Forest Products Industry

A new series of machine-assisted felling training videos has been released by Wairarapa-based Farman Turkington Forestry Ltd (FTFL) in partnership with Safetree and Competenz, giving forestry workers practical guidance on carrying out this high-risk work safely. Source: Timberbiz Machine-assisted felling is typically used when a tree needs to be felled against its natural lean or where obstacles such as buildings, fences, power lines or waterways mean greater control over the tree’s direction of fall is needed. The five videos are presented by registered forestry trainer, assessor and safety auditor Jason (Jay) Hemopo of Manaia Tu Ltd, who is also a Safetree auditor. Together, they provide detailed, step-by-step guidance on planning and carrying out machine-assisted felling safely. The series includes: An Introduction to machine-assisted felling: Covering when machine-assisted felling is appropriate, site assessments, communications, felling plans, escape routes and the importance of reassessing conditions throughout the day. Grapple Digger Push: Demonstrating how to use a grapple digger to assist with felling safely. Grapple Digger Pull: Showing how an excavator grapple can be used to pull over a tree when pulling provides greater control. Winch Pull: Covering the safe use of ground-based winch machines and cable haulers. Behind the Training: Featuring FTFL managing director Guy Farman explaining the background to the project and the lessons learned.   All five videos are available on the Safetree website. The training resources were developed following the death of machine-assisted feller Steven Whare in January 2021. Mr Whare was killed while working on a difficult macrocarpa shelterbelt when he was struck by a broken branch from a neighbouring tree. Following investigations into the incident, FTFL entered into a court-approved enforceable undertaking with WorkSafe. The undertaking required the company to undertake activities aimed at raising awareness of both the incident and the risks associated with machine-assisted felling. The company was also required to assist in improving relevant unit standards and guidance material to reflect lessons learned from the fatality. The new video series forms part of that work. The videos are intended to help establish a clear baseline for safe practice across the industry. FTFL has also changed the way it pays workers carrying out machine-assisted felling, moving them onto an hourly rate to take away production pressure. Safetree chief executive Joe Akari, who helped facilitate the enforceable undertaking requirements, says the videos are an important contribution to improving safety across the forestry sector. “There are no upsides to a fatality, and in circumstances like these, the industry owes it to the individual involved, their family, colleagues, community and the wider forestry sector, to take all the learnings it can from such a devastating event. I think these videos help to do that.” https://www.safetree.nz/resources/machine-assisted-felling

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Students from Rushworth P-12 College recently marked the end of their Youth Takeover project, Respecting Our Forest. Students celebrated the results of their eight-week collaboration with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Forest Fire Management, at a launch event. Source: Timberbiz The Youth Takeover program was delivered through a partnership between Rushworth P-12 College, Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network and DEECA Forest Fire Management. “Through partnerships with local industry, students have the opportunity to experience real workplaces, solve authentic challenges and develop the skills, confidence and connections that will support them well beyond school,” CCLLEN project co-ordinator Cath Elms said. Led by DEECA Forest Fire Management representative Terence Roberts, the project immersed students in forest and fire management, giving them insight into the environmental, cultural and community importance of Victoria’s forests. Students worked alongside industry professionals to explore the role of planned burning, biodiversity, cultural values and bushfire preparedness, while also gaining an understanding of the work being undertaken in their region and explore the diverse career opportunities available within the industry. For the students involved, the project offered a fresh perspective on learning. “It was fun and eye-opening,” Year 12 vocational major student Hayley Marshall said. “It allowed us to develop new and previous skills like teamwork. We all had to work together.” The launch event was well attended by school and community leaders, including Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, alongside representatives from DEECA, CCLLEN, and the Department of Education.

