Australian timber industry news

Every five to seven years, Skogforsk, the Swedish forestry research institute, carries out its comprehensive Timber Value Test – the forest industry’s most established and independent assessment of how well harvesters preserve timber value. Source: Timberbiz In the 2025 test, several leading machine manufacturers took part, including Komatsu Forest with a brand new 951 equipped with the C144 harvesting head. The test focuses exclusively on timber value, not on productivity or fuel consumption. Evaluated areas include positioning accuracy, measurement accuracy, cross-cut quality, and functions for value and assortment optimisation. A new parameter in this year’s test was the accuracy of stem and log positioning. Here, Komatsu demonstrated very strong results. Stem positioning showed an average deviation of 16 cm; the highest precision recorded in the test. Log positioning also showed high accuracy, although in that test Komatsu Forest was the only participating manufacturer. The results reflect Komatsu’s long-term commitment to precision within Smart Forestry, where reliable positioning data is becoming increasingly important for the future of digital forestry. Measurement accuracy is a key factor in preserving timber value. In the test, the Komatsu harvester measured diameter with 83% of logs within ±4 mm, placing it among the top performers. Length measurement was also at a high level, with particularly strong accuracy for saw logs. This, in turn, provides solid conditions for consistent bucking and stable value recovery over time. The Timber Value Test provides the industry with an objective and comparable picture of how different solutions contribute to preserving timber value. For Komatsu Forest, the results show strong performance in several key areas, not least precision and measurement accuracy. At the same time, the test offers valuable guidance for continued development, with a focus on long-term, value-driven harvesting.

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Indonesia is opening its forestry carbon market to communities and private players under a new regulation designed to accelerate emissions trading and unlock the economic value of its vast tropical forests. Source: Jackarta Globe The government has officially launched a new rule governing carbon trading in the forestry sector, allowing companies to offset emissions by funding forest conservation, while enabling local communities to earn income from protecting ecosystems. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the regulation marks a shift toward a more inclusive and transparent carbon market after years of slow progress. “This regulation is a concrete step to strengthen governance in forestry carbon trading, so it becomes more credible, transparent, and inclusive. We want to ensure that the economic benefits of carbon are felt by communities while supporting national emissions reduction targets,” he said at the launch in Jakarta. The rule, Forestry Ministry Regulation (Permenhut) No 6/2026, sets out the mechanism for carbon trading through an offset scheme, allowing emitters to compensate for greenhouse gas output by investing in sustainable forest management and protection. Beyond market development, the policy is aimed at reshaping who benefits from conservation. The government said communities living around forests will no longer be passive observers, but active participants in carbon management. Raja Juli said that the forestry carbon market must not become exclusive to large corporations, highlighting expanded access through social forestry and customary forest schemes. “Indigenous communities and forest farmers who protect forests, maintain forest cover, and preserve ecosystems will now have the opportunity to gain economic benefits from carbon,” he said. “This is a form of state recognition for frontline forest guardians and a tangible expression of social justice in the transition toward a green economy.” Presidential envoy for energy and climate Hashim Djojohadikusumo said the policy reflects Indonesia’s growing role in global climate action. According to Hashim, Indonesia’s carbon pricing framework has been presented at international climate forums, including in Brazil, and received positive responses, signaling rising confidence in the country’s potential as a carbon market player. “This is a concrete demonstration of Indonesia’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection. The international community sees strong potential in Indonesia’s forestry-based carbon trade,” he said. The government expects the regulation to accelerate the formation of a transparent and accountable carbon market, while helping meet Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.

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Forestry has long sat at the margins of the insurance market, often folded into broader property portfolios and lightly scrutinised. That position is becoming harder to sustain. The class now requires a level of focus and expertise the market has not always applied, said Daniel Longden, head of forestry at Orvia Underwriting. Source: Insurance Business The sector differs from traditional property risks in one fundamental way: it is constantly changing. Trees grow, are harvested and replanted, altering the risk profile year by year. That dynamic sits alongside an exposure to catastrophe events that can erase entire areas in a single incident. “When you look at a forest fire or a hurricane, for example, they can just flatten entire areas or burn entire areas of forestry,” Mr Longden said. “It’s a truly cat-exposed business.” Even neighbouring forests can behave very differently. Variations in species, management practices and geography mean that no two risks are alike. “One of my favourite things that I always say about forestry insurance is that no two submissions are the same. Everything is entirely different.” This variability complicates underwriting and limits the development of standardised data sets, helping explain why the class has remained relatively niche despite growing investor interest. The way forestry risk is assessed has shifted markedly in recent years. Where underwriters once relied heavily on historical loss data and third-party reporting, satellite technology now offers a more direct view of exposure. “We review a 25-year history of what’s called burn scar data: the scar map of a burn over 25 years around the plantation and the surrounding areas,” Mr Longden said. “That has been a huge influence on the way we price, because we can see the data without relying on the client to tell the truth, or on fire associations to provide meaningful, accurate data.” Yet improved data has not removed uncertainty. Climate change is reshaping loss patterns, rendering long-term historical data less reliable. “Traditional pricing is backward-looking,” he said. “The issue with climate change is that it’s forward-looking and getting worse.” The response has been to shorten data windows and apply additional catastrophe loadings, particularly in regions already experiencing heightened fire and wind activity. Events once considered rare are occurring with increasing frequency. “One of the biggest things we’ve seen in recent years is that the one-in-250-year events are becoming one-in-100-year events, or even one-in-50-year events,” he said. Despite advances in modelling, underwriting retains a strong human element. “We’ll have all the data in front of us, we’ll have looked through everything, but it comes back to the team to sit down and work out what we know about that region, what we know about the risk, and what we’re comfortable with,” Mr Longden said. Interest in forestry as an asset class has expanded rapidly, driven in part by carbon markets and the search for long-term, stable returns. Investors range from small landowners to large timber investment management organisations overseeing millions of acres. “It’s an area that is drawing investment from the biggest investors around the world,” Mr Longden said. Forestry’s appeal lies partly in its insulation from geopolitical and financial volatility. “Trees don’t fight with people. Trees don’t make people angry. People don’t want to invade someone for their trees,” he said. “It’s a very safe asset class.” Yet insurance capacity has not kept pace. A history of poorly understood risks, often written within property treaties, has left some reinsurers wary. This retrenchment has contributed to a supply imbalance. Many forest owners remain uninsured, with self-insurance acting as the market’s primary competitor. High-risk regions dominate the insured pool, reinforcing elevated pricing and limiting broader uptake. Advances in technology are reshaping how forestry risks are analysed and priced. Satellite data, global weather models and internal pricing tools now allow underwriters to assess risks in regions that were previously difficult to evaluate. Artificial intelligence has also begun to play a role, particularly in assessing unfamiliar markets and geographical locations. “AI gives you the ability to go in and really dig deep into what the actual feelings on the ground are about forestry, what regulations they have, what management practices they tend to observe, and how it behaves as an area from a forestry perspective,” he said. Even so, he remained clear about its limits. “That final sit-down and discussion will never be replaced by technology, as it does not see the full picture,” he said. The challenge now is less about access to better tools than the ability to use them well. Without that depth of expertise, forestry risks will continue to be misjudged or sidestepped, even as climate volatility makes them harder to ignore.

