Australian timber industry news

Mature and old-growth forests are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, cultural traditions and economic activity. But in Alaska and British Columbia, these rich resources haven’t been reliably mapped, leaving much unknown about what land is protected. Source: Timberbiz Now, University of Oregon researchers are leading a comprehensive mapping effort that sheds light on the location, makeup and conservation status of old-growth forests across the region. Their data show that more than 40% of mature and old growth forests in the study area are in places that lack permanent legislative protection. These forests also store the most carbon in the study area. “Our goal was to better capture where old-growth forests exist, how and where they’re being conserved and what the different vulnerabilities are based on the policies that govern conservation efforts,” said study lead author James Lamping. The study was recently published in the journal Ecosystems. Old-growth forests in Alaska and British Columbia are protected through a range of land classifications, including national parks, national monuments and wilderness areas. But by far the greatest area of old-growth forest was found in “Inventoried Roadless Areas” in Alaska. Inventoried Roadless Areas lack the permanent legislative protections found in places like national parks or monuments. Instead, they’re governed by the federal administration. For over 20 years, the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule has prohibited road construction or timber harvests in these areas. But changes in administrative priorities can alter the protections given to Inventoried Roadless Areas without going through Congress. “One of the biggest takeaways from our research is that the highest amount of old-growth forests are in Inventoried Roadless Areas, which happen to be the most vulnerable to changes in the policies that govern these forests,” said Melissa Lucash, UO geographer and co-author of the study. “The mapping effort showed just how much old growth, and how much carbon storage, exists in areas that are more vulnerable to these types of policy changes.” The researchers don’t call for policy changes or conservation protections in their paper. Instead, they provide the status of old-growth forests in Alaska and British Columbia, which can be used to track changes and guide policy. In Alaska, they found 3,720 square kilometres of old-growth forests in Inventoried Roadless Areas, compared to 1,560 square kilometres in national monuments and 730 in national parks. In Oregon, Washington, and northern California, land managers have used this kind of data to inform the Northwest Forest Plan, which dictates land use and management on federal lands in the Pacific Northwest. But in Alaska and British Columbia, there have only been piecemeal snapshots of old-growth forests, or global maps that lack precise information about their location and makeup, the researchers said. Mapping this data for Alaska and British Columbia was particularly challenging because the area spans international borders. “It’s been hard to get a good idea about how much old growth there is in Alaska and British Columbia because different agencies apply different definitions for old-growth forests, and these maps are often artificially dissected by borders,” Ms Lucash said. “We wanted to create a consistent framework that offers confidence in the maps that we produced.” Mr Lamping started with forest inventory plots that contain data about the makeup of forests, including tree species, vegetation and structure. He linked those measurements to satellite imagery, climate variables and topographic data to create a detailed map, making inferences based on how similar a given spot’s environmental conditions were to places that have been measured on the ground. The group mapped the different species in each forest, the type of forest, the amount of carbon storage and what percentage of each area is classified as mature or old growth. Knowing the makeup of the forest helps land managers better understand where conservation efforts could significantly enhance biodiversity and carbon storage. The group’s methodology can also be used to track changes in the forests over time. “The Northwest Forest Plan highlights how important old growth is and how much we need strong and consistent data for policy decisions,” Mr Lamping said. “But this data is just as important in Alaska and British Columbia. The Pacific Northwest’s temperate rainforests are all connected, so it’s vital that we have maps and continued monitoring for mature and old growth forests across the entire region.”  

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Proposals to reduce forestry activity and increase protected forest areas have become an important part of the European forestry debate. However, according to a new impact assessment, such measures risk leading to lower production, tens of thousands of lost jobs, and higher societal costs — without delivering any climate benefits. Source: PaperAge A new national forestry impact analysis shows that a more restrictive Swedish forestry policy would have far-reaching consequences for the economy, employment, and energy supply. The study was conducted by Tomas Thuresson, a forestry PhD and former Head of Silviculture at the Swedish Forest Agency, together with Runar Brännlund, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE) at Umeå University. The report was commissioned by SCA. Jonas Mårtensson, Head of Business Area at SCA Forest, notes that the report highlights both the significant benefits of active forest management and the risks associated with seeking “simple solutions.” “Actively managed forests generate enormous benefits, both economically and for the climate. The fundamental principle is to harvest mature forests and replace them with new forests that can continue absorbing carbon dioxide. This also forms the basis for renewable products that replace concrete, steel, plastics, and other emission-intensive materials,” Mårtensson said. “The entire forestry system, which provides substantial climate benefits, is profitable and creates value. It generates jobs, investments, export revenues, and tax income. To me, the report illustrates how easily one can lose sight of the bigger picture in the pursuit of simple solutions and instead risk damaging a socially beneficial forest industry without actually achieving anything positive.” The researchers analyzed the effects of several policy proposals currently being discussed within the framework of EU forest policy development, including reduced harvesting, increased conservation set-asides, and so-called “Closer to Nature” forestry, which involves a greater use of continuous-cover forestry methods instead of clear-cutting. The report concludes that a reduction in harvesting would have a nearly proportional effect on forest raw material production. If harvesting decreases by 15%, production and economic value would decline by a similar amount. The most significant impacts occur under the “Closer to Nature” scenario, in which half of Sweden’s managed forests are converted to continuous-cover forestry methods and a larger share of forest land is set aside for natural development. According to the analysis, harvesting would then decline by 25-%30%, while the supply of sawlogs would fall by 30% – 40% for several decades. This would result in the loss of between 25,000 and 35,000 jobs and a reduction in value added of up to one-third. “Restricting Swedish forestry is a costly illusion that in practice leads to leakage to other countries, a weaker economy, fewer jobs, and a reduced climate contribution. To me, it is an obviously expensive and ineffective path that hinders the transition from fossil-based to renewable solutions.” Said Tomas Thuresson, a forestry PhD and former Head of Silviculture at the Swedish Forest Agency. Mr Thuresson points out, “Restricting Swedish forestry is a costly illusion that in practice leads to leakage to other countries, a weaker economy, fewer jobs, and a reduced climate contribution. To me, it is an obviously expensive and ineffective path that hinders the transition from fossil-based to renewable solutions.” A central question addressed in the report is how reduced forestry activity would affect the climate. The analysis shows that carbon storage in forests may increase in the short term when less timber is harvested. In the longer term, however, forest growth declines, which according to the report’s authors leads to reduced carbon sequestration both in forests and in wood products. The researchers also argue that the climate benefits of forest products may diminish. When wood is used in buildings, packaging, or energy systems, it can replace materials and energy sources associated with higher fossil emissions. If the supply of Swedish forest raw materials decreases, this so-called substitution effect is weakened. The report also highlights the risk of carbon leakage. If demand for wood products remains unchanged while production in Sweden declines, production may instead shift to countries with higher emission levels. Runar Brännlund notes, “The climate benefits of these measures, when material substitution and carbon leakage are excluded, do not justify the costs. When carbon leakage is also taken into account, one cannot rule out the possibility that the overall climate impact becomes negative.” Forest biomass currently accounts for nearly 40% of Sweden’s energy consumption, and a reduced supply of raw materials could affect the energy system, particularly district heating networks in larger cities. According to the report, the consequences would not be limited to the forest industry. Forest biomass currently accounts for nearly 40% of Sweden’s energy consumption, and a reduced supply of raw materials could affect the energy system, particularly district heating networks in larger cities. The analysis also shows that the socioeconomic cost of additional conservation set asides is substantial and is estimated to be roughly twice the cost of acquiring the land outright. According to the report’s authors, the focus should therefore be on maximizing the climate benefits of Swedish forests through active management and the continued development of resource-efficient products and materials. “If the goal is to achieve genuine climate benefits — that is, global emissions reductions rather than merely reductions in national emissions — the focus should be on active Swedish forestry and the continued development of the Swedish forest industry,” Brännlund says. “This would ensure both increased climate benefits and higher employment in Sweden.” The core of SCA’s business is the forest, Europe’s largest private forest holding. SCA offers packaging paper, pulp, wood products, renewable energy, services for forest owners and efficient transport solutions. SCA was founded in 1929 and has its headquarters in Sundsvall, Sweden.

