Australian timber industry news

As the planting season nears its end, Forestry England is celebrating the completion of an ambitious four-year woodland creation programme with 1.8 million trees planted at 16 new woodlands across England expanding the nation’s forests. Source: Timberbiz Launched in March 2021, the program, funded by the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund, has planted 16 new woodlands across England together covering 1,000 hectares. These woodlands will offer rich habitats for wildlife, beautiful spaces for people to enjoy and be a sustainable source of timber in the years ahead. York Community Woodland was the first new site to open to visitors in August 2024, with more set to welcome people this year. Most of the new woodlands will have public access under CROW designation, alongside the majority of the 1,500 woodlands and forests in Forestry England’s care. “This ambitious program is our largest woodland creation initiative for decades. These new woodlands will bring benefits for hundreds of years, providing crucial green spaces for communities, providing a sustainable source of timber and supporting wildlife to flourish,” Beth Cambridge, Forestry England Head of Woodland Creation, said. “And they’ll help tackle the climate emergency through the many benefits woodlands offer from carbon storage and flood mitigation to supporting air quality and soil health. “We’ve used a combination of buying land and partnerships with private and public landowners, who have leased their land to Forestry England for woodland creation. “We’ve been planting trees from Northumberland and Cumbria to Norfolk and Devon and we’ve carefully planned each site to create high-quality, resilient woodlands, using the right mix of tree species for each. “We’ve engaged with the local communities living near each of these woodlands to share our plans and hear their views and are excited the final one of our 1.8 million trees is now safely in the ground at Clipsham Wood, which straddles the border of Rutland and Leicestershire.” Over the next twelve months, Forestry England is planning to plant seven more woodlands, also funded through the Nature for Climate Fund. Looking ahead, Forestry England hopes to continue expanding the nation’s forests between 2026 and 2030 to continue delivering the many benefits the nation’s forests provide, subject to future funding.  

UPM Biofuels is celebrating 10 years of successful operations at its Lappeenranta Biorefinery, the world’s first commercial-scale facility producing advanced biofuels from wood-based residues. Since 2015, the refinery has been at the forefront of developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based fuels and materials, driving the decarbonization of the transport and petrochemical industries. Source: Timberbiz “For 10 years, our team has delivered exceptional performance and reliability,” said Robert Marx, Vice President of UPM Biofuels and Biorefining Commercial Development. “Their operational excellence and professionalism have set the benchmark for the industry. The biorefinery has also played a pivotal role in advancing UPM’s business in renewable fuels and chemicals—building technical know-how, opening new markets, and laying the foundation for future developments and investments.” The UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery produces approximately 130,000 tonnes per year of UPM BioVerno renewable diesel and naphtha, using crude tall oil (CTO), a residue of pulp production. CTO stands out as a superior feedstock for renewable diesel production due to its fully traceable origin, integration in UPM’s existing value chain, and excellent sustainability profile. All products are backed by globally recognized sustainability certifications. UPM BioVerno diesel cuts lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% compared with fossil diesel and is suitable for all diesel engines. UPM BioVerno naphtha, used in applications such as packaging, textiles and automotive components, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based raw materials in the plastics value chain. Looking ahead, UPM continues to invest in technology development to broaden its feedstock base beyond CTO, exploring new forest-industry residues and side streams within its ecosystem. The company is also progressing in the technical qualification of tall oil–based fuels for use in aviation, with ongoing testing under ASTM standards showing a positive track record. While a second biorefinery investment remains under consideration, UPM is prioritizing platform advancements and feedstock versatility to enable scalable and impactful decarbonization solutions.

TerraCross by Sterling Solutions in the US is an engineered, easy-to-deploy clear-span temporary, portable, and modular bridge system for crossing waterways, ditches, underground utilities, and other obstacles, and made from CLT. Source: Timberbiz The lightweight portable bridge design allows for lifting and construction with a mid-size excavator or similar equipment while the steel beam construction provides a sturdier, more sustainable load-bearing solution. Portable bridges are essential when permanent installations aren’t feasible and avoiding a crossing isn’t possible. TerraCross bridges provide an engineered solution to quickly and easily bypass small rivers and ditches to maintain access for equipment, materials, and personnel throughout the duration of a project. Additionally, they can protect underground equipment, such as buried gas pipelines by providing an air-bridged pathway over the impacted area. Unlike commonly used timber mat bridges that are made from mixed woods of different grades and quality, the engineered TerraCross bridge is made from welded structural steel. It has certified weight specifications and provides consistent performance. It isn’t susceptible to deterioration like wood so sudden bridge failure due to accidental overloading or internal unseen wood rot is no longer a concern. And the durable qualities of the TerraCross means it can be relocated and reused across different projects, providing a flexible solution for various construction needs. TerraCross is ideal for spanning small to mid-size crossings, up to 50ft it allows you to go right over the top fast, clean, and with minimal site disturbance. Some smaller bridges are not rated to carry heavy loads so TerraCross can be used to “bridge over-the-top” of existing structures to provide the capability needed for large construction projects. It’s a practical solution to increase capacity without needing to re-engineer existing infrastructure and when engineers won’t sign off on timber mats or steel plates.

South Australia’s forest industries are working in partnership with the State Government to eradicate the spread of giant pine scale (GPS) in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs. Source: Timberbiz “The South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) are grateful to be working hand in glove with the South Australian Government on eradicating GPS from Adelaide’s suburbs. It would be a biosecurity disaster if this infestation reaches our 128,000-hectare commercial pine plantations and neighbouring urban forests,” said Mr Nathan Paine, Chief Executive Officer of SAFPA “Giant pine scale is a sap sucking insect that feeds on pine trees and closely related species including firs and spruces. Infected trees exhibit canopy thinning, branch deaths and tree deaths. “With large numbers of pine found across Adelaide’s parks and gardens, the pest has the potential to impact our urban forest, with less shade for residents and nesting sites or food sources for local birds. A detection of GPS in Highbury in 2023 triggered an eradication process involving the removal and destruction of infected trees, with surveillance, monitoring and tree removal efforts continuing to ensure the eradication is successful.” Mr Paine said that it was unfortunate that trees in suburban parks and reserves have had to be felled in a bid to prevent GPS from spreading yet it was imperative to protect Adelaide’s canopy cover and the businesses and the livelihoods of those working in the forest and timber industries. If the infestation reached any of the State’s commercial pine plantations it would have a devastating impact on the state’s economy and regional communities. Forestry in South Australia contributes almost $3 billion to the State’s economy, employed more than 21,300 people and there were countless industries that relied heavily on timber products, such as residential and commercial builders and the agriculture and horticulture industries. “Forestry is a fundamental industry to growing our nation, with wood fibre products playing an integral role in building our nation by producing house frames, home furnishings, pallets, cardboard packaging, toilet paper and tissues, mulch and biofuels,” Mr Paine said.

