Australian timber industry news

SEPPI’s range of forestry mulchers for tractors and PTO tractors has been expanded to include a new forestry mulcher. SEPPI M mulchers already cover the maximum power for tractors in the highest power class. This time, the focus is on compact tractors with the aim of offering an efficient maintenance tool for the most complex green spaces. Source: Timberbiz The MICROFORST pto with mechanical power take-off is the perfect addition to the range of accessories for 30 to 60 HP tractors. Thanks to its lightweight, this forestry mulcher is ideal for two-axle mowers such as AEBI TT or similar. The MICROFORST pto mulches brush and woody plants up to 13 cm in diameter. This mulcher is designed for PTO tractors that need a reliable mulcher for intense forestry works. The MICROFORST pto is designed for small tractors or public works vehicles up to 60 HP, and being a lightweight machine, also offers stability when working on slopes. The maximum recommended weight of the tractor is two tons. The technical characteristics of the MICROFORST pto are similar to those of larger forestry mulchers, but the mulcher weighs less than 600 kg. Thanks to its AR400 steel build, its resistance to wear and long service life are guaranteed despite its low weight. The standard Cut Control rotor with Mini Duo hammers with two tungsten carbide inserts combines high performance with a long service life and guarantees minimal and simple maintenance. The same type of hammers are used on all SEPPI forestry mulchers, even in the highest performance class. The Cut Control rotors are latest generation, with SEPPI Mini Duo tools and a new-concept depth limiter. Similar to a depth gauge on a chainsaw, the limiter controls the cutting depth and helps prevent the rotor from “choking”, thus guaranteeing an easy and quality milling process. A rotor with Mini Blade tools can be selected as an option. This makes the MICROFORST pto mulcher particularly efficient on trees that have not yet been felled, ensuring a quick and clean cut of the wood thanks to the particularly sharp Mini Blade tools. This dynamic forestry mulcher can be used by gardeners and landscapers for seasonal cleaning, in public and urban areas to clear bushes, and by farmers for land clearing.

German sports brand Adidas has partnered with non-profit environmental organisation Canopy to ensure its textiles, paper and paper packaging are free of fibre sourced from climate-critical forests. Source: Timberbiz Adidas has committed to Canopy’s CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives and it is hoped the commitment will also help the brand to move to low-carbon and circular Next Gen alternatives for its textiles, paper and paper packaging products. The initiatives are said to be dedicated to eliminating the use of fibre sourced from climate-critical forests in textiles, paper, and paper packaging while promoting the adoption of low-carbon and circular alternatives. “Joining with Canopy marks an important stride for Adidas in our evolving journey towards sustainability. Adidas is committed to continued high-quality performance of our products whilst delivering meaningful and lasting ecological change for the planet. Being part of the CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives is the next step for us on that journey,” Adidas senior director of sustainability Viviane Gut said. In addition to committing to sustainable sourcing practices, Adidas is also exploring solutions to reduce waste and reliance on virgin forest fibre. This includes using discarded clothing for viscose production and agricultural residues for paper packaging, thereby repurposing waste materials while reducing the pressure on vital forests. Adidas aims to increase the use of recycled materials in its paper packaging and prioritise sourcing from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified forests when virgin forest fibre is necessary. Canopy describes forests as playing a crucial role in maintaining a habitable planet and combating climate change. However, it notes the textile and paper industries contribute significantly to deforestation, with more than 3.4bn trees being cut down annually for fabric production and packaging materials.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the forest products industry, and Vanessa Simard, supervisor, Production Planning and Optimization, for Resolute’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec, Canada) operations is playing a key role in the shift. Source: Timberbiz Through academic research, Ms Simard analyzed how this rapidly evolving technology can help manufacturing facilities run more efficiently. She has been putting her skills to use at Resolute for more than ten years, collaborating with her colleagues to continuously improve productivity. The last few years have been pretty busy. Her work was published in multiple academic journals such as the International Journal of Production Research and the Journal of Data and Information Quality. She completed a PhD degree in Industrial Engineering at Université Laval in 2023. Her thesis, investigating technology’s potential to reduce the impact of uncertainty in the forestry supply chain through improved methods of data analysis, earned the 9th David Martell Student Paper Prize from the Canadian Operational Research Society. She has also taught a course in advanced operational research and even presented her research at an event hosted by the Canadian chapter of Women in AI, an organization dedicated to increasing female participation in AI. Beginning in 2013 with a research internship for her bachelor’s degree, Ms Simard spent time at several Resolute operations in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, acquiring a wealth of knowledge about forest products operations and process planning. She implemented a number of improvements, including a program to save time for mechanics filling out their reports. And while pursuing her master’s degree between 2015 and 2017 and continuing her career with Resolute, Ms Simard was instrumental in developing a major AI-based innovative solution that dramatically reduced the time required to plan the lumber drying process. The system was selected as a finalist for an Innovation Award from the Association pour le développement de la recherche et de l’innovation du Québec (ADRIQ). “Getting that ‘oh, wow!’ reaction from a colleague is a good feeling,” Ms Simard said. “I observe how a task is done, collect data and analyze it from various angles. Then I come back and shake things up with new tools and processes. When a task that used to take two hours can now be done in two minutes, that’s rewarding.”

