Australian timber industry news

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

Washington State University researchers have received a two-year grant to make more resilient and durable housing materials from thermally-modified cross laminated timber (CLT) and recycled carbon fibre. Source: Timberbiz The researchers, including Pouria Bahmani, assistant professor and Karl Englund,  research professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with Hui Li, assistant research professor in the Composite Materials & Engineering Centre, are collaborating with Composite Recycling Technology Centre (CRTC) in Port Angeles and Construction Engineering Research Laboratory to explore ways to use advanced thermally-modified CLT material in deployable structures, with a goal of extending its application to single and two-storey residential buildings. As part of the project, the researchers will analyse the structure and materials and evaluate the possibility of mass-producing these panels, a one-of-a-kind initiative in the Pacific Northwest. “One primary objective of this project is to develop methods for connecting the panels together, facilitating the construction of modular and deployable structures,” Bahmani said. “We utilize steel connections and will conduct thorough testing to ensure the safety and durability of these structures.” CLT is an engineered wood product typically used for construction. It consists of layers of wood boards stacked in alternating directions and bonded together with structural adhesives. This cross-lamination technique enhances the strength and stability of the timber panels, allowing them to bear heavy loads and resist deformation. Testing thermally-modified wood lumber at the PACCAR structural laboratory at WSU. CLT is renowned for its sustainability, as it is often made from fast-growing trees. It offers several advantages over traditional construction materials, including faster construction times, reduced environmental impact, and excellent thermal properties. The wood product has gained popularity worldwide as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to concrete, steel, and other conventional building materials.  Because it’s lightweight compared to other construction materials, using CLT in modular construction and building projects can also save energy during transportation. The CRTC has been developing advanced CLT timber that uses thermally modified western hemlock in its formulation. Thermal modification makes the wood more resistant to decay and increases its durability. The researchers have been working to strengthen the thermally modified wood by adding repurposed carbon fibre composites to the CLT panels. Carbon fibre composite materials are used in many modern products, from aircraft parts to wind turbine blades to fishing rods. “We are currently focused on exploring the thermal modification process for western hemlock species to create modular, durable, and deployable structures constructed from thermally treated CLT panels,” he said.

A new EU funded project MoniFun (2024-2027) aims to establish the blueprint for a comprehensive European Forest Multifunctionality Monitoring System (EFMMS). The EFMMS deals with the challenges posed by climate change and environmental stressors on Europe’s forests. Source: Timberbiz “The need for such an initiative has arisen due to lack of harmonized European-level information required by policymakers and other stakeholders regarding the multifaceted aspects of forests. These aspects encompass properties related to forest resources, and the connection of forests with society, climate and biodiversity to support progress towards climate action and reversing biodiversity loss,” said Project Coordinator Lauri Mehtätalo from Natural Resource Institute Finland. The project will use a multi-actor approach to ensure the wide applicability of the monitoring system, addressing the information needs of various institutions and stakeholders. MoniFun aims at mapping the essential information needs and responding to these using data with sufficient quality and the most suitable data sources, such as remote sensing, national forest inventories and other existing data sources. Key innovations in MoniFun are tools that can efficiently combine these data sources using semi-automatic methods without a need to risk the confidentiality of the original data sets. To address methodological challenges, MoniFun will develop harmonized solutions, maximizing the system’s applicability. EFI leads a task in WP2 in which expert indicator definitions and methods for monitoring forest multifunctionality will be developed. “This task focuses on wood material flows and the related climate and socioeconomic impacts. More specific, we will develop methodological guidance for improving the tracking of wood flows and as a result the understanding and monitoring of the effects of wood use via connecting wood flows with end-use sectoral data. This will help us better assess the sustainability of wood products and their carbon storage potentials, as well as the effects on society,” said EFI Researcher Cleo Orfanidou. In addition, EFI will contribute on the indicator definition on socioeconomic demands for ecosystem services. Furthermore, EFI will help in identifying user and policy needs for monitoring forest multifunctionality (WP1), and EFI will also launch and manage grants to third parties to test and validate solution developed in MoniFun. MoniFun has 13 project partners from 11 European countries and is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program.

