Australian timber industry news

The Wood Awards has announced the 34-strong shortlist for 2026, showcasing the UK’s most ambitious and innovative work in wood across architecture, furniture and product design. Source: Timberbiz Selected from more than 200 entries, the shortlist comprises 20 buildings and 14 furniture and object projects. Together, they demonstrate the creativity, environmental responsibility and technical ingenuity of designers and fabricators working with wood today. Among the 20 shortlisted building projects, six are London-based, including a landmark CLT and steel commercial scheme; a six-storey glulam extension to the Old Vic theatre; a timber-hemp addition to a home in Hackney; a series of pavilions for a sustainability centre; a helical timber staircase; and a research showcase of prototype structures and products using a variety of English-grown species. Three university projects have also been shortlisted: a timber and straw kit-of-parts pavilion for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fashion Institute; a glulam-roofed extension for the Liverpool School of Architecture; and a vast new, publicly accessible cultural hub for Oxford University. Elsewhere in Oxford, a circular cycle pavilion brings timber into the public realm, while in Sussex, the Camber Sands Welcome Centre creates a welcoming gateway to one of the UK’s busiest beaches. Yorkshire-based projects include the Heritage Quad, a new setting for heritage crafts within the precinct surrounding the Grade I-listed cathedral in York, and Tesco’s first fully timber low-carbon superstore, in Harrogate. Two projects demonstrate the potential of timber-led retrofit to transform existing agricultural buildings. At Home Farm Evenlode, two barns have been converted into a new headquarters for a finance company, while another has been adapted to create a public exhibition and workshop space for the Henry Moore Foundation. In Cardiff and Winchester are two very different examples of timber design within educational settings. A traditionally joined solid timber pavilion for a Welsh primary school offers a calm sanctuary for children’s wellbeing, while a new swimming pool roof for Winchester College pushes the structural capabilities of CLT. The 14 shortlisted Furniture & Object projects also demonstrate the diverse applications of different timber species and products in contemporary design and making. Three items have been shortlisted in the Bespoke category: a carved ash mantelpiece; a prototype table made from green oak branches; and a cabinet and wall mirror inspired by forms found in roots and branches. Four Production furniture pieces include a collection of five-legged ash stools; a mirror crafted from hazel stems; a pine resin table lamp; and a furniture family made from No. 1 grade cherry wood. The three Sculpted Objects include a circular sycamore table designed to house 200 amulets; an artistic intervention into three sections of wind-blown Scots pine; and a composition of bog oak veneer, carbon-dated to 2500BC. The four Student projects feature a lightweight bench utilising industry oak offcuts; a shelf that reinterprets the butterfly joint at an architectural scale; an iconographic folding screen; and a collection of ultra-low-carbon chestnut and oak stools. Each shortlisted project will be reviewed in person by the Wood Awards judging panels, making the awards a uniquely rigorous competition. The Wood Awards buildings jury is led by architect Jim Greaves, and includes fellow architects Kirsten Haggart, Jonas Lencer, Sasha Bhavan and David Morley, structural engineers Andrew Lawrence, Nathan Wheatley and Andrew Trotman, architectural journalist Ruth Slavid and sustainability expert Neil Smith. The furniture and objects jury is led by designer and maker Sebastian Cox RDI and includes design consultant Caroline Till, curator Hugo Macdonald, woodworker Sophie Sellu and Ercol chairman Henry Tadros. Short listed Buildings: Camber Sands Welcome Centre, Camber, by DK-CM Backstage at The Old Vic, London, by Haworth Tompkins Heritage Quad: York Minster Centre of Excellence, York, by Tonkin Liu Liverpool University, School of Architecture, Liverpool, by O’Donnell + Tuomey Rammed Earth House, Wiltshire, by Tuckey Design Studio Winchester College Swimming Pool Roof, Winchester, by Design Engine Architects Hemp House, London, by Sanchez Benton Architects Metropolis, London, by AHMM Bronwen’s Sanctuary, Cardiff, by Studio Propolis The Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, by Hopkins Architects Tesco Low-Carbon Concept Store, Harrogate, by S+SA Architects The House of Quiet Light Staircase, London, by Robert Hirschfield Architects The Yard OmVed Gardens, London, by Smerin Architects Sheep Field Barn, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Hertfordshire, by DSDHA Pebble Ceiling, by Matthew Burt Home Farm Evenlode, Gloucestershire, by Charlie Luxton Design Building from Forests, London, by dRMM House in the Surrey Hills, Surrey, by Sanchez Benton Architects Robotics Living Lab, Work in Progress Pavilion, Manchester, by Bennetts Associates Oxford North Cycle Pavilion, Oxford, by Fletcher Priest Architects   Shortlisted Furniture & Objects: Portal of Seedlings by Filippo Muzi Falconi BespOak by Students and Staff of the Design + Make Course, Architectural Association Kontur Series by Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng Wattle Mirror by Jacob Marks Patchwork Pina Lamp by Jacob Marks Black House Stools by Ashen Co Common Room by Daniel Schofield Studio Afterlife by Zeller & Moye / Katie Paterson Hollow Bodies by Max Bainbridge A Drop in Time by Olly Fathers Dagwood Bench by Lewis Duckworth Butterfly Shelf by Jack Allfrey The Ocean Screen by Eleanor Pickin Our Grandchildren’s World by Henry Chantler  