Stakeholders globally are invited to provide feedback on the new PEFC RED II standards, developed to enable organisations to demonstrate compliance with RED II requirements and make RED II compliant declarations. Source: Timberbiz RED II, the European Union’s (EU) Renewable Energy Directive, establishes sustainability requirements for forestry feedstocks and greenhouse gas criteria for biomass fuels that companies in the renewable energy sector across the EU must comply with to be eligible for financial support by public authorities. PEFC is currently in the process to be recognised by the European Commission as one of the voluntary schemes that organisations can use to make their RED II compliant declarations. The recognition scope covers forest ligno-cellulosic material, including residues and waste, and biomass fuels made of this material. For this purpose, PEFC has developed the PEFC 5000 series of standards: PEFC ST 5002 will enable organisations sourcing ligno-cellulosic material to use the PEFC certification scheme to demonstrate compliance with RED II. It is based on the PEFC Chain of Custody standard to make it easier for organisations to integrate the RED II requirements within their chain of custody processes and audits. Prospective PEFC RED II certified organisations will need to already hold a PEFC chain of custody certificate (or achieve it at the same time as their RED II certification). PEFC ST 5003 covers the requirements for certification bodies providing audits against ST 5002. It will enable PEFC chain of custody notified certification bodies to extend their notification to operate PEFC RED II certification. PEFC RED II audits will follow the ST 2003 requirements, with additional elements such as requirements for the auditing of residues, wastes, and GHG emissions. ST 5003 also includes additional accreditation requirements. PEFC ST 5004 sets up the requirements for country or regional risk assessments against the RED II sustainability criteria conducted by an independent and competent in country-expert stakeholder or stakeholders, and the recognition of those risk assessments by PEFC. To receive the link to the draft standards go to https://podio.com/webforms/29406454/2413693 For more information contact PEFC at technical@pefc.org Deadline for comments is 20 April 2024.

New Zealand’s Government would be imposing a big obligation on future generations if it relied heavily on pine forests to meet the country’s 2050 “net zero” carbon goal, MPs have been told. Source: The Post Climate Change Commission chairperson Rod Carr told Parliament’s Environment select committee “we think trees are great”. But he said the commission was concerned about what might happen after 2050 if the country had achieved “net zero” by planting a large number of pine trees that might be unsustainable. “If they are a mono-age, mono-culture of planting, particularly on erosion-prone land, maintaining that forest cover in the face of disease, age, storm, fire is going to be an increasing obligation on future generations.” Up to two million hectares of farmland could be converted to pine forests under existing incentives, which placed no cap on the use of forestry to achieve net emissions targets, he said. “We recommend that the Government decide what is the acceptable level of gross emissions reduction and, by implication, what is the acceptable level of pine plantation offsets to achieve our existing targets.” People often forgot the 2050 commitment was to be “net zero” in every subsequent calendar year, Mr Carr told the committee. That meant that if the country relied too heavily on planting pine trees to achieve that, it would need to commit more and more land to forestry to offset emissions in the latter half of the century, he told the committee. “In the near term, an increase in the forest estate is helpful in putting us on our pathway to net zero, but it’s really risky if it is locked in as the way to keep it net zero.” The Climate Change Commission is due to provide Climate Change Minister Simon Watts with advice on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on Thursday, including on the floor price for issuing carbon credits and the trigger price for releasing extra credits. That advice would be made public on 14 March, he said. “The commission believes the ETS can play a significant part in helping New Zealand lower its emissions, but also believes that in its current state, it will fail to do so,” Mr Carr said. That was partly because there was a significant “overhang” in the market of previously- issued emissions rights that it was hard to unpack, he said. The number of “banked” carbon credits that emitters were sitting on and a reliance on using forestry to offset emissions would risk New Zealand using older technologies to produce “not ‘green’ premium products but dirty discounted products”, he said. Act Party climate change spokesperson Simon Court voiced concern during the committee hearing over the use of child labour in the third world to produce the materials for EV car batteries, questioning “how far should we really cast the net when we’re thinking about what’s important to New Zealand?” Mr Carr said it was great there was a live social conscience about child labour, but there was “an element of selective bias sometimes what we choose to inquire about”. Out of the estimated 6 million child labourers on the planet, about 25,000 were involved in mining cobalt in Congo,” he said, saying also that half of the world’s lithium came from western Australia. “So, we should all be mindful of where we get our pyjamas and our shoes from as well as where we get our technology from.” There were parts of the world where uranium was mined and oil extracted in communities that had been “unable to get the advantage but suffered the consequences of those extractive technologies,” Mr Carr said. “We should be alive to that, but it is not a reason not to embrace low emission technologies because the people who will suffer most in a changing climate are those vulnerable communities”. Mr Carr suggested “carbon border adjustments” on certain imports appeared a reasonable way to address a separate concern that any strict emissions policies could result in manufacturers shifting production to countries with fewer protections. The European Union was evaluating and in some cases putting in place such levies, which were an alternative to New Zealand’s current practice of issuing “free” carbon credits to some firms in heavy industries that faced overseas competition, he said.  