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The City of Perth is set to celebrate its fourth annual Tree Month this May, with a vibrant program of more than 30 free community events designed to connect people with nature and support a greener, more sustainable city. Source: Timberbiz Tree Month has become a much-loved fixture on the city’s annual calendar, raising awareness of the importance of preserving and growing Perth’s urban forest while encouraging the community to take practical action. “Tree Month returns this May for its fourth year, and we’re proud to once again deliver a program that brings our community together to celebrate and grow our urban forest,” City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds said. “This month-long program highlights the importance of protecting and expanding our tree canopy, while encouraging people to take simple steps towards more sustainable living. “The 2026 program offers a diverse range of activities designed to help people connect with nature, including community planting days, kids’ nature play, educational workshops, stories in the park and yoga under the trees, as well as organic growing sessions and sound meditation. “It all kicks off on Friday 1 May with Music Under the Trees, a special lunchtime performance in Council House Gardens, followed by a community planting at Matagarup (Heirisson Island) on Saturday 2 May,” he said. As part of Tree Month, the city will plant 60 trees and more than 3,500 plants across key locations, including Matagarup (Heirisson Island) and Arden Hill Reserve. School planting events will also be held in partnership with Mercedes College and Trinity College. The City of Perth is home to 43 parks spanning 116 hectares, located along the picturesque Swan River and neighbouring Kings Park, making it a natural haven for residents and visitors alike. Initiatives like Tree Month support the City’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, as outlined in the Urban Forest Plan (2016–2036), which focuses on protecting and enhancing tree canopy coverage. This year’s program builds on the success of Tree Month 2025, which saw the community plant nearly 1,000 trees and plants across the city.

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At its core, the preference for PEFC-certified timber is about confidence and accountability. Architects are responding to growing expectations around sustainability, transparency, and compliance. Source: Timberbiz Across Australia’s leading architectural projects, a clear trend is emerging architects are not only choosing timber for its performance and aesthetic appeal but increasingly insisting on PEFC-certified materials. The 2025 Timber Design Awards, sponsored by Responsible Wood, the PEFC national member for Australia, highlighted how certification has become integral to delivering credible, future-ready architecture. Certification provides independently verified assurance that timber is responsibly sourced and traceable throughout the supply chain, critical in meeting ESG requirements and aligning with green building frameworks. For many projects, this decision is closely connected to environmental sensitivity and place-based design. At the Nebraska Residence on Bruny Island, certification was essential due to the site’s ecological significance. “Choosing certified timber was particularly important because of the site’s high ecological value, surrounded by protected white gum forests and habitat for the Forty-spotted Pardalote. Using certified timber allowed the building to sit lightly within its environment, demonstrating that thoughtful design can coexist with conservation and protect natural habitats,” Lara Maeseela, of Lara Maeseela Architect Hobart said. This reflects a broader shift: certification enables architects to translate environmental intent into verifiable action, ensuring design decisions support conservation outcomes. Certified timber also strengthens regional supply chains and local industry. Projects such as KROSS HOUSE and the First Building at Bradfield City Centre in New South Wales prioritised locally sourced materials, supporting domestic forestry while reducing transport emissions. At Bradfield, certification enabled scale and flexibility. The design team said it prioritised locally sourced timber, with the aspiration of using 100% Australian product, to help build capacity in the local industry. Certification provided a framework to integrate both Australian and international timber within a single trusted framework, demonstrating how PEFC supports large, complex projects without compromising sustainability standards. Performance is another key driver. Certified timber is not selected at the expense of technical requirements, it enhances them. In projects such as Boot Factory, engineered timber systems improved structural performance, fire resistance, and acoustics, while enabling prefabrication and construction efficiency. Certification ensures materials meet both technical and ethical expectations, giving architects confidence in their specifications. PEFC-certified timber also plays a vital role in low-carbon and circular construction. Timber stores carbon, reduces embodied emissions, and supports prefabricated systems designed for disassembly and reuse. Certification ensures these benefits are grounded in responsibly managed forests, directly linking climate performance with sustainable forestry practices. Combining sustainability with cultural value Beyond performance, timber carries strong cultural and experiential value. In the Consulate General of Malaysia in Melbourne, it is central to the architectural narrative. According to Cheah and Saw Architecture certified timber ensured the project’s use of timber was both culturally meaningful and environmentally responsible, aligning this symbolic material with contemporary sustainability expectations. It ensured traceability, durability, and ethical procurement, reinforcing the project’s broader commitment to long-term environmental stewardship. Here, certification reinforces not only environmental outcomes, but also the integrity of architectural expression. Together, these projects show that the choice of Responsible Wood/PEFC-certified timber is driven by a convergence of factors: verified sustainability, supply chain transparency, performance reliability, carbon accountability, and cultural relevance. For Australian architects, certification is no longer optional – it is essential. As timber construction continues to scale, PEFC certification ensures this expansion remains grounded in responsible forest management, supporting a built environment where design excellence and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