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A faint signal emitted during photosynthesis may reveal physiological stress well before tree mortality appears in aerial surveys, potentially giving forest managers more time to prepare before mortality becomes widespread. Source: Timberbiz Satellite measurements detected declining photosynthetic activity in Western US forests two years before bark-beetle mortality appeared in aerial detection surveys, according to new University of Utah-led research. The first-of-its-kind study suggests that satellite-observed chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), a measure of plant photosynthesis, could provide an early warning of forest stress. As drought, wildfire and insect outbreaks occur with increasing frequency across the American West, the technology could also help scientists understand how these disturbances affect forests’ ability to absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere. “I don’t know of any other tool that can detect this type of signal before tree mortality becomes obvious at a scale large enough to assess the health of entire forests,” said lead author Lewis Kunik, who recently completed his doctorate. Mr Kunik’s doctorate was jointly advised by study co-authors and professors John Lin in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences and David Bowling in the School of Biological Sciences. “The ultimate goal isn’t to predict the exact tree that will die. Rather, the technology could identify areas of concern early enough for land managers to investigate, mobilize crews, allocate funding or otherwise prepare before mortality becomes widespread.” The study is online ahead of its publication in the October issue of Remote Sensing of Environment. Many satellites monitor forest health using signals such as greenness and canopy structure because some when some trees become stressed, they might wilt or drop their leaves. But pines, spruces, firs and other evergreen trees present challenges for satellite monitoring: they can keep their needles even while photosynthetically dormant, such as during winter or under other high-stress conditions. This matters for Western US forests, which are largely dominated by evergreens. Fortunately, several next-generation satellites carry specialized instruments which detect a faint red glow that plants emit during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. This signal is known as solar-induced fluorescence (SIF), when a leaf’s chlorophyll molecules absorb radiation, some radiation re-emits at longer, red wavelengths known as fluorescence. When plants get stressed, they absorb more light than they can use, reducing their efficiency and dimming their red glow. By tracking SIF relative to the amount of light absorbed over time, the researchers could identify subtle physiological changes in in evergreen trees that conventional satellite metrics can miss. The authors used SIF observations from TROPOMI, the instrument on the European Sentinel-5P satellite, to compare changes in fluorescence patterns in forests affected by wildfire- and insect-caused tree mortality with non-affected control areas with similar biogeographic characteristics in forests across the American West. In forests that would later experience bark-beetle mortality, the researchers detected a significant SIF decline roughly two years before mortality was seen in aerial surveys conducted by the USDA Forest Service. Drought stress alone couldn’t explain the signal. While nearby healthy forests experienced similar levels of drought, the decline in SIF from healthy forests was 10-20% less severe than the decline in the bark beetle-infested forests. SIF can change for many reasons, including drought, insect infestation, canopy dieback, changes to seasonal timing of growth, reduced sunlight and changes in the mix of plants growing from the forest floor to the top of the canopy. The researchers accounted for these factors, but the complexity of forest ecosystems makes year-to-year changes in SIF difficult to interpret. In this case, however, their analysis revealed a clear pattern. The findings suggest that SIF signal could provide an early warning of forest stress that precedes widespread tree mortality. The researchers validated their approach using wildfire mortality as a testbed for detecting SIF changes from a wide range of mortality severities. They saw declines in SIF that scaled proportionally with the amount of vegetation lost