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The management of Tasmania’s forests is back on the agenda, but not by those who have the practical management of forests as their priority. It has been placed on the agenda by those who may have great concern for the natural environment, but no responsibility for it, nor any financial skin in the game. Source: Tasmanian Country Nathan Calman While the conservation movement may think they are targeting forestry activities on public land, their activism also significantly impacts privately held forests, private forestry and the management of a significant tract of the Tasmanian landscape. This point is mostly lost on the broader public and in many instances, by government. Farmers are the custodians for significant tracts of forest resources in Tasmania, around 1,000,000 ha or 16% of the state, which is more than public production forests. A full-page advertisement in a major daily newspaper on July 20 spelt out a significant disconnect between opinions and facts and the vision for the future of Tasmania, socially, environmentally and economically. What it highlighted was the progressive change in language that now seeks to end “native forest logging’’. Two decades ago, it was “end old growth logging”, before that, it was described as “protect virgin forest”. But their language never explains what native forest logging means and why are we ending it rather than simply doing forestry better? What that advertisement highlights are the claims of the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Wilderness Society, Wilderness Australia and the Bob Brown Foundation now crossing over into private forest estates. It seeks to take the management parameters away from landowners but increase the level of responsibility borne by those landowners. Native forest logging is not necessarily clear felling. Many managers of forests wouldn’t consider clear felling as a management tool but would use the judicious use of single-stem harvesting and the periodic cool burning of understoreys as a time-proven management tool, used for thousands of years before European settlement. In the process, this protects biodiversity, carbon sequestration and boosts the safety of the forest and community. This will ultimately preserve forest estates rather than conserve them – which is a very important distinction. Another term for preserving forests is to ‘lock them up”. Locked-up forests are not managed forests, and in a time of climate change to warmer and drier weather, managing fuel loads is a critical component of managing forest ecosystems. In short, if they aren’t managed, they become a huge bushfire hazard that threatens the whole community and could cause complete loss of the forest itself. Furthermore, it lists among the demands, the increased “… long term public funding across all levels of government for the protection, conservation and restoration of native forests”. At least they aren’t advocating for government subsidised new pine plantations… All farmers would understand the concept of pressure. Pressure from banks, suppliers, contractors, customers, processors, governments local, state and federal. There is the constant pressure that weather brings, the pressure to get the timing right of buying, selling, planting and harvesting. Farmers who are managing forests as a longer rotation crop, don’t need the additional political pressure of outside influences distracting government policy makers from their key objective, which is surely the sustainable and practical management of forests. Vocal interest groups such as the group of four that placed the advertisement in the newspaper are seeking to drive their own political agenda, but the real pressure is on forest managers, who are obligated to ensure the safety of the community, the integrity of their forests and the ongoing economic survival of rural and regional areas.  

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Master Builders Australia’s National Board has announced that long-serving CEO Denita Wawn advised them earlier this year that she will conclude her tenure with the organisation once a successor has been appointed. Source: Timberbiz Ms Wawn joined Master Builders in 2016 and became CEO in March 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the role since the organisation’s federation in 1890. A tireless advocate for the building and construction industry, Ms Wawn has consistently stood up for members and held governments to account, regardless of their political persuasion. Ms Wawn’s policy and campaign achievements include: Working with governments and the union to keep the industry, its businesses and workers operating during the pandemic 19 lockdowns, and to secure incentives, including HomeBuilder, to sustain building activity Leading Master Builders’ successful federal election campaigns, including the 2019 campaign that challenged the then Opposition’s positions on capital gains tax, negative gearing and the ABCC Campaigning against elements of the 2023 Closing Loopholes legislation, helping secure a government backdown on laws that would have restricted independent contracting Working with Government and Opposition to secure a bipartisan approach to the administration of the CFMEU.   Beyond these achievements, Ms Wawn has led national advocacy on housing supply, affordability, workforce shortages, women’s participation, building safety, productivity and the industry’s role in meeting Australia’s housing and infrastructure needs. National President Robert Shaw says that under Ms Wawn’s leadership, Master Builders has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place as a leading national industry association. “Denita has led Master Builders through some of the most significant challenges and opportunities our industry has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major industrial relations reforms and the nation’s housing supply crisis. “She has spoken frankly and fearlessly for the industry, in public and in private, an approach welcomed by members who expect their leaders to ‘call a spade a spade’. “On behalf of the National Board, I thank Denita for her remarkable contribution and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career,” said Mr Shaw. The National Board has today appointed a recruitment firm to lead the search for the next CEO with the process to commence immediately.