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WoodWorks – Wood Products Council in the US has announced eight 2026 Wood in Architecture award winners, celebrating excellence and innovation in mass timber, heavy timber, light-frame, and hybrid building design. Source: Timberbiz The annual award program recognizes developers and design teams using wood in innovative ways that positively impact the environment, occupants, and communities throughout the US. “WoodWorks was founded to support innovation in modern wood design, and we’re fortunate to work alongside the teams taking on that work every day. Our award program gives us a chance to step back and celebrate what they’ve accomplished, and the projects that represent the best of what wood can achieve,” said Jennifer Cover, PE, WoodWorks President & CEO. An independent jury of design professionals reviewed, deliberated, and selected the winning projects based on four criteria: design excellence, innovative use of wood, sustainability & resilience, and market impact. Winning projects reflect a broad and evolving landscape for mass timber and light-frame wood construction, ranging from urban campuses to rural communities, and from small-scale buildings to flagship headquarters. “The winning projects illustrate not only what is possible today, but where the industry is headed,” Ms Cover said. “High-performance envelopes, advanced acoustic and vibration solutions, and hybrid structural systems are enabling wood to meet rigorous program requirements while delivering warm, human-centered spaces.” 2026 winning projects Amy Gutmann Hall, Data Science & AI Building Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Architect: Lake Flato Architects (Design Architect, Architect of Record); KSS Architects (Associate Architect) Structural Engineer: Buro Happold General Contractor: Gilbane Building Company Developer/Owner: University of Pennsylvania Cincinnati Public Radio Cincinnati, Ohio Architect: emersion DESIGN Structural Engineer: Schaefer General Contractor: Skanska Developer/Owner: Cincinnati Public Radio Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow Becket, Massachusetts Design Architect: Mecanoo; Architect of Record: Marvel Structural Engineer: TYLin General Contractor: Allegrone Companies Developer/Owner: Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Knight Building Big Sky, Montana Design Architects: Integrated Design Cubed (IDCUBED) / NKBAK / Peter Rose + Partners; Architect of Record: Peter Rose + Partners Structural Engineer: RSE Associates, Inc. General Contractor: Highline Partners Developer/Owner: Lone Mountain Land Company The Kreher Preserve & Nature Centre Environmental Education Building Auburn, Alabama Architect: Leers Weinzapfel Associates Structural Engineer of Record: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH); Delegated Design Engineer: KPFF General Contractor: W.W. Compton Contractor, LLC Developer/Owner: Auburn University – College of Forestry, Wildlife, and the Environment Mercer Middle School Seattle, Washington Architect: Bassetti Architects, A Design Studio of HMC Architects Structural Engineer: Coughlin Porter Lundeen General Contractor: Cornerstone General Contractors Developer/Owner: Seattle Public Schools Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters Fountain Valley, California Architect: HDR Structural Engineer: HDR General Contractor: Swinerton Developer/Owner: Orange County Sanitation District Under Armour Global Headquarters Baltimore, Maryland Architect: Gensler Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti General Contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Developer/Owner: Under Armour

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The Threads of Tomorrow Summit, to be held on 16 June in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, will bring together leaders, innovators and change makers from across the fibre, textile and fashion industries to explore solutions, foster collaboration and inspire innovation for a more sustainable future. Source: Timberbiz Presented by FSC promotional licence holder Fashion & Textiles New Zealand, the summit will feature talks from industry experts and leaders, alongside the opportunity to explore the Innovation Hub stalls and discover the latest developments in sustainability within the fashion industry. FSC Australia and New Zealand will be participating in the Innovation Hub, showcasing how responsibly sourced forest-based materials can support the fashion industry’s transition towards more sustainable practices. From fibres and textiles to footwear and packaging, FSC certification helps verify that forest-based materials are sourced responsibly, supporting forests, biodiversity and the rights of workers, Indigenous peoples and local communities. As fashion brands increasingly seek lower-impact and traceable material solutions, FSC-certified forest-based materials like viscose, lyocell, natural rubber and paper-based packaging offer verifiable pathways to responsible sourcing and greater supply chain transparency. At the Summit, FSC will host an exhibit featuring apparel, textiles, footwear and packaging solutions from FSC promotional licence holders and certificate holders across Australia and New Zealand. The exhibit will highlight innovative applications of responsibly sourced forest-based materials and demonstrate how FSC-certified solutions can help drive more sustainable, scalable and circular approaches across the fashion and textile sector.

