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Across hundreds of conversations among businesses, governments, financial institutions, Indigenous leaders, and civil society organizations at Climate Week NYC, one message stood out: climate, rights, and nature need to become business and policy priorities instead of niche issues. Source: Timberbiz FSC participated in events throughout the week to highlight responsible forest stewardship as an essential climate solution, emphasize the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ leadership and sustainable finance, and strengthen partnerships to scale up our impact. “The best measure of a healthy forest is a thriving community,” said FSC Indigenous Foundation Director Minnie Degawan, during a Nature4Climate Nature Hub panel, sending a clear signal that we must not think about nature and people in silos. Building resilience to a rapidly changing climate requires shared in-vestment. Forest communities who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are often bearing the greatest burden of adapting to its impacts. A panel with IDH, Root Capital, Satelligence, Blue Marble, and FSC at the Nature4Climate Nature Hub explored this challenge. Participants emphasized that climate resilience depends on connecting trusted data, certification, and finance so that responsibility and investment are shared across the value chain, helping to de-risk the transition for communities. Consumers also have a role to play. At an event hosted by the NYU Stern Centre for Sustainable Business, GlobeScan, and Sustainable Brands, FSC Chief Program Officer Ria Stout participated alongside representatives from IKEA, Mastercard, Amazon, and Unilever to explore how consumer demand is driving the sustainability agenda. Sustainability-marketed products are growing 4.9 times faster than conventionally marketed products across 36 consumer packaged goods categories, according to NYU Stern Centre for Sustainable Business’ Sustainable Market Share Index. However, affordability remains a barrier to wider adoption. Data emerged as a recurring theme across Climate Week discussions. As sustainability reporting requirements and climate disclosures increase, companies need data and evidence that connect sustainability outcomes with business priorities. FSC North America and the FSC Indigenous Foundation brought together representatives from environmental, rights, research, finance, and community-focused organizations for a conversation on how forests, food, climate, biodiversity, freshwater, rights, and community well-being can be addressed more effectively together. Indigenous Peoples’ leadership was central in Climate Week discussions. “Forests are more than carbon sinks. Carbon is, in fact, a co-benefit. For Indigenous Peoples, forests are home and relatives,” said Minnie Degawan at an event hosted by the Environmental Defense Fund and Emergent. Direct climate funding for Indigenous Peoples and local communities was another key topic. Despite exceeding the COP26 Forest Tenure Pledge target with USD 2.35 billion committed, Climate Week discussions emphasized that success depends not just on how much funding is provided, but on decision-making power and direct access to finance. The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) launched the Forest Finance Roadmap Progress Report during Climate Week, highlighting progress toward closing the US$66.8 billion forest finance gap. It also shared growing support for the Tropical Forest Forever Facility; a blended finance initiative launched at COP30 to reward countries for conserving tropical rainforests. The UK announced a GBP 400 million commitment to the Facility during the week, adding to the momentum. Governments are crucial partners for translating commitments into action. \At the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF Task Force) panel, Sharon London, Partnerships Director at FSC Investments & Partnerships, joined governors, universities, NGOs and foundations to explore how governments can work with communities, NGOs, investors and the private sector to unlock finance, close capacity gaps, and turn climate commitments into action. Speakers emphasized that successful partnerships are built on trust, long-term relationships, and understanding of local realities. “Partnerships are how we connect policy, finance, certification, and the people working on the ground,” said Sharon London, reflecting on the event. There is growing interest from local governments in translating climate commitments into practical actions through partnerships, finance, and tools such as FSC certification. FSC and the GCF Task Force are advancing a letter of intent to build a platform for collaboration, joint projects, fundraising, knowledge-sharing, and policy engagement.

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Sweden’s newest Forest Map is a digital map from the Swedish Forest Agency that brings together three of the agency’s most widely used mapping tools in a common platform. Here, forestry can, among other things, calculate the amount of timber but also see where there may be valuable forest environments, ancient finds and the risk of forest damage. Source: Timberbiz “Three maps become one, which makes it easier than ever to plan for logging and other measures in the forest. This can contribute to better environmental consideration and more efficient forestry,” said Kajsa Wivstad, project manager for the Forest Map. In the Forest Map, the user can, for example, see where there are high natural values that may need to be taken into account, but also ancient remains and other cultural environments that must not be damaged. Here is information about which forests are protected, watercourses, soil conditions and where there is a risk of landslides. There is also data that makes it easier for the user to assess tree height and timber reserves. The Swedish Forest Agency launched the first map in 1999, which has since been developed in several stages. Until now, there have been mainly three highly appreciated and well-used maps with up to 2,000 visits each week: Forest pearls that show information about valuable forest environments but also information from the Artportal that guides the forest owner where consideration may be required when felling and other measures. Forest basic data describes forests and land and can be used in all types of forest planning. Damage to forests shows where damage has occurred from, among other things, fire and storms.   These three maps have now been removed, but the information from all three has been moved to the Forest Map, which can be used on computers, tablets and mobile phones. “The forest map is more user-friendly and easy to navigate with functions and menus that are easier to use. Then, of course, we will gradually develop the content of the map and take into account the views and suggestions for improvement from the users,” said Kajsa Wivstad. The target group for the Forest Map is broad and includes forest owners, forestry companies, authorities, municipalities, non-profit organizations and private actors such as environmental consultants, banks, brokers and insurance companies. The map is also aimed at users who do not have their own GIS systems but need access to qualified geographic information about forests and land. For a year, a beta version of the Forest Map has been available on the Swedish Forest Agency’s website for testing and development of the content.  