due to fire. “Wildfire mortality has more predictable impacts to forest productivity than bark beetle mortality. There is also a lot more wildfire-affected land to study, and we can use established tools to estimate the severity of those events. Testing our method on wildfires really helped build confidence in our bark beetle assessment,”Mr Kunik said. The researchers were also able to use SIF to monitor how the ecosystem recovered from wildfire, highlighting the technology’s potential for tracking how disturbances alter forest productivity and carbon cycling over time. Because forests store massive amounts of carbon, tracking these changes will help scientists better understand how disturbances affect the carbon balance of western forests. “SIF is an emerging tool that Earth scientists can use to show the fingerprint of plant CO2 uptake at regional or global scales,” said Mr Kunik. “Drought, wildfire and bark beetle outbreaks can weaken a forests’ ability to absorb carbon and may release the carbon stored in the trees. Tracking these changes will help us understand whether these disturbances potentially turn forests from carbon absorbers to carbon sources.” While other SIF-observing satellites exist, the authors used data collected by TROPOMI due to its coverage and sampling frequency. The study tested the sensitivity of SIF measurements against several forest-health and vegetation-productivity remote-sensing measures. These included other frequently used satellite signals like land surface temperature, as well as vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). While other SIF-observing satellites exist, the authors used data collected by TROPOMI due to its coverage and sampling frequency. The study tested the sensitivity of SIF measurements against several forest-health and vegetation-productivity remote-sensing measures. These included other frequently used satellite signals like land surface temperature, as well as vegetation indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The publication: is Kunik, Lewis et al. (2026). Characterizing effects of tree mortality from wildfire and bark beetles using satellite observations of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. Remote Sensing of Environment, 334 (October special issue), 10.1016/j.rse.2026.115550.  

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JP Morgan Asset Management has announced the rebrand of Campbell Global, a leading global investment manager focused on forestland and nature-based assets, to JP Morgan Natural Capital. This reflects the evolution of the business and the growing importance of nature-based assets in institutional portfolios. Source: Timberbiz Five years ago, JP Morgan Asset Management acquired Campbell Global, expanding its alternatives platform with a pioneer in sustainable timberland investing. Since then, the platform has grown in size, scale, and client reach, positioning itself to capitalize on broader investment opportunities across land, carbon, biodiversity, and other nature-related investments. “This is more than a new name. It reflects who we are today and the direction we believe the asset class is moving,” said Angie Davis, CEO, JP Morgan Natural Capital. “Our roots in sustainable forestry remain central to who we are, but our mandate has expanded to the broader role nature-based assets can play in creating long-term value for clients.” The company says the rebrand underscores JP Morgan Asset Management’s commitment to building a disciplined natural capital investment platform. The team leverages robust in-house capabilities, rigorous data and measurement infrastructure, and embedded governance and risk controls to deliver scalable climate and nature-based solutions for investors globally. “As institutional demand for nature-based and climate solutions accelerates, our platform provides access to unique opportunities for both financial returns and sustainability benefits,” said Jed Laskowitz, Global Head of Private Markets, JP Morgan Asset Management. “The evolution to JP Morgan Natural Capital enables us to unlock new opportunities and deliver innovative solutions across the natural capital asset class.” With over four decades of experience, JP Morgan Natural Capital manages more than 1.5 million acres globally for pension funds, foundations, family offices, and other institutional investors. As of December 31, 2025, the platform oversaw approximately $11 billion in assets under supervision, supported by approximately 150 employees across 15 US states, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. The team has also demonstrated meaningful fundraising scale, including the close of one of the largest funds raised to date in the natural capital asset class. The rebrand builds on Campbell Global’s more than four-decade legacy as a pioneer in sustainable timberland investing while reflecting the broader opportunity now emerging across natural capital. As JP Morgan Natural Capital, the team will continue applying its forestry expertise, stewardship approach, and investment discipline to help investors access the long-term value of nature-based assets.

