Australian timber industry news

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is well placed to take on future challenges and opportunities, according to the latest ABARES Snapshot of Australian agriculture. Source: Timberbiz Sector value and production have continued to grow over the past 20 years with another strong performance expected in 2024-25. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the sector was looking resilient. “The agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are in a good position to respond to the challenges of climate variability, slowing productivity and global trade uncertainty,” Dr Greenville said. “The past 20 years have shown us that one of the main reasons for this success is the industry is flexible and responsive. Our farmers have been quick to change their practices for what consumers want and what the market is doing. “Gross value of agricultural production has increased by 34% in the past 20 years from $61.5 billion in 2004–05 to $82.4 billion in 2023–24. “When we include fisheries and forestry, the total value of production has increased by 30% in the same 20-year period from approximately $67.7 billion to $88.3 billion. “We also see strong growth in our exports. Last financial year, Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports were valued at $75.6 billion. “Employment in the sector has also been increasing. Australian agriculture employed 274,900 people on average over the four quarters to November 2024, up 6.7% from the previous year. “We saw average cash incomes for broadacre and dairy farms over the 3 years to 2023–24 were well above the averages for the previous 10 years, albeit with differences across the sectors. This reflects the record incomes recorded in most industries in 2021–22 following good seasonal conditions and high commodity prices, however, recently sheep specialists have seen below average incomes. “Global interest in emissions and sustainability is growing. Australian agriculture has strong sustainability credentials. The sector’s chemical and fertiliser use is at world best practice levels. Australia also has remarkably low on-farm emissions per unit of agricultural output.” Australian agriculture has benefited from five decades of sustained productivity growth. However, since 2000, broadacre farm productivity growth has slowed up and there is more volatility. Productivity growth will remain important for the sector to compete in international markets where competition is high and prices can quickly change. “It’s a reminder to not get complacent. We need to make sure policy encourages competitiveness, investment is going to research and development, and the sector stays responsive to changes in the market,” Dr Greenville said. To read the full report go to https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/snapshot-of-australian-agriculture ABARES’s Outlook 2025 conference is on 4-5 March. For more details about the program, speakers and registration, visit ABARES Outlook Conference 2025 – DAFF.

One of the four project developers seeking to build large wind farms within the NSW government’s pine forest plantations has unveiled detailed plans that include giant 8-megawatt (MW) turbines, and a big battery scaled at up to 2,000 megwatt-hours (MWh). Source: Renew Economy The Sunny Corner wind project is being put forward by Mainstream Renewables and Someva Renewables, and would be located in Forestry Corp plantations between Lithgow and Bathurst, in an area already heavily populated by coal mining, coal fired generators and other coal industry assets. They propose a wind farm of around 500 MW, although the details of its first scoping report filed with the NSW planning authorities also indicates up to 80 turbines at 8 MW each, which of course would total around 640 MW. These would likely be among the biggest turbines in the country, although it should be noted that other projects at a similar development stage are also looking at 8 MW turbines. Most turbines being installed now are around 6 MW, or smaller. The 8 MW turbines will have a hub height of up to 185 metres and a maximum tip height of up to 285 metres. The exact scale of the battery, which the developers say will help smooth out price volatility and support the grid, will be finalised in the next phase of planning. The project is located close to existing and proposed renewable and battery projects, including the Crudine Ridge wind farm, the Glanmire and Brewongle solar farms and the proposed Panorama big battery. It will be just 15 kms from EnergyAustralia’s Mt Piper coal fired power station, likely to be the last coal generator standing in what remains the country’s biggest coal state, and its proposed Mt Piper battery. The proposed Lake Lyell pumped hydro project is 18 kms away. “Sunny Corner is situated in the central west of NSW which has a long his-tory of energy generation and supplying the people of NSW,’” the scoping report notes. “To date, this generation has come from coal power stations including those near Wallerawang and Mt Piper.” The developers say the area also has a strong wind resource. “The ability of the area to transition from historic to renewable energy sources is evidenced by the emergence of new and existing renewable energy technologies in the area, such as Lake Lyell and Central West Pumped Hydro, multiple solar farms and standalone BESS (big batteries) such as Wallerawang and Mount Lambie,” it says. The developers say the layout of the wind farm, and the final scale, are not finalised, and will be subject to community consultation, with a number of meetings to be held in coming weeks. “It’s important to note that the initial layout is just a starting point, and an opportunity for feedback and to host discussions based on where turbines might be.” Someva’s Jamie Chivers said in a statement. “We are keen to present an opportunity for near neighbours and community members to benefit from where turbines may be located. We want to ensure the voices of near neighbours, and the wider community are heard, shaping a project that delivers shared benefits for decades to come.” The NSW Forestry Corp has allocated permits for the potential development of four different wind projects. Two others, The Pines from TagEnergy and Stromlo Energy, and Iberdolar’s Canobolas, are in the same central west region, while Neoen’s Bondo wind project is in the south of the state.  