More large beef and sheep farms will be converted into forest plantations after recent overseas investment approvals, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand says. Source: The Press Kauri Forestry LP, a New Zealand limited partnership established as part of Christchurch based Craigmore Sustainables Group with 69% Swiss ownership and 31% German ownership, has been given the go-ahead to convert two former sheep beef farms in the North Island. Another large sheep beef farm in Clutha, Otago, has been acquired by Netherlands business interests and would be converted into mainly pinus radiata forest. Kauri Forestry LP has bought 496ha at Pukehuia Rd, Arapohue, in Kaipara district for an undisclosed sum from Keith, Craig and Nigel Gravatt, trustees of Maungarata Farms Trust. The land had been used mainly for sheep and beef grazing with 60ha in pinus radiata. A total of 290ha would be converted into plantation forest, mainly pinus radiata, with planting scheduled to start this winter. Kauri Forestry LP has also bought, for an undisclosed amount, a large-scale hill country station 65km south of Napier comprising 1518ha at Kairakau Rd, Elsthorpe, from Waipuna NZ Ltd. Again, the land was mainly used for sheep and beef grazing with 28ha in poplars, softwood and indigenous trees. A total of 832ha would be converted into commercial forestry in mainly pinus radiata with planting starting in the 2026 winter. Ingka Investment Forest Assets NZ Ltd and Ingka Investments Management NZ Ltd had bought 643ha of land and finishing station at Morris Saddle Rd, Owaka Valley, Clutha, a sheep/beef farm, with the purchase amount not disclosed. The new owners intended to convert 657ha into a pinus radiata forest. Kauri Forestry LP had also been given a “standing consent” under a “Special Forestry Test”, allowing overseas investors with a proven track record to make forestry investments without needing prior approval for each transaction for 10,000ha of land in up to 40 transactions, by June 12, 2027. A requirement was the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) had to be advised after each purchase. Kauri Forestry LP advised under its standing consent of buying 216ha at Haumanga Rd, Broadwood, for NZ$4.5m from Nelly Forests Ltd Partnership and intended to continue to use the land for forestry. In another standing consent, Kauri Forestry LP advised it had made a second acquisition of 449.6ha at 1819 Mataraua Rd, Otaua, Far North District, from Tukurua Forest Ltd Partnership for NZ$9.2m and would continue to use the land for forestry. Meanwhile, Stafford Carbon Official Opportunity Fund (SCOOF) of the UK had bought four forests comprising 1446ha at Waipukurau, Eketāhuna and Pongaroa from CQuest Ltd Patnership, and 395ha at Kerr Rd, Glen Murray, Waikato, from Otorohaea Ltd. Approval had also been given to Millari Assets Ltd of Australia to buy 25ha of land and a timber mill which closed in 2024, at Matawhera, Gisborne, from Juken NZ Ltd of Japan for NZ$21.5m. The mill would be recommissioned.

The Hyne Community Trust will open for applications in June 2025 for this year’s round of grants. Eligible community organisations are encouraged to consider how the Hyne Community Trust can support them to deliver lasting benefits to the Tumbarumba region. An example of a recently successful project is the Tumbarumba Sports Academy and its Youth Precinct which is nearing completion. Source: Timberbiz Hyne Community Trust Chair, Kerrie Downes said the Youth Precinct will provide a safe and engaging recreational option for the youth of the region, “When we received the proposal for the Youth Precinct, it was a strong application as we knew there was a gap in our region’s options for this age group,” she said. “The Hyne Community Trust provided funds for the sports hall’s mezzanine renovation as well as the installation of security cameras in both the sports hall and adjacent dance hall, while Hyne Timber supplied framing from the mill. “The many local volunteers who have given their time on this project, is further testament to the importance for our region’s youth. It has been a significant community effort, and we congratulate all those who have been involved.” The Tumbarumba Sports Academy is increasingly recognised as the local sports hub including boxing and martial arts which provide both mental and physical fitness as well as discipline and a social element. The Academy has a rapidly growing membership, with knowledgeable and experienced coaches, and well organised sessions. Last weekend saw the installation of the carpets in the Youth Precinct meaning the space will be ready for use within a couple of weeks. The Youth Precinct can be utilised by youth of the region, including those waiting to participate in sports or waiting for parents and caregivers who are participating themselves. Fifteen-year-old Tumbarumba High School student and boxer, Zane Goldspink, has been one of the most active volunteers His contribution and experience as a volunteer on this project, inspired him to want to become a carpenter and he has recently been offered a carpentry apprenticeship with a local builder. Community groups considering applying for a Hyne Community Trust grant should start reviewing the 2025 guidelines available at https://www.hyne.com.au/about/community Projects must be valued over $10,000 and demonstrate how they will provide lasting benefits for the community in order to meet the criteria. The Hyne Community Trust will open for applications on 1 June and close 30 June 2025. The Hyne Community Trust was established in 2007 and has provided almost $900,000 to the Tumbarumba region to date. For more information, contact tumbatrust@hyne.com.au