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The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) released its biennial Sustainability Progress Report which demonstrates progress in seven key areas of sustainability. The 2026 report also highlights the role the forest products sector can play in helping meet global climate goals. Source: Timberbiz “As the 2026 Sustainability Progress Report makes clear, the global forest products sector continues to make measurable progress toward a more sustainable future,” said José Carlos da Fonseca Jr, ICFPA President. “Across regions, our members are demonstrating that sustainably managed forests, renewable materials and paper recycling are essential to supporting communities, strengthening circularity and advancing responsible growth around the world.” The ICFPA Sustainability Progress Report tracks progress achieved in 2022-2023. The overall trend is positive – a reflection that the industry continues to improve in key sustainability areas from our baseline years. In addition to quantitative metrics that demonstrate our industry’s progress towards sustainability commitments, the report includes case studies to provide a more robust and qualitative reflection of our industry’s sustainability performance. Key progress on ICFPA’s sustainability performance indicators include: 51% of procured wood fibre came from third-party certified sustainably managed forests, a 39% increase from the 2000 baseline year. Greenhouse gas emission intensity decreased 295 from the 2004/2005 baseline year. The share of mill energy needs met by biomass and other renewable fuels increased to 66%, a 13% increase since 2004/2005. Sulphur dioxide emission intensity from on-site combustion sources decreased 80.5% from the 2004/2005 baseline year. Water use intensity decreased 6.4% from the baseline year. Investment in health and safety interventions yielded a 31.6% reduction in the global recordable incident rate from the 2006/2007 baseline with the number of recordable incidents falling to 2.81 per 100 employees annually. 62% of paper and paperboard consumed globally was used by mills to make new products, marking a 15% increase in the global recycling rate since the year 2000.   The 2026 ICFPA Sustainability Progress Report also includes the 2025 International Finalists for the prestigious ICFPA Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Award. The theme for the 2024-2025 Blue Sky Awards was “Building a Lower Carbon Economy with Climate Positive Forestry and Forest Products.” Currently, the ICFPA represents 16 pulp, paper, wood and fibre-based associations that encompass 27 countries, including many of the top pulp, paper and wood producers around the world.

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Around 70 staff from fire and land management agencies, emergency services, local government representatives and community members gathered in Patchewollock for the 56th Annual Big Desert and Wyperfeld Fire Conference. Source: Timberbiz The annual event continues to play an important role in strengthening relationships, sharing knowledge and preparing for the upcoming bushfire season across Victoria’s Mallee region. The conference brought together representatives from: Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Country Fire Authority (CFA) Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) Agriculture Victoria, Victoria Police Parks Victoria VicSES Barengi Gadjin Land Council Department of Environment and Water of South Australia Emergency Management Victoria local government community stakeholders.   FFMVic Acting Mallee District Manager, Ash Christian, said the conference is a great opportunity to connect, learn and share insights about fire management in the Mallee region. ‘Bringing agencies and stakeholders together helps us reflect on the year gone by while preparing for the bushfire season ahead,’ Mr Christian said. The day began with a Welcome to Country delivered by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council, followed by opening remarks from FFMVic and CFA leaders, who high-lighted the value of collaboration in reducing bushfire risk and keeping communities safe. Attendees heard a range of presentations covering lessons from the past fire season and preparations for the season ahead. Topics included seasonal weather conditions, operational readiness, fuel management programs in the Big Desert and Wyperfeld areas, fire prevention and community preparedness, and recovery efforts following recent fires. A highlight of the conference was a detailed reconstruction of the Boinka Fire, where firefighters and fire managers shared insights into the challenges faced during the incident and the strategies used to manage it. The presentation provided valuable lessons that can help strengthen future fire response and planning. The conference also provided an opportunity for agencies to update attendees on current projects and priorities, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts across organisations before and during the fire season. Following the morning presentations, participants took part in a field tour of locations affected by the Baring and Bronzewing State Forest fire. Led by FFMVic and CFA personnel, the tour explored key suppression strategies used during the incident, including the role of strategic fuel breaks, planned burning and boundary management in supporting firefighting operations. The site visits gave attendees the opportunity to see firsthand how planning, partnerships and on-ground decision making can influence fire outcomes in complex landscapes. The Big Desert and Wyperfeld Fire Conference remains one of the region’s longest-running fire management forums. “For more than five decades it has provided a valuable opportunity for agencies, volunteers and community members to connect, learn from one another and share local knowledge,” he said. As preparations continue for the coming fire season, events like this help build stronger partnerships and a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in managing fire across Victoria’s unique Mallee environment.

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Two Taranaki conservation organisations, 800 Trust and Wildlife.ai, have been selected among just 16 other organisations across Asia Pacific to join Google DeepMind’s AI for the Planet Accelerator, bringing Taranaki conservation innovation into an international program focused on using artificial intelligence to address the world’s most critical environmental challenges. Source: Timberbiz 800 Trust have developed the acoustic monitoring system Hark, and Wildlife.ai are the creators of open-source camera monitoring system Wildlife Watcher. The selection provides international recognition for their use of combining AI with technology, and conservation expertise to make biodiversity monitoring faster, more accessible and more effective. The two organisations have just returned from a boot camp in Singapore, launching an intensive three-month program where they will receive access to Google’s technical expertise, mentorship and resources to develop and scale AI-powered solutions for environmental challenges. Miranda Wells from 800 Trust said that the accelerator program gives their organisation a critical boost to accelerate technology developed in Taranaki, with potential to increase its impact on biodiversity restoration globally. “AI has enormous potential to make wildlife monitoring faster and more affordable, making the important work of conservation groups that much more impactful.” “Working with Google DeepMind provides an exciting opportunity to push that technology further and explore applications that could benefit conservation projects both here in Taranaki and around the world.” Hark, developed by 800 Trust, uses AI-powered acoustic sensors to “listen” to the ngahere. Installed in remote forests, the devices record and analyse bird calls, detect pest species, and track ecosystem changes over time. Wildlife Watcher, developed by Wildlife.ai, is developing an AI-powered camera to identify and count smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians which are typically harder to monitor using traditional methods. For Victor Anton from Wildlife.ai, the selection of both organisations is a reflection of the broader innovation and commitment of the Taranaki conservation sector. “To have two Taranaki organisations included in a cohort of only sixteen from around the world shows just how advanced our region is when it comes to conservation. “When it comes to restoring our natural environment, the world truly is watching Taranaki,” Mr Anton said. Both organisations are part of the Wild for Taranaki network, which connects conservation organisations across the region to share expertise, build partnerships and strengthen biodiversity out-comes. Their selection comes as Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and Wild for Taranaki are working together on a new initiative exploring how Taranaki’s biodiversity strengths could create wider environmental, social and economic value for the region. Supported by Toi Foundation, the project is exploring opportunities including nature-positive investment, , ecotourism, and conservation technology education , with the aim of strengthening the long-term sustainability and impact of biodiversity restoration work across Taranaki. Thom Adams, Biodiversity Innovation Lead at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says that to have two Taranaki organisations recognised through an international program of this calibre is significant. “It demonstrates that some of the solutions being developed here to address very local conservation challenges have much wider potential. “As a region, we have an opportunity to build on the incredible biodiversity restoration work already happening across Taranaki by connecting it with technology, research, new partnerships and in-vestment. That can strengthen conservation outcomes here while also creating expertise and solutions that have relevance well beyond our region.”