Highlights of joint outlook report by Russ Taylor Global and Margules Groome Consulting addresses key softwood and hardwood topics, issues and outlooks. This new report, China Forest, Log & Lumber Report: Supply, Demand & Prices to 2030/2035, shows China will again become a significant growth market for softwoods especially for lumber. Source: Timberbiz The Chinese hardwood pulp sector will also see substantial growth with important fibre sourcing implications and opportunities. Some key trends and questions answered in the report are as follows: Softwoods: China’s softwood lumber demand peaked in 2019, a level unlikely to be reached for a very long time. Demand will increase slowly, but only by about 20% from 2023 to 2035. Lumber imports will surge over the forecast period by 50-75% to offset supply limited declining log imports. Log imports peaked in 2021 and are forecast to decline by more than 50% from the 2021 level by 2035. While 2024 will likely be lacklustre, recovering demand, low inventories and tight log supplies mean that prices will rise. Hardwoods: China’s hardwood eucalyptus plantation estate has expanded exponentially and based on size is now on par with Brazil. This expansion allows for more domestic supply than many would expect. The analysis shows that there are opportunities now for China to re-align and optimise its hardwood value chain. The hardwood pulp industry is forecast to increase consumption from ~20 Mt in 2023 to ~31 Mt by 2035. For more information about the report contact  Russ Taylor at russtaylor@russtaylorglobal.com or visit: https://russtaylorglobal.com/report-china-log-lumber-outlook-to-2035/

Thousands of people flocked to the popular Heyfield Timber Festival on the weekend of 17-18 February 2024. Source: Timberbiz The Heyfield Timber Festival has been running since 2021, and Heyfield Fire Brigade has supported the event every year. Heyfield Fire Brigade members attended this year’s Heyfield Timber Festival to entertain locals and pass on fire safety information. Heyfield brigade members spoke to more than 1,500 people and provide not only fire safety information and important resources, they also made sure there was a lot of fun for the children. The brigade made wooden fire trucks to provide an additional activity for the children, who raced each other squirting the trucks with hoses. This was a huge hit. “This has been the biggest year yet. The brigade did such a fantastic job and was so well received by the community,” Brigade Training Officer and key organiser Phil Graham said. “Next year the organisers might extend the festival for an extra day because of its popularity.”