Forestry Australia is calling for nominations for three of the highest honours in the field of forestry and forest management in Australia: The NW Jolly Medal, Forestry Australia Fellows and the Prince of Wales Award. Source: Timberbiz The NW Jolly Medal is Forestry Australia’s highest and most prestigious award, named in honour of Norman William Jolly (1882-1954), who made a remarkable contribution to the development of professional forestry in Australia in the early 20th century. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional service to forestry, reflecting the diverse and significant contributions made across a wide range of disciplines and forest management activities. Former recipient Rob Youl OAM said the Norman Jolly Medal recognises and celebrates the increasing diversity of Australian forestry and demonstrates that the breadth and philosophy of forestry training have wide appeal to employers and institutions. Dr Christine Stone received the award in 2017. “I was honoured to be the first woman to receive Forestry Australia’s highest award, the NW Jolly Medal,” Dr Stone said. “Since then, the Forestry Australia Board Directors and Jacquie have made significant progress in promoting gender equality, both within the Institute and more broadly in the forestry profession. “I therefore encourage the nomination of women for this year’s awards.” In 2023, the NW Jolly Medal was awarded posthumously to Dr Kevin Tolhurst. Dr Tolhurst was aware, and delighted, that he was receiving the medal but sadly passed away weeks before the presentation. CEO of Forestry Australia, Jackie Martin said generations of foresters and forestry scientists were inspired and influenced by Dr Tolhurst. “Kevin Tolhurst was generous with his knowledge and time, and ever the gentleman who was always considerate and kind,” Ms Martin said. “It speaks to Kevin’s intellect that he was nationally and internationally recognised as an expert in a wide range of areas – fire ecologist, fire scientist, professional forester, lecturer, practitioner, academic and collaborator. “Kevin’s legacy will continue to endure through the practices that he created that continue to shape how we manage fire, and through today’s NW Jolly Medal.” The Prince of Wales Award recognises the achievements of an outstanding young to mid-career forest professional. This prestigious award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to forestry practice, innovation, and leadership at an early stage of their career. Awardee, Jenna Hammond said she was incredibly honoured to receive the Prince of Wales Award. “I’m passionate about making forestry more inclusive and engaging for young professionals,” Ms Hammond said. “Promoting the benefits of active forest management and supporting and inspiring the next generation, especially young women, to consider a career in forestry is important to me.” The title of Forestry Australia Fellow is an honour bestowed upon a voting member of the Association who has been recognised by their peers for their outstanding service to the forestry profession and to Forestry Australia. In 2018 Kerrie Catchpoole was awarded a Forestry Australia Fellowship. “I have always been proud to be a member of Forestry Australia as it is underpinned by integrity, professionalism, and people who genuinely care about forests,” Ms Catchpoole said. “I would encourage you to come forward and nominate members for this year’s awards who you believe have stepped up and made a valuable contribution to the organisation”. Nominations close: 5:00 pm (AEST) Monday, 28 July More information can be found at https://www.forestry.org.au/merit-awards/

The Housing Industry Association wants the newly elected Federal Government to make housing a first-order priority from day one, saying any delay or political grandstanding will only deepen the nation’s housing crisis. Source: Timberbiz “HIA would like to congratulate the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the ALP for securing its term of government and it looks forward to constructively working with them in the new parliament,” HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said. “We additionally would like to thank Peter Dutton for his two decades of service to the Australian parliament and equally to Michael Sukkar, who has been a key housing advocate in both government and opposition.” Ms Martin said access to a home, whether to rent or own, was becoming unattainable for too many Australians. “This is a challenge that demands a major response in the first days and weeks of the new term of government,” she said. “HIA has been clear throughout the election campaign that all sides of politics must provide bold and courageous leadership to deliver on the nations critical housing shortages and meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes. “The industry has laid out the plan through HIA’s Let’s Build agenda, to fast-track planning, unlock land, invest in infrastructure, and build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the homes Australia needs. “Too often, we see housing policy used as a platform to showboat rather than solve real problems. Australians want practical and meaningful reform. Holding housing legislation hostage to political theatre only pushes the dream of home ownership further out of reach.” Ms Martin also pushed back against any suggestion that the housing crisis lies outside the Federal Government’s remit. “We’ve heard it too often that housing and planning is a state issue, or that the Commonwealth has limited levers to pull. That excuse simply doesn’t stack up anymore,” she said. “The Federal Government has the influence, the resources and the leadership role to bring all levels of government together. It can drive the coordinated policy, funding and reform needed to move the dial on supply and affordability not just tinker at the edges.” Ms Martin said this had been reinforced in the election results and with voters outlining housing as a key issue to be addressed as a matter of priority. “We urge the new Government and the entire Parliament to work together to implement the solutions already on the table,” she said. “Housing Australians must not become a casualty of politics-as-usual. We can’t afford more years of delay and stalling of key policies being implemented – we need action within weeks not years.”

The author read an Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2025) article by Fiona Willan in relation to a carbon scheme to protect trees from logging. The ABC article is available here. It is understood that this would see state forests added to the nation’s existing carbon credit scheme and the proposal is one of four chosen for priority development by the federal government and the state government agencies that manage the forests could then earn carbon credits by slowing or stopping logging. Industrial polluters could then buy those credits to offset their emissions as the nation moves towards its goal of reaching net zero by 2050. The proposal has been criticised by the timber industry and the federal opposition. The author glanced through the article and proposal, other information at hand, and noted important issues that were not and apparently are not being considered, especially considering the potential scale of proposed reduced timber harvesting, important forestry and carbon science areas not assessed, loss of active and adaptive management, minimal rates of prescribed burning underway in SE Australia, increasing eucalypt decline, large contiguous fuel loads across landscapes, mega fire concerns, loss of forest fire fighter expertise and the fact that conservation lockup isn’t protection from decline nor bushfires. The US is well onto reducing bushfire risks, increasing forest fire resilience, reducing carbon emissions and tackling community safety under their US bipartisan infrastructure bill, US National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and other legislation and policies.  Here in Australia, much of the focus appears to be focussed on destroying native forestry harvesting and it is the authors belief is that Australia is currently paying and will pay the price for this. The author has outlined 10 important factors in Section 2 in relation to the push to stop or reduce native forestry logging under an expanded carbon credit scheme, these are outlined in the full review document attached here: The complete article is available here. There is considerable science supporting the success of native forest harvesting in capturing carbon, this is outlined in detail in the review. In the author’s opinion, what is usually missed in relation to native forestry and harvesting and carbon capture and offsetting science include a number of issues: The science supporting the value of native forest harvesting in relation to carbon capture is ignored The areas harvested each year are small Growth of older trees slows down and in most cases decay increases, reducing carbon storage Regrowth is progressive each year over the small areas allowed for native forestry, capturing carbon. If past harvesting hadn’t occurred, there would have been a lot more emissions Adaptive and active management assist in addressing the carbon issue. Forest Corp are working on tackling eucalypt decline, due to the lack of mild fire across landscapes to improve forest health and optimise carbon capture Considerable volumes of carbon are stored in harvested wood products. Including sawn timber, veneers, beams, flooring, poles, fencing etc Considerable areas are retained in flora reserves and other areas Forest access, fire trails and skilled forestry operators increase speed of bushfire attack in many situations, reducing loss of carbon from bushfires Inevitable intense bushfires resulting from minimal prescribed burning and long fire interval policies kill large numbers of trees and markedly reduce the health of remaining trees for around 10 years plus, the carbon impacts are that high. This further reduces carbon storage, in most cases markedly.  In relation to the disastrous impacts of the 2019/ 20 bushfires on carbon emissions, there are many papers in relation to this; and Transport distances and carbon usage is low with local production and large with imported timber. These are all important issues that are conveniently missed in green agendas. Attempting to stop native forestry for so called imaginary climate change credits is not the answer, seriously, again ignoring many key factors and science. Lock up management does not work, adaptive management does, and it is totally unclear to the author why Australia and some governments would consider closing or reducing native timber harvesting/ thinning, including within dense, high fuel load areas and areas suffering from eucalypt decline, to attempt to gain carbon offsets. Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits using native forestry science and adaptive management are outlined in Section 3. It is important that Forestry Australia has submitted an alternative carbon method proposal for consideration under the Proponent-Led Method Development Process for the ACCU Scheme called Enhancing Native Forest Resilience.  This focusses on improving the health and resilience of native forests and encouraging active, adaptive management of native forests across all land tenures to assist Australia in meeting its Paris Agreement targets, all important issues. The US bipartisan infrastructure bill, US National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and other legislation provide an effective approach to reducing fuels, increasing prescribed burning, improving forest health and forest resilience and expanding community wildfire mitigation work, reducing the extent and impacts of wildfires and consequent carbon emissions.  This provides a model for Australia, a practical approach and not an offsets scheme. 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.  