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The date for next year’s ABARES Outlook 2027 conference is 2-3 March at Hotel Realm, Canberra, and online. Source: Timberbiz For more than 50 years, ABARES Outlook conferences have led national discussions on the future of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors, helping shape industry thinking and policy conversations. Drawing on ABARES’ latest insights, commodity data and forecasts, Outlook 2027 will provide valuable opportunities to learn, contribute and engage with industry leaders, government delegates and researchers. Next year, a new networking dinner will give delegates a relaxed setting to build connections, exchange ideas and keep the conversation going. Tickets will be available from 29 October. Visit the website for more information https://www.agriculture.gov.au/event/abares-outlook

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Approvals for new houses increased in August to a new high of 11,040, the highest level in five years and up by 3.3% on the previous month. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Bureau of Statistics this week released its monthly building approvals data for August 2026 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt said that house approvals over the past three months sat 14.6% higher than the same quarter last year, reflecting the market’s momentum heading into this year. “There are long lags in home building, and it is still too soon to see the impact of this year’s speed bumps on building approvals data,” he said. “The impact of rising interest rates, surging fuel costs and government tax increases has reached a number of leading indicators. “New home sales declined for the fourth consecutive month in August, sitting almost 20% down on a quarterly basis. “Fewer people are visiting display villages and those who do are proving harder for builders to convert into actual contracts for new home builds.” Mr Devitt said that price declines in the established market had continued and broadened, while the costs of land, construction, and taxes and regulations on new builds continued to increase. This undermined the viability of new builds. “Much of the home building industry had a healthy pipeline of construction work underway heading into this year’s difficulties, as well as a number of projects sold and awaiting commencement. This should sustain activity for the rest of the year,” he said. “We are unlikely to see the impact of recent events on approvals and on-the-ground commencements until next year and beyond, when Australia will build fewer homes than previously expected.” Mr Devitt said that this was occurring while underlying demand for housing – population growth, shrinking household sizes, replacement of old stock and addressing pre-existing shortages – continued to grow. Once these fundamentals reasserted themselves, prices would recover and any short-term improvements in affordability would be undone. “This week’s rate hike from the RBA brings the cash rate to its highest level since 2011. This reinforces the need for governments and other policymakers to reduce the costs of land and housing in other ways if Australia is to meet its housing needs,” he said. “This means reducing taxes and restrictions on builders, investors and aspiring homeowners. “Land and infrastructure need to be brought to market faster and fairly funded rather than increasingly imposed on builders and buyers. “Australia’s governments – all tiers – have many levers that can be pulled to improve housing affordability in both the short and long term,” Mr Devitt said. In seasonally adjusted terms, Western Australia saw the largest increase in house building approvals in the three months to August compared to the same period a year earlier, to be 21.9% higher. This was followed by South Australia (+17.5%), New South Wales (+17.2%), Queensland (+12.8%) and Victoria (+9.2%). In original terms, Tasmania saw a 22.1% increase, followed by the Australian Capital Territory (+9.2%) and the Northern Territory (+6.0%).

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Forest scientists, managers, growers and communicators from across Australia gathered in Canberra for the 2026 Forestry Australia Symposium. More than 280 delegates registered to attend the three-day symposium focused on having conversations about building trust in the Australian community. Source: Timberbiz Running from today until Friday, the theme the forestry story: Strategies for improved awareness, social licence and effective engagement, will examine how forestry engages with Traditional Owners, policymakers, the media and the community. In Forestry Australia’s view, forest science sits at the very heart of some of the biggest challenges facing the nation, from housing and agriculture to sovereignty, wildfire, climate adaptation, carbon and nature repair.  Without a successful forestry sector, Australia cannot meet its global commitments. “Australians care deeply about their forests, and so do the people who look after them,” Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said. “Our members are the scientists, managers, fire specialists and growers who work in those forests, across every forest type and every tenure.” Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin said the program reflects a commitment to open and constructive engagement. “Social licence is not something our sector can take for granted,” Ms Martin said. “It depends on a genuine connection, trust, accountability and a shared commitment to the long-term stewardship of Australia’s forests,” she said. Convenor Matt de Jongh said the symposium promises to be a watershed moment for the profession. “The Symposium brings a diverse range of speakers and perspectives, to explore how modern forest science shares its story.”   Program highlights Prof Stan Grant opens the Symposium at 9am tomorrow with a keynote titled When words divide, bridging the divide. A Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharrawal man, Prof Grant is a three-time Walkley Award winner and Professor of Journalism at Monash University. Dr Simon Longstaff AO, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, gives Thursday’s keynote. He then joins Dr Freeman, Michael O’Connor of the TFTU and Steve Whiteley of Tasmania’s State Fire Commission on a panel drawing lessons from the past to inform the future. Learning from Rural Industries brings Luke Martin on the Tasmanian salmon story, Alexandra Gartmann of the Australian Farm Institute, Janina Gawler formerly of Rio Tinto, and Sarah Norris of Snowy Hydro. Building Influence puts politics and advocacy before a panel of the Hon Nicholle Overall MLC, Alison Rudman of the TFTU and Natasa Sikman of Chevron, a former Labor adviser. Public perceptions and the media feature Dr Amanda Cahill who will speak on the principals of building social licence, Giselle Stollznow on how Australians see forestry and Colin Bettles, who is President of the National Rural Press Club. A Shared Forestry Story brings First Nations knowledge, leadership and enterprise to the program, with Phil Thompson of Native Secrets, Tommy Hicks of Indigenous Energy Australia and Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the FSC First Nations Committee.   Thursday’s formal program closes with a panel on what comes next for the forestry story, featuring Dr Freeman, AFWI Chair Bob Gordon, Jenna Hammond of Private Forests Tasmania, Leon Holt of Forestry Australia and Dr Robert Waterworth of FLINTpro. Delegates then head to the National Arboretum for the Symposium Dinner. Friday 9 October is given over to five field trips, each leaving from and returning to the Rex Hotel. Alpine ash and snow gums under a new climate is the longest of the five, a full day in the high country on climate change, pest pressure, fire regimes, dieback and forest resilience, and what that change means for forest science, management and policy. Balancing community access and plantation forestry, led by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, opens at an operational paintball site in the ACT’s pine plantations, then moves to a guided walk at Majura Pines and an afternoon on the Cotter Pines mountain bike trails. Delegates will see how a plantation still managed for timber is shared with mountain bike riders, horse riders and high-ropes users. Urban forestry in Canberra runs from the Mount Ainslie lookout through the pin oaks of Braddon and Kingston, the plane trees of Manuka and the American elms of Grant Crescent in Griffith, to new canopy in Denman Prospect and Whitlam, remnant vegetation at Ginninderry and a water-sensitive carpark at Jamison. Tallaganda State Forest, hosted by Forestry Corporation of NSW, covers native forest silviculture, pine plantation management and thinning, and fire management, with lunch at the Captains Flat pub. Research and legacy at ANU is a morning on the role of research, innovation and long-term knowledge in Australia’s forests.