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Port Stephens Koala Hospital is strengthening its koala conservation efforts thanks to a recent koala feed tree donation from Forestry Corporation of NSW. Source: Timberbiz The koala hospital plays a vital role in caring for and rehabilitating injured koalas in the Port Stephens region, which is home to one of the state’s most important koala populations. Over the past five years, Forestry Corporation has donated more than 10,000 feed tree seedlings to the hospital. This year, the hospital has just received 2,600 seedlings grown from seed at Forestry Corporation’s Grafton nursery. PSKH General Manager Karen Varker said the seedlings will be planted and cultivated to support koala feed tree programs. “Every koala in our care relies on access to around approximately 1,000 trees for feed and habitat, so this donation from Forestry Corporation is greatly appreciated,” Ms Varker said. “Port Stephens Koala Hospital is committed to increasing and growing its work in plantations for koala feed trees and we have planted over 8,000 trees to date across a number of plantations. “The donations that the Forestry Corporation have contributed are vital to our work in this area and we are grateful for the continued support in this important work around koala conservation.” Forestry Corporation Partnerships Leader Alex Capararo said the donated seedlings include primary koala feed tree species forest red gum, grey gum and tallowwood. “This initiative represents a strong collaborative effort, drawing on the propagation expertise of eucalyptus species at the Forestry Corporation Nursery in Grafton to supply these essential trees,” Mr Capararo said. “These plantings play a critical role in the conservation and care of koalas, and we are proud to support and contribute to the outstanding work of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.” As the land manager for NSW State Forests, Forestry Corporation grows millions of seedlings each year to plant in softwood and hardwood plantations.

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The launch of the new NZ Pine brand gives New Zealand’s forestry sector a stronger platform to promote the quality, performance and responsible production of radiata pine in global markets, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association says. Source: Timberbiz New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the brand will help build recognition of New Zealand wood across global export markets. “NZ Pine gives growers, processors and exporters a shared platform to tell the story of versatile, reliable and sustainably grown New Zealand radiata pine in international markets. A stronger national identity can help customers understand where our wood comes from, how it performs and the responsible forestry practices behind it.” Dr Heeg says the brand’s credibility will be boosted by a government-backed standard, overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries, setting out evidence behind its product and sustainability claims. “International customers are asking more detailed questions about the products they buy and the supply chains behind them. A clear standard will give customers confidence in the NZ Pine brand,” Dr Heeg said. New Zealand’s plantation forests also provide a renewable, year-round wood supply, with many forests independently certified under internationally recognised sustainability programs. “New Zealand pine comes from forests planted and managed to produce a renewable material,” Dr Heeg said. Our expertise and research base give us a highly regarded export product. The brand gives the sector a better way to promote those strengths to the world.” Dr Heeg says the brand launch complements the Government’s recent investment in new wood-processing technology. The Government is investing NZ$3.2 million over three years in an NZ$8 million project with VoMo Limited, a Red Stag Investments company, to assess the feasibility of producing prefabricated, fully fitted mass timber modules. “The NZ Pine brand will help us promote New Zealand wood more effectively overseas, while investment in new technology can expand the ways we use and process it here. New technology and better processing can help New Zealand use more of what we grow, reduce waste and build higher-value supply chains around a renewable resource,” Dr Heeg said. Dr Heeg says both announcements reflect the scale of the opportunity available from New Zealand’s renewable plantation forests. “A stronger international identity and continued investment in new products can help New Zealand earn more from the wood we grow,” she said.

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From the classroom to the workshop floor, students are getting a firsthand taste of life in the timber industry. With strong industry backing and growing demand, the ‘Try a Timber Trade’ Program is gaining momentum across Australia. Source: NTHA NTHA Trainees & Apprentices’ new Educational Pathways Program – Try a Timber Trade – is proving a hit with students and industry alike, giving young people a rare opportunity to step inside real timber businesses, get hands-on with industry tools and explore rewarding career pathways firsthand. With a successful inaugural program completed in Mt Druitt and a strong Liverpool intake now underway, the program is generating growing momentum across New South Wales as students discover the diverse opportunities available throughout the timber and manufacturing sectors. Funded and supported by the NSW Government, Try a Timber Trade is designed to bridge the gap between school and employment, helping young people build practical skills, industry knowledge and workplace confidence while connecting employers with the next generation of apprentices and trainees. The first program, held in Mt Druitt from 25 May to 3 June, combined practical workshops, classroom learning and industry immersion experiences. Students gained firsthand exposure to the timber supply chain, visited workplaces, met industry professionals and built their own timber projects using industry-standard tools and equipment. Following the success of the pilot program, the Liverpool intake commenced on 9 June, reflecting strong demand from students eager to explore new career opportunities. Open to students aged 15 and over in Years 10–12, the seven-day program combines four days of practical training with three days of workplace visits and industry engagement. Participants complete four nationally recognised units of competency, providing a valuable foundation for future apprenticeships, traineeships and vocational training pathways. NTHA Trainees & Apprentices Program Manager Natasha Ryan said the program was opening students’ eyes to career opportunities they may never have previously considered while giving them real-world experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom. “Try a Timber Trade gives students the chance to experience the industry firsthand and gain skills that can support future employment and training opportunities,” Ms Ryan said. “Several participants have already expressed interest in school-based apprenticeships, traineeships and full-time apprenticeships, while others are considering further vocational training pathways.” The hands-on nature of the program proved a major highlight. “Students loved the practical workshops, particularly making chopping boards they could take home. Creating something with their own hands and using industry tools gave them a real sense of achievement,” Ms Ryan said. Industry immersion days also left a lasting impression. “Visiting worksites, meeting apprentices and seeing the journey from milling through to finished products gave students a much deeper understanding of the opportunities available across the industry.” Ms Ryan said the program was equally valuable for employers. “It gives businesses the opportunity to connect with motivated young people, identify emerging talent and help build the industry’s future workforce.” The program’s success has been strengthened by strong industry support. Canterbury Timbers generously donated 16 lengths of Tasmanian Oak for students to use during their practical project work. NTHA also thanked the following businesses for hosting industry immersion days: Heritage Profiles & Mouldings DuraCube Australia Ryder Shop and Office Fitting Knights Timbers Belmont Timber Windoor Joinery   Upcoming program dates: Murwillumbah: 24 August – 2 September 2026 Mt Druitt: 9 November – 18 November 2026   Students interested in future programs are encouraged to speak with their Careers Adviser and complete an Expression of Interest form. Employers interested in becoming involved can contact Natasha Ryan on 0407 442 070 or natasha.r@ntha.com.au, or visit NTHA’s website for further information.  