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The HIA has congratulated Ben Carroll on becoming Victoria’s new Premier and looks forward to working constructively with his government to increase housing supply, support industry confidence and deliver the homes Victorians need. Source: Timberbiz “The election of Mr Carroll has avoided a prolonged period of political uncertainty at a time when Victoria’s home building industry needs stability and certainty,” said HIA Victoria Executive Director Keith Ryan. “Builders want to get on with the job of delivering homes for Victorians. Further disruption from the Government was the last thing the industry needed after what has already been a challenging year. “HIA is seeking an early and clear commitment from Premier Carroll that increasing housing supply will remain a central priority of the Victorian Government. “We also urge the Premier to minimise changes to Cabinet and portfolio responsibilities. With a state election only months away, there are significant building and contract law reforms due to commence, while critical regulations are still awaiting public consultation. “Continuity in both policy and leadership is essential to maintaining industry confidence and investment certainty. The residential building industry should not become collateral damage in internal political negotiations. “As Victoria heads towards the November election, HIA is calling on all political parties to support the priorities outlined in HIA’s 2026 Victorian Election Policy Agenda, including: Better and fairer building regulation. Reform of state property taxes. Growing the industry’s skilled workforce and attracting more young people into building trades. Bringing more shovel-ready land to market. Expanding the supply of social and affordable housing.   “A strong residential building sector doesn’t happen by accident. It requires governments to work constructively with industry and implement policies that are stable, predictable and supportive of investment. “HIA and its members look forward to working with Premier Carroll and his Government to deliver policies that increase housing supply, support business confidence, and ensure more Victorians can achieve the dream of home ownership,” Mr Ryan said.

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The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has warmly welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of a new $12 million Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund, describing it as a strong commitment to the future of Victoria’s forestry, plantation and wood fibre industries. Source: Timberbiz The new fund will support innovation, advanced manufacturing and future investment across the sector. VFPA Chief Executive Officer Andrew White said the new fund represented an important step towards growing and strengthening Victoria’s wood fibre industries, but further investment was also needed to make the significant transformational changes needed over the next decade. “This is a positive investment in Victoria’s wood fibre manufacturing sector and a strong signal that our industry has a critical role in delivering housing and wood fibre products that Victorians need,” Mr White said. “The Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund recognises the critical role Victoria’s plantation forestry and wood fibre manufacturing industries play in regional economic development, housing, advanced manufacturing and the transition to a lower-carbon economy. “Importantly, this fund moves beyond supporting industry transition and focuses on supporting transformation, innovation and growth within the sector, through equipment upgrades, process improvements and new innovations.” The TFIF expands on previous government funded programs by opening eligibility to businesses and organisations involved with both softwood and hardwood manufacturing across Victoria. The fund will provide grants during the second half of 2026, ranging up to $1 million per grant, and support projects that improve productivity, develop new products, commercialise innovative ideas and strengthen domestic manufacturing capability. “Victoria is home to Australia’s largest plantation estate and a diverse range of timber processors, but we need to bring down costs and support these businesses to be successful given the current tough market conditions facing the industry,” Mr White said. “Investment in innovation helps ensure more of that value is created here in Victoria, supporting regional jobs, sovereign manufacturing capability and stronger domestic timber supply chains. “Creating new markets and new manufacturing opportunities for innovative product types, at the same time as supporting our existing manufacturing base is critical,” he said. While welcoming the announcement, VFPA said the fund should form part of a broader long-term vision for Victoria’s wood fibre sector. “The Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund is an important first investment that aligns strongly with our call for a new Victorian Government-led 10-Year Wood Fibre ‘Action Plan’ and Strategy,” Mr White said. “Victoria has the resource base, the manufacturing capability and the expertise to become a national leader in sustainable wood fibre production and advanced timber manufacturing. “With the right long-term policy settings, there is a huge opportunity to grow regional jobs and increase plantation investment to ensure we can meet Victoria’s future housing, packaging and construction needs.”

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