The Stirling Group is putting together a tour for Australian and New Zealand furniture makers showcasing the manufacturing strengths of Italy’s three industry leading woodworking machinery factories. Source: Timberbiz Scheduled from 13-21 April 2024 the tour will culminate with the world leading furniture exhibition Salone del Mobile. Starting in Florence The Stirling Group will work in conjunction with the leading 5 to 11 axis CNC producer Bacci, to start the tour. Bacci has opened its state-of-the-art factory and will have the entire range of CNC machinery operating to demonstrate how efficiency, capabilities and technology provide the solutions to modern manufacturing solutions. The tour then moves to Schio, home of the Costa Levigatrici to witness the 2024 design and innovation of wide belt sanding and how the experience can improve your furniture manufacturing process. The tour finishes at ItalPresse headquarters in Bagnatica, the largest press manufacturer in the world and they will present their range of hydraulic presses and complete lines that cover craftwork bespoke furniture makers to large industrial applications. The highlight of the trip is the visit to the renowned Salone del Mobile, the international furniture show held in Milan. Participants will be immersed in a world of design, gaining inspiration from the latest trends and innovations in the furniture industry. It’s an opportunity to network with industry professionals and forge valuable connections. The Italy tour delves deep into optimizing manufacturing processes and streamlining operations. Each meticulously planned factory visit is designed to immerse participants in the capabilities of cutting-edge woodworking machinery, offering insights into their transformative potential for the furniture industry. For more information visit: https://stirlingmachinery.com.au/masters-of-timber/  

Certification plays a pivotal role in fostering environmentally conscious supply chains, and over the past week, Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager, Matt de Jongh, engaged in insightful discussions with certificate holders, Austpaper and DIY Resolutions and Australian Brushware Corporation in Melbourne. Source: Timberbiz These discussions highlighted the significance of responsible practices in promoting sustainable wood sourcing. Robert Lane, General Manager at Austpaper, emphasised their commitment to environmental responsibility. “We prioritise eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing to minimise our environmental impact,” he said. “The Responsible Wood certification aligns with our vision for a more sustainable and responsible future.” Luke Cerra, Group Manager Procurement at DIY Resolutions and Australian Brushware Corporation, echoed this sentiment. “Our dedication to ethical and green initiatives is a cornerstone of our operations,” Mr Cerra said. “It’s not just about certifications; it’s about making a positive impact on the environment and ensuring a legacy of sustainability.” Certification through Responsible Wood provides a credible framework for companies devoted to eco-friendly operations. Austpaper and DIY Resolutions and Australian Brushware Corporation serve as exemplary models of this dedication, contributing significantly to a greener future. Mr de Jongh expressed his optimism about these engagements. “It’s heartening to see organisations like Austpaper and DIY Resolutions and Australian Brushware Corporation prioritising responsible wood sourcing,” he said. “Their commitment not only aligns with environmental goals but also enhances brand credibility and consumer trust.” As we navigate an evolving market, sustainability transcends being a mere trend; it’s a responsibility. By supporting certified entities like Austpaper and DIY Resolutions and Australian Brushware Corporation, we collectively drive positive change and safeguard our planet. The dedication of these organisations serves as a beacon, inspiring others to champion certification as catalysts for sustainable practices. The collaboration between Responsible Wood and its certificate holders underscores the crucial role of certification in promoting environmental responsibility. Austpaper and DIY Resolutions and Australian Brushware Corporation showcase that by prioritising responsible wood sourcing and embracing eco-friendly practices, businesses can contribute to a harmonious balance between industry growth and environmental stewardship. Let’s continue to champion these efforts and work towards a future where sustainability is not just a choice but a fundamental responsibility.