Scion’s Rotorua headquarters has gone head-to-head with the Silicon Valley campus of top tech company Google and come out on top. The Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development was presented to Scion’s Innovation hub Te Whare Nui o Tuteata. Source: Timberbiz Designed by RTA Studios and Irving Smith Architects, it was a finalist alongside Google Bay View in the United States designed by Danish studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and London-based Heatherwick Studio. This week, Jeremy Smith of Irving Smith Architects gave BIG partner Kai-Uwe Bergmann the grand tour of the Rotorua building while Bergmann was visiting New Zealand for an architecture conference. Walking through the doors of Te Whare Nui o Tuteata for the first time, Bergmann says he was struck by the timber building’s warmth. “Being a finalist in the same category is a great honour. The Dubai award celebrates work that innovates the building industry and Te Whare Nui o Tuteata and Google’s building both achieve that.” The awards were held for the first time since 2019 in Dubai at the World Governments Summit. They featured five categories and attracted almost 3000 entries from around the globe. The Most Beautiful, Innovative and Iconic Building category recognises iconic, smart, innovative, human-centric sustainable projects that innovatively combine green design and construction practices with modern architectural excellence. The win adds to the list of more than 20 national and international awards Te Whare Nui o Tuteata has taken home since opening in 2021. The building’s name, meaning the great house of Tuteata, acknowledges Tuteata who is the ancestor of the three hapū who are the tangata whenua here: Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu. The name was gifted to Scion by those three hapū. The three-storey 2000 sq m building was built using a diagrid timber structure using less material than traditional structures. Scion tested the strength of the diagrid components. The building has also been designed to be carbon-zero meaning it stores as much carbon as was emitted during its construction. Google Bay View opened in 2022 on a 42-acre site in Silicon Valley. It consists of three buildings totalling 1.1 million sq ft including two workspace buildings, an events centre and accommodation. The campus aims to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030 and renewable energy and solar potential were prioritised. Globally, the built environment is responsible for about 40% of energy related carbon emissions. Bergmann says architects are increasingly finding new ways to incorporate timber into their multi-storey designs, but more education is needed. “We look at the operational energy of a building often but more important is the embodied energy, and that’s the building materials that we use. Fortunately, we are at a time when timber is an option,” he says. “There are structural advancements and pre-engineered wood manufacturing advancements happening alongside changes to building codes. High rises built using timber are getting up to 20 or 30 floors tall around the world.” Irving says winning the award is fantastic. “It feels amazing to be doing this kind of innovative work and to get noticed internationally. This building is achieving exactly what Scion is doing with its research – having an impact on the world stage.” Scion’s Forests to Timber Products general manager Henri Bailleres says the win solidifies the building as an “international timber architecture icon”. He says the building was carefully designed in a process involving engineers, architects, designers and Scion scientists, and collaboration was the key to success. “It’s an iconic building because there are a lot of elements attached to it. There are the Māori cultural elements, innovative design elements, seismic resistance, elegant design and maximal use of timber. “It’s a showcase technically and aesthetically of what can be done with timber,” he says. “It couldn’t have been done without having this synergy.” He says Scion led the sustainable building charge and this had flow-on effects, with the new Fisher and Paykel global headquarters being designed by RTA Studios using similar principles of sustainability and timber technology. RTA design lead Rich Naish accepted the award in Dubai and says it is a “great honour” to receive recognition on the world stage for innovation developed in New Zealand with partners. “What I believe has been recognised is a prototype for change to mitigate the effects of climate change in the construction industry, not just applicable to our region but the whole world. “Being present at the World Government Summit in Dubai provided acute relevance to me, the intent of this region of the world with UN Habitat to find immediate sustainable architectural solutions for our future.”

ABARES Outlook Conference is the place for ideas and evidence to progress issues that affect the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sector. The redesigned event for 2024 is hybrid and this year’s theme is Shaping the Future: Opportunities, risks, and resilience. Source: Timberbiz This reflects a commitment to explore the critical issues that will define the future of Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. The challenges we face today, such as climate change, evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global trade dynamics, require us to adapt and innovate continuously. The conference is the perfect arena to discuss how we can navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities they present. “Attendees can choose to participate either in-person at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra or virtually from their homes or offices,” Dr Greenville ABARES Executive Director said. “Discounted, early bird registrations are now open, and we’re pleased to be offering flexible registrations so people can choose to join us in-person or online closer to the date. “We’re looking forward to people coming together for thought-provoking sessions and discussions, all geared towards advancing sustainable, productive, and resilient practices in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. “The conference is also a great opportunity for participants to build new connections and collaborative working relationships.” ABARES Outlook 2024 will bring together 60 Australian and international speakers and panellists from industry and government in Canberra and online across 12 sessions. Delegates will dive into the diverse issues shaping the future of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries. ABARES outlook 2024 will be held on 5-6 March at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and online https://www.agriculture.gov.au/event/abares-outlook Registrations are open.

US hardwood lumber exports to Australia increased by 22% in 2023 to a value of US$21million according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture. Source: Timberbiz While American white oak continues to dominate, its lesser-known cousin, American red oak, has shown extraordinary growth over the 12-month period. In 2023 Australia imported nearly 9000 cubic metres of red oak which is the most abundant species in the American hardwood forest. Readily available, and of a consistently high quality, red oak has similar characteristics to white oak in terms of strength and stability, but its more open grain means it is more suitable for staining which makes it a more versatile choice. “We’ve had a significant amount of interest in red oak from the savvier specifiers in Australia recently,” Regional Director for the American Hardwood Export Council Rod Wiles said. The American Hardwood Export Council is an international trade association for the US hardwood industry, representing exporters among US hardwood companies and all the major US. AHEC runs a worldwide program to promote American hardwoods in more than 50 export markets, concentrating on providing architects, specifiers, designers, and end-users with technical information on the range of species, products and sources of supply. In addition, AHEC also produces a full range of technical publications. “They recognise its quality and value and have anticipated the shift in demand resulting from the changes in native logging that came into force this year.” The new figures also show growth for other underutilised but available species including American cherry and American maple which have seen volume increase by 650% and 110% respectively. “Australia and New Zealand remain important markets for us,” Mr Wiles said. “Not only does the demand continue to be strong but the importers, manufacturers, designers and architects are very sophisticated in their understanding and use of different species. “They appreciate the advantages and limitations and also value the strong and proven environmental credentials of US hardwoods. We are delighted that our industry can supply raw materials that meet their exacting needs.”