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The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has recognised outstanding achievement, leadership and service to New Zealand forestry at its 2026 Awards Dinner, held at Larnach Castle in Dunedin. Source: Timberbiz The annual awards celebrate forestry professionals whose work is helping to strengthen the profession, advance sustainable forest management and support the future of the sector. This year’s recipients were recognised across four of NZIF’s major awards. The Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup went to Aidan Braid who is a Regional Forest Advisor with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service for his commitment to sustainable forest management, professional development and community involvement. Mr Braid works across a broad range of forestry and environmental matters including native and exotic forests, biodiversity, pest management and the Emissions Trading Scheme. He also contributes to collaborative environmental initiatives and volunteers extensively in conservation, predator control, biodiversity protection and forest restoration. The award, first presented in 2017, recognises an outstanding young forestry professional who demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in policy, planning and practice, together with public outreach, knowledge exchange and responsible land stewardship. The award for Forester of the Year went to Peter Casey in recognition of his leadership, service to the forestry profession and contribution to professional standards and accountability. Mr Casey has played a significant role in strengthening the standing of Registered Forestry Professionals at a time of increasing scrutiny around forestry advice, carbon forestry, land use change and professional competence. His career spans senior roles across the private and public sectors, forestry governance, investment and carbon forestry. As Chief Executive Officer of Nateva, he has also led a substantial forestry business while continuing to support the development of emerging forestry professionals, including through the Early Career Development Program and summer internship opportunities. Phil Taylor received the 2026 Kirk Horn Award, one of the most prestigious honours in New Zealand forestry. Presented every two years, the award recognises eminence in forestry and an enduring contribution to the sector. Mr Taylor’s forestry career spans more than four decades and reflects a strong commitment to stewardship, practical leadership and long-term thinking. His contribution has included industry leadership, advocacy, forestry research, climate aligned forestry, workforce sustainability and the development of strong teams and future leaders. He has served on the Forest Growers Levy Trust and the Executive Council of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, including a period as President. He was also the inaugural Chair of Future Forests Research, now Forest Growers Research Ltd, and has served on the Board of Scion. Mr Taylor has also been a longstanding supporter of NZIF, including chairing the organising committee for two NZIF conferences. NZIF President Adrian Loo said the 2026 recipients reflected the depth of knowledge, leadership and commitment that exists across New Zealand forestry. “These awards recognise people who have made a real and lasting contribution to forestry, whether through professional leadership, sustainable land stewardship, research, industry service or by supporting the next generation. NZIF is proud to acknowledge their achievements and the example they set for the profession.” The FRESTRA Young Forester of the Year Award was presented to Hamish Scown. Now in its third year, the award recognises a young forester who demonstrates strong professional commitment and contribution to the forestry community. The award continues to gain recognition within the sector and reflects the important role emerging forestry professionals play in shaping the future of the profession.