In a bid to foster sustainable plantation expansion and address barriers in the Murray Region Forestry Hub, the recently completed Plantation Land Suitability Analysis (MURR-2022-014) provides crucial insights for government consideration. Source: Timberbiz The Plantation Land Suitability Analysis was completed as part of a suite of reports that forms an understanding of the available and suitable land for the purpose of plantation establishment. The report aims to assist the reader and decision makers to analyse the barriers to plantation expansion in the Murray Region Forestry Hub area. This report utilizes data from the Climate Forecast Model project that was completed in 2021. The report considers the following focal groups, as determined as significant by industry for the purpose of growing Radiata Pine, to determine the feasibility or suitability of land for plantation expansion: Biophysical parameters for suitable plantation growth Physical constraints that restrict plantation location Permit zones and other considerations Land value. Read MRFH Advice to Government here. Read full report here.

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association wants all candidates in the upcoming March 23 State election to support the state’s forestry sector being included in next year’s fire control plan. Source: Timberbiz Speaking at the launch of the second of its four key priorities for this election – Climate Change and the Fire Threat – TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said forestry has a key role to play in keeping Tasmanians safe. “It still too early to be sure, but we’re hoping we may have dodged a bullet in the 2024 fire season,” Mr Steel said. “But moving forward it’s key that our private estate owners are included in the Tasmanian fire preparation. “Our private estate owners control over 400,000 hectares of Tasmania’s forest estate. As such important landholders it’s vital that they are given the same technology and support that the public estate receives. “Our estate owners need to be included in the fire coordination network, as well as being included in the TasGRN network rollout, which provides up-to-date communication technology to those on the fire ground.” As well as asking to be included in the fire planning going forward, the TFPA would like all candidates to recognise the important role that forestry has to play in meeting our climate change obligations. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has already recognised that a well-managed production forest is the best way to sequester carbon,” Mr Steel said. “That’s why we’re asking the new government to charge the State’s Climate Change Office to audit the State’s forests to better understand the benefits of the estate, and report of any threats or opportunities to leverage responsible forestry to further harnessed forestry’s carbon sequestration opportunities.”

Key Tasmanian Forest industry figures are pushing a radical proposal to allow logging of some of the state’s contentious forests in return for most being protected under Indigenous custodianship. Source: The Australian The concept discussed last month in behind-the-scenes talks involving industry, conservation and Aboriginal figures would see all but 50,000ha of 356,000ha of the most contested forests passed to Indigenous control. In return, the remaining 50,000ha would be made available for harvesting by a logging industry concerned it is running out of suitable native timber. The concept was discussed at the Mona Forest Economics Congress in November and again at a more intimate gathering at Marion Bay, southeast of Hobart, on 11 January. It remains highly contentious, with some conservationists staunchly opposed and accusing industry of “blackwashing” and seeking to “wedge” them against the Indigenous community. The 356,000ha of forests, including parts of takayna/Tarkine, Bruny Island and Blue Tier, were protected under the 2012 forest “peace deal” but later earmarked by government for “potential future” logging. Industry representatives involved in the discussions included Shawn Britton, acting chair of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association, and the organisation’s chief executive, Nick Steel. Mr Britton said while the association did not yet have a position on the concept, he believed it had some support and should be further developed. “It was an idea that had some reasonable interest and support and was an idea worthy of taking further,” he said. “I’m sure it will be discussed again. Resource security is always an issue. The industry will advocate and back a government that’s going to give the ­industry and its people secure resource outcomes.” Another industry participant, former Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon, said the concept was “worth exploring”. Mr Gordon, who has close ties with the ALP, said he had since had “general” discussions with some Labor figures about the idea. Having been involved in Indigenous timber projects in East Arnhem Land, he believed it could address a shortage of specialty timbers, while involving Aboriginal people in land management. Aboriginal elder Jimmy Everett, one of three Indigenous figures involved in the talks, said he opposed any logging of old growth but land handbacks would be supported. “We’ve never knocked back any land for return to the ­Aboriginal community, that’s for sure,” Mr Everett said. Most conservationists remain opposed to any logging inside the 356,000ha, known as Future Potential Production Forest, or FPPF. “I am absolutely horrified – this is an attempt to make it look like we can hand back Aboriginal ownership of forests but that there has to be a compromise with that,” said Jenny Weber, Bob Brown Foundation campaign manager. “No way is that OK. There shouldn’t have been any talk of logging the FPPF. Those forests are all high conservation value and should have been protected.” The foundation supported Aboriginal ownership without logging trade-offs. “This is definitely a very worrying move by the industry,” Ms Weber said. “It’s a wedge.” The future of the 356,000ha is set to be a state election issue, with Resources Minister Felix Ellis not ruling any option in or out. “We continue to work closely with industry as to if or when it might be necessary to make some of these forests available to Tasmanian sawmills,” Mr Ellis said. Labor resources spokesman Shane Broad said it was “not proposing any changes” to the forests’ status. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said her party “fully supported” Aboriginal land returns but that all 356,000ha should, as intended in 2012, be protected as national park.