You couldn’t make this stuff up even if you tried. If you had written a book about a global economic situation such as the current one, it would have been a flop as it would have seemed too farfetched and laughable, but here we are. Let’s not for a moment think that this isn’t what the majority of Americans signed up for though as tariffs and protectionism were a large part of Trumps campaigning and it’s not like he’s known for being predictable. Add to that the fact that something had to be done to stem the bleed that has led the US national debt to rise by US$12.3 trillion in the last five years to a total of US$36.2 trillion (sound familiar?) I’m not sure that severing everyone else’s arteries is the best way to stem your bleed, however. The tariff roulette wheel has been spinning furiously for the past few weeks, and you would have more chance of hitting a bullseye on a dartboard blindfolded after drinking a bottle of whisky than predicting where tariffs will end up on a country-by-country basis. What we do know is that our largest trading partner, China, probably isn’t going to fare that well. In 2024, around 30% of the furniture manufactured in China headed off to the US. China is not the biggest supplier into the US however with Vietnam exporting double the value of Chinese exports into the US. Of the total volume of furniture consumed in the US, 52% was made domestically, but the actual value of the imported furniture inputs was 63% meaning that some imported products were used in domestic manufacturing. So, what does this mean for NZ? With a current US: China tariff of 145% (pick a number for what it could be next week) it’s very likely that there will be a significant reduction in goods manufactured in China headed to the US – furniture included. NZ grown radiata is very popular in the Chinese furniture industry due to its properties as it can easily be sawn, dried, glued, laminated, painted and stained. This sector has become more important to NZ as the construction sector continues to suffer and demand for NZ radiata in construction has reduced significantly from 2021 onwards. Having said that, China demand for NZ logs is still strong with off port uplift in the order of 70,000m3 per day in late March. On port inventory remains a bit stubborn at a shade under 4million m3, however, this has reduced by 100,000m3 in the past few weeks. March is historically a big supply month for NZ and this year was no different with plenty of vessels on the water. This supply, along with uncertainty in the market, has resulted in a downturn in buyer sentiment with April CFR prices dropping 8-10% based on March numbers. This drop in sentiment has led to a reduction in AWG prices across NZ of around NZ$10/JAS. Generally, reductions are reasonably static across exporters however, April has seen a significant spread across the board with reductions between NZ$8 and NZ$16/M3 depending on exporter and port. The effect of tariffs on bulk shipping rates will depend on reciprocal tariffs as the US only accounts for 2.3% of global dry bulk demand, however, it does account for 5.7% of dry bulk exports. FOREX has been playing the game if you’re an exporter with fluctuations between mid US$0.55 and US$0.57. Every cent reduction in the $NZ:US is around NZ$3/m3 on the bottom line for AWG prices. The Chinese log futures market hasn’t been terribly positive of late either. After trading mostly positively since its inception, pricing has dropped around 10% since the beginning of March primarily due to negative market sentiment. Carbon prices dropped off a cliff in early March falling from $63/NZU to around $55/NZU by month end. Market jitters are not helped by the likes of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, suggesting that it was time to phase out forestry offsets for fossil fuel emissions. That’s all well and good but cows aren’t yet farting oxygen, and the large majority of the population still drives to work (let’s not start on the conversation about the lifecycle carbon footprint of EV’s). The domestic market continues to show resilience with prices mostly flat for the second quarter of the year. Once again, tariffs could come into play here as a significant volume of the clearwood sawn from pruned logs is sold into the US DIY market. Currently, there is a temporary tariff exemption on NZ forest products. This exemption for timber and lumber products came about through internal US lobbying by the likes of the American Building Materials Alliance and the National Association of Home Builders who urged the White House to rethink tariffs that would weaken a critical supply chain for housing affordability and construction, particularly in a time when areas have been affected by natural disasters. Additionally, the US Secretary of Commerce is investigating the role imported timber plays in national security. The US military spends US$10 billion annually on construction alone so wood-based products are seen as a vital part of national security. So, there we have it folks, a proverbial global crap shoot. Those forest owners with locked in, long term export prices will be sitting pretty for the next quarter or two while tariff-gate plays out. NZ supply will start reducing over the next month with the wet season upon us and lower prices preventing some jobs from starting which will see Chinese port inventories reduce into more comfortable territory hopefully putting upward pressure on prices…hopefully. Marcus Musson, Forest360 Director