The State Government in Victoria is supporting new ways to use Victorian timber, with a study launched on two new timber products designed to take low value timber and turn it into sustainable construction materials which could support new jobs for South-west Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes has announced a feasibility study to explore the potential to take the new innovative timber products to the Australian market, which could bring up to 150 jobs to the region. The Future Fibre – Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study was made possible by a $500,000 Victorian Government investment through the Portland Diversification Fund. It will allow the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Association to investigate whether glue laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber could meet Australia’s growing demand for construction grade timber products. The new products are made from low-value pulp log material, which is typically exported as wood chip, and were developed as a possible solution to diversifying Southwest Victoria’s hardwood timber industry. The study, which is co-funded by the Victorian Forest Products Association, will investigate whether it is viable to establish a manufacturing hub in the Glenelg Shire. Running until October 2025, the study will examine a potential hub location, logistics, facilities, infrastructure, regulatory approvals and implementation timelines. The initiative is part of the Portland Economic Diversification Plan which is supporting long-term economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through community-led projects and planning. This includes $7.3 million in funding to upgrade freight roads and provide road infrastructure to industrial land in Portland. “With global demand for wood fibre forecast to increase and Australia remaining a net importer, this study is critical to identifying opportunities for increased value capture within the Green Triangle Hardwood Plantations and, in particular, Portland and the Glenelg Shire,” Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub Chair, Cameron MacDonald, said. Victorian Forest Products Association CEO Andrew White said that Victoria was a leading state for plantation wood fibre production, with substantial opportunities to manufacture innovative engineered hardwood products, like structural timbers, that would address future demand for multi-story residential developments, as the population grew, and the market sought more climate-friendly building materials.  

Peruvian Indigenous leader Francisco Hernández Cayetano travelled hundreds of miles along the Amazon River basin this month to tell communities working for a decade on a project to protect the forest there was no money left. Source: Context News The initiative is one of hundreds of conservation projects put in limbo by a January 20 executive order signed by US President Donald Trump that froze billions of dollars in foreign aid for 90 days. “There is a tremendous question mark in every community. We are giving free rein to illegal loggers, to coca plant growers,” said Cayetano, president of the Federation of Ticuna and Yagua Communities of the Lower Amazon river. Peru and Colombia are the world’s biggest producers of coca, the raw ingredient for cocaine. Clearing trees to make way for coca fields is a key driver of Amazon forest destruction. Indigenous groups fear their nature and sustainable business projects will end for good as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is gutted, raising concerns for hard-fought conservation gains and Indigenous governance. The USAID-funded project enabled the Ticuna and Yagua communities to respond to satellite-generated deforestation alerts through an app and so helped the longstanding US goal of fighting cocaine production and trafficking in Latin America. Research published in 2021 in the PNAS journal suggested the initiative had succeeded in stemming deforestation, leading to an estimated 37% reduction in tree cover loss in two years compared to areas not covered by the project. A US judge on February 13 ordered the government to restore payments to foreign aid partners, but it is still not clear whether the Trump administration will comply and for how long. Tasked with the mission of slimming down the government, Trump’s billionaire ally Elon Musk, has criticised USAID and said it was “time for it to die”. Even if funds and jobs are restored and protected by courts, damage has already been done, said an USAID employee who did not wish to have their name disclosed for fear of reprisals. “People are returning to the USA from missions, data and archives have been deleted, so much aid has been lost already,” they said. As Ticuna and Yagua forest protectors returned the smartphones used to track deforestation in Peru’s Amazon, Cayetano told them the local USAID-funded projects should be on hold for at least two or three months. Near Peru’s border with Colombia and Brazil, the agency had also been funding initiatives to substitute coca crops with cacao trees. Earlier this month, gold prices reached a record high, adding to pressure facing the Amazon from illegal gold mining, deeply connected with drug trafficking in the region. Colombia and Peru are the world’s largest cocaine producers, data from the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) shows, and US government data shows they are also South America’s top recipients of USAID funds, largely linked to Washington’s efforts to tackle drugs trafficking. Conservation and humanitarian activities supported by USAID in the region were aligned with U.S. interests to stem the flow of cocaine to its citizens, said Ricardo Soberón, former head of Peru’s DEVIDA drug policy agency. Soberón said that on their own, efforts to investigate drug cartels and destroy coca crops, also supported by the United States, had not succeeded as planters “immediately get new seeds and move deeper into the forests”. The problem with such measures, he said, is that alone they do not “attack the socio-economic causes that give origin to deforestation” for coca leaf production. In 2024, Brazil, home to about 60% of the Amazon forest, was assigned $15 million from USAID funds for environmental initiatives such as training fire brigades, promoting sustainable businesses and strengthening Amazon organisations. The Roraima Indigenous Council, for example, supports about 65,000 Indigenous people in the northern Amazon, and was planning to use USAID funds to structure 18 sustainable business projects, such as fish farming and production of folk crafts. Its coordinator Edinho Macuxi said the institution was now looking for ways to pay its personnel, and that without strengthening communities to protect their lands the cli-mate crisis would accelerate. “With all that’s been happening these days – climate change, floods, hot sun, diseases – it isn’t only Indigenous people that are going to die,” he said. Brent Sohngen, environmental and resource economics professor at Ohio State University, said one example of a successful USAID-funded partnership had been establishing a sustainable timber business in Guatemala’s Maya forest. According to Sohngen, who co-authored two papers on the initiative, it helped protect both nature and the pre-Columbian ruins under the forest. He said fostering sustainable businesses enabled communities to thrive where they live, and so helped stem the flow of migrants to the United States, one of USAID’s goals and a priority of the Trump administration.