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The New Zealand Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT) application process for 2027 funding will take place in September this year as an open call, consistent with previous years. Source: Timberbiz Applicants will have from 1 – 30 September 2026 to prepare and submit their funding applications online. Any individual, organisation or business with a project or initiative that stands to directly benefit New Zealand’s forest growing sector can apply for funding. Funding eligibility Any individual, organisation or business with a project or initiative that stands to directly benefit New Zealand’s forest growing sector can apply for funding for the 2027 calendar year. Projects must demonstrate a clear and direct benefit to New Zealand’s forest growing sector Information submitted to the FGLT must be accurate, true and complete to the best of the applicant’s knowledge at the time of applying for funding Applications are to be submitted online, according to the FGLT’s instructions, by 5pm, Wednesday 30 September, 2026. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be eligible for funding.   Only applications submitted through the online form are eligible for funding. An ‘Application Worksheet’ – an exact copy of the online form in a word document format – will be made available online in August so that applicants can prepare for the questions required to be answered. It’s not a requirement to complete this worksheet but applicants are encouraged to make use of it to help prepare their responses offline, ahead of time. When you’re ready, copy your responses from the worksheet into the online application form using the link provided on this webpage. The online application form has a ‘Save and continue later’ function allowing applicants to come back to, and complete, the form later. If using this feature, a link will be sent to the email you provided in the ‘Contact information’ section. Click on the link in the email to resume your application. If completing the form over multiple sessions, use the original email and link to access your application again. All applicants must submit their proposals to the FGLT using the online form by the Wednesday 30 September 2026 deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered for funding. More information at: https://fgr.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FGLT-2027-Request-for-proposals_Research-funding_August-2026.pdf https://fglt.org.nz/work-programme/funding-process

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Responsible Wood has extended nominations for the 2026 Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award to Friday, 28 August. Source: Timberbiz The annual award recognises an individual who has demonstrated leadership, innovation and commitment to sustainable forest management or Chain of Custody certification under the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme. The online nomination form takes just minutes to complete, but the recognition lasts a lifetime. In 2025, the Award was presented to Shona Heading for her outstanding leadership and contribution to sustainable forest management and the promotion of certified Australian timber through the Australian Araucaria campaign. Established in 2015, the Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award honours the late Richard Stanton, a pioneer in sustainable forestry both in Australia and internationally. Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries encouraged the forestry and forest products sector to nominate individuals whose work deserves greater recognition. “Many across our industry are making an important contribution to responsible forestry and certified supply chains,” Mr Dorries said. “This award is an opportunity to recognise those who lead by example, bring people together and support the integrity of sustainable forest management and sustainably sourced materials.” The recipient will receive a $2,000 bursary to support their professional development, such as conference attendance or a course of their choice. Nominations now close Friday, 28 August 2026. Learn more https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/what-we-do/our-collective-impact/richard-stanton-memorial-leadership-award/ or Nominate online https://form.typeform.com/to/O2RpQD6B

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The National statement on First Nations in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, which provides a blueprint for greater self-determined participation, leadership and economic inclusion, has been released. Source: Timberbiz The statement was developed collaboratively by Australian, state and territory governments in consultation with First Nations peoples and industry stakeholders. It brings together different knowledge systems, perspectives, and experiences to help build a stronger, more resilient and sustainable sector for all Australians. The National statement recognises the contribution of First Nations peoples and outlines a long-term framework, with six priority areas to guide future collaboration and action including; leadership and workforce, finance and business support, knowledge-sharing and safeguards, Indigenous Estate, trade and market access, and government coordination.   Combined, these priorities aim to support increased self-determined participation and economic opportunities. The National statement closely aligns with broader national priorities including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the First Nations Economic Partnership. Through this alignment, the statement aims to create opportunities for future collaboration across governments, industry and First Nations stakeholders, with progress reported annually to Agriculture Ministers for at least five years. “By bringing together traditional knowledge systems, perspectives and experiences, we can help build a stronger, more resilient and sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector for the benefit of all Australians,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said. “This Statement sets out a shared vision for supporting greater First Nations participation and economic opportunities, while recognising the importance of self-determination and genuine partnership. “I look forward to continuing to work with my state and territory colleagues to support greater First Nations participation and economic inclusion across our agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.” For more information and to read the National statement visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/about/commitment/first-nations-aust-ag-fish-forestry/national-statement

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