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After almost 40 years in the forestry business, Brett Jones has announced his decision to step down from his role as Managing Director Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. He will be replaced by Dean O’Connor effective immediately. Source: Timberbiz To support a smooth transition, Mr Jones will continue to work part time for the next six months, assisting Mr O’Connor and his team where required. This will ensure a seam-less handover and provide ongoing support during the transition period. Reflecting on his time with the company, Mr Jones says he was deeply proud of what has been achieved since Komatsu Forest Australia was formed 36 years ago. His time with the company and within the industry has been a significant and rewarding part of his working life, marked by many achievements, challenges and lasting relationships. His decision to retire has been made for personal reasons. Taking over the role of Managing Director will be Mr O’Connor, who will be familiar to many across the industry. He has been involved in the industry for a similar length of time and brings with him a broad range of experience and knowledge, providing strong continuity as he takes on the role. Mr Jones would like to take this opportunity to express his sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported him and Komatsu Forest Australia throughout his time with the company. “Over the years, there have been many tough periods, but also many rewarding moments, and I am incredibly grateful for the relationships we have built and the achievements we have shared along the way,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work with you all. I sincerely thank you for your continued support, trust and partnership throughout my time with KF, and I wish everyone continued success for the future.” Mr O’Connor brings more than 30 years of experience across the forestry and forest equipment industries, including more than two decades in senior roles within the Komatsu Forest Group. His career spans Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and North America, providing extensive international experience and a strong understanding of the markets in which the company operates. Mr O’Connor began his career in New Zealand in 1994 with the local Timberjack dealer, before joining Timberjack Asia Pacific in 1997 and becoming General Manager of Waratah Forestry Attachments Australia in 2001. He joined Komatsu Forest in 2004 as International Business Manager, with responsibility for markets across New Zealand, Asia and Southern Africa. Later Dean went on to hold senior management roles in North America from 2006 to 2009 and New Zealand as General Manager of Komatsu Forest New Zealand from 2009 to 2015. After serving as General Manager of EMS Limited in New Zealand from 2015 to 2018, he returned to the Komatsu Group as Managing Director of Southstar Equipment New Zealand in 2022. Later that year he became National Sales Manager for Australia and Business Manager for the New Zealand branch, positions he held until his new appointment. This appointment provides a strong and experienced leadership transition for Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd, combining extensive industry knowledge, international experience and a long association with the Komatsu Forest Group.

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South Australian forest industries and the State Government are cracking down on new detections of Giant Pine Scale at Hope Valley Reservoir and Highbury Aqueduct reserves. Source: Timberbiz As part of the Government and forest industries’ comprehensive spring surveillance program, a small number of non-native pine trees infected with Giant Pine Scale have been detected. These new detections are in the eastern part of Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve and the western part of Highbury Aqueduct Reserve, close to areas where previous infestations were discovered and removed in recent years. It is understood around 200 trees will be removed. Giant Pine Scale (GPS) is a highly destructive pest that attacks pine trees by feeding on their sap, causing progressive decline and eventual tree death. Left unchecked, GPS threatens Adelaide’s urban pine canopy and the state’s valuable plantation forestry sector. South Australia’s forest industries support thousands of jobs, supply the timber needed to build homes, produce the pallets for goods moving through our supply chains, and provides renewable products that contribute to a lower-carbon future. Taking decisive action now is essential to protect both our urban green spaces and one of the state’s most important sustainable industries. The State Government, in partnership with the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), has removed infected and at-risk trees since detections were made in 2023 and continues to undertake proactive surveillance across various sites in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide. Following the new detections at Hope Valley and Highbury, work is underway with the forest industry to remove infected and at-risk pine trees. The State Government will revegetate all impacted areas with native flora, ensuring their long-term recovery, improved biodiversity, and protection from future GPS infestations. Since 2023, the State Government has invested $8 million in GPS response activities and associated revegetation works. A further $3 million has been committed to redevelop Elliston Reserve, in partnership with the City of Tea Tree Gully, following a previous GPS infestation in 2023. This exciting project will deliver extensive revegetation, a new regional play space and other recreational facilities. South Australia’s Giant Pine Scale surveillance program is being undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) in partnership with ForestrySA, AFPA, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and SA Water. Proactive surveillance will continue through spring and into 2027, monitoring at-risk parks, reserves and plantations for any signs of the pest.

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Hyne Timber’s Tuan Mill, the largest timber mill in Queensland, Australia, has once again chosen to invest in MiCROTEC’s technology, with the multi-sensor real-shape and quality scanner, Logeye.

With nearly two decades of experience using MiCROTEC’s solutions, Hyne’s latest investment marks its third Logeye system, with the existing systems integrated into their sawline.

This project represents a significant milestone, as MiCROTEC’s first Logeye installation in Australia to incorporate X-ray technology for log density measurement.

The installation sets a new standard for quality log scanning applications in Australia and demonstrates the growing importance of quality-based log sorting worldwide.

 MiCROTEC notes it is thrilled to continue this partnership and looks forward to completing the project in late 2026.

Logeye

Multi-sensor real shape and quality scanner for logs

Logeye is MiCROTEC’s cutting-edge linear scanner designed for the wood industry, offering unmatched precision, reliability, and versatility.

With modular laser, color camera, X-ray sensors, and stereoscopy, it provides highly accurate log measurements-both overbark and underbark-capturing diameter, length, volume, curvature, and taper.

Advanced X-ray scanning, powered by MiCROTEC Ai, ensures superior internal quality assessment, surpassing other approaches.

MiCROTEC Ai, the AI platform of MiCROTEC, is trained using ground truth data from real CT scans in production, enabling Logeye to deliver unprecedented accuracy and insights.