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Koondrook–Perricoota Forest is an internationally important site and a New South Wales Central Murray State Forest Ramsar site recognised for its genetic and ecological diversity. Source: Timberbiz It contains rare wetland types–floodplain lakes, meadows and reed swamps. Koondrook–Perricoota Forest represents a substantial proportion of the total river red gum forest in New South Wales and, when flooded, supports large numbers of waterbirds. Report cards provide scores which represent the percentage of site-based ecological objectives met in the year. Overall, the Koondrook–Perricoota Forest ecosystem health remains poor. The 2022–23 wet years and natural high flows provided a small improvement in the overall health of the forest. However, without the ability to deliver managed environmental water to the site, improvements have not been sustained and targets for ecological condition for the site are still not being met. Regular delivery of water for the environment – complimented with natural flooding – is critical to recovery and restoration of the forest. Pollack Swamp is in better condition than the rest of the forest due to regular delivery of water for the environment. More information is at https://www.mdba.gov.au/water-use/water-environment/progress-and-outcomes-improving-system/koondrook-perricoota-forest-report  

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New Forests has partnered with NatureHelm to standardise nature measurement and provide transparency across its nature-based investment portfolio. Source: Timberbiz This collaboration aims to scale nature intelligence to support the delivery of nature positive outcomes and emerging natural capital financial opportunities. New Forests leveraged NatureHelm’s biodiversity intelligence platform, underpinned by deep biodiversity expertise, big data and machine learning to successfully deliver the world’s most expansive Nature Positive Initiative (NPI) pilot project. This project involved calculating seven state-of-nature metrics in accordance with NPI guidelines across more than 400,000 hectares in Australia, the United States, and Africa. It also analysed nature metrics across more than 34.8 million hectares surrounding these assets. This included a diverse range of forest assets managed by New Forests, as well as agricultural landscapes within Western Australia’s South Coast Natural Resource Management’s Frankland region. As global investors increasingly demand sophisticated, comparable data to meet their ESG and impact reporting requirements, and companies are increasingly reporting against the Taskforce on Nature related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) recommendations, NatureHelm offers a solution to a long-standing industry challenge: quantifying the state of nature and associated impacts at scale without prohibitive costs, while also providing a strong foundation for natural capital accounting. “Until now, measuring nature-positive outcomes across our global portfolio has relied on project or species-specific outcomes and has not facilitated a portfolio wide and balanced view,” the Global Head of Sustainability and Impact at New Forests Jo Saleeba said. “The NPI State of Nature Metrics are changing that, bringing a consistent methodology to compare the state of nature on our assets across time, location and asset type and how our management decisions impact that state,” she said. Ms Saleeba said New Forests’ participation with NatureHelm and partners in the pilot was just the beginning. She said that while it provided valuable early insights, opportunities to further improve the data and methodology had already been seen. “We look forward to continued collaboration with NatureHelm and other key stakeholders to strengthen the measurement and achievement of positive outcomes at scale.” Co-founder and CEO of NatureHelm Dr Debbie Saunders said NatureHelm was proud to support a visionary leader like New Forests in demonstrating that ‘nature positive’ is not just a slogan, but a measurable financial and ecological reality. “By providing a standardised lens through which business operations can be linked directly to biodiversity extent, condition and species across millions of hectares, we are enabling the financial sector to move from ambition to actionable, risk-adjusted investment in the planet’s future,” Dr Saunders said. By ingesting ground-truthed data, NatureHelm’s platform allows for the connection of specific management activities, such as invasive species control and habitat restoration, to measurable state of nature improvements. This data-driven approach enables comparability and prioritisation across diverse geographies and has the potential to support the monetisation of nature. New Forests and NatureHelm are now looking to expand this work across New Forests’ global asset portfolio covering 4.4m hectares, setting the benchmark for state of nature assessment. The NPI is a global initiative aimed at halting and reversing nature loss by 2030, against a 2020 baseline, and achieving full recovery by 2050.  

