Forest Products Industry

Entries are open for the 2026 Sustainability Awards, recognising excellence in sustainable architecture, design and construction. Source: Timberbiz Celebrating its 20th year, the 2026 Awards arrive at a pivotal moment for the built environment, one defined by increasing regulatory pressure, housing supply challenges, and the mainstreaming of sustainability as a commercial imperative rather than a design aspiration. Entries opened on 29 April and close on 24 June 2026, with submissions invited from professionals delivering measurable impact across projects, products and practice. Judging will commence on 17 July and the awards gala will be held on 12 November. This year’s program introduces two significant category updates that reflect the evolving priorities of the industry, including the return of established and emerging areas of practice. The introduction of Sustainable Builder/Developer of the Year, marks a decisive shift in recognising accountability for sustainability outcomes. The category acknowledges that leadership has moved beyond the drawing board, rewarding builders and developers who are embedding environmental performance, social responsibility and long-term value creation into delivery at scale. It signals a broader industry recalibration, where sustainability is judged on execution, not intent. Equally, the return of the Prefab & Modular category, absent since 2020, reflects the sector’s rapid maturation and growing strategic importance. Once considered niche, prefabrication is now firmly positioned as a scalable solution to some of Australia’s most pressing challenges, including housing affordability, construction productivity and waste reduction. Its reinstatement underscores increasing industry adoption and alignment with government and institutional support for modern methods of construction. “Sustainability in the built environment is no longer aspirational—it’s essential. These awards not only celebrate the innovators getting it right but also amplify their impact to drive broader change,” said Branko Miletic, Program Director. The Awards Gala will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Sydney, bringing together leaders shaping the future of Australia’s built environment. Established by Architecture & Design, the Sustainability Awards spotlight excellence in ecological and socially responsible design. Over two decades, the program has become one of Australia’s most trusted and influential platforms for recognising leadership in the built environment. For entry submissions, judging information, sponsorship opportunities or event details, visit: www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au

The post Entries open for this year’s Sustainability Awards appeared first on Timberbiz.

The Electoral Commission of South Australia formally declared the final election result of the Legislative Council at a ceremony in Adelaide this week, confirming the re-election of Labor MLC Clare Scriven. Source: Timberbiz The return of Ms Scriven as a Member of the Legislative Council means she can continue to deliver for the state in her role as the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Minister for Forest Industries. As a Limestone Coast local with a special affinity for the state’s rural, remote and regional communities, Ms Scriven is an important voice for regional South Australia and an important member of Peter Malinauskas’ diverse and hard-working team. The final election result means Labor now holds 10 seats in the Legislative Council, a position not experienced by any government in almost a quarter of a century. Labor has already recorded a record result in the House of Assembly, holding 34 out of 47 seats.

The post Forestry minister Clare Scriven re-elected in South Australia appeared first on Timberbiz.