Forest Products Industry

The Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) will host two days of learning and discussion in the Green Triangle Region including a field day and then a research showcase in its new building. On Wednesday 13 May you can see demonstrations of the silvicultural work underway through the Centre, then head to the Blue Lake area for hands-on demonstrations of technologies in Forest Assessment including LIDAR/drones, water monitoring, Resi tool, and virtual reality. A dinner will be held at the Bob and Gayle Cowan auditorium from 5.30pm onwards. On Thursday 14 May is the industry research showcase to be held at the Bob & Gayle Cowan auditorium. The FCoE is keen to highlight projects and solicit industry input via this showcase and dinner. The program is structured to encourage feedback from stakeholders on their future expectations of the FCoE. Tickets are free to all sessions, but bookings are required for ensuring proper catering and space. RSVP by Tuesday 28 April 2026 and more information at https://www.forestrycoe.com.au/news/fcoe-host-first-annual-showcase

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FSC Australia and New Zealand’s (FSC ANZ) Indigenous Working Group has formally transitioned to the First Nations Committee (FNC), reflecting the growing preference for ‘First Nations’ terminology and reinforcing the Committee’s ongoing role in advancing First Nations perspectives and championing FSC ANZ’s commitment to responsible forest management. Source: Timberbiz Since its establishment in 2014, the Indigenous Working Group has played an important role in shaping the direction of FSC ANZ, ensuring First Nations voices and perspectives are meaningfully represented. As broader conversations around identity and representation have evolved, so too has the IWG’s role and place within the organisation. With full endorsement of the FSC ANZ Board of Directors, the IWG steps forward as the First Nations Committee, a transition that reflects the growing preference for ‘First Nations’ terminology across both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This change also aligns with proposed updates to the revised Forest Stewardship Standard of Australia, which also includes a shift from ‘Indigenous’ to ‘First Nations’ terminology, and is set to enter its second round of public consultation later this month. At its inception, the title ‘working group’ signalled a defined, time-bound mandate. Over the years, however, the FNC’s scope, influence, and responsibilities have expanded well beyond those initial parameters. Reframing the group as a ‘committee’ acknowledges its ongoing and integral role within FSC ANZ, as well as its enduring partnership in guiding the future of responsible forestry across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The First Nations Committee (FNC) stands as a diverse and dynamic collective of First Nations representatives, united by a shared vision to strengthen leadership, knowledge, and influence within the forestry sector, for the benefit of current and future generations. All ten members bring a range of cultural perspectives, lived experience, and regional insight, grounded in deep connections to Country, community, and culture. “Over the past year, our committee has grown significantly, uniting even more voices and perspectives from across our communities. We look forward to continuing to deepen our influence within the forestry sector, ensuring First Nations values and knowledge are central to the future of responsible forest management in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand,” Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the FNC, said.

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The Lakes Reserve on the edge of the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is a demonstration forest site established 18 years ago. It contains all original provenances of Pinus radiata from North America, as well as improved material from selected breeding traits of interest and other species (Pinus pinaster and Pinus brutia), supplied by Tree Breeding Australia. Source: Timberbiz It was originally a genetic conservation planting demonstrating the history of tree breeding. The recent drought led to increased disease and considerable mortality that created risk to the community members who recreate in the forest. Dianne Patzel worked closely with the council and an industry working group to develop a Whole of Life management plan. The first step was to thin the stands to remove dead and dying trees to help the remaining trees grow and remove site risks. Dr Nari Williams, Anna Smith and Krishmina Thapa worked with Ms Patzel to assess the degree of disease and mortality, measure the standing volume and sample with the Resitool and Hovermap. The data will be analysed to compare the plots at the site. The site was thinned by Dohnts and the material was chipped to be used by Van Schaik’s Bio Gro. The Forestry Centre of Excellence plans to work with council to set up interpretation signage and then use this as a demonstration site where you can bring visitors to the region. The site could also be used by local schools and the new Limestone Coast Technical College is proposing bringing students there for hands-on measurements. There are many people to thank but Ockert Le Roux was involved in everything from the start, including council meetings and coordinating with stakeholders. David Kensley did the harvest planning and tree marking, Lew Parsons and David Geddes performed the financial analysis presented to Council, Dr Desmond Stackpole performed the drone assessment, and Clinton Sims assisted in early planning for the site. This is a great example of collaboration between the Centre, local government and local forestry companies.

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