Customer Benefits

• Ultra-precise real 360° shape of the log
• High-resolution color imaging for superior visual defect detection powered by MiCROTEC Ai
• Enhanced X-ray detection, driven by MiCROTEC Ai training with ground truth data from real CT scans
• Outstanding over-and-under bark measurement accuracy, even in icy or snowy conditions
• Movement compensation for more precise measurement, supported by stereoscopy

To read previous Hyne Timber related posts click here

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Stora Enso will start change negotiations with union representatives at its Gruvön sawmill in Sweden regarding a plan to focus on sawn goods operations and close the Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) production unit. If implemented, the plan would result in a permanent closure of the Gruvön CLT pro-duction by the end of the year 2026. Source: Timberbiz The negotiations cover approximately 220 employees at Gruvön mill, including the Nordic CLT sales organisation. The plan would affect a maximum of 80 positions. No decisions regarding the planned closure or employee impact will be made until the local change negotiations have been concluded. The Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) operations in Gruvön have been challenged by slower than expected growth in the market in the past years. Increasing wood costs have further pressured profitability in addition to relatively high fixed costs of CLT production. “Due to subdued market conditions, the prospects for sustainable profitability in CLT production in Gruvön have been too limited despite the excellent efforts made by our employees. “The planned change will enable us to continue to focus and further develop our high-quality sawn and planed goods production at Gruvön sawmill in line with our strategy. We will support our personnel throughout the process and aim to work on restructuring the organisation at Gruvön accordingly,” said Jonas Lindqvist, Head of Business Unit Skoghall, Stora Enso. Stora Enso will remain committed to providing high-quality CLT products to its Nordic customers from its three other CLT units in Ždírec in the Czech Republic, and Ybbs and Bad St. Leonhard in Austria, even if the planned change would materialise. Sawn goods deliveries to customers from Gruvön continue as usual. If implemented, the planned closure would not have any impact on Business Unit Skoghall’s wood consumption. Stora Enso Gruvön mill employs approximately 220 people in Sweden and produces sawn timber, processed timber, pellets and made to order products for construction.  

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In response to the urgent need to address more frequent and extreme wildfires, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released new guidance to help countries strengthen the rules and processes they have in place for managing wildfires. Source: Timberbiz Launched ahead of the 28th Session of the Committee on Forestry and 10th World Forest Week, the voluntary Guide to integrated fire management governance assessment provides a strategic roadmap for countries to assess and strengthen governance as part of a global transition from traditional, suppression-focused firefighting to a more holistic approach known as integrated fire management. This approach balances prevention, preparedness, suppression, ecological restoration and the sustainable use of fire across landscapes to reduce harmful fires, while recognising the important ecological and cultural role fire can play in many ecosystems. Some 127 million hectares of forests are affected by fire annually, according to the 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment. “Wildfires are a result of the interactions between land, vegetation and people,” said Zhimin Wu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Forestry Division. “FAO is supporting governments to develop stronger systems for preventing, preparing for, reacting to and recovering from wildfires using a ‘whole of society’ approach.” Each country has its own history and challenges for managing fire within a given national context that requires a tailor-made combination of policies and interventions, according to the publication. The guide acknowledges the challenge of building awareness and including all of society – from government ministers to local farmers, private landholders and communities – in making changes and adopting new strategies for fire management. Navigating the overlapping jurisdictions of forestry, agriculture, and environmental sectors is often the greatest challenge for national government, according to the new guide, which offers a neutral, evidence-based pathway for countries to assess their unique contexts. While technology and equipment are vital, the guide highlights the need to assess a wide range of key areas that are essential for building consensus for integrated fire management approaches across stakeholders. These include identifying any existing laws or informal traditions that may not be in line with integrated fire management approaches, identifying who can drive change and how to prompt behaviour change and developing a realistic plan for policy and investment. Between November and December 2025, FAO held pilot workshops in Ghana, Ecuador and Cambodia, bringing together national experts to test the guide’s adaptability to different national landscapes. In Ecuador, for instance, participants successfully developed a tailored methodology for governance analysis that is now being shared as a model for others. The guide is intended to function as a living document that will evolve as more countries share their experiences. The publication was produced in the context of the Global Fire Management Hub, a joint initiative by FAO, the UN Environment Programme and many other partners, which was established to accelerate international cooperation and share expertise on best practice on wildfire management.