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Global fire experts recently gathered in Hobart for the 8th International Fire Behaviour and Fuels Conference, bringing together fire managers, scientists and Indigenous land stewards from 22 countries. The event focused on one of the sector’s biggest challenges: how to live with fire in a rapidly changing climate. Source: Timberbiz A strong line-up of presenters shared their knowledge, with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) making a strong contribution. Dr Victor Hurley presented the Pine Plains Fire Management Plan, showcasing how regionally grounded science can support clear, defensible fire management at a landscape scale. Phillip Brien highlighted innovative approaches to integrating complex analytics into operational planning, including a Loddon Mallee fire response tool that helps identify and protect sensitive ecological and cultural assets during suppression, while optimising burn scheduling in the region. Sam Hillman and Merinda Day-Smith shared research aimed at improving fuel assessment to strengthen fire behaviour modelling. Their work is testing a more consistent, structured approach to how fuel is measured, which will improve model accuracy and help evaluate fuel management outcomes. Peter Ashton presented on the First Attack Decision Support Tool, highlighting its development, trial and use in operational preparedness, and identifying areas for improvement and potential future use. Pauline Rudolph examined the cumulative impacts of fire across the Grampians and Little Desert, highlighting the scale of recent fires and the ongoing challenge of maintaining critical biodiversity in landscapes dominated by younger, more fire-prone vegetation. Tim Gazzard and Sam Hillman contributed to a session on firefighting effectiveness, sharing insights from the development and use of remote helidip sites in eastern Victoria. Their presentation covered operational learnings, testing of tank designs and how these insights are shaping future infrastructure. Levi Lovett and Tom Robinson presented as part of the Working as One – Culture and Country session. They spoke about how cultural burning and modern fire management can work together to care for Country and support safer communities. They also shared how FFMVic worked alongside Traditional Owners and incident management teams during the 2024–25 Gariwerd (Grampians) and Little Desert bushfires to help protect important cultural heritage. Mr Lovett further highlighted work at the World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, showing how strong partnerships, Traditional Owner leadership and tailored fire response helped protect this significant place. A key theme across the conference was the shared challenges facing fire agencies worldwide, including rising bushfire risk, increasing community expectations and the need for transparent, evidence-based decision-making. The conference also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen partnerships across agencies and countries. By sharing local expertise and learning from global peers, FFMVic is helping ensure Victoria’s fire management remains forward-looking and better equipped to protect communities, culture and the environment.

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Australia has some of the world’s strictest illegal logging laws, with due diligence requirements applying to both domestic processors and importers before timber products can be placed on the market. Source: Timberbiz To help businesses navigate these requirements, Responsible Wood has developed a new Technical Note explaining how PEFC certification can support compliance with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024. For countries without Commonwealth Country Specific Guidelines, certification can provide a practical pathway to demonstrate compliance and simplify evidence collection. Download the technical note here.

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Sydney based fund manager New Forests has launched its Global Landscape Opportunities (GLO) strategy, the company’s first global natural capital offering, investing across forestry, agriculture, and complementary markets such as carbon and biodiversity. Source: Timberbiz To be established in Luxembourg, the new strategy brings together New Forests’ two decades of experience investing across regional markets into a single, globally integrated portfolio, targeting opportunities across North America, Europe, Australia-New Zealand, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. GLO will be open for institutional investment only. The launch responds to growing investor demand for institutional-grade, global allocations to natural capital, as capital markets increasingly recognise the role of land-based assets in delivering inflation resilience, diversification, and the potential for attractive long-term real returns, alongside environmental outcomes. “The launch of our Global Landscape Opportunities strategy marks a significant step in the evolution of New Forests as a global natural capital investment manager,” Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, New Forests, said. “We are seeing strong investor demand for scalable, institutional strategies that provide diversified exposure to natural capital. This strategy responds directly to that need – bringing together our global platform, investment expertise, and track record into a single, offering. “Natural capital is increasingly recognised as a core component of resilient portfolios, offering the potential for long-term returns while supporting critical outcomes such as climate stability, biodiversity and sustainable land use.” The GLO strategy will invest across a broad spectrum of natural capital assets, including sustainable forestry assets, agricultural land and food production systems, carbon and climate-related investments, and biodiversity and ecosystem markets. “Historically, many investors have accessed natural capital through regional allocations, but not all institutions have the scale, resources or expertise to build and manage global portfolios themselves,” David Shelton, Global Head of Investments, New Forests, said. “Building on New Forests’ regional return performance, this strategy allows investors to access a diversified global portfolio where we actively allocate capital across regions, sectors and markets to optimise outcomes.” “Natural capital offers a compelling investment proposition, with characteristics such as attractive long duration return profiles, inflation hedging, and low correlation to traditional asset classes. It also provides exposure to fundamental global demand for food, fibre, renewable energy and ecosystem services.” The proposed asset allocation will be: United States, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, and New Zealand – 60% to 80% of the portfolio Developed Latin America (Brazil, Uruguay and Chile) – up to 30% of the portfolio Southeast Asia, other Latin America regions, and Africa – up to 20% of the portfolio   The target audience for GLO is institutional investors including pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, endowments and foundations.