Adding value to timber products on-island is essential to supporting local Tasmanian forestry businesses, jobs across the state, and regional and rural communities, according to the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA). Source: Timberbiz Speaking at the official launch of the first-priority in the TFPA Election Wishlist – Supporting Tasmanian Businesses in the lead-up to the State Elections in Tasmania on 23 March Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said embracing a homegrown timber future policy is essential for the future prosperity of the state and its sustainable timber industry. “Encouraging on-island processing, growing the value of our products in Tasmania, and increasing regional and rural jobs is essential to supporting a sustainable timber industry, and must be at the forefront for all political parties during this election,” Mr Steel said. “That’s why today we’re calling on all political parties to stand with the timber industry and back our sustainable and respected businesses. There’s much government can do to ensure our industry continues to support the Tasmanian community. “As our resource moves to more plantation volume, we’re asking for the establishment of a long-rotation plantation forestry conversion fund, as well as grants to re-tool and re-skill our processing businesses – to make the best use of the new resource split,” Mr Steel said. “We’d also like to see a commitment to the development of new ways to process lower category logs in Tasmania, as well as a commitment to roll out the remaining funds under the On-Island Processing Grant Program to the whole industry. “Showing off the value of our state’s timber is essential, so we’re also asking all political parties to further commit to and fund the Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board. “There’s a lot that can be done to improve the timber industry in Tasmania, and we’re committed to working with all political parties to make sure the 5,500 Tasmanians employed by our businesses can succeed into the future,” Mr Steel said. The TFPA Election Wishlist can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/4bPyfDF

In the wake of COP28’s landmark agreement and the global push for sustainability, the Australian construction industry is at a pivotal crossroads. The Buildings Breakthrough initiative, launched at COP28 with support from 27 nations, has underscored the urgent need to transform the sector. The building and construction industry is responsible for almost 21% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, and its impact must not be ignored. While Australia may not be among Building Breakthrough’s initial list of supporting nations, the industry must nevertheless brace itself for a net-zero future. Timber, being a natural carbon sink, has an important role to play a pivotal role in sequestering carbon dioxide. As the construction sector strives for net-zero emissions, the timber industry’s inherent capacity to absorb and store carbon positions it as a sustainable and low-carbon alternative, contributing significantly to the overarching goal. Large construction firms are embracing sustainability targets, driving a shift towards eco-friendly construction equipment. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are responding to the call for cleaner alternatives, moving away from diesel to embrace battery, hydrogen, and other environmentally conscious power sources. Battery-powered equipment not only reduces carbon emissions but also helps to reduce noise pollution, creating a more environmentally friendly construction environment all around. Hydrogen, emerging as a viable alternative, produces electricity through a clean chemical reaction, emitting only water vapour as a by-product. Innovations extend beyond batteries and hydrogen, exploring hybrid systems and advanced biofuels. Hybrid construction equipment, combining traditional engines with electric or alternative power sources, optimises energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Lower-emission generators, solar battery generators, and solar-powered light towers are becoming commonplace on construction sites, offering renewable and silent power sources. As technology advances and economies of scale make cleaner alternatives economically viable, the initial investment in eco-friendly timber equipment becomes a strategic move for long-term operational and environmental benefits. While sharing economy giants like Airbnb and Uber often steal the circular economy spotlight, the timber industry has long recognised the sustainable value of equipment sharing. Embracing a circular economic model, which focuses on reuse, repurposing, remanufacturing and recycling, can help to reduce over-production, over-consumption, and waste. Hiring equipment has emerged as a powerful solution within the circular economy framework, offsetting unnecessary emissions. Companies adopting this approach prioritise maintenance, care, and extending equipment lifecycles, contributing significantly to reducing environmental impact. Builders can adopt similar principles, making sure tools are used to their full life span before they’re disposed of responsibly. For suppliers to align with customer and government demands related to emissions and sustainability, they must take a longer-term view when investing in new products. Over time, increased demand will help to drive technology adoption, replacing older machinery and making eco-friendly options more accessible for the broader building industry. It’s time for timber industry leaders to spearhead the shift towards net-zero, creating demand for sustainable equipment that, in turn, drives technological advancements. By doing so, the industry can carve the way for a greener and more sustainable future for the entire Australian construction industry. James Oxenham, CEO at HRIA James Oxenham is the CEO of the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) and the Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA). Having worked across the UK, Europe, and Australia, Mr Oxenham brings over 15 years of extensive industry experience to his role with the hire and rental sector’s peak industry body. With a background in management accounting, he has held pivotal roles at TUI AG Services Group (Spain), The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (UK), BB Retail Capital, and Aldi Stores in Australia. As the CEO of HRIA, Mr Oxenham drives industry excellence, focusing on training, operational efficiency, and safety standards. Under his stewardship, HRIA has experienced remarkable growth, establishing an EWPA Registered Training Organisation and pioneering digital training methods.