Premier Forest Products has launched the world’s first fire-retardant and water-resistant plywood, DryGuard FR. Source: Timberbiz Following feedback from its customers, the unique plywood has been developed using groundbreaking technology pioneered by leading European manufacturer, Paged. DryGuard FR is the world’s only plywood that combines advanced water and fire protection, and it’s exclusive to Premier Forest. Building on the success of Premier Forest’s first DryGuard water resistant plywood product launch in 2021, this fire-retardant upgrade is durable and safe, with low formaldehyde and VOC emissions; it has a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). For use in roofs, floors and walls, the plywood is treated with a REACH compliant hydrophobic coating to reduce rainwater absorption, while still allowing the building to breathe, preventing damp and mould and creating safer health conditions. By repelling water, DryGuard FR retains its structural integrity, so the risk of remedial work is reduced, saving contractors time, money and effort. In addition, there is no need to cover the plywood during build, again increasing efficiency on site. Robust and versatile, the applications for DryGuard FR in the built environment are broad and varied, including commercial, residential, education, leisure and public sector buildings, airports, train stations and even server rooms. DryGuard FR has been rigorously tested and is compliant with the relevant EN standards, is CE2+ certified and FSC certified (FSC-C020012). “We are incredibly proud to launch this world-exclusive product that I am confident will be revolutionary in the timber industry. DryGuard FR will provide customers with the peace of mind of fire retardancy for their building, while increasing productivity and efficiency on site with an all-weather product,” James Pickford, Commercial Director (Panel Products) at Premier Forest Products, said. “We’ve listened to our customers and together with Paged, we’ve been able to create something one-of-a-kind to address their needs.”

LIGNA in Hanover, Germany, which is on from 26 to 30 May 2025, will be one of the most important milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry on the way to the hoped-for industry turnaround. Source: Timberbiz Three months before the trade show opens its gates in its 50th anniversary year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world occupy around 112,000 square metres of exhibition space, sending a strong signal in a challenging industry situation. “LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.” The significance of LIGNA as the world’s leading trade fair remains strong, and constructive dialogue at LIGNA 2025 is more crucial than ever. Rudolf Eickhoff, Technical Managing Director of Venjakob, underscores the importance of LIGNA 2025. “We are currently facing intense competition in the industry, with declining sales in some areas. This makes it all the more important to discuss the latest sustainable production methods to ensure our customers can remain competitive in the long run. We firmly believe that direct contact at the trade fair not only fosters trust but also lays the foundation for successful projects,” he said. Industry experts and market observers believe that the woodworking and wood processing industry under pressure in recent months, particularly in Europe could see a recovery in the second half of the year. However, ongoing economic challenges are fuelling uncertainty and eroding business confidence. Unclear political developments and their economic impact have also led to delays in crucial investment decisions. The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 are Connectivity, Sustainabe Production, and Engineered Wood. TruckStop in the open-air-site, with two new formats will make a debut at LIGNA’s anniversary edition in May. LIGNA. TruckStop is the ultimate destination for joiners and carpenters eager to experience the latest advancements in power tools, fittings, and fastening technology. Show trucks, transporters, and vans packed with practical solutions from brands like Festool, Hettich, SawStop and Swiss Krono will be on-site in the open-air site near the wooden Expo roof. In addition, a stage tailored to the trade will host live presentations, expert interviews, and hands-on demonstrations throughout the event. FutureSquare – located in Hall 12 alongside the Stage and Circular, will showcase innovative products and services. LIGNA will once again host prestigious awards and competitions, including: The Forwarder Championships, Die Gute Form, The Hans-Jürgen Narjes Prize and the German Timber Construction Prize, which has even garnered attention from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction. For more information visit https://www.ligna.de/en/

Australia’s housing crisis is reaching a breaking point. This weekend (22-23 February) a group of 100 representative Australians will take charge of the longstanding housing crisis; putting 13 reforms from leading experts to the test in a radical push for action. Source: Timberbiz AMPLIFY, a non-partisan and independent community-led organisation, will see 100 Australians from all backgrounds come together to tackle the country’s biggest challenge with experts, demanding urgent action from leaders to reshape policy, rise above the politics, and make housing affordable for everyone. Georgina Harrisson, CEO of AMPLIFY, says the housing crisis is too important for political point scoring. “The housing crisis is creating serious fault lines in the community, deeply affecting mental wellbeing, livelihoods, and destroying the social contract for future generations. An issue this significant demands better, and this is why we’re putting the power back where it belongs in the hands of the people,” she said. “This weekend the Australian public will show our politicians that coming together to solve a problem is far more powerful than tearing the other side down. The public has a say, their voice needs to be heard, and we’ll be taking the results to parliament to demand urgent action.” Research shows 95% of Australians believe housing is the biggest issue facing Australians right now. With soaring prices and shrinking options, the dream of a secure home is slipping out of reach for far too many. What’s more, 75% trust each other more than the government to make the right decisions about the housing policy reform we need. In a bold, community-driven first for Australia, 100 randomly selected Australians from all backgrounds and states – homeowners, renters, young people, retirees, single parents, Liberal, Labor, Green and independent voters will come together to weigh up 13 expert-developed housing reforms and decide which should be prioritised. The reforms set to be debated have been curated by some of Australia’s most prolific housing and policy experts. This includes Brendan Coates from the Grattan Institute, Robert Pradolin from Housing All Australians, Liana Downey from the Blueprint Institute and Andrew Barker from the Committee for Economic Development Australia (Build to Rent), among others. Over two days, participants will examine evidence, debate solutions, and decide what needs to change. The 13-shortlisted reforms being deliberated by community include: Making Housing More Affordable Stamp Out Stamp Duty Housing Tax Boost Rent Assistance Homes for Everyday Heroes Expanding Housing Choice Commuter Communities More Bang for Your Block Fab Prefab Faster Visas for Faster Homes Increasing Housing Security Renters’ Rights ‘Build to Rent’ Booster Affordable Homes Guarantee Target 10%

