in partnership with Indigenous Victorians and put more people back on the ground managing the land,” Ms Bath said. “We will double planned burning and work towards the Bushfires Royal Commission’s recommendation of treating five per cent of treatable public land every year. “Five thousand hectares of degraded public forest will be restored each year through targeted thinning and fuel reduction. “Timber recovered will be processed locally and put to its highest-value use, from sawlogs to firewood, biochar and mulch, with the revenue reinvested in Victoria.” Forests left unmanaged burn harder and recover more slowly. Active management makes forests more resilient and communities safer. A Liberal and Nationals Government would also invest $2.52 million over four years, alongside industry co-investment, to deliver an expanded $4.41 million bushfire detection camera network across 18 locations in eastern and western Victoria. Providing 24/7, 360-degree monitoring across more than 1.46 million hectares, the cameras will detect smoke early and deliver real-time intelligence to support faster firefighting responses, helping protect regional communities, farms, plantations, critical infrastructure and Victoria’s timber supply. “Under the Labor government, hazardous fuel loads have built up, forests have become dense and bushfires more destructive,” Ms Bath said. “Healthier forests, lower fuel loads and regional jobs are not competing priorities. Our practical plan restores active stewardship and protects communities.”

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