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Raute has deployed AI enhanced defect detection in production environments to improve how veneer, plywood and LVL production lines identify and utilize raw material. The solution enables earlier and more consistent production decisions, helping mills improve recovery, reduce waste, and optimize energy use. Source: Timberbiz Raute is a global leader in technology and services for the wood products industry specializing in supplying machinery, digital solutions, and plant-wide services for veneer, plywood, and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) production. In veneer based engineered wood production, defect detection has a direct impact on how efficiently raw material can be utilized. It influences grading, clipping, routing and repairing decisions throughout the process. When detection is inaccurate or inconsistent, it leads to unnecessary waste, reduced recovery and inefficient use of energy in downstream stages. Raute’s analysers are industrial systems used to measure, grade and classify veneer and panels at different stages of production. They provide real time quality data to support production decisions across the process. By combining visual defect detection with measurements such as moisture and strength properties, analysers create a consistent foundation for data driven and increasingly automated production. AI enhanced defect detection strengthens this role. By combining industrial machine vision with deep learning models developed specifically for veneer based engineered wood production, analysers can identify defects more consistently under different wood species, surface characteristics and production conditions. The systems generate detailed defect maps for individual sheets, supporting more precise and repeatable decisions. Demand for this capability is growing as manufacturers work with a wider mix of raw materials. AI based defect detection in Raute analyzers is built on more than 50 years of analyzer development and extensive experience from veneer processing across over 50 wood species. This provides a strong foundation for applying the same approach to both commonly used and more specialized materials. “More variable raw materials mean that mistakes made early in the process become increasingly costly later on,” said Markus Sirviö, responsible for analyser business development at Raute. “When detection becomes more consistent, mills can improve recovery and avoid inefficiencies that would otherwise carry through the entire production process.” Raute analysers can be applied at multiple points in production, including green veneer inspection after peeling, dry veneer grading after drying, and panel repairing and grading. Early-stage defect detection is particularly important, as it helps prevent low quality material from entering energy intensive processes such as drying and hot pressing. As engineered wood producers work to improve efficiency with increasingly variable raw materials, AI enhanced analysers are becoming an established part of production. Their role is shifting from inspection to enabling consistent, data driven decision making across the production process.

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Kazakhstan has developed a prototype of a new high-mobility firefighting vehicle designed specifically to combat forest fires, drawing on lessons from the devastating wildfire that swept through the Abai region in 2023, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said. The Times Central Asia In June 2023, a major wildfire broke out in the Semey Ormany State Forest Nature Reserve in eastern Kazakhstan’s Abai region, killing 14 forestry workers and burning tens of thousands of hectares of forest. Authorities later estimated the damage at more than US$354 million. The disaster prompted forestry and emergency response specialists to conclude that Kazakhstan needed specialized equipment better suited to fighting large-scale forest fires. “Following an analysis of the events in the Abai region, it was decided to develop a prototype of a modern, manoeuvrable firefighting vehicle capable of responding rapidly to forest fires,” the Ministry of Ecology said. The prototype later underwent field testing in the Akmola, Karaganda, Pavlodar, and Abai regions. Engineers incorporated feedback from firefighters and forestry specialists, along with technical requirements identified during firefighting operations. “As a result, a firefighting vehicle was created that meets all the key operational requirements,” the ministry said. The new vehicle is built for off-road conditions and is powered by an engine producing approximately 300 horsepower. It carries a 3,000-litre water tank and is equipped with a high-capacity pump that allows firefighters to combat flames while stationary or moving. The pump system can be operated from inside the cab or directly from the firefighting compartment, providing greater flexibility during emergency operations. The vehicle is also fitted with a rear-view camera to improve manoeuvrability in low-visibility conditions and difficult terrain. One of the vehicle’s most notable features is an integrated self-protection system. In the event of approaching flames, the system creates a protective barrier around the vehicle, shielding the wheels, cab, and engine compartment from fire. According to the developers, the technology is particularly valuable during large forest fires, where rapidly changing conditions and extreme temperatures can place firefighting crews and equipment at significant risk. Officials say the vehicle has no direct equivalent elsewhere in the post-Soviet region and represents a modern solution tailored specifically to forest firefighting operations. Kazakhstan has increasingly focused on improving its wildfire response capabilities following recent disasters. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, engineers in the Karaganda region last year unveiled a prototype drone capable of detecting forest fire hotspots and supporting wildfire monitoring efforts.

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Ponsse Manager Pro has developed even further with a new feature – the Calibration Report. Other features also have been improved based on customer feedback. Source: Timberbiz The calibration report brings together key measurement accuracy data in one view, providing a clear overview. The data can be viewed both at the machine-specific and product-specific level, making it easier to identify potential deviations. The improved Map Tool feature now allows you to save routes for later review and makes them easier to analyse. In addition, important points of interest (POI) can be marked directly on the map, and the feature is now more efficient for sharing information and there is now a clearer view of work areas. The map tool allows you to see both the harvester’s route and production by type of timber in the map view. The driver can immediately see where the logs waiting to be transported are located and which trees are already at the felling site. Thanks to the map tools, the right timber types and quantities can be found quickly, and the work progresses efficiently and on schedule. With the Lasso selection tool in the map tools, the forwarder operator can plan his work more precisely by drawing a desired area on the map and see what types of goods are in the area and how much. The operator can move production to storage locations directly on the map, which speeds up work and makes picking planning more efficient. In turn, office staff and site management get a clear view of the logging sites, which makes it easier to monitor the progress of the work and enables logistics optimization – improving collaboration, visibility, efficiency and decision-making. In the forest, the harvester operator may encounter locations that are important to mark for the forwarder operator to consider – for example, obstacles, soft ground or other details that affect the work. With the help of map tools, these locations can be marked on the map, which improves communication between the harvester and the forwarder. The mapping tools work seamlessly on the jobsite, regardless of the manufacturer of forwarders used. Although a Ponsse harvester is required to collect data, any forwarder can be connected to the system – including subcontractors’ machines. This gives jobsites the freedom to utilize their entire fleet through one unified view and ensures that everyone is working on the same map, literally and figuratively. The emissions report feature calculates and displays the carbon dioxide emissions caused by harvesters and forwarders into the atmosphere at desired time intervals for each machine, construction site and forestry company. Tracking site-specific emissions helps reduce fuel consumption, effectively supporting both environmental compliance and business goals. Emissions reporting also helps identify which machines are best suited to different sites. Emissions can be viewed from different perspectives from individual machines to the entire company, by work method or over time. New subscribers to the Manager Pro service package can explore its features for three months completely free of charge. The trial period is not binding or obliging, but it gives you an excellent opportunity to try out for yourself how Manager Pro can make your work more efficient in many ways. Discover and start the trial period: https://manager2.ponsse.com/fi/