The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, forming the iconic building’s crowning glory. Source: Timberbiz With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973. This marks a pivotal moment in the project, as the focus shifts from structural work to internal finishes, bringing the building one step closer to construction completion. The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length and was completed in December 2024. Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes. The roof requires some finishing touches including waterproofing, which will follow in the weeks ahead. Since construction began, the project has provided a major boost to the local economy with delivery partner Multiplex awarding more than $670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers for services including maritime piling, steel reinforcement and installation of the roof cassettes. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction team and partners. We can’t wait to see visitors enjoying this impressive building when it opens to the public,” NSW Regional Director Daniel Murphy at Multiplex said. The new Sydney Fish Market will offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and community spaces, including fresh seafood market, restaurants, and a seafood school. The new market will create a dynamic hub for both locals and tourists, celebrating Sydney’s reputation as a global seafood destination. The new Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, which will unlock a connected waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo, 1,100 homes on the old fish market site and more than 6,000 square metres of public space, improving pedestrian and cycling links. The project is also supporting over 700 jobs during construction, and a further 700 jobs once operational.

Seven Forestry Corporation staff members are deploying to Western Australia as part of a contingency of NSW fire specialists. Source: Timberbiz Western Australian fire authorities have issued an interstate call for assistance to boost firefighter ranks working to contain fires near Manjimup in the state’s south-west. Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said Forestry Corporation staff will deploy as part of a NSW contingency comprising fire specialists from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service and National Parks and Wildlife. “Our firefighters are always eager to assist interstate and overseas firefighting authorities on the fire lines and in fire control rooms,” Ms Talbert said. “Deployments are great learning experiences for professional fire specialists working across different landscapes and forest types, and this experience boosts our own fire-fighting knowledge base here in NSW.” Forestry Corporation staff deploying to Western Australia include Brody Caddis (Crew Leader) and Sophie Hinchcliffe (Advanced Firefighter) from Bombala, Jim Potter (Group Leader) from Narooma and Noel Bate (Firefighter) from Batemans Bay, and experienced fire specialists Peter Carstairs from Batemans Bay and Euan Scott from Bathurst will as-sist in the Incident Management Team. Fire Training Operations Officer Adrien Thompson from Coffs Harbour will also deploy as NSW Jurisdiction Liaison Officer. The deploying firefighters flew out for Perth yesterday. Forestry Corporation, the land manager of two million hectares of state forests in NSW, is one of the state’s four fire agencies and has 500 accredited firefighters on staff.

Forest & Wood Products Australia has appointed forestry consultant Ian Blanden as the new Head of Research, Development & Extension. Dr Chris Lafferty will retire from this role at the end of June but will remain as FWPA’s company secretary. Source: Timberbiz Mr Blanden brings more than 30 years of experience in plantation forestry and natural forest management, with a strong background in commercial forestry businesses. His expertise spans the entire supply chain, including R&D, sales and marketing, logistics, community engagement, external relations, and operations, especially plantation silviculture and harvesting systems. His extensive career encompasses executive roles in both Australia and internationally, including serving as general manager of Stora Enso Guangxi, where he was a key driver in downstream product and market development, and spearheaded the growth of wood sales, as well as establishing the supply chain for Stora Enso’s Beihai Mill. Mr Blanden led significant cultural and leadership transformations, as well as extensive experience with Gunns Plantations Ltd and North Forest Products in Tasmania, Australia. “I’m excited to be joining FWPA and contributing to the important work of driving innovation and progress in the forestry sector,” he said. “I share FWPA’s vision to grow the value of the entire industry, to deliver transformative RD&E initiatives and market development programs that drive growth in the Australian forest and wood products industry. “This role provides me with an opportunity to give back to the industry which has served me so well over the last 35 years. I look forward to supporting FWPA to be recognised as the industry’s leading service provider.” Mr Blanden is keen to raise the profile of the forest and wood products industry in Australia. He is also motivated by fostering emerging talent and sharing this vast knowledge of the industry. Andrew Leighton, CEO of FWPA, expressed his enthusiasm for Ian’s appointment. “Ian’s background and leadership in sustainable forestry practices align with FWPA’s goals to advance research and development across the forest and wood products value chain,” he said. “His commercial experience and commitment to stakeholder engagement will greatly support our work in developing and supporting research, development and extension activities with tangible outcomes and benefits for our members and the wider industry, including new tools and information to improve productivity and mitigate risk.” Mr Blanden will begin in the role on 22 April 2025, allowing a thorough period of handover with outgoing Head of R&D, Dr Chris Lafferty. After an impressive 23 years, Dr Lafferty will retire from this role at the end of June but will remain as FWPA’s company secretary.