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Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries has resigned after more than 11 years of service to Responsible Wood and sustainable forest certification in Australia. Source: Timberbiz Mr Dorries joined the organisation in May 2015 and played an instrumental role in the development and growth of Responsible Wood and the PEFC certification system in Australia. During his time as CEO, Responsible Wood has strengthened its position as Australia’s leading forest certification scheme, while building greater awareness of the importance of sustainably managed forests and responsibly sourced wood and paper products. “Simon has always been much more than simply the CEO of Responsible Wood,” Responsible Wood chairman Dr Tony Bartlett said “He genuinely believes in certification, in the principles behind PEFC, and in the role responsible forest management can play in supporting our forests, our industry and the communities that depend upon them. “His passion, technical knowledge and commitment to Responsible Wood have been evident throughout his leadership. He has represented the organisation nationally and internationally with professionalism and integrity and has built strong relationships across the forest and wood products sector, government, environmental organisations and the broader PEFC network.” Dr Bartlett said Mr Dorries had made the decision to take on a “new professional opportunity” as he begins transitioning towards eventual retirement. “While we are naturally disappointed to see him leave Responsible Wood, the Board fully supports his decision and wishes him every success in this next chapter,” Dr Bartlett said. The Board will shortly commence a recruitment process for the next Chief Executive Officer with the position to be publicly advertised. During this transition, Matt de Jong, Responsible Wood’s Sustainability Manager, will act in the CEO role, ensuring continuity for our members, certificate holders, stakeholders and PEFC partners.

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The Federal Coalition will move to introduce a Bill to end what it says is the Federal Government’s Net Zero obsession that is making Australians poorer and stop taxpayer money being used to help investment funds buy up Australian farmland and turn it into carbon-offset projects. Source: Timberbiz Under the move the Coalition would introduce new legislation to end the Federal Government’s over $80 billion net zero spending spree and prohibit the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) from providing funding or financial assistance to entities to acquire agricultural land in Australia for the purpose of growing trees to offset carbon emissions. The move follows the sale of Tasmania’s 21,745-hectare Rushy Lagoon property to UK investment firm Gresham House for $142 million, with the taxpayer-backed Clean Energy Finance Corporation providing $69 million towards the purchase. Around 9000 hectares of the property is expected to be converted to pine plantation, sparking concern from farmers and regional communities about productive agricultural land being lost to carbon projects. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said Australia’s food security should come before taxpayer-backed carbon schemes that take productive farmland out of agriculture. “Families are already paying too much at the supermarket and the last thing we should be doing is weakening our ability to grow food by turning productive farms into carbon assets,” Mr Taylor said. “It is extraordinary that taxpayers are being asked to help investment funds outbid farmers for Australian farmland. “We support practical action to reduce emissions, but it should not come at the expense of our farmers, our food security and the future of regional communities,” he said. “When a farming family wants to expand, they should not have to compete with a foreign carbon fund backed by tens of millions of dollars from the Australian taxpayer. “This is about putting Australians first, protecting productive farmland and making sure government policy does not push up the cost of producing the food Australians put on the dinner table.” Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said the Federal Government’s net zero obsession was driving up power prices, increasing inflation and shutting down Australian industry. “At the heart of Labor’s net zero transition is a transfer of Australian jobs overseas and a transfer of wealth from Australian families to multinational companies living off taxpayer subsidies,” Senator Canavan said. “Under Labor’s net zero ideology, prime Australian agricultural land that should be growing food for Australians is being locked up to grow weeds and breed pests. “The Liberals and Nationals will repeal Labor’s failed net zero laws and stop taxpayer money being used to buy up the farms that feed us.” Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester said protecting productive farmland was critical to Australia’s food security and the future of regional communities. “Prime agricultural land is a national asset, and once it is taken out of food production it can be very hard to get it back,” Mr Chester said. “Regional communities should not be hollowed out so carbon funds can chase credits while Australian farmers are priced out of their own backyard,” he said. “We need to protect our food security, back the next generation of Australian farmers and make sure taxpayer money is supporting regional communities, not working against them.” Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said Labor’s climate policies were creating perverse incentives to take productive land out of agriculture. “The CEFC was established to support clean energy investment, not to bankroll funds buying up Australian farmland for carbon credits,” Mr Tehan said. “Under Labor, big emitters can find it cheaper to buy offsets than make real changes to their own operations, and regional Australia is being left to carry the cost. “We cannot allow a situation where productive farms are steadily swallowed up because carbon credits are worth more than growing food, running livestock or giving the next generation of Australian farmers a chance to get on the land. “This is a sensible safeguard that protects farming, food production and regional communities while allowing genuine forestry and emissions-reduction projects to continue in the right places. “This is part of our plan to fix the economy and protect our way of life by putting Australians first, protecting our food security and backing the farmers and regional communities who feed our nation.” The Coalition will also seek to introduce a bill into the Parliament to abolish the Federal Government’s net zero and carbon taxes to ensure Australians have access to affordable and reliable power.