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Australia has an opportunity to lead the way in recovering valuable building materials, according to a new research report from Living Lab Northern Rivers, Circular Timber. Source: The Lismore App The report shows that carefully deconstructing buildings, rather than demolishing them, can save high-quality timber, reduce waste and create local jobs, and recommends national guidelines so the approach can be adopted more widely. After the 2022 floods, the NSW Government has approved offers to for over 900 flood damaged homes and currently owns more than 800 properties across the Northern Rivers through the Resilient Homes Program, part of Australia’s largest property buyback program. Led by Living Lab Northern Rivers with research delivered by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the Circular Timber pilot was funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, in response to community interest in recovering the valuable timber in these homes. At 125 and 127 Tweed Street, North Lismore, two uninhabitable homes were selectively deconstructed to recover their materials. The work recovered premium old-growth hardwoods – including ironbark, cedar, tallowwood and blackbutt from the region’s Big Scrub rainforest, timber that is prized today and effectively impossible to source. Local makers – builders, furniture-makers, artists and craftspeople, then transformed the salvaged timbers into more than 50 new pieces that honour their origin while demonstrating reuse. It was a small-scale example of what could be achieved with right infrastructure and support. The pilot worked through the steps of deconstruction, material storage, product design and manufacturing, to develop the recommendations made in the report. The pilot also showed why deconstruction isn’t yet standard practice. Without national guidelines, recovery facilities or an agreed way to compare costs, it’s difficult to contract deconstruction at scale, especially within the timeframes and budgets of a major recovery program. The report’s recommendations are aimed at closing that gap: Deconstruction guidelines. Australia has well-established standards for demolition, but nothing equivalent for deconstruction. Clear, practical guidelines would give councils, contractors and governments a shared way of working. Material recovery infrastructure. A facility to process, store and resell recovered materials would make deconstruction viable, and could in time grow into a regional hub for circular manufacturing and local jobs. A clear way to weigh the value of reuse. Deconstruction is often assumed to cost more than demolition, yet the report notes this has rarely been properly tested. A framework for comparing the real costs and benefits would help decision-makers see the full picture.   Australia’s construction and demolition sector is forecast to generate around 42 million tonnes of material by 2030. Current waste systems already do a good job of diverting material from landfill through recycling such as woodchipping. The pilot tested whether we could go one step further up the waste hierarchy from recycling to reuse, which keeps more of each piece of timber whole and useful. International research cited in the report indicates careful deconstruction can save an average of 7.6 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent per home, and that deconstruction programs overseas support several times more jobs than conventional demolition. “Demolition is fast, but it treats century-old hardwood the same as rubble,” said Associate Professor Berto Pandolfo, the project lead from UTS. “This pilot showed that with care, timber can be recovered intact and re-made into things people value. What’s missing isn’t capability or community will it’s the guidelines, infrastructure and assessment tools that would let deconstruction operate at scale.” Dan Etheridge, Engagement Director at Living Lab Northern Rivers, said the Northern Rivers has just lived through Australia’s largest property buyback program. “That gave us a rare chance to test these ideas in real conditions, and the makers proved the concept. The opportunity now is to build the systems so the next community facing this doesn’t have to start from scratch.” NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Kate Fitzgerald said as part of the Resilient Homes Program the NSW Reconstruction Authority has been prioritising the relocation, reuse and recycling of buyback properties wherever they can. “To date we have had 450 homeowners opting in buyback contracts to salvage materials and more than 400 buyback homes identified as suitable for reuse through relocation. We have also seen 74 per cent of material from demolished homes recycled to date, excluding material contaminated by asbestos,” she said. “By finding new uses for these homes and materials, we are reducing waste, preserving valuable housing stock and helping address housing challenges in flood-affected regions.” “This approach ensures the benefits of the program extend beyond risk reduction, supporting local communities, creating opportunities for vulnerable residents to access housing, and making the most of resources that would otherwise be lost.” Building on this project, Living Lab Northern Rivers and the RA are supporting Jagun Alliance to help turn this knowledge into practice through a First Nations lens. This Aboriginal-led initiative is assessing flood-affected homes for culturally significant timbers, seeking to develop a custodianship framework to ensure materials are returned to community in ways that reflect their cultural and environmental value. At the same time, the project will generate important scientific and practical insights into endemic timber species, helping inform future land use planning and revegetation across the Northern Rivers. Oli Costello, Executive Director, Jagun Alliance said many of these timbers are culturally significant species that reflect our cultural landscapes. “They were once ancient forests as far as the eye could see, cared for by our elders of this place. They hold ancestral memories of kinship and custodianship that could help us.” The report frames deconstruction as a way to strengthen existing waste systems rather than replace them, one that keeps cultural and material value within the community. With demolition and rebuilding activity rising across Australia, the report’s authors say there is a real opportunity to put these lessons to work. More information is at https://llnr.com.au/what-we-do/circular-timber

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The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA) welcomes the commitment by Government and industry to develop a unified NZ Pine brand, as announced by Minister for Forestry and Trade, Hon Todd McClay, at Mystery Creek Fieldays. Source: Timberbiz WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross, says the NZ Pine brand represents an opportunity to grow and strengthen New Zealand’s position in global timber and lumber markets. “NZ Radiata Pine is a premium softwood — stable, versatile, sustainably grown, and backed by decades of research,’ Mr Ross said. “By unifying our story, we can strengthen market confidence and support higher value returns across the entire supply chain.” The NZ Pine brand will highlight Radiata Pine’s versatility and performance across a wide range of structural and appearance applications. Its ability to be efficiently kiln dried or treated makes it a reliable, long-lasting material for domestic and international customers. New Zealand’s renewable plantation forests thrive in the country’s temperate climate and support a year-round harvest. The sector is built on responsible production, with large areas independently certified under globally recognised sustainability programs. Built around simplicity, in market relevance, and sector wide unity, the NZ Pine brand will provide a strong foundation for individual companies to differentiate their products and reinforce New Zealand’s reputation for high quality, sustainably produced wood.