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) joined global leaders at the Global Landscape Forum’s Forests 2025, held in Bonn, Germany, from 24 to 25 April 2025. Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30, this event brought together a global community to explore the role of sustainable land management and forests as key solutions to climate change. Source: Timberbiz Forests serve as carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and sources of livelihood and food for millions of people around the world. Yet they are facing increasing challenges. The conference explored the path forward to shape the future of forests, including key themes of policy, climate finance, rights, just transition, and technology. FSC Director General Subhra Bhattacharjee participated in three key discussions during the event, highlighting the urgent need to involve all forest stakeholders to address the main challenges, enhance local leadership, and use technology resources to shape the future. Defining the next decade of actions In the closing plenary on the first day, Subhra Bhattacharjee joined policymakers, experts, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners to discuss actions to overcome major challenges facing forests and foster a resilient future. The plenary highlighted the urgent need to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. As the Director General noted, three core elements that define FSC’s consensus-building through dialogue, voluntary compliance, and inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement, are now more critical than ever in today’s increasingly polarised world. The climate crisis requires collaboration among governments, the private sector, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, and individual citizens. “FSC creates that platform,” she said, highlighting FSC’s unique role in bringing together multi-sector actors for dialogue. Ms Bhattacharjee finished with a strong message, amplifying the words of the panel’s two Indigenous speakers: “The voices of those who have skin in the game including those of local communities and Indigenous Peoples, must define the global agenda.” Building inclusive AI for forest policies On the second day, stakeholders gathered in person to continue the exchange. A roundtable discussion on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forest decision-making provided the opportunity to explore how to use these tools for equitable and just forest policies. For FSC, integrating artificial intelligence into global forest governance frameworks presents a powerful opportunity to enhance transparency and accelerate responses to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. FSC’s Director General highlighted the potential of AI as a force multiplier to both deepen inequality or empower communities: “AI should be an open-sourced tool, providing democratised and accessible output in the local language to support governments and communities in decision-making to focus their resources to protect their forests”. Supporting compliance with EU Regulations for a forest-based bioeconomy Regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), FSC, as a voluntary certification system, helps stakeholders navigate and comply with these requirements. ”EUDR and FSC certification contribute to a common cause,” she said. “Both seek to fight deforestation and degradation in Europe and worldwide”. By streamlining the compliance process, FSC offers practical tools and guidance to companies, forest managers, forest owners, and communities to contribute to sustainable forest management. FSC certification can also help companies to meet EUDR requirements. “EUDR presents a unique opportunity to drive large-scale capacity building, incentivisation, and support—creating the conditions needed to earn smallholder trust and provide meaningful incentives to keep forests standing,” she added.

Understanding the value of an acre of timber is essential for anyone in the forest products supply chain, whether managing timberland, planning harvests, or securing raw materials. A complex interplay of market dynamics, harvest strategies, and emerging environmental trends shapes timber valuation. Source: Resource Wise In this updated analysis, Resource Wise explored the forces driving timber worth, diving into fresh 2022-2024 stumpage price data for US South plantation and natural pine and highlight key trends to watch in 2025. Before we can determine the value of an acre of timber, we need to understand the law of supply and demand, which ultimately drives the price of timber. Demand is heavily influenced by location, surrounding mill types, proximity to those mills, and the volume and type of timber products consumed in a given area. Therefore, the volume and type of products available on a tract of timber will determine the value per acre. Location and Proximity to Mills: Timber near sawmills or pulp mills fetches higher prices due to lower transportation costs. In the US South, sawtimber for lumber often commands a premium over pulpwood. Timber Type and Age: Managed pine plantations, typically clearcut at 25-35 years, yield 80-105 tons per acre, with sawtimber (12″+ DBH) driving the highest returns. Natural stands with mixed hardwoods can be even more valuable when high-grade logs are present. Harvest Method: Clearcuts maximize volume and revenue per acre, while thinnings provide earlier cash flow with lower yields. The choice depends on market timing and management goals. Market Trends: Demand for timber products like lumber, pulp, and bioenergy materials fluctuates with construction cycles, paper production, and sustainability initiatives. These factors create a wide range of per-acre values, making understanding historical trends and current market conditions essential. Using transaction-based data from 2022–2024, Resource Wise updated its analysis of stumpage prices for US South plantation and natural pine, focusing on clearcut and thinning harvests. Mature plantation stands, averaging 80-105 tons/acre, saw a dip in 2023 due to a temporary oversupply of sawtimber, followed by a recovery in 2024 as lumber demand strengthened. Thinnings, yielding 30-50 tons/acre of mostly pulpwood and chip-n-saw, showed lower values for younger stands (16-20 years) due to smaller log sizes. The 21-25-year stands fetched higher prices with more chip-n-saw and small sawtimber, though prices fluctuated with pulp market demand. Natural stands, often denser with 90–110 tons/acre and mixed with hardwoods, saw a gradual decline over the period. This reflects softening hardwood sawtimber prices and reduced pulpwood demand. Thinnings in natural stands, yielding 40-60 tons/acre, showed a steady price increase, driven by consistent pulpwood demand and higher removal volumes compared with plantations. Compared with 2017-2019, when plantation clearcuts averaged US$1,542-$1,694/acre and natural clearcuts peaked at US$2,055/acre, the 2022-2024 data show plantation values trending higher due to inflation and sawtimber demand, while natural clearcut values have softened slightly due to market saturation. Beyond traditional market forces, timber’s value is increasingly influenced by global decarbonization efforts, which are reshaping demand and creating new opportunities for landowners. The carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market, projected to grow US$100 billion annually between 2030 and 2035, is opening new revenue streams. Timberlands can generate income through carbon sequestration or by supplying biomass for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). For example, companies like Drax are planning wood-fired power plants in the US South, using biomass to produce renewable energy while capturing carbon emissions. Sustainability policies are also playing a role. The EU’s target is to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, and US investments in carbon capture (US$2.54 billion through 2025) are boosting demand for wood as a renewable alternative to fossil-based materials. This trend could support sawtimber prices, particularly in regions with strong sustainability mandates. However, innovations like biochar, which uses wood waste to lock carbon in soil, might divert low-grade timber from pulp markets, potentially softening pulpwood prices unless offset by carbon credit revenues. Additionally, policy uncertainty in biofuels, such as the expiration of US biodiesel tax credits, can impact biomass demand, adding another layer of complexity to timber markets. These decarbonization trends highlight timber’s evolving role, not just as a raw material but as a key player in climate mitigation. An acre’s value depends on your specific stand and market conditions. Based on 2022–2024 averages: A 100-acre plantation in the US South at 26+ years might yield US$211,100–US$227,500 from a clearcut. The same plantation, thinned at 21–25 years, could bring US$53,800–US$90,400. A 100-acre natural stand might be valued at US$196,000–US$216,800, with thinnings at US$66,400–US$75,700. These are starting points; site-specific factors like soil quality, accessibility, and mill proximity can significantly adjust these figures. The valuation of timberland is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including market dynamics, timber characteristics, and emerging environmental trends. Recent data from 2022 to 2024 indicate that while plantation pine clearcuts have seen a recovery in value due to increased lumber demand, natural pine stands have experienced a gradual decline. The expanding carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market offers new revenue streams through carbon sequestration initiatives. However, it also introduces complexities for traditional timber markets, highlighting the need for balanced strategies that support both carbon sequestration and traditional timber production. Staying informed about these evolving trends and integrating sustainable practices will be essential for maximizing the value of timber assets and contributing to broader climate mitigation efforts.