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The price of diesel has led to some forestry harvests being halted around the country. In the worst cases, managers say forest owners would make no return – or a loss – because heavy machinery has become so expensive to run. Source: 1News Farm Forestry Association president Dougal Morrison told 1News the latest figures from ports today showed a 30% reduction in log volumes compared to previous months. “That’s huge,” he said, attributing the drop to diesel prices. “Fuel is used in the harvesting equipment and you’ve got the transport – the logging trucks on the roads – and the ships exporting the logs as well.” Northland company Tree People has no more felling booked after this month, as all clients halted harvesting work. “It doesn’t make sense for them to harvest on the day that high fuel prices means that their forest isn’t worth anything,” Director Peter Davies-Colley said. His staff would do tree maintenance instead but there were concerns other employers wouldn’t be able to keep workers on. “The major crisis for our industry is when you lose that skillset because you don’t build these teams quickly.” Morrison said: “Even though [workers] might have gone through all the formal training and qualifications, suddenly they’re not able to use them. It makes it very hard for them.” Hundreds of millions of dollars were estimated to have been spent in recent years, across the industry in Aotearoa, on upgrading machinery for safer work and efficiency. Forest Industry Contractors Association chief executive Rowan Struthers said: “Since about 2013, probably NZ$300 million or so has been invested, capital has been invested, and most of that investment has come from contractors. “These contractors are family-owned businesses… That might own two to three crews, anywhere from 10 to 30 employees. These are the group that are most at risk during this fuel crisis because of the level of capital investment that they’ve made.” While electrification would be part of the future, it was still being tested here, he said, with trials of electric loaders, and electric log trucks, and hybrid harvest machinery. Otago logging contractor Steve Jones told 1News his work was still continuing currently but he had “sleepless nights” watching the US president’s decisions – and diesel spiking up to NZ$4 a litre – while trying to manage forest contracts. “Because you just don’t know, when the guy over there mentions a word, and the price goes up 30 cents.” Forest360 director Marcus Musson said beyond logging crews, he was also concerned for mills. “There are a lot of sawmills out there that are having to take shifts out because they simply don’t have the log availability anymore.”

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The Forestry Centre of Excellence in the Green Triangle will host its first Annual Showcase next month which formally marks the public opening of the new $6.8 million centre, highlighting its role as a national platform for applied research, technology demonstration and commercial pathway development. Source: Timberbiz To be held on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May 2026 at the newly established FCoE building in Mount Gambier, the event will bring together a national cohort of growers, processors, contractors, researchers, technology providers and policymakers to explore how industry-led, locally delivered, research is shaping the future of Australia’s plantation forestry sector. Hosted by Professor Jeff Morrell and Centre manager Dr Jim O’Hehir, the showcase will cover themes including new technology for grower management, timber processing innovation, silvicultural innovation, forest health monitoring, and workforce safety. Professor Morrell said the showcase reflects the centre’s ambition to deliver impact at scale, working in close collaboration with the local forestry sector. “This event aims to demonstrate the national capability available from our regional base,” he said. “The Forestry Centre of Excellence exists to solve real problems for industry, accelerate innovation and support the long-term competitiveness of Australia’s forestry sector. These themes will be explored across the two-day showcase, headlined by many of our talented researchers, amongst other industry leaders.” The two-day program includes: Wednesday 13 May – Field Demonstrations and Networking An optional field-based program will showcase silvicultural trials and applied research in action, alongside hands-on demonstrations of emerging technologies including drones, LiDAR, water monitoring, virtual reality and advanced forest assessment tools. The day will conclude with an informal networking dinner at the Bob and Gayle Cowan Auditorium at the Adelaide University Mt Gambier campus. Thursday 14 May – Industry Research Showcase The main showcase will feature keynote presentations, applied research case studies and parallel breakout sessions focused on: technology-enabled forestry and data-driven decision-making timber processing and next-generation engineered wood products grower productivity, climate resilience and silviculture forest health, biosecurity and long-term surveillance.   Presentations will span topics such as climate-ready tree breeding, biochar and circular economy opportunities, artificial intelligence, immersive analytics, worker safety systems and advanced forest health intelligence. The event will conclude with a panel session, exploring industry’s long-term vision for the centre. Professor Morrell said the Centre’s success depend on collaboration. “We are deliberately industry-facing. This Showcase is as much about listening as it is about presenting – so industry can help shape the Centre’s priorities over the next decade and beyond,” he said. The Forestry Centre of Excellence is a partnership between the South Australian Government, Adelaide University, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub and the SA Forest Products Association. To learn more about the Annual Showcase visit www.forestrycoe.com.au  

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April has been a month of some amazing highs and lows. Uncertainty prevails with the forestry sector sitting firmly with food and fibre growers throughout the mighty NZ as we all attempt to grapple with how we manage elevated fuel prices. As at mid-April, diesel prices are coming off some ridiculous highs as the sentiment driven brent crude consistently remains below US$100 per barrel. Nice to see fuel companies only badly gouging us rather than royally gouging as they were March to mid-April. Another good news story is some reports suggesting some of those closest to the Red one in the White House are concerned he might be mentally challenged. They appear to be slow to learn in that neck of the woods… The forestry supply chain has had to dig deep in April to ensure as little as possible impact on forest growers. Loggers and truckers look to be the ones digging the hardest, accepting rate increases to do work that do not cover diesel cost increases. Ultimately the forest owners have the ability to call a stop harvest if their net returns fall below acceptability, so everyone has had to recognise that he/she who owns the wood calls the shots and they need to be kept happy. In April, domestic log prices have had to lift and for the most part sawmill owners have recognised the need to keep the saw blades turning. We have also seen lifts in log prices in China and India, with customer concerns NZ supply will slow if they do not accept increases. In NZ, despite the drive to keep going, many harvest operations, particularly those at some distance from ports, have been suspended. This is the direct consequence of the heighted cost of a litre of diesel. Despite market forces remaining in reasonable alignment, a decrease in total forest harvest is the current order of the day, with a 7 to 10% volume drop compared to March depending on who you talk to. Ultimately that will positively impact the wider market where oversupply would otherwise quickly see selling prices drop. International shipping continues to be the biggest talking point. Ships use a fuel product called Bunker. In early April we saw Singapore Bunker rates drop from US1,200 per tonne to currently about US$700 per tonne. High charter rates were being resisted, but the key driver appeared to be market sentiment. Fortunately for us, the fuel companies put their handkerchiefs back in their pockets and log vessel daily hire rate negotiations swung back to the charterers. A key driver here was for almost 2 weeks, there was one only charter confirmed for a vessel for NZ logs where there is typically 50+ per month. Clearly charterers were collectively put fixing vessels on hold until supply/demand 101 kicked in and rates quickly dropped USD 3 – 4 per m3. Out of the mire of uncertainty, the one stable element has been log usage in China. Despite the doom and gloom merchants suggesting the China economy experiencing all sorts of problems, daily usage of our wonderful Radiata pine logs has been chugging along at 65,000 m3. This is above expectation resulting in an inventory drop to around 2.7mil m3, down 400K from February. Most expect consumption rates to drop as the hotter months approach and RMB/USD exchange rates have started to negatively impacted China exporters. On balance, most commentators have suggested CFR rates (the cost of logs landed in China) have reached a high point at/about USD128 per m3 A grade basis. Some are suggesting the market egg is just starting to show some minor cracking at the current levels. This confirms NZ exporters certainly do not want to be pushing higher. In India market prices have been improving, as at mid-April sitting around USD152 per m3 A grade basis. The major challenge for the India market right now is shipping, with very stiff competition for other bulk cargos and the cost much higher than China voyages. Some ship owners are resisting log cargos with some stating the Strait of Hormoz is just 1500km from Kandla port entrance where NZ logs all head to. I suspect this is a tool for negotiating rather than any sort of real safety concerns. As always, please remember the thoroughly important message. “It remains, as always, fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees.” Allan Laurie, Managing Director, Laurie Forestry.