Neighbours aggrieved at a recently approved sawmill in Forest Grove are taking their fight to WA’s State Administrative Tribunal. Source: Augusta Margaret River Times The matter came to a head after the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River recently approved the contentious project despite admitted issues advertising the project as a portable mill, rather than a permanent timber yard. Calgardup Rd neighbours Cyrus Cox and Geoff Bott have lodged a complaint with the SAT demanding the approval be overturned after shire planners said there was no leeway within existing rules to reconsider the item. Mr Bott told the Times the appeal was lodged on the ground of “procedural fairness”. He believed if the proposal was advertised as an ongoing concern rather than a temporary sawmill, more residents would have lodged objections. He told the Times there were shortcomings in how fire safety, noise modelling, road upgrades, and issues around confidentiality of documents were handled during the process. Furthermore, process being just before Christmas made it difficult for objectors, Mr Bott said. “This is ridiculous timing and does not equate to procedural fairness,” he said. “Not only were shire officers only available for four business days between these dates but also access to the elected councillors was also severely hampered.” Mr Bott also said it sent the wrong message to approve the development when it had already substantially commenced without seeking the shire’s approval. Shire acting chief executive Nick Logan said the local government would participate in the SAT process, but due to legal considerations could not offer any further comment. Earlier this month, the Times reported the December approval by the shire’s development assessment unit caught neighbours off guard because they had understood the project was only temporary. Instead, after public submissions closed, it became clear the fixed sawmill business would operate three days per week and allow trucks to deliver timber to the site on an ongoing basis. That approval came despite the shire unit acknowledging the project was under way initially without planning approval being sought. “In September 2023, the shire was made aware of non-compliant buildings, land use and camping on site,” December’s DAU minutes said. “The landowner has subsequently met with shire officers to understand the necessary applications for compliance with the Local Planning Scheme and Building Act. “The landowner has since resolved the illegal camping onsite, is rectifying building noncompliance and this application will deal with the unapproved outbuildings and sawmill operation.” Mr Bott said he had also lodged a Freedom of Information Act request with the Shire. Margaret River Sustainable Timbers did not respond to inquiries.

The 30-day lockout of more than 300 pulp and paper workers by Nippon Paper’s Opal mill at Maryvale is over, after workers voted on Saturday night (February 15) to accept Opal’s improved deal. Source: Latrobe Valley Express The Maryvale members returned to work on Sunday (February 16) from 6am after being locked out by Opal for 30 days. The sticking point in negotiations had been Opal’s proposal to slash wages and conditions dramatically in a proposal that would have left workers worse off across the board. The Union and Opal hammered out a deal last Friday morning that ensured wage increases for all workers and the retention of key terms and conditions. “We are happy that our members will be returning to work with an agreement that sees real wage growth; the retention of their existing terms and conditions and no one left behind,” Pulp & Paper Workers Secretary, Denise Campbell-Burns said. “Our question is why did it take a 30-day lockout of the entire workforce; the stand down of hundreds of contractors; and forcing Latrobe Valley families to spend the last 30 days living with real concerns about how to feed their families and pay their bills for Opal to bring a decent offer to the table? “The disrespect that Opal senior management and Nippon Paper have shown their workforce has been staggering since the commencement of negotiations in October 2024, but the arrogance and disregard over the past 30 days has beggared belief. “Our members are focused on getting back to work and looking forward to the upcoming CFMEU demerger vote in a few weeks.” In a short statement the company said: “Opal is pleased to welcome our valued production team members back to work from Sunday, February 16, 2025, after reaching an in-principle agreement with them and the CFMEU today (February 15) for a new Enterprise Agreement at the Maryvale Mill. “Opal negotiated in good faith for an Enterprise Agreement that is fair and appropriate to the Mill’s current operations, which were forced to change significantly due to the sudden end of food supply from Victorian government owned VicForests. “Opal is focussed on the future of the Mill, which remains an important asset for our growth as a major manufacturer of quality cardboard packaging products in a competitive market.”