A centre of excellence for mass timber research, innovation and manufacturing has been launched by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) in Scotland. Source: Timberbiz Supported by Scottish Funding Council and host institution Edinburgh Napier University, the Innovation Campus at BE-ST will now house £1.5 million pounds of newly acquired, state-of-the-art mass timber post-processing equipment and SuperBlower extraction system. This will complement existing capabilities and further enhance precision finishing, production capacity, and health and safety processes. The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence will provide the UK construction and built environment sector with the facilities, knowledge, and connections to accelerate the adoption of UK-grown mass timber solutions and access the benefits these can bring, such as lowering carbon emissions associated with construction, strengthening local supply chains, creating jobs, and improving the efficiency of the delivery of the built environment. The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence offers access to advanced mass timber manufacturing equipment, including a CNC machine and offering full-scale production of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Nail Laminated Timber (NLT), and Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam). The factory is anticipated to have an annual manufacturing output capacity of approximately 8,000m³ once fully operational. The UK faces the dual challenge of a climate emergency and a housing emergency. By advancing the use of mass timber, the Centre has been established to position the construction industry as a key part of the solutions to both challenges. Mass timber is a category of engineered wood products made by compressing layers of timber to form large structural elements. Currently, the UK imports 73,000m3 of mass timber per year. By creating higher-value timber products in the UK, such as mass timber, and leveraging local supply chains, we can unlock significant economic and environmental benefits in the UK. The centre provides support to accelerate UK-grown mass timber adoption across the UK. As well as offering access to mass timber manufacturing equipment, the centre offers research, innovation, and systems design support through partnerships with industry and academic experts to develop timber solutions; consultancy services to assist with product approvals, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing processes; and timber processing through trusted partners for felling, grading, kilning, and planing. Hands-on training and skills development can also be provided via the Centre to upskill the workforce in the expertise required to deliver mass timber products. “The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence opens up huge opportunities for the construction sector. By investing in mass timber, we are not just advancing low carbon approaches to construction, we are also investing in economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing some of the UK’s key challenges,” Sam Hart, Associate Director of Manufacturing and Housing at BE-ST, said. Stephen Good, CEO of BE-ST added that the launch of the centre will support the wider adoption of mass timber, helping to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen supply chains, and deliver much-needed domestic, non-domestic, public, and private infrastructure where appropriate, in a more efficient, affordable, higher quality and sustainable way.  

Bushfires pose a significant threat to Australia and New Zealand’s environment, economy, and communities, with traditional detection methods often failing to provide timely warnings. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bushfire detection systems are emerging as a vital tool to enhance early intervention, protect forests, and safeguard lives and infrastructure in response to this challenge. Source: Timberbiz These smart systems use advanced technology to identify fires at their initial smouldering stage, giving emergency services and communities crucial minutes that can significantly change the outcome of bushfire events, according to Dryad Networks. “AI-powered bushfire detection systems with ultra-early detection capabilities give emergency responders a decisive headstart in the event of a bushfire,” Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology, and Operations, Dryad Networks, said. “This lets them mobilise more rapidly and strategically to the precise location of the burn. This means that response teams can contain outbreaks at their nascent stage, preventing them from escalating into uncontrollable blazes that devastate large areas of wilderness and inhabited regions and directly contributes to the safety and preservation of Australia and New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems and communities.” AI-powered systems begin monitoring long before fires are visibly established, unlike conventional detection methods that rely on visible flames or satellite imagery. The core of this capability is distributed networks of solar-powered sensors placed across bushland, which detect the chemical signatures of fire during its earliest smouldering stage. This raises the alert well in advance of visible flames, giving emergency services more time to act. Smart sensor networks help land managers cover vast areas that would otherwise go unwatched by monitoring even remote and rugged landscapes continuously so that no region remains unprotected. This is crucial in areas where accessibility and visibility are limited. The result is faster, more localised intervention that can stop bushfires before they spread out of control. Smart sensor networks are strengthened by complementing autonomous drones equipped with advanced AI, which can respond rapidly to detected threats and further enhance the effectiveness of emergency operations. Drones arrive at the precise location of the fire swiftly once alerted, giving responders an accurate, real-time view of the situation. This immediate insight lets firefighting teams act decisively, preventing fires from spreading and causing widespread devastation. Future drone advancements will actively suppress fires through innovative methods such as foam dispersal or acoustic technology. This will further decrease the reliance on human crews in high-risk situations, improving the safety and effectiveness of bushfire management. “The environmental implications of adopting AI-powered bushfire detection systems are significant,” Mr Domingo said. “Early bushfire containment protects people and communities, preserves biodiversity and ecosystems, and curtails carbon emissions associated with widespread bushfires significantly. “Reducing emissions through effective fire management becomes increasingly critical as climate change continues to exacerbate fire conditions across Australia and New Zealand. AI-driven systems can play an instrumental role in both countries’ broader climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by preventing extensive environmental destruction.” These detection and response technologies also integrate seamlessly with existing emergency management frameworks. Data from AI sensors and drone surveillance systems feed directly into emergency response platforms and fire analytics tools, creating a cohesive operational picture for firefighting authorities. This seamless integration supports efficient coordination among multiple response units, including ground crews and aerial firefighting teams, enhancing the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts. The Australian and New Zealand Federal Governments have both recognised the need for greater disaster preparedness. The Australian Federal Government committed $28.8 million to disaster preparedness in the 2025-2026 Federal Budget, including $17.7 million for the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Program. (1) In New Zealand, the government has committed NZ$70 million over seven years (2024–2031) to the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform, an initiative designed to strengthen national resilience to natural disasters by supporting science across the four Rs: reduction, readiness, response, and recovery. (2) AI-powered bushfire detection technologies align closely with Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to proactive disaster resilience. Reducing reaction times and improving accuracy in identifying and locating fire threats gives communities a vital protective barrier against increasingly frequent and severe bushfire events. Businesses and critical infrastructure operators also benefit directly from improved asset protection, minimising the disruption and financial impact associated with large-scale bushfires. AI detection systems can be customised to accommodate specific regional conditions and management strategies, incorporating local expertise into broader technological solutions. Collaborating with local communities and Indigenous groups, especially those with traditional knowledge of land management and fire practices, can make the rollout of detection technologies more adaptive and effective in practice. “The integration of AI technology into bushfire detection and suppression systems represents a critical advancement toward a more resilient Australasia. Authorities and communities can reduce the destructive impacts of bushfires significantly by embracing these innovations to better protect lives, ecosystems, and economic assets,” Mr Domingo said. “Continued investment and development in these AI-driven solutions will remain essential in shaping a safer, more sustainable future for the forests and communities of Australia and New Zealand as climate challenges intensify.” References: (1): https://budget.gov.au/ (2): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/investment-funds/strategic-science-investment-fund/ssif-funded-programmes/natural-hazards-and-resilience-platform

