Forest Products Industry

Australia’s housing supply is increasingly more exposed to global pressures as cheap imported structural timber floods the market, undercutting local producers at a time when domestic capacity is already under pressure. Source: The Daily Telegraph New data shows imports of engineered timber (LVL) from China have surged 63% in 12 months, with prices well below domestic production costs. As Australian Forest Products Association NSW boss James Jooste explains, softwood timber is the most critical material when it comes to the housing construction sector. “Eightly% of detached homes that are built in New South Wales are built using softwood timber. There’s a good reason for that because it’s sustainable, it’s durable,” Mr Jooste said. Coupled with NSW’s building crisis, there is a growing concern that cheaper imports could undermine Australia’s sovereign capability, with local events like the closure of the Great Western Highway and rising fuel prices highlighting how fragile supply chains can be. “Whether its fuel, natural resources, or things like timber so we can build houses, we want to make sure we’re not exposed to supply chains when a war happens,” Mr Jooste said. “We need to have the ability on shore in Australia to make sure we’re self-sufficient with critical materials. “We fundamentally don’t want to be exposed to the global trade winds when we should be able to be focused in Australia on the on resources that we have in abundance to do things like build Australian homes made out of Australian timber.” The AFPA highlights a mass amount of timber is being dropped on Aussie shores from places like China, which is in direct competition with our locally grown trees. While this may appear to lower costs in the short term, critics argue that it undermines Australian manufacturing, reducing local supply capacity and increasing long-term exposure to global volatility. “We need to make sure that we invest in those businesses and companies that are doing it in Australia, I think that’s really important and I think a lot of Australians are saying that,” Jooste said. Imported engineered timber is now being sold for almost half the domestic price, directly replacing locally manufactured structural timber in homes, but the AFPA points out that supply isn’t the main problem with the housing industry in NSW. “We’re actually not in a housing crisis. We’re in a building crisis right now, we see that throughout timber mill yards because we’ve got excess timber in those yards,” Jooste explained. “At a time that we should be going hammer and tongs on getting that timber to be building new houses in New South Wales, where the government had a laser-like focus on trying to address this issue.” As the state approaches its next election in March 2027, the AFPA say its imperative for both parties to get their forestry industry action plan sorted as soon as possible. “It’s really important to get the planning done now and get some direction around how we want to support our domestic manufacturers in New South Wales. “We’ve got all the resources we need to make sure that when it comes to building houses, we have those materials close to areas we need. Without a strong domestic industry, Australia risks becoming dependent on imports for the very materials needed to meet housing targets — at higher long-term cost and risk to Australian jobs.

The post Cheap imported structural timber flooding our market appeared first on Timberbiz.

The Green Triangle’s plantation community has formally recognised one of its most respected leaders by naming a bushland restoration project at Australian Bluegum Plantations’ (ABP) Les Johnson Plantation, near Dergholm, in honour of outgoing CEO Russ Hughes. Source: Timberbiz The dedication of the Russ Hughes Bushland Project acknowledges Mr Hughes’ decade-long commitment to biodiversity, conservation and sustainable land management – values that underpin the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo habitat restoration being delivered at the conservation site. Throughout his tenure with ABP, Mr Hughes championed environmental stewardship, strengthened relationships with local communities, and embedded conservation principles into everyday operational practice. Those commitments helped lay the foundation for initiatives such as the Russ Hughes Bushland Project, which directly supports the recovery of one of the region’s most threatened species. Delivered in partnership with BirdLife Australia and Greening Australia, the project focuses on restoring critical habitat, improving food availability and increasing nesting opportunities for the critically endangered Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. Mr Hughes joined ABP in 2015 building on his experience working with industry and First Nations communities as a professional forester in Canada. Incoming CEO Darren Shelden, who worked closely with Mr Hughes during his tenure, said the naming of the project was a fitting acknowledgement of his influence and work ethos. “Russ has always believed plantation forestry is about more than growing wood fibre – it’s about people, landscapes, and the legacy we leave behind. His leadership has set a benchmark for how industry can work hand-in-hand with nature,” Mr Shelden said. “This bushland restoration will stand as a living reminder of Russ’ passion for biodiversity and his deep respect for the environment. It’s a place where staff, families and visitors can connect with the landscape he cares so deeply about, including the precious stringybark and buloke habitats that support the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo.” The Russ Hughes Bushland Project forms part of ABP’s broader environmental enhancement program, which includes native species plantings, habitat protection, wetland restoration and long-term conservation planning across the estate. Mr Shelden said Mr Hughes’ influence extended well beyond operational leadership. “Russ has been a mentor, a passionate industry advocate, and a trusted colleague to so many of us. His legacy is woven into the culture of this organisation. He is thoughtful, principled, and always looking to the future and supporting the next generation of foresters,” he said. “At the core of his work was leaving the landscape in a better condition than when it was found. This habitat restoration stands as a lasting tribute to his contribution.” A farewell gathering with staff, industry partners and long-term collaborators was recently held at Les Johnson Plantation to mark the occasion. The event included the planting of several native species to enhance long term habitat for the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo. While stepping down as CEO, Mr Hughes continues to contribute to the sector as founding Chair of The Precinct Project, an advanced manufacturing initiative exploring new engineered wood products from plantation fibre grown in the Green Triangle. As a founding member of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, he also played a pivotal role in shaping the project’s early vision. ABP board member and GTFIH Deputy Chair Laurie Hein said Mr Hughes had been influential in turning “ambition into action”. “Russ’ ability to galvanise industry, government and community partners has unlocked new opportunities. From habitat restoration and koala management programs to the early visioning of The Precinct project. The region is stronger, more resilient and forward-looking because of his valued contribution,” Mr Hein said.

The post ABP Les Johnson Plantation named to honour outgoing CEO appeared first on Timberbiz.