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Timber Queensland has highlighted the significant role plantations play in supporting housing and construction activity while at the same time supporting local jobs, regional economies and carbon capture and removal. Source: Timberbiz “Queensland has a well-established plantation base with over 190,000 hectares of high-quality softwood resources for timber manufacturing feeding directly into housing construction. The plantation resource supporting Queensland homes today is the result of investment decisions made decades ago using commercially suitable softwood species,” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said. “As Queensland’s population grows, maintaining a strong pipeline of timber supply will require the same long-term commitment. If we want the same outcome for future Queenslanders, we need to continue investing in plantation expansion today. “Queensland’s plantations support timber production jobs, ancillary businesses and local communities across the state, including in such regional areas as Moreton Bay, Caboolture, Beerburrum, Maryborough, Gympie, Hervey Bay and Mareeba. “These plantations also deliver significant carbon benefits. In 2024-25, around 80% of Queensland’s new detached houses used renewable softwood framing, removing almost 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, equivalent to over 2.3 million one-way flights from Brisbane to Sydney. “Continuing to use timber to build our homes in place of more emissions-intensive materials like concrete and steel can reduce building emissions by up to 30 to 40 per cent, making it one of the most practical ways to decarbonise new housing.” Queensland has set an ambitious target of building one million new homes by 2044. Mr Stephens said that meeting that challenge would require long-term planning not only for housing, but also for the resources need to build those homes. Plantation expansion would play a pivotal role in the new timber plan announced by the State Government in November 2025, with the softwood sector already making a significant contribution to the state’s nearly $4 billion timber industry which supports over 23,000 jobs. “Providing the right incentives and removing barriers to investment will help achieve the goal of an additional 25,000 hectares of new plantation by 2050,” Mr Stephens said. “The new timber plan presents an opportunity to align future housing demand with future timber supply. Timber Queensland looks forward to working with the Government on co-designing plantation growth and timber manufacturing initiatives under the plan.” Key measures being advocated to lift softwood supply include: continuation of the Australian Governments’ Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP), which provides upfront support for new plantations; improvements to carbon methods including addressing anomalies in plantation wood product accounting and generation of ACCUs in the FullCam model, particularly for North Queensland; identifying public and private land available and suitable for plantation development; prioritising plantations as a preferred land use activity in the Land Restoration Fund, given their significant carbon benefits and broader economic, environmental and social co-benefits; facilitating sustainable investment models for landholders and investors that reduces risk and provides for public and private partnerships and other collective funding vehicles; support for greater resource recovery in downstream processing and innovation in timber building design solutions; genetic improvements and applied plantation management to lift productivity; and a world class private forestry extension program that can provide information and expertise for landowners to capture the benefits of plantations and related agroforestry activities.

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The New Zealand Government will spend NZ$3.2 million over three years in a new NZ$8m project to assess the feasibility of producing prefabricated, fully fitted mass timber modules for the New Zealand market and potentially Australia. Source: Timberbiz This will mean more timber is processed onshore creating greater value and more jobs. This work is funded in partnership with VoMo Limited, a Red Stag Investments company. “Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and new production methods and technologies are key to driving that step-change,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said. “Enabling this exemplifies the Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future. “More than 39,000 Kiwis work in forestry, a sector that contributes $6.2 billion in export revenue – supporting regional economies and jobs. “This National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science, technology and farming methods provides the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.” The project aims to convert industrial-grade logs into higher-value timber for a range of applications, including use in the construction of hotels, student housing, apartments and offices, multiplying the logs’ value 6.7 times. It will determine if this model of construction is likely to be successful in New Zealand, which includes analysing aspects such as design, technical performance, seismic resilience, productivity gains, cost efficiency, and carbon savings. Shifting supply from export to domestic markets also offers greater stability and encourages long-term investment in forestry and wood processing. “Data and information from this and similar projects will be shared with farmers and growers to give them further confidence to innovate and grow their businesses – supporting a more productive and responsive sector that is better positioned to supply New Zealand and the world with high-quality produce,” Mr McClay said. “The primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.”

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Forest managers, growers and timber processors are being urged to get across Australia’s national environmental law reforms, with a free webinar later this month unpacking what the EPBC Act changes mean on the ground for forestry operations. Source: Timberbiz Hosted by Forestry Australia and the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Centre for Climate-Smart Forestry (AFWI CCSF), the one-hour session will provide an overview of the reforms and explore their implications for forest management, with a particular focus on the private forest and plantation sectors. The reforms are reshaping the regulatory landscape across the country. Forestry operations will need to navigate new national environmental standards, statutory prohibitions on unacceptable impacts, and new obligations around net gain. At the same time, much remains uncertain — key standards and legislative definitions are still being developed, and questions remain around the role of certification, how forestry pathway agreements between governments may operate, and how the sector can meaningfully engage with the reform process. The webinar will be presented by: A/Prof Philippa McCormack, Policy, Economics and Society Theme Lead at AFWI CCSF and Research Fellow at the Adelaide Law School and Environment Institute, who has engaged closely with national environmental law reform, including as Vice President of the National Environmental Law Association (2021–24). David Bennett, Risk and Compliance Manager at PF Olsen Australia, an experienced forester with legal qualifications and expertise in forest certification, auditing and compliance management. Tom Schraenkler, Carbon and Forestry Manager at Sumitomo Forestry Australia, with extensive leadership and advisory experience across forestry, sawmilling and wood manufacturing supply chains.   Attendees will be invited to contribute to a follow-up survey and workshop to help shape the forestry sector’s ongoing engagement with the reform process. Everyone who registers will receive a link and joining instructions 24 hours before the webinar, along with a post-event recording, so those unable to tune in live can watch later. Registration is free but essential, and closes 10:00 am, Sunday 21 June. The event is on 22 June starting at 1pm AEST. Register at: https://www.forestry.org.au/webinar-understanding-australias-epbc-act-changes-implications-for-forest-managers/