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There were 300 international industry decision-makers, economists, association representatives and experts from the Central European forestry and timber industry gathered on International Wood Day. Sources: Timberbiz and Ikonline The core message: While the long-term role of wood as a key component of climate protection remains undisputed, the combination of a deepening industrial recession, a depressed construction sector, and regulatory hurdles such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) demands extreme flexibility and resilience from companies. The Central European forestry, sawmill, and wood processing industry is looking back on several years of immense macroeconomic turbulence. Following the historic booms and record profits of 2021 and 2022, driven by unprecedented global construction demand and disrupted supply chains, the subsequent monetary tightening by central banks has plunged the European construction sector into one of the most severe crises of the post-war era. Gunter Deuber, Chief Economist of Raiffeisenbank International AG, provided the assembled executives, association representatives, and industry decision-makers from the forestry and timber sectors with an unvarnished, scientifically sound, and empirically supported assessment of the overall economic situation. In his approximately one-hour keynote address, the Chief Economist presented a detailed analysis of the Central European economic situation. The analysis was structured around four key, closely intertwined themes: the deepening industrial recession in the core European market, the structural consumption paradox of private households, the medium-term interest rate and financing outlook, and the urgently needed economic policy adjustments to secure the future of the sector. Deuber began by stating that the European economic area is experiencing a drastic geographical and sectoral divide. While some economies in Southern and South-eastern Europe (such as Spain or parts of the Balkans) are experiencing moderate growth thanks to robust service sectors and EU recovery aid, the continent’s industrial core is mired in a deep and entrenched recession. Germany’s persistent structural weakness is of particular concern. As by far the most important trading partner of the Austrian timber industry, the German economy traditionally acts as an economic engine for the entire Alps-Adriatic and Central and Eastern Europe region. If this engine falters, Central European sawmills, panel manufacturers, and timber construction companies feel the effects immediately. Although the slump in private and commercial construction activity in Germany and Austria has bottomed out in purely mathematical terms, there is no sign of a noticeable recovery. The number of building permits remains at historic lows, and cancellations in residential construction are still commonplace. Deuber warned against a rapid V-shaped recovery – anyone hoping that sales volumes from 2021/2022 will return quickly in their business planning is overlooking the harsh macroeconomic realities. The return of overall economic output to the pre-crisis level of 2022 will be a protracted, multi-year process. The economists at Raiffeisen Research assume that this level can only be sustainably reached gradually over the years 2026 and 2027. For the timber industry, this means that sawmill capacity management and capacity discipline will remain the crucial survival factors for the foreseeable future. A central focus of Deuber’s presentation was a detailed examination of private households and their spending habits. Theoretically, the purchasing power situation of consumers in Austria and Germany is not considered to be so bad: After years of high inflation, recent collective bargaining agreements and wage settlements have led to noticeable increases in real wages. Households have nominally more disposable income than two years ago. Nevertheless, this increase in income is not reaching either the retail or construction sectors. Deuber described this situation as a pronounced “consumption paradox.” Instead of injecting the additional available money into the economic cycle, citizens are hoarding their capital in banks. Savings rates in Austria and Germany remain at historically extremely high levels, levels otherwise only seen during periods of acute geopolitical or economic crisis anxiety. This collective uncertainty is hitting the timber industry where it is most vulnerable: in private home construction. The single-family home – for decades the reliable main customer for sawn timber, roof trusses, glulam, and interior finishing products – has become a distant prospect for large segments of the population. In addition to increased construction costs and unclear political frameworks regarding building energy regulations, strict lending guidelines are also acting as a signifi-ant obstacle. Many families who possess the equity and theoretical creditworthiness are postponing their home-building projects indefinitely or abandoning them altogether. The lack of this broad private demand base cannot currently be compensated for by public or commercial construction. Although the ECB reversed course after the steep wave of interest rate hikes in 2022/2023 and initiated a cycle of key interest rate cuts to counteract weak industrial activity, Deuber dampened any euphoria regarding the scope of these measures. He clarified that interest rate cuts should not be equated with a return to a flood of cheap money. The ECB aims to settle its key interest rates in a so-called “neutral range”—a level that neither excessively stimulates nor significantly inhibits the economy. For project developers, construction companies, and private home builders, this means that the era of zero or negative interest rates, which artificially inflated the construction boom in the past decade, is definitively over. Loans for real estate and infrastructure projects will remain permanently more ex-pensive compared to the decade before 2022. Investors and banks are once again demanding higher equity ratios and a more conservative risk assessment. All business models in the timber industry that were based on extremely cheap debt financing for construction projects need to be fundamentally recalculated. The banker spoke out strongly against broadly distributed government subsidies, which often fizzle out without any lasting steering effect. Instead, he argued that the economy needs targeted, incentive-based instruments. He advocated for temporary investment premiums for ecological new buildings and comprehensive energy-efficient building renovations. Only if the government provides incentives that mobilize private capital can the bottleneck in the construction sector be resolved. Deuber issued a stark warning against a spiral of drastic wage increases without corresponding productivity gains. Since the Austrian and German timber industries are highly export-oriented, excessive wage and ancillary cost increases lead […]

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Australia’s sustainable and innovative forestry industry is well prepared for the upcoming bushfire season, and plays a critical role in preventing, managing and responding to bushfires. Source: Timberbiz With the 2026-27 bushfire season starting, AFPA joined forestry members near Bunbury, in Western Australia, to highlight the industry’s commitment to reducing bushfire risks in regional communities, as the warmer months approach. AFPA Senior Policy Manager and bushfire spokesperson Dominic Lane said the well-resourced industry has a long and effective tradition of helping keep forests, assets and communities safe. “Our sector is fully committed and ready to reduce and manage bushfire risks, and in-vests significant resources every year on preparedness and prevention,” Mr Lane said. “We work closely with local, state and national emergency management authorities and volunteers to protect forests, farms, reserves, wildlife and communities.” A recent AFPA survey found the sector invests more than $100 million each year in bush-fire prevention, mitigation and response across Australia. “This includes around $8 million on fire towers, detection cameras and other monitoring systems, almost $65 million on firebreaks, roads, prescribed burning and fuel management, and almost $30 million on more than 1,200 firefighting appliances and 1,500 personnel,” Mr Lane said. “Forestry companies also contribute around $15 million through insurance and other levies that support bushfire preparedness and response.” Mr Lane said the industry works hand-in-glove with local fire authorities and regularly undertakes hazard reduction burning and embraces new techniques to reduce fuel loads. “For example, Wespine in WA is using cattle in plantation forests to reduce fuel loads, as part of an innovative new trial.  Called pyrograzing, this biological method offers a highly customisable, low-emission approach to fire management. “Overall, we sincerely our thank and applaud the forestry sector for their strong contribution and work in this critical emergency management area.”

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Construction of OneFortyOne’s $88 million Co-Generation Boiler project facility has reached another significant milestone, with the project’s boiler now in place at the Jubilee Sawmill. Source: Timberbiz With crews on site before sunrise on 16 September, months of planning culminated in the successful lift of the project’s 162-tonne boiler. The operation used a 480-tonne crawler crane and a 450-tonne mobile hydraulic crane, taking just 75 minutes from lift to final placement, with the boiler now the heart of the new facility. Project manager Mick Geraghty said the successful lift followed months of detailed preparation. “Planning started back in June 2025, with multiple site visits, engineering reviews and detailed lift plans developed alongside the crane contractors to make sure every aspect of the operation was meticulously assessed,” Mr Geraghty said. “On the day, everything went exactly as planned. The lift was completed safely, seamlessly, and ahead of schedule, which is a terrific outcome for everyone involved.” The boiler is a key component of the renewable energy system that will enable OneFortyOne to generate electricity using wood fibre residues from its own operations to power the entire sawmill. “This was one of the most visible and technically challenging stages of the project to date,” Mr Geraghty said. “Having the boiler in place opens up a number of new work fronts across the project. We can now progress with plant and equipment installation, earthworks and civil construction in the emissions area. “It’s a real credit to the project team, contractors, and everyone who has contributed to getting us to this point. To see something that has been years in the planning now standing on site is very rewarding.” Alongside the new office facilities taking shape nearby, the changing sawmill skyline reflects OneFortyOne’s investment in a more sustainable future for manufacturing in the Green Triangle. Once operational, the co-generation facility will convert wood fibre residues into renewable energy, moving Jubilee Sawmill off the grid and towards eliminating Scope 2 emissions across OneFortyOne’s Australian operations.