Identifying and actioning key bushfire disaster economic, efficiency and accountability lessons and insights from across Australia. John O’Donnell considers that Australia and its towns and cities is inadequately prepared for bushfires and this has been outlined in other documents. https://arr.news/2025/01/09/major-concerns-in-relation-to-bushfire-preparedness-across-se-australia-john-odonnell/ https://arr.news/2024/06/07/town-and-city-bushfire-disaster-review-case-studies-and-lessons-across-australia-john-odonnell/ There are bushfire economic, efficiency and accountability lessons and insights that need to be addressed to improve bushfire preparedness across Australia. Outcomes of intense forest bushfires (fist Flinders Ranges in 2014) and second central NSW. The first critical lesson and insight area relates to the effective capture of key bushfire economic reform issues that the author considers aren’t currently being addressed properly, including six lessons are insights as outlined in the full document. There are major opportunities for economic reform within fire management across Australia.  Failure to implement the identified and critical bushfire mitigation opportunities will result in continued large and intense bushfires across landscapes, devasting large areas, communities, ecosystems and flora and fauna. Common sense decisions and management at this time can reduce costs and impacts of future bushfire disasters. The second critical lesson and insight area relates to the effective capture of key bushfire efficiency issues that the author considers aren’t currently being addressed properly, including: including 9 lessons are insights as outlined in the full document. There is further disaster funding detail outlined in Menzies Research Centre (2020): “Despite this relentless commitment to inquiries, in 2014, a report released by the Productivity Commission into Natural Disaster Funding Arrangements found that government natural disaster funding arrangements had been inefficient, inequitable and unsustainable. ‘They are prone to cost shifting, ad hoc responses and short-term political opportunism.’ The Productivity Commission lamented that the funding mix was disproportionately recovery-based and did not promote mitigation. It observed that the political incentives for mitigation were weak, ‘since mitigation provides public benefits that accrue over a long-time horizon,’ and that over time this would create entitlement dependency and undermines individual responsibility for natural disaster risk management.’ At that time, it said, mitigation funding amounted to only three per cent of what is spent on post-disaster recovery and recommended that the Australian Government should gradually increase the amount of annual mitigation funding it provides to state and territory governments to $200 million.” and: A paper commissioned by the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience & Safer Communities estimated that expenditure of $5.3 billion over the period to 2050 (in present value) would generate budget savings of $12.2 billion for all levels of government including $9.8 billion for the Commonwealth government for the Commonwealth Government. With targeted mitigation spending Commonwealth and State and Territory government expenditure on natural disaster could be reduced more than 50 per cent by 2050. and: Generally, one dollar spent on mitigation can save at least two dollars in recovery costs. The above information is a great summary highlighting the current inefficiency of what is happening in relation to Australian bushfire disaster management but also highlights the opportunities available for good governance. The third critical lesson and insight area relates to the effective capture of key bushfire accountability issues that the author considers aren’t currently being addressed properly, including: including 12 lessons are insights as outlined in the full document. Conclusions There are extensive lessons and insights provided above,  summarised below: Economic reform lessons and insights in relation to current approaches to bushfire funding, mitigation, suppression, land and fire management and community protection (6 lessons and insights); Bushfire efficiency lessons and insights in relation to current approaches to bushfire funding, mitigation, suppression, land and fire management and community protection (9 lessons and insights); and Government and fire agency accountability lessons and insights in relation to current approaches to bushfire funding, mitigation, suppression, land and fire management and community protection (12 lessons and insights). There are 27 economic, efficiency and accountability lessons and insights captured by the author in this review. Benefits of an expanded federal/ state and local bushfire mitigation program to address bushfire mitigation and the issues above over say the next 6 years across Australian landscapes would include: Reduced individual bushfire disasters and associated costs, budget impacts and community/ firefighter and ecosystem Reduced ongoing repeat disasters and associated costs, budget impacts and community/ firefighter and ecosystem Reduced community bushfire deaths and safer firefighting. Better returns on investment than other projects. Regional infrastructure projects to assist economies. Reduced insurance premiums. Reduced cases of people without unaffordable insurance. Improved preparedness for war and terrorism. Reduced huge greenhouse gas impacts of intense bushfires; Reduction in the consequent wetter year impacts post intense bushfires as outlined by Fasullo et al (2023). The opportunities are huge, it just takes government will, innovation, vision and protecting communities and firefighters and looking out for their interests. Surely good effective governments, oppositions and fire agencies would capture these lessons and insights and get all the long term benefits of this. Seriously, it’s well past time for this with the disasters we are seeing across Australia and overseas. John O’Donnell was a forester with the then NSW Forestry Commission for 11 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) Hons 1978 from Australian National University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Agronomy and Farming Systems from the University of Adelaide 1996 and 1997, majoring in environmental issues in agriculture. He was awarded a Commonwealth Forestry Scholarship in 1976 and 1977.

The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (“the team”) has joined forces with nature-based carbon developer Chestnut Carbon to support high-quality carbon removal projects across the Southeastern United States. Source: Timberbiz Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s work with Chestnut Carbon will help to deliver impactful climate projects that scale the rejuvenation of marginal land. The first project, part of Chestnut’s larger Sustainable Restoration Project, equates to the restoration of approximately 200 hectares of degraded agricultural acreage into vibrant biodiverse forests through the planting of over 260,000 native trees. Although emissions reduction remains the team’s primary focus, they recognise that some areas within their carbon footprint may have residual emissions which will require removals of the highest quality, in line with the Oxford Offsetting Principles. By investing in Chestnut Carbon now, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is securing nature-based carbon removal credits to compensate for future residual emissions and encouraging the growth of this key sector. This forward purchase of credits, set to be delivered between 2027 and 2030, equates to 5,500 tons of CO2. Although this is a small part of the team’s total footprint, it is an important step in its overall emissions reduction with a target of Race Team Control Net Zero by 2030. Chestnut Carbon’s projects focus on land previously used for monocrops and methane-heavy cattle production. To date, Chestnut Carbon has planted over 10 million trees, with a diverse mix of native pine and over 18 different hardwood species that will capture and remove over one million tonnes of carbon by 2040. In addition to restoring degraded crop and pasture lands to healthy forests, the projects will also improve the air, water and biodiversity of the region and will bring economic benefits to rural communities by sourcing seedlings locally, hiring resident experts, and employing local people for planting activities. This initiative is the latest addition to Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team’s portfolio of nature and tech-based carbon removal projects. By collaborating with Chestnut Carbon, the team has chosen to invest in a project that is registered with the Gold Standard for Global Goals. This standard sits under one of the most rigorous forest carbon methodologies, with highly conservative carbon accounting, third-party auditing, and unassailable additionality. “We are determined to lead by example in the pursuit of sustainability. We’re excited about the growth of our sport in the United States and committed to supporting projects there as we work towards our goals,” Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said. “This collaboration is an important step in our strategy to address residual emissions in our carbon footprint. It underscores our commitment to become one of the most sustainable global sports teams.” Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team said that working with Chestnut Carbon is another step in the mission to drive sustainability and environmental responsibility within the motorsport industry. “Our collaboration allows us to support projects that not only sequester carbon but also enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and provide economic benefits to local communities. These efforts are integral to our goal of fostering ecological protection and our commitment to protect and enhance local habitats. This latest investment forms a key part of our broader portfolio of nature and tech-based carbon removal initiatives,” she said. Ben Dell, CEO, Chestnut Carbon and Managing Partner, Kimmeridge said they were excited to be working with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to advance their carbon removal efforts using high-quality nature-based solutions. “Our commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of these projects is unwavering, which is why we prioritise the permanence of our initiatives. This commitment is reflected in our ownership of the land and our 100-year project design. Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive Community Engagement plan to ensure transparent communication and positive relationships with local stakeholders, reinforcing our dedication to both environmental stewardship and community support,” he said.