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A local buyer has swooped on more than 1200ha in South Australia’s prized South East, snapped up in an eight-figure deal. Source: The Weekly Times Sydney-headquartered, nature-based global investment manager New Forests has sold the 1265ha Southern Aggregation from its broader 5485ha Wattle Range Portfolio, located 12km west of Penola. Wattle Range was listed for sale in January this year, comprising three parcels of land known as the Northern Aggregation (2769ha), Central Aggregation (1451ha) and Southern Aggregation (1265ha). The Wattle Range Portfolio was established to existing blue gum forestry plantations, which were to be retained under leaseback arrangements with varying timelines for investor possession between 2027 to 2030. This timing allowed New Forests to facilitate plantation harvests and undertake remediation works to ensure the land is fully cleared, ploughed and transitioned to agricultural use for the incoming buyer. The Wattle Range Portfolio was marketed to comprise 4524ha (82 per cent) of productive agricultural land and 961ha (18 per cent) of native vegetation and support land, once remediation was complete. It is understood the Southern Aggregation was acquired by an established South Australian farming family enterprise with an existing local footprint in the region. The Southern Aggregation is understood to align with their current farming operations and productive capacity, with the property to transition back to agricultural use following the harvest and remediation of existing forestry plantations. It is understood the Aggregation was sold for in excess of $10,000 a hectare, or more than $12.65m, based on ‘stumps in ground’ remediation. LAWD agents Erica Semmens and Danny Thomas handled the sale, with a renewed campaign to begin in late June for the remaining Northern and Central Aggregations. “The campaign generated strong interest from a broad cross-section of the market, including institutional capital and local farming groups,” Ms Semmens said. “We saw engagement from both aggregation-scale buyers and those targeting individual components, reinforcing the effectiveness of a flexible campaign approach. “Following the sale of the Southern Aggregation, we are refocusing on the balance of the holdings, to be offered on an individual basis in response to enquiry from well-capitalised local buyers seeking smaller parcels. “With competitively priced opportunities, we expect renewed and accelerated engagement from both existing parties and new entrants to the process.” New Forests is best known for its vast forestry holdings — a $10.5bn portfolio spanning 1.4 million hectares. In August 2022, the company broadened its scope with the creation of New Agriculture, a sister business established to manage its Australian farmland assets and build a global

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It is a peculiar kind of politics that pretends to be cautious and frugal while doing something deeply mischievous. The latest call from environmental campaigners, backed by the Greens and independents Peter George, Helen Burnet and Kristie Johnston, for Tasmania to halt long-term native forest timber contracts is exactly that. It is being dressed up as fiscal responsibility. It is not. It is a blatant attempt to close regional sawmills by stealth. The argument sounds simple enough – do not sign contracts until there is “certainty”. But anyone who has ever run, financed or worked in a real business knows that certainty is precisely what contracts are designed to provide. Without them, businesses cannot borrow, invest, employ, maintain equipment, train apprentices or plan production. Forestry is no different to any other capital-intensive industry. Dairy processors, farmers, freight companies and manufacturers all rely on long-term contracts to have the confidence to invest, employ and expand, often while policy and regulation shift around them. Our sawmills should be applauded for continuing to invest and adapt in uncertain conditions, not undermined by political slogans and activist pressure. A sawmill is not a pop-up operation. It is a specialised, high-cost regional business carrying expensive machinery, kilns, drying sheds, log yards, maintenance crews, safety systems, power costs, transport arrangements, finance costs and skilled workers who cannot simply be switched on and off at the convenience of an activist media release or political opportunity. A sawmiller needs to know that logs will arrive next year, and the year after that, just as builders and the community need to know that the timber they rely on will be there, year after year. Without that confidence, banks will not lend. Owners will not invest. Workers will leave. Apprenticeships will not be offered. Customers will look elsewhere. Equipment will not be replaced. And eventually, a business that took generations to build will quietly close. This campaign is focused on making it impossible for the industry to function. Starve processors of supply certainty. Frighten government away from contracts. Create enough sovereign risk that investment disappears. Then, when sawmills shut, claim it was the market. Tasmanians should see through that and through the politicians who stand by activists whose whole fundraising model appears to be built on closing down local Tasmanian industries. Of course, governments should manage risk. Of course, contracts should be responsible, lawful and based on sustainable supply. But the idea that the responsible course is to freeze the industry until every political and regulatory question is settled is naive in the extreme. In the real world, uncertainty is not solved by paralysis. It is managed through clear rules, proper planning and durable agreements that give both taxpayers and businesses confidence. In any case, should any government shut an industry down, the lesson from Victoria is that transition costs extend far beyond sawmill supply contracts. Compensation there included forestry transition programs, community support packages, business support, worker support, plant and equipment compensation, redundancy top-ups and loss-of-income payments. Tasmania’s priority should be maintaining certainty, backing regional jobs and avoiding unnecessary costs to taxpayers. Which is why it is disappointing seeing elected representatives lend their names to this campaign as though there are no consequences to their communities beyond sawmill contracts. These are not abstract debates. They affect workers in regional towns, contractors with mortgages, family-owned businesses, truck drivers, mechanics, mill hands, foresters, fabricators and the communities built around them. Politicians who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with activist organisations, while pretending they are merely protecting the budget are disingenuous and should be honest about what they are really doing. They are putting thousands of Tasmanian jobs at risk. They are undermining confidence in local businesses. They are jeopardising timber supply. And they are sending a message that any industry disliked by a well-organised pressure group can have its commercial foundations pulled away by political ambush. The irony is that this is happening at the very moment Australia is desperate for timber. We have a housing shortage. Builders need reliable supplies. Families need homes. Governments talk endlessly about housing targets, affordability and supply chain resilience, yet some of the same political voices are willing to weaken a local industry that produces renewable building materials and support the importing of timbers from highly questionable sources, such as Indonesia, Russia and East Africa. That is hypocritical and makes no sense. If Tasmania wants regional employment, domestic manufacturing, lower reliance on imports and enough timber to help build the homes we need, then it cannot treat sawmills as disposable. It cannot ask businesses to invest without contracts. It cannot demand jobs without giving employers the confidence to employ. Long-term supply contracts are not a favour to sawmillers. They are the basic commercial foundation that allows them to operate. Pull that foundation away and the result will be devastatingly obvious and entirely avoidable.   Tony Price is a professional forester with more than 40 years of experience in forestry across Australia.

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