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The Hyne Group has commenced a strategic review of its XLAM Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) manufacturing business. The company says the business does not fit with the long-term strategy of the Group’s parent company James Jones & Sons Ltd. This review does not point to a closure of the business but an opportunity to find a new owner to continue the business. Source: Timberbiz The review will assess all scenarios, but the preferred outcome is to secure a new owner with the capability, passion and commitment to build on XLAM’s strong foundation, continuing to manufacture CLT and providing specialised design and engineering services that support sustainable, carbon-storing construction throughout Australia, New Zealand and the broader southern hemisphere. XLAM was founded in New Zealand in 2010 and later became part of Hyne. The company’s site is located in Wodonga, Victoria where prefabricated CLT panels are made for commercial and mass timber construction. It also provides specialised design and engineering services. A formal process to seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified parties within Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America and Europe has started. Hyne Group Chief Executive Officer Jim Bindon said the Group remained optimistic that a suitable purchaser could be found while being transparent with employees, customers and stakeholders about the process. “Over the past 14 years, the XLAM team has established the business as Australia’s leading Cross Laminated Timber manufacturer, delivering some of Australia and New Zealand’s most innovative and award-winning timber buildings while genuinely advancing the use of sustainable construction,” he said. “Our clear preference is to see XLAM continue under new ownership, preserving its manufacturing capability, specialist expertise and the opportunities it creates for our people, customers and the broader construction industry. “XLAM is a highly respected business with world-class manufacturing capability, experienced technical expertise and an enviable portfolio of landmark projects. We believe it offers a compelling opportunity for an organisation whose long-term strategy is centred on mass timber, prefabricated and modular construction, and the commercial construction industry.” The Hyne Group will work closely with employees, customers, suppliers and government throughout this process and will provide further updates as appropriate.

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The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union has welcomed the announcement of $150 million in new grants through the Albanese Labor Government’s Forestry Growth Fund. Source: Timberbiz The centrepiece is up to $85 million to transform timber processing and manufacturing, backed by funding for innovation, skills, plantations and stronger checks on timber imports. The grants form part of the Government’s initial $300 million Forestry Growth Fund commitment, which also includes $150 million in concessional finance for wood-product processors through the National Reconstruction Fund. TFTU National Secretary Michael O’Connor said the Fund gave the industry a fighting chance to grow. “This is a vote of confidence in timber workers and Australian manufacturing,” Mr O’Connor said. “This announcement shows the Government believes there is a strong future for our industry and the workers, families and communities who rely on it. “The package is well designed and responds directly to the Timber Fibre Strategy – the long-term plan developed by industry and endorsed by the Government. “In recent years, around 40% of Australia’s harvested timber fibre has been exported as wood chips or unprocessed logs. “We can create more jobs from the timber we already harvest by processing more of it here. “This is not just about replacing old machinery – it is about doing things different with new investment, new technology, new processing, new skills, new products and new jobs. “This is what Future Made in Australia should mean – Australian resources, value added and turned into Australian products by Australian workers. “We welcome a policy approach that links industry growth and transformation with secure, well-paid jobs, workforce skills, safe and high-performing workplaces and a real voice for workers. “Targeted plantation funding strengthens future timber supply, gives manufacturers confidence to invest in value-adding and supports local timber jobs. “Minister Julie Collins has shown real leadership, with strong support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Environment Minister Murray Watt and Industry Minister Tim Ayres. “Our message across politics is simple: back the industry, back the jobs and do not play politics with timber workers’ livelihoods. “Give this industry a fighting chance and it will make a massive contribution to the national interest – building homes, growing Australian manufacturing, increasing Australia’s economic resilience and sovereign capability, and providing good, secure jobs in regional communities.”