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the newest tool in the arsenal to prevent the degradation and depletion of forests, with new research revealing how the technology can help protect the ecosystem. Source: Timberbiz Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers collaborated on an international study, led by the University of Sri Lanka, to develop an AI model which detects changes in forest cover, or the amount of land surface covered by trees. According to the United Nations, between 2000 and 2022 there was a net forest area loss of 100 million hectares. Researchers took U-Net architecture, which is used for image segmentation often in biomedical image analysis and adapted it to compare past and present pictures of the ecosystem and detect where forest loss has occurred. This custom model was fed a dataset of images from Google Earth and was able to detect forest cover changes with an accuracy of 94.37%. Researchers also tested the model on other datasets, which had an accuracy rate of 97.82% and 98.44% respectively. Co-author and CDU Associate Professor in Information Technology Bharanidharan Shanmugam said the model was ideal for real-world applications because it produced high accuracy rates despite needing fewer training samples. “Traditional methods for forest cover monitoring often struggle with accuracy and efficiency. Many rely on manual interpretation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors,” Associate Professor Shanmugam said. “Our research provides a powerful tool for governments, environmental agencies and conservationists to detect and monitor deforestation more effectively. “By leveraging deep-learning techniques, our model enables rapid analysis of satellite images, allowing authorities to identify high-risk areas and respond to deforestation before irreversible damage occurs. “Unlike traditional approaches that require extensive manual effort, our method automates the process, making large-scale monitoring more feasible and cost effective.” The study was a collaboration between the University of Sri Lanka, CDU, Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, and the University of Otago in New Zealand. Co-author and CDU Lecturer in Information Technology Dr Thuseethan Selvarajah said another advantage was the model can function with limited labelled data. “This makes it highly adaptable for use in regions where high-quality training datasets may not be available,” Dr Selvarajah said. “Whether deployed in tropical rainforests, boreal forests, or temperate woodlands, the model can provide valuable insights for conservation efforts. “By integrating this technology into existing environmental monitoring frameworks, governments and conservation organisations can enhance their ability to protect forests, enforce regulations, and mitigate the long-term impacts of deforestation. “In the broader context, this research contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.” Change Detection for Forest Ecosystems Using Remote Sensing Images with Siamese Attention U-Net was published in the international journal Technologies.

The Australian Forest Contractors Association is leading the Optimising RTO Training and Assessment Methods for Harvesting Operators project, one of 22 projects under the Forest Workforce Training Program being managed by ForestWorks with funding from the Australian Government. Source: Timberbiz The project is focusing on workplace-integrated training solutions to improve the delivery of training and assessment, to contribute to a sustainable and skilled workforce. Through pilot projects with three training organisations the project will aim to develop a scalable model to streamline the training and assessment process for harvesting operators, improving safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in workforce development. The first step in the project is to seek views of the forestry services businesses owners and workers about how training and assessment is currently delivered, and where improvements could be made. You can complete the survey here. This will provide important baseline data to inform the project. The Forest Worker Training Program also is also looking at diversity in the forestry sector workshop, and particularly how to attract more women into the industry. Forestry Australia is also conducting a survey on behalf of the organisations leading and delivering the women-focused projects. Insights from this survey will be used to inform the development of initiatives to promote gender equity to support increased participation and advancement of women in our industry. If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be kept up to date with developments of the Forest Worker Training program, or if you have questions about our project or the program, call 0437 524 933 or email tim@afca.asn.au

Since its major upgrade in 2024, Forest and Wood Products Australia’s Data Dashboard has set a new benchmark in how the forest and wood products sector accesses reliable market intelligence. Discover the New Forecasting Tool on FWPA’s Data Dashboard in a live webinar on Monday 12 May with Erick Hansnata, Statistics & Economics Program Manager at FWPA. Source: Timberbiz Designed to support evidence-based decision-making, and managed by FWPA’s Statistics and Economics team, the FWPA Data Dashboard brings together a comprehensive suite of datasets that are essential for business planning and market forecasting. The current version of the Data Dashboard includes: The FWPA Softwood Data Series Monthly timber trade data and forward projections ABARES Australian Forest and Wood Product Statistics Building activity trends and forecasts Macroeconomic indicators impacting the sector International forest production and sustainability data Regular research and insights from FWPA’s Statistics and Economics team Now, the platform has expanded further with the release of the FWPA Australian Dwelling Forecast Dataset, a new feature offering deep insights into Australia’s residential construction sector. What’s Included in the Australian New Dwelling Forecast Dataset: Forecasts of dwelling approvals, commencements, and completions through to 2035 Projections for the value of Alterations & Additions (A&A) in private dwellings Monthly and quarterly data, including trend and seasonally adjusted figures Coverage at both the national and state levels This dataset is powered by an econometric model that integrates FWPA softwood sales data to deliver a clear, reliable outlook on future residential building activity. It is updated monthly and includes full documentation of the methodology to ensure transparency and confidence in the results. The FWPA is offering an exclusive walkthrough of the latest enhancement to the FWPA Data Dashboard, the Australian Dwelling Forecast Dataset. This powerful new tool delivers monthly projections of residential building activity out to 2035, designed to support better planning and forecasting across Australia’s forest and wood products industry. In this session, you’ll learn: What’s included in the new dwelling forecast dataset The robust econometric model sitting behind it How to access and use the dashboard effectively The broader benefits of FWPA’s Data Dashboard for your business Hear directly from Erick Hansnata, FWPA’s Statistics and Economics Program Manager, and get your questions answered live. The event is on Monday 12 May from 12:30 to1:00pm you can register for this Zoom meeting here. To access the dashboard click here.