The city of Bonn in Germany has been granted the title of “European Forest City 2024” by the European Forest Institute. Mayor Katja Dörner received the official certificate from EFI Director Robert Mavsar. Source: Timberbiz The award recognises the importance of forests for the city and its residents, as well as the city’s reputation for research and communication on forest-related topics. “By granting Bonn the European Forest City award, EFI is honouring not only the special connection between the city and its forests, but also its leading role as an international science and communication centre for forest-related topics. The city is making a significant contribution to raising awareness of the crucial role of forests in the fight against climate change,” Mr Mavsar said. The Mayor of Bonn Ms Dörner said she was very pleased Bonn was named European Forest City 2024 by the European Forest Institute. “Bonn’s sustainable approach to its forest areas and trees makes a valuable contribution to reducing the consequences of and adapting to the climate crisis. EFI builds a bridge between Bonn as a green city and a science city, and fits perfectly into Bonn’s biodiversity profile,” she said.

Tigercat will debut a prototype machine that will advance steep slope harvesting. Based on the 855E platform, the LS857 shovel logger represents a reimagining by Tigercat designers of what a steep slope carrier should look like. Source: Timberbiz The result is a machine with more leveling capability, superior cable management in winch assisted applications, and a series of design enhancements including increased boom lift and improvements to service access. The switch to in-tank hydraulic filters improves filtration and extends service intervals, and the shape of the fuel tank increases useable volume. The LS857 will be equipped with Tigercat’s new live heel feller-director boom set. This new boom system is the best of all worlds with nearly 11 m (36 ft) reach, a live heel for added utility, and the versatile and highly productive 5195 directional felling saw pinned to the end of it.

Deere & Company announced that it has named Mary Pat Tubb as the new Vice President of Worldwide Forestry. Tubb succeeds Timo Ylänen, who after three decades of exceptional leadership and service, will retire. Source: Timberbiz Ms Tubb will be responsible for the overall management and performance of Deere & Company’s global forestry business. She steps into the role with extensive experience and background. Ms Tubb has spent 25 years at John Deere, most recently serving as the General Manager of John Deere Construction and Forestry at Davenport Works in Davenport, Iowa, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the company’s operations and market demands. “It is an honour for me to be joining the forestry team,” said Ms Tubb. “The passionate commitment and expertise of this team are the right ingredients for the ongoing advancement and growth of the forestry business. I am excited about the opportunity to lead and contribute to the next chapter of innovation and growth in this sector.” “Mary Pat Tubb brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to her new roles. We are confident that under her direction, John Deere’s forestry division will continue to thrive and redefine industry standards, further cementing our position as a global leader in the market,” D. Campbell, President of Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems, said. Ms Tubb started her career with John Deere as a Tractor Field Test Engineer in Waterloo, Iowa after graduating from University of Minnesota with a degree in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. She has since received a Master of Engineering in Professional Practice from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an Executive MBA from Duke University.  

The Wood Guys one of the Tasmania’s largest retailers of premium Tasmanian timber, is on the market for the first time since its establishment in 2005. Source: Timberbiz In the heart of Tasmania, a unique opportunity awaits those who dream of owning a piece of the island’s speciality retail market. “Specialty timber is a valuable and finite resource. We currently have a huge stockpile of Tasmanian specialty timber, all sawn and air-dried, ready for use, which is now irreplaceable, given the recent changes in the industry,” said Holly Smillie, the current owner. This stockpile not only secures a sustainable supply for years to come but also presents an enticing investment opportunity amidst the soaring prices of specialty timber. The Wood Guys currently operates from two retail locations, with a prime showroom in Derwent Park and a smaller outlet in Devonport. What sets The Wood Guys apart is not just the quality of their products but the versatility of the business model. “The beauty of this business is you can do as much or as little as you like. It is the perfect husband wife business, with one doing the milling, machining, workshop work, while the other does the showroom-marketing side of things, or you could employ a manager and workshop staff and sit back, reaping the rewards,” Ms Smillie said. The business not only caters to the local market but has also garnered attention on the mainland, with increasing demand for expansion. For prospective buyers, the allure lies not only in the exquisite range of Tasmanian specialty timbers like Huon pine, sassafras, myrtle, celery top pine, blackwood, King Billy, and more but also in the beautiful handmade woodwork sourced from Tasmania’s finest craftspeople. “We have completed many notable commissions – new kitchen for the CEO of Estee Lauder, a custom table for Harvey Norman, timber for the Emirates Wolgan Valley resort (Australia’s only 6-star resort), a commission for the Archbishop of Australia, and many more,” Ms Smillie said. “The only reason we are selling is due to serious health issues. The business is growing at a rapid rate, and our health is impacting our ability to progress.”