The Professional Forester Apprenticeship program in the UK offers an exciting career pathway into the forestry sector for people from all backgrounds. Source: Timberbiz A new call for foresters of the future has gone out for the next cohort of the innovative Professional Forester Apprenticeship program. The forestry and timber sector plays a key role in ensuring woods and forests are healthy and continue to flourish for generations to come, helping the country meet its net zero and environment targets, supporting economic growth, and providing multiple social benefits. The three-year, paid development opportunity is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction and a rewarding job in the natural environment. In total, the scheme has already kickstarted 78 careers in forestry, and the reopening of the program will offer more people the chance to be part of a new cohort of foresters. The Forestry Commission kick-started the scheme in 2022, and an increasing number of other organisations and businesses have taken the opportunity to host apprentices over the subsequent years. “The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers people the chance to earn while they learn. Students have a mix of academic study and technical experience in the great outdoors and at the end of the programme can achieve a bachelor’s degree and chartered forester qualifications,” Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said. “The continued success of this unique program is heartening to see – people from all kinds of backgrounds and ages have been able to kickstart a new career. I urge anyone who is interested in finding a vocation looking after our trees, woods and forests, and who wants to work in a sector with lots of opportunities, to apply today.” Apprentice foresters from previous years have pointed to the variety of daily experiences, and the access to a wide range of expertise amongst the benefits provided by this apprenticeship program. Apprentices on the scheme enjoy a combination of hands-on experience with the Forestry Commission and academic studies in forestry management led by the University of Cumbria. There is also potential for wider sector placements to further develop their skills and experience and improve future employment prospects. Upon completion of the program, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and will be able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

The US paper and pulp industry is lobbying President Donald Trump’s administration to ask the EU to declare the United States deforestation-free, a step that could make it easier for exporters to meet the bloc’s new environmental rules. Source: Reuters From December, the European Union’s anti-deforestation policy will ban imports of commodities linked to forest destruction. Brussels already delayed the policy’s launch by a year following complaints from trade partners including Brazil, Indonesia and the Biden administration in the United States. “A delay does not solve our concerns with the regulation’s complex requirements and significant technical barriers,” Heidi Brock, CEO of the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), told Reuters, saying the EU law would impose “costly and unnecessary obligations” on US companies. “We are urging President Trump and his trade advisors to include this on the list of items to negotiate with the European Union to ensure the US is recognised as a country that wisely manages its forest resources and must be recognised as not contributing to deforestation,” Brock said in emailed comments. That goes beyond a call by Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, for the US to be classed as “low-risk” – the EU policy’s least-stringent level. That would still require US companies to conduct due diligence and face inspections. The Office of the US Trade Representative, US Commerce Department and European Commission did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team who has been handling media inquiries for Lutnick did not respond to a request for comment. The EU policy will categorise countries as high, standard or low risk with imports from “low risk” countries facing lighter compliance requirements. However, the law does not contain a category of countries deemed to be deforestation-free despite EU lawmakers attempting unsuccessfully to add a new “no risk” category of countries which would face even lighter rules. Any changes to the EU law would require a legal proposal from the Commission, and approval from EU lawmakers and member states.

CSIRO is calling for expressions of interest for ‘Innovate to Grow: Queensland’, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, aimed at helping Queensland small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transform innovative ideas into research-ready projects across a range of sectors. Source: Timberbiz This R&D training program, delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, guides businesses through developing and implementing R&D strategies with support from experienced researchers and industry mentors with a focus on collaborations with regional universities. Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, said this training will equip SMEs with the tools to build partnerships with regional universities to commercialise their innovative ideas and drive economic growth. More than one-third of the 650 participants from CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program have been from regional Australia, demonstrating strong engagement from businesses outside major metropolitan areas. RUIC Program Facilitator, Dr Brendan Kidd, said the program addresses a critical need in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem. “One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is knowing how to effectively engage with the research sector,” Dr Kidd said. “CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow bridges that gap by teaching businesses how to speak the language of R&D, identify the right research partners, and structure their projects in ways that attract both research interest and potential funding opportunities.” James Lister, whose company LP One develops sustainable bio-based alternatives to conventional materials, found the program’s structured approach invaluable. “The Innovate to Grow program was a great introduction at the early stages of our business,” Mr Lister said. “The staged process for deliverables and assistance from mentors has been great, helping us progress from initial concept to developing potential research collaborations.” Innovate to Grow is now open to Queensland-based SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions across a range of sectors, including: Agriculture and food Digital technology and AI Environmental sciences Health and biomedical sciences Indigenous science Manufacturing Mining and mining equipment, technology, and services Renewables and low emissions technologies Space and defence Transport The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO. Partner universities are James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast. The RUIC Program is designed exclusively for Queensland-based SMEs, providing support at every stage of their R&D journey. For more information visit https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow/I2G-QLD