Following significant engagement over the last month, the first in-person round of negotiations towards a comprehensive India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will take place in India this week. Source: Timberbiz This follows the successful visit to India last year by Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters and the formal launch of negotiations by Minster for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal during the Prime Minister’s large trade mission to New Delhi in April. “This is an important step in our trade relationship with India and signals the two Governments’ intent to deliver a high-quality outcome that benefits both countries,” Mr McClay said. “With a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP estimated to grow to US$5.2 trillion by 2030, India offers significant opportunity for New Zealand exporters. “Strengthening ties with India across the board is a key part of the Government’s broader strategy to diversify and grow New Zealand’s export markets and double trade by value in 10 years. In March New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon kickstarted free trade negotiations with India after talks in earlier years had stalled.  Mr Luxon had promised that New Zealand would sign a free trade agreement with India during its first term in office. The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation and Export NZ made submissions to support the proposed trade deal.

Australia’s forest products industries have congratulated the re-elected Albanese Government and all members and senators of the new 48th Parliament who they will work with to achieve improved sector-wide outcomes. Source: Timberbiz “We congratulate Prime Minister Albanese on Labor’s election victory and increased majority, and we’ll now get down to business working with the new Government on a range of issues impacting forestry and the supply chain,” Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said. “We also welcome all the new and re-elected MPs and senators of the new 48th Parliament and will continue our tradition of advocacy with them. “We are eager to get straight to business with the new Government on policies announced during the campaign including the new ReMade in Australia brand and housing sector initiatives, and the soon-to-be-released Timber Fibre Strategy developed during the first term of Government by the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership. “Our sector faces many challenges, from long-term timber and wood-fibre supply to immediate construction market issues, ensuring we have a skilled workforce geared to needs, illegal imports, social licence to operate and making sure Australians understand the importance of what the sector does. AFPA will continue lead advocacy for the supply chain, addressing these issues in Canberra,” Ms Hallam said. “We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Julie Collins, along with Shadow Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Jonno Duniam, for their ongoing support and all other parliamentarians who represent our industries across the Parliament. “Forestry and the supply chain directly employs 80,000 Australians, indirectly another 100,000 and creates essential products for our everyday lives, while fighting climate change. AFPA will ensure it gets the attention the sector deserves in Canberra,” she said. The Australian Forest Contractor’s Association also congratulated the Australian Labor Party led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for winning the Federal Election. “Congratulations to Prime Minister Albanese and his team for this election result,” AFCA CEO Tim Lester said. “During the campaign we welcomed a commitment from Forestry Minister Julie Collins who wrote to us stating that the Prime Minister and the Minister were strong advocates for plantation and native forestry sectors. “She confirmed that the Government’s position on native forestry is unchanged and that ‘An Albanese Government will never walk away from timber workers and communities’,” Mr Lester said. “Forestry services businesses are generally small, multi-generational family businesses providing specialist equipment and skills to ensure the supply of timber and wood fibre to processing and export facilities. Security of contracts, viability of arrangements and surety for resource availability are all critical for long term business success. “These businesses are the employers of an essential workforce who have high quality jobs in rural and regional Australia. The World Bank says forestry industries have an economic impact two and a half times the amount of money directly generated. A strong forestry sector means more local economic activity, which means stronger communities. “The alternative is exporting our jobs, importing more timber and Australian taxpayers spending more to manage our forests. “There is a lot of misinformation circulating so we would like to extend an invitation to all Parliamentarians to come and see how our forests are managed particularly through harvesting and regeneration. “We look forward to working with the Labor government to promote certainty and security for forestry services businesses who are providing the foundation for Australia’s $24 billion forest products sector,” Mr Lester said.  

The Hyne Group has announced as expansion of its Pallets division with the acquisition of Pallet & Bin Pty Ltd located in Shepparton, Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Pallet & Bin manufactures a range of products for some of Australia’s largest food producers, including a significant amount for the export markets. Hyne Group CEO Jim Bindon said Pallet & Bin was a well-regarded, local business that had been operating for more than 20 years and was a significant supplier for freighting food, “Clients include five of Australia’s largest food producers and this offers further diversity opportunities for our national pallet customer base,” he said. “Shepparton is also strategically located between Hyne Timber’s Tumbarumba sawmill and key Melbourne metropolitan markets, offering some solid locational synergies for both raw material timber supply and freight efficiencies.” This announcement follows the Group’s expansion in 2024 of its pallet manufacturing divisions through the acquisition of Rodpak Pallets & Packaging (VIC), Express Pallets & Crates (QLD) and Pinetec Pty (WA). The Group also expanded its Australian Garden Care division last year with the acquisition, through its Rocky Point Pty Ltd subsidiary, of Bassett Barks on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. In parallel, the Hyne Group’s majority owners in the UK, James Jones and Sons Ltd, has announced the acquisition of United Box Ltd. United Box Ltd was originally formed as a joint venture in 2003 by James Jones & Sons Ltd and Scott Group Ltd. United Box manufactures and distributes agricultural boxes and is a valued supplier to the food industry across the UK and Ireland. “Our recent acquisitions, combined with a progressive investment philosophy, are part of our disciplined global strategy and these two additions to our Group demonstrates our strong support of the rural and farming communities in the UK and Australia,” Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Group, said. “This broadens our product portfolio and provides confidence to all our end users of our vertically integrated local supply chains, particularly given the current global trade war.”