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New Zealand’s supply of sustainable wood fuel is ramping up with work underway to capture previously unused forestry material and investigate new wood energy manufacturing plants. Source: Timberbiz “When businesses are looking at energy options, woody biomass could provide an economic alternative to help keep manufacturer’s processes running and jobs in regions across New Zealand,” said Richard Briggs, EECA Group Manager, Delivery & Partnerships “We know from regional analysis by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) that there’s a significant, untapped supply of wood fibre from the forest that could be fuelling our industries.” Woody biomass provides lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels when sustainably sourced and managed. “New Zealand has eight million tonnes of wood out of commercial forests per year that could sustainably be used as fuel,” said Mr Briggs. “While the opportunity is there, the upfront costs of establishing collection points has been a barrier. “This is the next step in helping open up opportunities for New Zealand to make better use of our resources and power industry.” EECA is investing in five new wood energy aggregation facilities to secure low-grade wood from commercial forestry alongside the private sector. Spread between Southland and Waikato. The sites will provide a central repository for nearby forestry operations to collect, store, and prepare wood that would otherwise go unused or left in the forest. “We know there’s plenty of wood available, it’s just not being collected or stored in a considered way,” said Mr Briggs. “By capturing this material there’s an opportunity for nearby businesses, and even mature bio-mass operations, to ramp up their use of it as a fuel. Plus, it’s a win for the forestry industry and adds a potential additional revenue source.” Once operational, the sites will have a combined capacity to process 200,000 tonnes per year of wood chip fuel – enough to supply around two petajoules (PJ) of energy annually or meet the annual fuel demand of around 10–20 industrial businesses like dairy and meat processors, food manufacturers, or laundries. In total EECA is contributing NZ$3.7M in funding, helping to unlock an estimated NZ$11.6 million in private investment across the five projects. Following a request for proposal, an additional four projects looking to establish wood energy manufacturing facilities have received repayable grants to develop their investment case for getting up and running. “Developing robust investment cases has been a critical barrier to building New Zealand’s wood energy supply. By supporting businesses to make this detailed step, we’re helping un-lock low carbon, future fuels and build out a much-needed supply chain,” said Mr Briggs. Wood energy manufacturing plants being explored around the country could significantly expand New Zealand’s energy supply, giving businesses using coal and gas greater choice in how they power their operations. If brought to market, the four projects could produce over half a million tonnes of wood fuel annually, spread across torrefied biomass and white wood pellets. That’s the energy equivalent of around 10PJs, or close to a quarter of industrial gas demand. “With gas prices rising, and challenges in securing long-term supply, more wood energy coming to market will offer businesses more choice and therefore improve energy security. Importantly, it will give certainty to large energy users that there’s fuel available if they convert their gas or coal fired systems to biomass.” If found to be feasible the four proposed projects collectively represent NZ$450 million in potential private capital investment in new biomass supply. The initiatives are part of the Government’s Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan announced late last year which aims to accelerate wood energy as a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy resource for domestic and export markets. “We know demand already exceeds supply and is set to grow, so building the supply chain will deliver for Kiwi businesses and potentially export markets too,” said Mr Briggs.

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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the release of BuildSkills Australia’s new report examining the workforce and skills implications of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), saying the findings confirm that innovation in home building can be supported through evolution of existing skills and training pathways rather than wholesale workforce disruption. Source: Timberbiz MMC encompasses a range of innovative approaches to designing, manufacturing and delivering buildings, including prefabrication, modular construction, advanced manufacturing techniques and other offsite production methods. While these approaches represent a shift in how homes are built, the report highlights that the industry’s existing workforce and training systems are well placed to accommodate growing adoption of these methods. “HIA has long argued that MMC is not about replacing workers, but about changing where and how work is undertaken across the building and construction supply chain,” said HIA Executive Director Future Workforce, Mike Hermon. “The report makes it clear that as the industry adopts new construction methods, the need for skilled workers does not disappear. Instead, tasks may shift between construction sites, manufacturing facilities, design functions and supply chain operations.” The report finds that existing vocational and professional training frameworks can largely support MMC adoption through targeted upskilling, skills deepening and adaptation of current qualifications, rather than the creation of entirely new occupational pathways. “This is an important finding because it recognises Australia’s building workforce al-ready possesses many of the foundational skills required to support MMC,” Mr Hermon said. “The challenge is less about creating a whole new workforce and more about ensuring workers, supervisors, designers and manufacturers can build on their existing skills and apply them in new ways.” HIA welcomed the report’s four priority reform areas, which focus on practical workforce development measures that can be implemented alongside industry adoption. These priorities include: Upskilling professional and paraprofessional occupations involved in design, engineering, project management and construction delivery. Supporting structured learning and training arrangements for proprietary MMC systems and products. Improving labour market signalling to help industry and training providers re-spond to emerging demand, rather than creating entirely new training pathways prema-turely. Monitoring MMC adoption rates and workforce impacts before considering broader reforms to qualifications and training structures.   “The report adopts a sensible and evidence-based approach,” Mr Hermon said. “It recognises that MMC adoption remains at varying stages across different construction sectors and regions. Future workforce reforms should be informed by actual uptake and demonstrated skills needs rather than assumptions about how quickly these methods may be adopted.” HIA said the report also reinforces the importance of maintaining flexible training arrangements allowing industry to respond to innovation without creating unnecessary complexity within the vocational education and training system. “As Australia seeks to lift productivity and increase housing supply, MMC will play an important role alongside traditional construction methods,” Mr Hermon said. “The key message from this report is that innovation and workforce development can progress together. The industry’s workforce remains central to delivering the homes Australia needs, regardless of whether construction occurs entirely onsite, offsite, or through a combination of both.”