Australia is set to commence construction on little more than a million new homes over the next five years, almost 200,000 short of the Australian government’s target. Source: Timberbiz “It is possible to build 1.2 million new homes over five years, but it will require significant policy reforms. These reforms need to include lowering taxes on home building, easing pressures on construction costs, and decreasing land costs,” HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt said. “As it stands, both the detached housing and multi-units markets are set to be recovering in 2024/25 from recent decade lows,” he said. Mr Devitt said that a cut to the cash rate this year was increasingly uncertain as unemployment remained low and inflation “increasingly sticky”. “The recovery in home building isn’t, however, reliant on a cut to the cash rate, but a more stable interest rate outlook. Pent up demand for housing will allow market confidence to grow and buyers to return to the market,” he said. “This recovery will, nonetheless, be insufficient to meet government housing targets as long as home building continues to be constrained by punitive taxes and regulations.” Punitive tax surcharges on foreign investors were squeezing out precisely the investment needed to help meet government housing targets and at the same time recent changes to building codes were likely to add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building new homes. “More effort is also needed to increase the capacity of the industry. Access to skilled labour from overseas will remain crucial, as will the need to train and upskill our existing workforce. More support for apprenticeships, including maintaining current apprenticeship subsidies, will go a long way in this direction,” Mr Devitt said. “Reforms in these areas would represent a material upside risk to this housing outlook and could see Australia exceed the government’s target and potentially build sufficient homes to meet demand.” Detached house commencements: An annual total of 96,250 detached house commencements in expected for 2023/24, down by 12.6% on the previous year and down by almost a third on the 2020/21 peak. This will mark the trough of the cycle and the weakest financial year since 2012/13, over a decade earlier. Commencements are expected to remain weak at 97,800 in 2024/25, just a 1.6% improvement, before recovering and exceeding 110,000 by 2026/27. Multi-unit commencements: Multi-unit commencements are expected to total 72,010 in 2023/24, up by 14.1% on the 63,100 trough and 11-year low in 2022/23. The recovery in multi-unit commencements is expected to continue, up by 23.1% to 88,610 in 2024/25 and reaching almost 100,000 by 2026/27 before moderating back to 96,230 by 2027/28.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is set to launch an on-road targeted operation, focused on mechanical safety and compliance with mass, dimension and loading requirements of heavy vehicles operating in support of the construction sector. Source: Timberbiz NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the operation will run for four weeks across NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, ACT, and TAS. “Throughout the operation, we will prioritise education in the first instance to ensure operators and drivers have a clear understanding of the risks associated with non-compliance during heavy vehicle transport activities in the construction industry, and know how to manage them,” Mr Salvati said. “Drivers and operators should always be practicing safe behaviours, such as implementing a daily check list to ensure the mechanical safety of vehicles, or utilising measuring devices, such as tape measures or height sticks, to confirm the vehicle and its load are within allowable dimensions. “Managing safety risks can help prevent injuries and fatalities, avoid financial loss for the business, evade legal sanctions, enhance business reputation, and create a culture where informed safety decisions are made.” Reflecting on last year’s construction focused national operation, Mr Salvati provided insights into the compliance outcomes. “In the last operation, from 1 March to 15 April 2023, the NHVR’s on-road officers inspected more than 1,200 vehicles, and we saw encouraging signs of compliance,” Mr Salvati said. “Overall, 56.4% of heavy construction vehicles were compliant across all HVNL categories, with especially high compliance across mass and loading. “The results however, in the mechanical compliance category were indicative of the work we still have to do. “Of the defective components identified, the most serious were in brakes, body and chassis, while others were found in lights and reflectors.” Mr Salvati said the regulator is urging all operators and drivers working in the construction industry to keep safety front of mind. “Heavy vehicle hazards in the construction industry traditionally include loads not being properly restrained, vehicles exceeding mass or dimension limits and of course, the mechanical safety of vehicles, especially heavy rigid truck, and trailer combinations. “These may seem like standard risks, but they are amplified especially on a construction site by time pressures, constant loading and unloading, and the frequency of travel alongside other motorists on major roads and thoroughfares.”