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A millennia-old purification technique could be the cure for Europe’s microplastic-riddled drinking water. Source: EuroNews In a recent study, seeds from the ‘miracle’ moringa tree were found to match or outperform their chemical counterpart in filtering out aged PVC microplastics – one of the most harmful plastic types for human health. The findings could pave the way for a greener alternative for treatment plants. Tiny plastic particles released from car tyres, paint, textiles and degraded plastic packaging have been building up in global water systems for decades, creating a silent but growing health risk. In 2024, the EU ramped up monitoring protocols for microplastics in drinking water. But last year, researchers warned that tiny particles, which are more likely to pass through the intestine into the blood and organs, could be slipping through the net. The use of moringa for purification is as old as it is innovative: it is thought to have been used by Ancient Egyptians to remove bacteria and reduce turbidity of water. With its fast growth, drought resistance, and low water requirements, the perennial crop not only requires minimal inputs – it acts as a carbon sink, thrives in arid, degraded soils, and supports biodiversity. Moringa’s wide range of uses, from treating malnutrition and diseases to water purification and anti-ageing products, have earned it the nickname of the ‘miracle tree’. Beyond the immediate health impacts of microplastics, which could be linked to cancer, heart attacks and reproductive problems, these tiny plastic particles – less than five millimetres in length – can absorb and transport other hazardous pollutants throughout ecosystems and into the food chain. Currently, European countries use both physical and chemical methods to remove microplastics from wastewater. Aluminum sulfate, often referred to as alum, is an inorganic salt commonly used as a coagulant in water treatment, separating microplastics and other contaminants for removal. While effective at purification, improper use can lead to raised aluminium levels in water, which have been linked to potential neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Alum also produces large volumes of sludge in the coagulation process, which is difficult to manage and dispose of – typically going to landfill, where it can leach toxins into soil and waterways. The production of alum is also harmful, requiring strip-mining for bauxite in tropical regions like Australia, Brazil, Guinea, Guyana and Jamaica, which can lead to deforestation and habitat loss. Refining and processing raw materials into the finished product requires significant thermal energy, releasing planet-heating emissions. The recent study, led by Gabrielle Batista at São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil, and published in scientific journal ACS Omega, reveals the promise of so-called ‘miracle tree’ moringa as a plant-based, non-toxic alternative. It compares alum with a salt-based extract made from moringa. Both coagulants work by neutralising the negative electrical charge that causes microplastic particles to repel each other and evade filters. Once neutralised, the particles clump together into larger aggregates – called flocs – that can be caught by a sand filter. Both alum and its moringa counterpart successfully removed over 98 per cent of PVC particles in water, with moringa proving to be more consistently reliable across a wider pH range. The particles were around 15 micrometres – small enough to slip through standard filters. Moringa was found to be as effective for in-line filtration as direct filtration, meaning it could cut out the costly and energy-consuming flocculation process, which binds coagulated particles together. One drawback that the researchers say needs further scrutiny is the leaching of dissolved organic carbon during the process, which could complicate downstream treatment processes. Moringa also needs to be tested for efficacy at scale.  

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The US House of Representatives passed the Save Our Sequoias Act with strong bipartisan support, advancing a focused effort to protect and restore giant sequoia groves in California. Source: Timberbiz The legislation directs the US Forest Service and National Park Service to accelerate fuels reduction and restoration work to improve forest conditions and reduce the risk of severe wildfire. New research from the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition shows more than 17% of all mature Giant Sequoias have been lost to wildfire since 2015, with most of that loss occurring in recent years. About 18% of grove area has experienced high severity fire effects, and many remaining groves lack strong resistance to extreme fire. These findings align with the federal government’s own analysis released during the Biden administration. The report, Mature and Old Growth Forests: Analysis of Threats, found that wildfire is the leading threat to older forests, followed by insects and disease. Since 2000, wildfires have resulted in the loss of approximately 2.6 million acres of mature forest and more than 700,000 acres of old growth on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Insects and disease have contributed to the loss of roughly 1.9 million acres of mature forest and more than 180,000 acres of old growth. The same analysis found that a majority of these forests are vulnerable to ongoing disturbance under current conditions. The Save Our Sequoias Act focuses on treatments that reduce fuels, restore stand structure, and support the use of prescribed fire. These are the tools land managers are using to address the primary drivers of forest loss. A number of advocacy groups continue to use litigation and administrative challenges to delay or stop forest management projects, often raising concerns about impacts to old growth forests. These challenges are frequently directed at thinning and fuels reduction projects that are designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest conditions. Delays increase costs, limit implementation, and leave forests exposed to wildfire, insects, and disease. As the bill moves to the Senate, it reflects the need to carry out management at a pace and scale that matches current conditions. Sustaining mature and old growth forests requires continued action to reduce fuels, improve resilience, and address the disturbances that are driving losses across federal forests.  