The news that US hardwood timber exports to Australia increased by 22% in 2023 with nearly 9000 cubic metres of red oak coming into the country should not come as a surprise to anyone. The end to native timber harvesting in Victoria and Western Australia has certainly had a massive flow-on effect. In Victoria alone, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods 30, 40-foot containers carrying American hardwood from the country’s north-east arrives in Heyfield. In 2017, ASH lost half its Vic Ash volume, which gradually diminished further to only three per cent of its supply in 2023. The Victorian situation has certainly amplified the significance of imported hardwood in Australia’s timber market. With restrictions on native timber, the demand for imported hardwood has surged, leading to a complex interplay of economic, environmental, and social factors. Conversely, Western Australia has continued with some native timber logging, albeit with stringent regulations aimed at sustainable forestry practices. While the WA State Government has implemented measures to promote sustainable forestry practices, questions remain about the long-term viability of native timber logging in the face of environmental concerns and shifting consumer preferences towards sustainability. The American Hardwood Export Council says that while it does not have data available linking the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria and WA to the boost in exports to Australia, “we think that that is a factor that has contributed to the increase in demand”. The importation of hardwood from the United States into Australia has obviously become a significant component of the timber industry. The demand for hardwood remains robust in various sectors, including construction, furniture manufacturing, and crafting. While Australia possesses its own native hardwood species, the allure of imported hardwood lies in its diverse range, quality, and sometimes lower cost. However, the reliance on imported hardwood has sparked debates regarding its environmental implications. Critics argue that the transportation of hardwood across oceans contributes to carbon emissions and exacerbates climate change. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the sustainability practices in the source countries. Despite certification systems like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring sustainable logging practices, questions linger about the actual enforcement and efficacy of such measures. Advocates of the ban argue that it encourages the exploration of sustainable alternatives, such as plantation-grown timber or innovative materials like bamboo. They contend that the ban serves as a pivotal step towards fostering a more sustainable and resilient timber industry, aligned with Australia’s commitments to combat climate change and preserve its natural heritage. However, critics argue that the ban merely shifts the environmental burden elsewhere, without addressing the underlying issues of consumption and resource management. They emphasize the need for comprehensive policies that tackle both the demand and supply sides of the timber industry, promoting responsible consumption while supporting sustainable forestry practices domestically and abroad. In navigating this complex landscape, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates must strive to strike a balance between economic interests, environmental conservation, and social welfare. Collaborative efforts towards promoting sustainable practices, investing in research and development, and fostering community engagement are essential to steer the timber industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future, both in Australia and globally.