FWPA has revamped its website. The brand-new site houses a comprehensive library of research reports, resources, data and tools created by FWPA to support the success of its members and the broader sector. Source: Timberbiz The new website is intuitive, and specifically designed for simplicity and an improved user experience. Its powerful combination of enhanced navigation capabilities, outstanding search functionality, and comprehensive indexing enables visitors to find the information they need more easily than ever before. Head of Marketing and Communications at FWPA Sarah Downey said the organisation is committed to actively supporting and delivering benefit for members and the industry, and this new website is one of the many ways it is delivering on that promise. “We heard what members and stakeholders need from the FWPA website and we are proud to present a platform that we believe will exceed their expectations,” she said. Whether you’re looking for general information about FWPA, current projects, past research reports, or resources based on specific keywords, the friendly redesign ensures quick and easy access to the information. The website is a showcase for the many programs, projects, resources and tools created for members and the broader industry. To enhance the user experience, the FWPA has organised an immense amount of information into three distinct sections. Resources is where you find all past research reports, webinars and support tools. Research is the place for research and information relating to current projects, funding opportunities and investment plans. Industry Info is home to all the industry data from our statistics and economics program to support decision making and business planning for members and industry. Visit the new website at www.fwpa.com.au

New Forests has announced the first investment for its Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 (TAFF2), investing in conserving and restoring the Kuan Kreng Landscape (KKL) in Thailand, which holds the country’s second largest peat swamp forest area. Source: Timberbiz The KKL has an area of 70,715 hectares and spans three provinces in southern Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. More than 60,000 local people depend on fishing and other non-timber forest products from the peat swamp forests for sustenance and livelihoods. Two thirds of the KKL peat swamp forest is degraded due to drainage canal networks associated with agricultural land use, which lowers water tables and causes GHG emissions from peat oxidation. Fires can also contribute to transboundary haze that reduces air quality in local communities and urban areas such as Bangkok. New Forests has established a local entity, Restore Nature (Thailand), which works closely with the Thai government and community groups to design and implement a project that aims to raise the ground water table in select areas through the construction of semi-permanent canal blocks; the implementation of revegetation and enrichment planting to create a biodiversity corridor to support the distribution of fauna and flora; the restoration of part of the degraded peat swamp forests; and the development of an integrated fire management program. The project will also seek to design and develop a carbon project to protect and restore degraded peatland and peat swamp forest in the landscape, improve biodiversity, and enhance local community livelihoods. Approximately 40% of the KKL landscape is suitable for a carbon project and according to projections, has the potential to generate on average over 500,000 carbon credits per year. “KKL is one of Thailand’s largest peatland forest areas with rich flora and fauna and is home to species who are important on a global scale,” Geoffrey Seeto, Managing Director, New Forests Asia said. “Implementing impact activities related to climate change, support for communities and rural livelihoods, and protection and enhancement of biodiversity are in alignment with TAFF2’s impact objectives and our investors’ desire to invest in activities that have a positive impact on the environment and communities.” The groups involved in this project include the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and other relevant organisations. Restore Nature is supported by RECOFTC, an international non-profit working for resilient communities and sustainable and equitable forest landscapes, and a team of international and local consultants. Restore Nature, RECOFTC and its consultants, will collaborate with the relevant government authorities and communities to ensure the project’s success. The Restoration Seed Capital Facility (RSCF) is also providing support to TAFF2 for the development of the project. Investors in TAFF2 include Mitsui, Nomura, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Australian government, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SuMi TRUST), Temasek and TotalEnergies.  