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The Adelaide University’s Mount Gambier campus is set to host a public lecture next month.
“The Planted Forest in the Pacific Northwest” to be presented by Dr Scott Leavengood from Oregon State University. Source: Timberbiz Discover how forestry in the US Pacific Northwest has evolved from native forests to plantation timber, and how innovation like mass timber, is shaping the future. The lecture will be held on Tuesday, 19 May at 6pm for a 6.30pm start in the Bob and Gayle Cowan Auditorium. Those attending are invited to join at 6pm for drinks before the event starts, with supper served afterwards. https://events.humanitix.com/mount-gambier-public-lecture-84f3z9nj/tickets

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Koala habitat is being restored across flood-impacted parts of the Northern Rivers with community groups and Indigenous Ranger teams leading the planting of thousands of vital eucalypt trees. Source: Timberbiz A total of 20,000 seedlings will be delivered through Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA) annual Koala Food Tree Giveaway, helping to rebuild and reconnect critical habitat corridors for local koala populations. The tallowwood, grey gum and forest red gum seedlings have been grown from seed by Forestry Corporation and donated to KCA through a partnership spanning more than a decade. Since its inception, the program has delivered more than 185,000 seedlings to landholders, community groups and large-scale restoration projects across the NSW North Coast. This year the 200,000-tree milestone will be reached. Seedlings will be distributed through WWF Australia’s Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative with Indigenous Ranger teams supporting on-ground planting. Koala Conservation Australia’s Conservation Manager Scott Castle said the program is a critical step in restoring habitat following extreme weather events. “The annual koala food tree giveaway goes some way to regenerating and connecting existing habitats,” Mr Castle said. “We’ve helped restore critical habitat in the wider community after devasting bushfires and floods. “This year we’re changing the structure of the giveaway, and working on a few large projects, to recover and enhance flood affected habitat to our north.” KCA remains committed to growing koala food trees at its two koala food plantations at Maria River and Moripo as a cornerstone of its conservation work. Forestry Corporation’s Grafton Nursery produces more than one million seedlings annually to support plantation forestry and regional timber supply. Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Community and Partnerships Kathy Lyons said the initiative highlights the impact of strong partnerships. “These seedlings play an important role in strengthening koala habitat and supporting the resilience of koala populations in the Northern Rivers and will be delivered to multiple program partners, including Indigenous ranger groups, who are central to on-ground restoration and long-term land stewardship,” Ms Lyons said.

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As input costs continue to rise and more businesses seek to improve their sustainability, John Deere is giving its customers the power of choice through remanufactured (Reman) parts and components.  Source: Timberbiz With more than 2300 Reman parts available across its agricultural, professional turf, construction and forestry equipment, John Deere marked Thursday’s Global Reman Day by shining a light on the positive impacts of its remanufacturing processes. An initiative of the Remanufacturing Industrial Council (RIC), Global Reman Day helps promote the environmental benefits of remanufacturing, including waste reduction and conservation of materials, and economic benefits including reduced production costs and job creation. John Deere Australia and New Zealand Director of Aftermarket and Customer Support, Steph Gersekowski, said remanufacturing was a key pillar of the company’s commitment to helping customers get the most out of their equipment. “In the current macro-economic environment, businesses across the board are trying to find efficiencies and optimise their operations, and we understand that having the power of choice when it comes to what parts you use to maintain and repair your equipment is more important than ever,” Ms Gersekowski said. “Our John Deere Reman portfolio offers a cost-effective alternative to genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts; Reman parts on average cost 20 to 30% less than brand new OEM parts. “Despite this lower price point, there are no compromises on quality or performance, with Reman products fully inspected, rigorously tested and built to the latest specifications.” Remanufacturing is a comprehensive process that returns damaged, worn or non-functioning parts to like-new condition, and all Reman parts are protected by a John Deere Reman warranty with up to two years of coverage, including labour costs, if installed by an authorised John Deere dealer. This quality assurance, guaranteed warranty, reduced equipment downtime, and cost-effectiveness is favoured by customers and technicians alike in the sugarcane-growing region of North Queensland. Dom Succio is an auto electrician and diesel fitter who has worked for John Deere dealer, Honeycombes Sales & Services at Ingham, for more than 12 years. He spends his days working on a range of John Deere equipment, including CH570 and CH960 sugarcane harvesters, 9RX 640 Four-Track Tractors, and 6 Series and 7 Series tractors – for all of which he utilises Reman parts. “We use Reman parts as much as we can to support the product, and we find customers are fairly open to repairing their equipment with these parts due to the really good warranty and the fact that John Deere stands by the quality of the parts,” Mr Succio said. “Using a Reman part also reduces equipment downtime – we have most of the parts in stock, and if we don’t have it here, it’s available at one of our other branches or we can easily get it from the Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne.” In addition to being cheaper than new genuine parts, the ‘plug and play’ nature of Reman parts adds to their cost-effectiveness. “Reman parts are easy to work with and you know you’ve got a product that’s going to bolt straight in and doesn’t require modifications like third-party parts do,” Mr Succio said. “It’s genuinely cheaper to go with Reman parts; they’re made for the job and they stand up to the harsh conditions these machines are operating in.” The refund received from John Deere’s core return option also adds to the attractiveness of Reman products, Mr Succio said. “The core return is a selling point of the Reman parts, because we can say to customers: ‘This is how much the Reman part is to repair your equipment, and this is how much we’ll give you for your old part.’ “It’s just another offering to the customer that makes it more cost-effective.” Encouraging customers to return the old parts is key to the success of the circular economy created by remanufacturing and the first step in the John Deere Reman process. After receiving a damaged part, a John Deere dealer will send the ‘core’ of that part to the core return centre, where it is completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned by either a bake or chemical cleaning process. All parts are dimensionally verified against the latest John Deere parts specifications, and any part not meeting original factory specifications is either recycled or brought back to specification. All wear-type parts such as pistons, liners, bushing, bearings, gaskets and O-rings are replaced 100% of the time with new John Deere parts. The product is assembled by highly trained technicians to exact John Deere criteria, and must pass a thorough inspection and testing process to ensure it meets or exceeds John Deere specifications, meaning it can be offered with a full warranty. Ms Gersekowski said remanufacturing parts is key to both John Deere and its customers reducing their environmental impact. “We’re proud to offer remanufactured parts as it keeps valuable components in use for longer, helps to reduce environmental impacts and enables our customers to achieve more with less,” she said For more information about John Deere Reman parts, visit www.deere.com.au/en/parts-and-service/parts/remanufactured/ or see your local John Deere dealer.  