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The Federal Government yesterday announced new grants and initiatives that will be delivered through the Forestry Growth Fund. Source: Timberbiz The Government will be investing $150 million in five key streams to help modernise Australia’s forest industry, support more well-paid, secure jobs and rural communities, strengthen innovation and industry modernisation, secure a sustainable fibre supply, and increase our sovereign capability to produce high-value products to support housing and construction. AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said the $150 million in funding was a significant vote of confidence and step in the right direction for Australia’s forestry and forest products sector. “Forestry is already a major contributor to regional communities and the national economy, and this much-needed investment provides us with a vital opportunity to build on that strong foundation,” Mr Hyett said. Through this funding the Government will deliver: Up to $85 million to encourage forestry industry transformation through investment in modern wood product processing and value-adding through large-scale grants that significantly transform manufacturing capabilities and innovative facilities; Up to $30 million to encourage forestry industry innovation to promote greater efficiency and productivity across the supply chain; Up to $15 million to build forestry workforce capacity, to continue supporting well-paid regional jobs, with clear forestry career pathways and safe and high-performing workplaces; Up to $15 million additional support for plantation establishment to boost the supply of domestic forest resources for our nation’s manufacturing and construction needs; and $5 million to strengthen the integrity of forest product imports by developing and using tools to support compliance with Australia’s illegal logging laws and reduce the risk of illegally logged or conflict timber entering our supply chains.   These investments will support the forestry industry and workforce of the future –one which is at the centre of the Federal Government’s national goals including a Future Made in Australia and our $47 billion Homes for Australia plan. The design of these investments has been informed by consultation across the forestry industry, unions, communities and state and territory governments. This will ensure the Government’s investment reflects the sector’s key priorities and supports a stronger forestry industry, more secure jobs, better pay and increased production of high-value products. It will also help ensure workers remain an important part in shaping the future of Australia’s forestry industry. Grant development is now underway, with first grant opportunities to open in thecoming months. The new measures are part of the $300 million Forestry Growth Fund and support delivery of the Timber Fibre Strategy. The Fund also includes $150 million in concessional finance to support advanced manufacturing investments for wood-product processors, including mills and manufacturers. Applications for finance are open through the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation. These investments bring the Federal Government’s total forestry funding to $600 million. “Australia’s forestry industry has a bright future, and our government is committed to delivering new opportunities to make this happen,” Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said. “This will mean more secure jobs, better pay and high-value outputs, particularly in regional Australia. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to our world-leading forestry-sector, recognising the significant economic, environmental and social benefits it delivers for everyday Australians.” Mr Hyett said that it was positive to see the program – which aligns with the Timber Fibre Strategy – had been informed by industry, unions, communities and state and territory governments. “This consultation has been crucial because the people working across our industry understand where the opportunities are and what is urgently needed to help forestry grow and thrive,” he said. “Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing industry has an important role to play in our future, and we want to make sure we have the certainty and investment needed to keep growing and supporting communities.”