Following the impact of the 2020 bushfires, the Batlow community has been gradually finding its feet, bringing new hope and purpose for the Snowy Valleys township. Source: Tumut & Adelong Times There is a strong sense of positivity at 4066 Batlow Road, where local tradespeople have been diligently working to construct the new Apple Thief Cider House. While there is still a lot of emotion surrounding the devastating events of 2019/20, Apple Thief proprietor David Purcell is determined for the Apple Thief Cider House to shine as a symbol of resilience and hope. “The emotional impact of the fires will stay with us forever, and we wanted to acknowledge this tragic piece of history by giving the reclaimed timber new life,” Mr Purcell said recently. “We hope to show through the Cider House that there is much to be positive about while highlighting what our region and community have to offer to those visiting from near and far,” he said. “The purpose of the project is to help us all move forward. “Batlow desperately needs a tourism attraction to draw more visitors, and we believe they will love the Cider House experience.” Mr Purcell explained that the initiative is partly supported by a grant from the jointly funded Australian and NSW government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. “We’re very grateful for that support, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see local trade and supply businesses benefiting from the project. We can’t wait to open the doors and share a glass of fresh, ice-cold cider with our friends this year.” The Apple Thief’s new cider house destination’s main structure is up, the floor is down, the glass is in, and over the past few weeks, layers of beautiful Alpine Ash timber have been carefully brought into the building. This stunning wood has been reclaimed from trees affected by the bushfires and milled by local craftsman Joe Burgess. Known for its durability and resistance to weathering, Alpine Ash is a hardwood native to the Snowy Mountains of NSW. It features a lovely grain and light colour that enhances its appeal. A great deal of care, dedication and skilful expertise went into the hand milling process. By carefully crafting each piece, Mr Burgess was able to preserve its unique characteristics while ensuring the highest quality, resulting in a striking and uplifting finish. Walking into the bright, open, and welcoming venue with its high ceilings and windows overlooking the orchard the feeling is one of optimism and warmth. The Alpine Ash beautifully links the indoor bar and restaurant with the open outdoor seating and cider garden area, through to what will be a similarly finished timber deck. Set for completion in the near future, the Apple Thief Cider House will provide an immersive experience that promises to be a feast for all the senses. Visitors will approach the Cider House through the orchard itself, enjoying the seasonal sights and aromas of the various apples and other fruits grown for the award-winning Apple Thief Ciders.

Scion is running experimental research burns near Christchurch from 3-14 March to test new theories on how wildfires spread under various conditions. This will help improve operational and community readiness for and response to future events and enhance firefighter and public safety. Source: Timberbiz The research will involve a series of stubble fires (harvested agricultural paddocks that still have standing dry barley and wheat crop stalks). Scientific instruments will be used to collect data on fuels, weather and fire behaviour. It is a collaboration between Scion’s wildfire researchers, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the University of Canterbury, the United States Forest Service and San José State University. Understanding how fire behaves helps improve the models used for predicting future wildfires in the NZ landscape and internationally. Better prediction means we can more effectively plan and prepare for future fires and more safely respond to existing ones to help keep people, property, animals, and the environment safe in the event of a wildfire. Scion fire ecologist Shana Gross says this is important as, globally, wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, with fire behaviour in real-world conditions often defying existing models. The burn window is based on paddock harvest dates and the weather. A burn plan has been completed, and a permit will be obtained prior to the burns in accordance with the current fire season status and requirements. “Scion will implement rigorous safety measures for each experimental burn regardless of fire season status, in collaboration with Fire and Emergency,” Ms Gross says. Canterbury is currently in a restricted fire season. Safety measures for this research include having meteorologists and fire specialists on hand to assess weather conditions, having firefighters and equipment on site to suppress fire and creating fire breaks necessary for the conditions during the burns. Standard practice for stubble burns is 6m of fire break on all sides of the fire. Additionally, many of the New Zealand and international researchers involved are trained wildlife personnel. People are also asked to keep their distance from the fires. The burn window gives researchers flexibility to burn within suitable weather conditions. “We review weather constantly in the lead-up to this window,” Ms Gross said. “We will make a call about the first burn day 2-3 days before the window, confirm it the night prior, and make a final decision right before ignition. “We will burn when weather conditions align, and instrumentation has been set up.” Scion aims to burn on 5-6 days during the 12-day window. Stubble fires provide an opportunity to create continuous burns/flame fronts to allow researchers to analyse flame structure and fire behaviour. “The learnings and improved models and predictions gained from experimental research burns aim to enhance NZ’s resilience to wildfires, improve safety, enhance response strategies and tactics and reduce the impact and frequency of wildfires,” Ms Gross said. This research is funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and supported by the Rural Fire Research Advisory Committee.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has welcomed calls for Australia to adopt label of origin requirements for all imported timber. Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, threw his support behind the Australian Forest Products Association, echoing calls to make it easier for consumers to choose where their timber comes from. Source: Timberbiz The proposal is one of several put to both major parties ahead of the federal election by the timber industry’s peak body, which will roll out billboard and radio advertisements in marginal seats calling for industry-friendly policies. Country of origin labelling regulations, similar to those promised by Labor for seafood sales, would make it easier for consumers to choose where their timber comes from, the Australian Forest Products Association says. Under the proposal, the regulations would be backed by an enforcement regime that could use new technology to trace the provenance of timber. “We have a renewable and sustainable forestry industry in Tasmania, both plantation and native, that produces a high-quality product following global best-practice,” Mr Abetz said. “With the shutdown of native forestry in Victoria and Western Australia, we are seeing more and more timber imported into Australia from places such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and South America. “Consumers simply can’t have confidence that these imported timbers are produced and harvested according to the same stringent environmental standards we have in Tasmania. “By purchasing Tasmania timber, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a renewable and sustainable product that supports local jobs and value-adding,” he said. “We make no apologies for backing Tasmania’s sustainable and job-rich timber industry through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future against questionable imported products.”