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The Forest Sector Outlook report by the Global Consulting Alliance has been released. This is a comprehensive look at today’s forest sector with a focus on countries like Australia and New Zealand among many others. Source: Timberbiz The regional market update for Australia notes these important points: The March 2026 edition of Consensus Economics predicts Australian GDP growth of 2.2% for CY2026, with growth expected to level off to 2.1% in CY2027. However, the Iran War may have upended these predictions. CPI for CY2026 is predicted to be ~3.4%/a, up from the Q4 forecast and now exceeding the upper bound of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target band of 2-3%/a. The RBA increased the cash rate target in early February (+25 bps), and again in March (+25 bps), to 4.10%/a. With the Iran War, CPI is expected to increase substantially above forecasts, which will likely lead to further RBA cash rate target increases. With CPI climbing and GDP potentially faltering, the RBA has real concerns that current global circumstances will lead to a period of domestic stagflation. The unemployment rate is expected to remain historically low, rising modestly from ~4.1% in CY2024 to ~4.3% in CY2026, and is expected to reach ~4.4% in CY2027. Housing approvals are expected to reach 201 000 units in CY2026, up from 192 000 units in CY2025. It is likely that the recent increase in interest rates may result in a downward revision during the year. The full impact of the recent spike in diesel prices on the Australian forestry sector remains unclear but is expected to be significant, with terminal gate prices up by ~25-40% by the end of March, reaching around 230-250+ c/L. Higher oil prices will affect the entire forest product supply chain. The longer the oil and fuel crisis continues, the more significant its impact will be on GDP, which in turn affects end-product demand, while producers will face mounting cost pressures. Australian sawlog prices are expected to rise in nominal terms in line with historical trends but remain flat in real terms. Timber demand continues to show modest signs of improvement. The spot price for generic Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) has been range-bound in 2026 so far, with analysis expecting an AUD 30-40 price range through CY2026. Trade Tree Online (TTO) Brian McClay Associates reports that bleached hardwood kraft pulp prices in China reached USD 592/ADt in February and remained broadly stable through March.   A similar list is included for New Zealand as well as other major players in the forestry industry such as China, Finland, Sweden, Russia and North America. You can download the full report here.

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The New Zealand Forest Owners Association has welcomed the signing of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, saying it marks an important step forward for forest growers, wood processors, exporters and regional communities. Source: Timberbiz New Zealand Forest Owners Association Chief Executive Elizabeth Heeg, who is in India for the signing, says it is an honour to witness the progress of an agreement with such significant potential for New Zealand forestry. “Forest growers welcome the signing of this agreement. India is a large, fast-growing economy and an increasingly important partner for New Zealand,” she said. “Wood and wood products are already New Zealand’s largest goods export to India, worth NZ$134 million in the year to June 2025, giving our sector a strong base to build from. “Improved access to the Indian market gives forest growers, wood processors and exporters greater confidence to invest, grow trade and support jobs across the forestry supply chain.” Dr Heeg says New Zealand growers have a strong relationship with India and are looking forward to building on that with sustainable timber and wood products. “This agreement is also an opportunity to deepen collaboration on research, education and forestry practice, which can deliver benefits for both countries.” Dr Heeg says the forestry sector is well placed to contribute to the wider economic gains expected from the agreement and agrees with New Zealand Minister of Trade Todd McClay who says, “Governments can provide frameworks, but it is businesses that define the character of an economic relationship. The tone set – on trust, transparency and ambition – will shape how this agreement is experienced on the ground”. Dr Heeg says better access to India supports growth from forests to ports, processing and manufacturing. “That matters for regional New Zealand, where forestry is a major employer and contributor to local economies,” she said. “Trade agreements of this scale do not come along often. The signing of the India FTA is a welcome milestone and gives New Zealand exporters a stronger footing in one of the world’s most important growth markets.” She says New Zealand benefits from a practical, broadly supported approach to trade. “We welcome the work that has gone into reaching this point and encourage Parliament to support the agreement through the next stages, so New Zealand businesses and communities can make the most of this opportunity.”