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One Nation has pledged to end former Premier Daniel Andrews’s ban on native logging if it wins the November state election. Source: The Weekly Times In a timber policy set to be announced this week, the party will also pledge to invest more money in forest management and national parks, force the state government to preference locally sourced wood for procurement, and label timber products with their country of origin. It comes after Mr Andrews banned native logging in 2024, six years earlier than originally planned. The decision was slammed at the time by unions and industry leaders, with an Auditor-General’s report finding more than 1000 jobs and 200 local businesses were impacted, despite a $200 million industry support package designed to cushion the impacts of the ban. But the same report found 87% of affected workers successfully transitioned into new employment. One Nation’s Victorian leader Warren Pickering said native forestry will return under a new model with strong environmental safeguards, like in Tasmania. “We’ll provide the access that’s needed, implementing detailed forest practice plans based on sustainable selective harvesting models successfully used interstate and overseas, with detailed monitoring and oversight,” he said. “Environmentally sensitive old-growth forest and native habitats will be strictly protect-ed, and the model will be self-sustaining by funding management operations through harvest revenue.” Mr Pickering added that the ban had failed because Victorians were just importing unethically sourced timber from other economies instead. “Australia now has a $2 billion trade deficit in wood products … our homegrown industry is struggling against cheap imports from countries with lower environmental stewardship standards.” Labor slammed the policy on Tuesday afternoon, with Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle telling the Herald Sun there are valid reasons behind Victoria’s native logging ban. “One Nation needs to explain how the litigation, timber shortages and bushfire risks that forced the transition have suddenly vanished – because they haven’t,” she said. “Labor is backing forestry workers into new jobs, growing local plantation timber and keeping forestry skills and experience in our forests to reduce bushfire risk and support better forest management.” But the policies were welcomed by industry leaders on Tuesday. Victorian Forestry Products Association CEO Andrew White said the state’s timber mills were struggling to stay afloat amid a “flood of cheap imports”. Mr White said country of origin labelling and a commitment to “local wood first” was long overdue. “We also desperately need a new government-backed Timber Strategy that sets out a vision and action plan for the entire industry for the next 10 years and beyond. “We are keen to work with One Nation on a new strategy for the industry.”

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Precinct Australia’s housing construction market is changing with the shift toward engineered wood products creating new opportunities to deliver more value locally, in our regional communities. The strongest housing growth is no longer concentrated in detached homes. In 2025, townhouse approvals increased by 20.5%, while approvals for four-to-eight-storey buildings increased by 70.5%. By comparison, house approvals increased by just 1.9%. These figures point to a construction market that is becoming more reliant on multi-residential, mid-rise and higher-density formats. That matters because these buildings require construction systems that can deliver greater consistency, precision and productivity. They create an opportunity for products that can be engineered, standardised and manufactured off site before being assembled efficiently on site. Engineered wood products are increasingly part of that opportunity. But the market data shows that Australia is currently meeting much of its growing EWP demand through imports. The latest analysis by IndustryEdge shows, in 2025–26, Australia imported $1.941 billion of major wood products, an increase of 10.8%, or $189 million, on the previous year. Engineered wood products accounted for $676.9 million of that total, up 6.2%. This occurred despite a relatively modest increase in housing approvals and otherwise unremarkable demand conditions. In other words, the increase cannot be explained simply by a construction boom. It points to a deeper shift in the products being specified, purchased and used in Australian construction. The clearest example is the growing consumption of Laminated Veneer Lumber – LVL. Formally reported imports reached 254,065 cubic metres in 2025–26, growing from 167,229 cubic metres in 2024–25 compared with 95,919 cubic metres in 2022–23 – a three-year increase of more than 160%. It’s estimated total LVL imports will exceed 300,000 cubic metres annually in the near term. The value of those imports reached $159.9 million in 2025–26. Yet the average import price fell to $629 per cubic metre, down from $821 the previous year and $1,294 in 2022–23. That combination: rapidly increasing volumes and falling prices, is significant. It suggests that overseas manufacturers are not simply supplying a temporary shortfall, they are establishing a stronger position in the Australian market. LVL is not the only engineered or manufactured wood product experiencing this pressure. Plywood imports increased to 656,014 cubic metres in 2025–26, up from 525,599 cubic metres the previous year. MDF imports reached 183,547 cubic metres, compared with 122,921 cubic metres in 2024–25. In both cases, import volumes rose sharply while average import prices fell. Taken together, the figures show an important change in Australia’s timber market. The rise of engineered wood products is not a distant prospect: they are already being consumed at significant and growing volumes. The market is rapidly forming now, but the majority of the manufacturing capacity supplying the demand is being delivered offshore. That is the central issue Australia needs to confront. At a time when housing delivery is under pressure from system and labour shortages, construction costs, productivity constraints and limited capacity, more must be done with less. Engineered timber, pre-fabrication, standardised components, advanced manufacturing and latest technologies all have a role to play in making construction more predictable, cost effective and efficient. The growth in prefabricated building imports provides further evidence of this transition. Imports of prefabricated building products increased by 52.6% in 2025. Prefabricated buildings and modular building products were worth $333 million in imports during the year, while imports in the first four months of 2026 had already reached al-most $226 million. If that pace were maintained, it would equate to an annual value of around $678 million. Not all these products are made from timber, but the trend is clear – Australia is increasingly importing complete or partially completed dwellings. The significance of this shift extends beyond the import bill. Every engineered timber product manufactured overseas represents value that has been created outside Australia. The engineering, capital investment, manufacturing expertise, production jobs and associated supply-chain activity are captured in another country before the product arrives on Australian-shores. Australia already possesses one of the foundations required to participate in this market more effectively – the raw material, and it comes at scale. The country has a substantial plantation estate, an established industry and decades of expertise in growing, harvesting, transporting and processing timber. The Green Triangle, spanning south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia, is one of the strongest examples of this capability. The region has world recognised plantations, the forestry businesses and expertise, the transport infrastructure, the ports and the international supply chains. It does not need to create a resource base from scratch. It has the opportunity to connect that existing capacity and existing wood processing facilities, to the next stage of market development for manufacturing underpinned by engineered wood products. This is the opportunity behind The Precinct. It is not simply a proposal to manufacture another timber product. The central proposition is to establish a more complete region-al value chain, one that connects plantation-grown fibre with engineered wood products, building component manufacturing and, ultimately, the construction systems increasingly demanded by the Australian market. This approach does not replace Australia’s export role. Exports will remain an important part of the forest industry’s contribution. The Green Triangle will continue to participate in international commodity markets. The opportunity is to complement those exports by developing higher-value, domestic manufacturing capability delivering solutions for Australia’s dwellings. That distinction and the diversified value chain matters for regional economies. Manufacturing engineered wood products locally helps retain more value within the domestic economy, creates more skilled jobs and supports businesses in engineering, technology, maintenance, transport, logistics and construction – additional service industries. New, higher-value markets for plantation-grown fibre, providing Australian builders and developers greater access to genuinely sustainable and locally manufactured products is driving decision making for The Precinct. Importantly, this is positioning the Green Triangle to respond to a market that is already changing. The growth in townhouse and mid-rise dwelling demand shows Australia’s housing mix is moving beyond the detached house. The rapid increase in LVL imports shows that engineered wood products are becoming a more important […]

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