Bega Valley Shire Council will investigate a proposal to reduce the “bureaucracy” around allowing native forest logging on private land, despite concerns that the move could allow a “free for all”. Source: about regional The issue saw an emotional debate between councillors at their meeting on Wednesday (20 February) before only two ultimately voted against the move. However, councillors were divided when it came to a motion to support the region’s forestry industry in general, with Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick having to use his casting vote to break the deadlock to pass this as well. The main motion was to hold a workshop for councillors to discuss the logistics around a proposal to allow landowners to have their land logged for forestry without seeking approval from council. This would apply for land listed as RU2 – Rural Landscape, which council staff said covered about 44,626 hectares in the shire, and landowners would apparently still have to seek approval from Local Land Services. “All this motion is doing is taking away one level of bureaucracy,” Cr Fitzpatrick said. He said it was an area where council did not need to have any role and the motion was about giving farmers an opportunity – an opportunity which they might not choose to take up. “All it allows them to do is go straight to Local Land Services,” the mayor said. Cr Tony Allen agreed the move was about reducing a level of administration and called it a “long overdue change”. “The logging industry is totally sustainable. Trees regrow,” he said. But the Greens’ Deputy Mayor Cathy Griff thought the proposed amendment to Bega Local Environmental Plan 2013 could create a “free for all”. “This is about individuals making money at the expense of the environment that we live in,” she said. A public meeting that morning had shown there were incredibly opposing views on the issue and there was no basis to make opinions on the matter when councillors hadn’t read the research, Cr Griff said. But the only councillors who voted against the motion were Crs Griff and Liz Seckold, which meant it was carried and the workshop will go ahead. Earlier, the councillors had also debated a motion that wanted council to recognise the role of state forests and the native timber sector in enhancing the health, accessibility and protection of the shire’s forests. Cr Griff wanted to defer the motion pending a workshop to better inform councillors about the issue, arguing it was not something that should be determined at short notice, nor was it even in the purview of local government. “I’m really quite amazed the council would consider this is the way we’d do business. It isn’t,” she said. She argued there were “completely fanciful” employment figures included in the motion, as it claimed the sector provided 2230 employment opportunities on the NSW South Coast and thought tourists to the area would be “appalled” by the destruction in the local forests. Cr Griff also said the nearby Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven shires had passed motions stating their opposition to native forest logging for tourism and other reasons. Labor’s Cr Helen O’Neill said while the timber industry was viable in NSW, it had to be managed well. She agreed with Cr Griff that councillors needed to investigate further before they passed a broad motion. But Cr Fitzpatrick said council had passed a similar motion in the past and all this was about was reaffirming council’s support for forestry. He and councillors Tony Allen, Mitchell Nadin and David Porter voted in favour while the remaining four opposed it, which resulted in the mayor needing to use his casting vote to carry the motion.

The board for the establishment and management of the $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) research institute has been appointed. Source: Timberbiz To be chaired by former Forestry Australia president Bob Gordon, the board will comprise Diana Gibbs, Christine Briggs, Heidi Dungey, Brian Farmer, Michael O’Connor, Rachael Cavanagh, Andrew Leighton, Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra and Andrew Wilson. The board will also be supported by a Research Advisory Committee which is expected to be established shortly. The AFWI is a collaboration between the Australian Government and the University of Tasmania, committed to advancing research and innovation to support Australia’s forest and wood product industries. It will undertake an annual call for research projects into efforts to: increase domestic timber and wood fibre supply, maximise use and value from our exiting resource and learn more about enhancing sustainable forest management as a means to increase understanding and action on how the forest products sector can play a stronger role in being part of the solution to climate change. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the appointment of the board is the next step in establishing AFWI. “The appointment of the Board will allow the strategic direction and research priorities of AFWI to be finalised, which means AFWI funded research will shortly begin,” Minister Watt said. “This research will help to support our Australian forest and wood product industries, as well as our journey to generate greater value from our sustainable forestry industries, forests are fantastic carbon stores, after all. “The investment in AFWI will support innovation and research that will change the way we use wood to benefit our community into the future. “The establishment of the Board will help turbocharge this innovation.” Acting Australian Forest Products Association CEO Richard Hyett congratulated the newly appointed board. “It’s terrific to see AFWI’s continued progress, particularly given AFPA’s key role in securing Commonwealth funding for the Institute ahead of the 2022 Federal Election,” he said. “I congratulate Minister Watt on marshalling this excellent board of forestry sector professionals. “We welcome the inclusion of Michael O’Connor with his incredible depth of knowledge and former AFPA chair and current director, Diana Gibbs,” he said. “AFPA played an important role in the genesis of the AFWI, so it’s particularly satisfying to witness the progress. “AFPA, through our own membership and expertise will work with the AFWI to ensure well-formed research priorities and projects,” Mr Hyett said. “Forest products sector innovation will be greatly spurred by the AFWI, the market possibilities it could help drive are truly exciting and it will help Australia’s competitiveness in our sector.” The AFWI board will be chaired by Mr Bob Gordon who will be joined by fellow board members: Ms Diana Gibbs Ms Christine Briggs Dr Heidi Dungey Mr Brian Farmer Mr Michael O’Connor Ms Rachael Cavanagh Mr Andrew Leighton Dr Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra Mr Andrew Wilson