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A new Gippsland Forestry Hub report exposes the Allan Government’s ongoing failure to maintain the regions transport infrastructure, directly undermining forest fuel reduction and bushfire preparedness. Source: Timberbiz The report states key roads and bridges are not fit for purpose with imposed load limits and transport route restrictions on the deteriorating network, highlighting missed opportunities to shift freight to rail, reduce truck movements and improve road safety. The Nationals’ Melina Bath who is also Shadow Minister for Public Land Management said Labor is aware of the problem, but it’s refusing to act which is leaving communities exposed to a heightened bushfire risk. “Blocked access hurts jobs, stymies forest fuel reduction work, delays firefighting response and puts lives at risk,” said Ms Bath. “Poor maintenance and restrictive access rules on state managed roads is pushing trucks onto unsuitable local roads. “The Allan Government is failing to perform basic maintenance required for the movement of firefighting crews and equipment and support bushfire preparedness. “You cannot protect the environment and people if machinery and fire trucks cannot access the fire ground in an emergency.” The report highlights the need for state government investment in key infrastructure projects including the Traralgon Bypass and Sale Alternate Truck Route and the removal of 80km per hour speed restrictions on the Princes Freeway. Ms Bath said the Allan Government’s prolonged neglect of regional road infrastructure disadvantages motorists and puts communities and our environment at risk. “Rural and regional Victoria are 25% of the population but receives only 13% of the state’s infrastructure spending. “Well maintained roads, bridges and keeping access open matters. “Victorians deserve safe roads, effective fuel hazard management and a state government that plans and acts before disaster strikes – not after.”

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The Forest Stewardship Council Australia and New Zealand (FSC ANZ) has opened the second and final public consultation on the revised Forest Stewardship Standard for Australia. Source: Timberbiz The consultation is open from 29 April to 29 June 2026. FSC ANZ invites all stakeholders to review the draft Standard and provide feedback via the FSC Public Consultation Platform. Constructive feedback is welcomed, especially suggestions that clearly explain how specific changes can be improved. To support stakeholder understanding and encourage engagement, FSC ANZ will host an informational webinar on 3 June at 2:00-3.30 PM AEST. All stakeholders are welcome to attend and can register here. Please note the webinar will not be recorded. The Standards Development Group (SDG), the technical working group responsible for revising the Standard, considered all stakeholder feedback received in the initial consultation which closed in August 2025. Based on this feedback, the draft Standard has been updated to reflect stakeholder input. Key proposed changes include: Significant changes to the requirements for the use of highly hazardous pesticides, including a streamlining of Indicators Clarified requirements for Cultural Empathy Training Expanded scope to cover all non-timber forest products (NTFPs), with additional NTFP-specific Indicators to ensure responsible extraction.   The draft Standard will be field-tested from 19-21 May in a Victorian native forest and a Tasmanian plantation. This trial will help verify that the revised Standard requirements are practical to implement and can be effectively audited. The learnings from the forest testing, together with the feedback from the consultation, will underpin the development of the final draft of the Standard. The final draft Standard will be submitted to the FSC ANZ Board for review and approval. It will then be assessed by FSC International to ensure all required normative processes have been met and that the Standard itself includes all required elements. Hereafter, it is considered for final approval by the Policy and Standards Committee, which has delegated authority from the FSC International’s Board of Directors for decisions on FSC Forest Stewardship Standards. Any conditions for approval identified by the Committee must be addressed by the SDG before the Standard is fully approved. Please contact Stefan Jensen, Senior Policy Manager at FSC ANZ and SDG Facilitator at s.jensen@au.fsc.org for questions or comments. Take part in the consultation go to https://consultation-platform.fsc.org/en/consultations  

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The Victorian Government’s announcement last week of a $100 million commitment to replace ageing CFA tankers and pumpers was little more than a joke, according to the State Opposition. Source: Timberbiz Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Danny O’Brien said the State Government had “conveniently left out” that the $100 million will be distributed over 10 years. The Victorian State government last week announced a $365 million investment in the Country Fire Authority and forest firefighter upgrades which included $100m for new tankers and pumpers in addition to $26.2m for station builds, planning, land acquisition and upgrades at Lakes Entrance, Barongarook West, Charlton, Nar Nar Goon, Beveridge, Dereel, Mirboo North, Kingston, Woodvale and Yarrambat. On top of that a further $22.4 million will be provided for more support, training and new protective gear. “This is a joke. This funding spread over 10 years doesn’t come anywhere near what is required to adequately replace the CFA’s ageing fleet,” Mr O’Brien said. “There are at least 630 old single cab tankers in the fleet, and more than 10 per cent of tankers are more than 30 years old – this funding will not even begin to modernise the fleet. “It’s also a fraction of the $3 billion extra the government is collecting from Victorians in emergency services tax. Where is the rest of the money going?” New tankers cost $465,000 and pumpers $1 million, meaning the extra funding will only allow the CFA to replace about 21 tankers and five pumpers each year. Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria estimates the CFA needs to replace 100 appliances each year at a cost of $60 million just to stop the age of the fleet going backwards. United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall said in a statement that the funding did not go far enough. A coalition of career and volunteer firefighters are calling out the Victorian Government’s announcement of new CFA funding that falls well short of what is required to address longstanding risks across the fire services- and includes no funding for Fire Rescue Victoria’s failing fleet. “Labor cut the CFA budget for four consecutive years, and this government continues to rip off the CFA and put volunteers’ safety at risk,” Mr O’Brien said. “This petty cash announcement will leave volunteers still sitting on the back of single-cab tankers, exposed to heat, smoke and dust for many bushfire seasons to come. “Only a Nationals and Liberals Government will scrap Labor’s emergency services tax, properly fund the CFA, and respect our volunteers.”  

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