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The Tasmanian Government’s inquiry into Rushy Lagoon matters because this was never just a private land sale. At the centre of it is a simple question. Did Commonwealth taxpayer funding help a foreign-backed buyer acquire Tasmania’s largest farm and put Australian agricultural buyers at a disadvantage? The Clean Energy Finance Corporation committed $69 million to a broader $142 million Gresham House investment platform. On top of that, the Tasmania Natural Asset Trust, managed by Gresham House, was awarded an $8.8 million plantation establishment grant before the Rushy Lagoon acquisition had received foreign investment approval. The trust had been established just six days before grant applications closed. The inquiry needs to establish who approved what, when they approved it and whether taxpayer support strengthened the buyer’s position before the foreign investment decision was made. The CEFC’s $69 million investment was also approved by its Investment Committee under delegated authority rather than by the full board. That may be perfectly lawful, but with taxpayer money, foreign ownership and Tasmania’s largest farm involved, the level of oversight should be tested. When government puts tens of millions of dollars behind one investment strategy, it is no longer standing on the sidelines. It is helping shape the market. That is why claims this was simply a private transaction do not stack up. Public investment helped finance the buyer. Public grant money supported the plantation. Federal approval enabled the foreign acquisition. Gresham House must also provide clear answers about what it intends to do with Rushy Lagoon. How much land will be planted to trees? How quickly? How much will remain in agriculture? What farming will continue? The community needs firm commitments, not shifting numbers or distractions about agritourism and mountain-bike trails. The claimed 190 jobs also need to be tested. How many are short-term planting jobs? How many will be permanent? How does that compare with the jobs Rushy Lagoon could support through dairy, beef, contracting, processing and other agricultural activity? The same applies to the environmental argument. Carbon sequestration may support Australia’s net-zero goals, but climate policy should not come at the expense of food production. The Paris Agreement itself recognises that climate action should not threaten food production. The principle matters here. Finally, Rushy Lagoon was also not continuously on the market for nearly a decade. It was offered for sale in 2017, withdrawn, and formally returned to the market in September 2024. That distinction matters when claims are being made that Australian agricultural buyers had years to act, we must be extremely careful with the spread of disinformation in the community on this point. The inquiry must follow the money and the decisions. Who approved the funding, when was it approved, what influence did it have on the sale, and was Tasmania’s agricultural interest properly considered? Clearly, in this case there have been several failures to protect Tasmania’s interests. Federal safeguards have not worked, and the state has had no mechanism to fall back on to protect agriculture. This inquiry is important because when the Federal Government fails to act in Tasmania’s interests, we need our own safeguards to protect productive farmland, agriculture and regional communities. That is why this inquiry matters. Nathan Calman is CEO, TasFarmers

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Metsä Group has selected Valmet to deliver a 3D Fiber moulded fibre production line for their mill in Äänekoski, Finland. The investment responds to growing demand for alternatives to replace plastics by enabling high-volume industrial production of three-dimensional fibre-based packaging that is competitive with similar plastic solutions. Source: Timberbiz This investment marks a significant milestone as the world’s first commercial-scale implementation of the innovation. It follows Valmet’s extensive development, piloting, and the successful launch of the 3D Fiber technology in June 2026. The start-up of the line is scheduled for 2028. “After years of fruitful co-development with Valmet, including the start-up of the joint demo plant in 2022, Muoto is now entering an exciting new phase. We are expanding our capabilities, deepening customer collaborations, and building the foundations for future growth. At the same time, demand is growing for packaging solutions that combine performance, circularity, and scalability,” said Antti Valtonen, Vice President of the Muoto project, Metsä Spring. Valmet 3D Fibre technology enables the production of lightweight yet rigid end products, including trays, plates, and food packaging containers, offering alternatives to plastic. The technology uses cellulose fibres to form ready-to-use, three-dimensional products directly from pulp, eliminating the need for intermediate steps. Valmet offers a complete solution from fibre processing to automatic packing of end products along with services. With comprehensive testing and piloting opportunities, customers are able to develop and test new end products together with Valmet. “Valmet 3D Fiber technology is the first large-scale moulded fibre production technology on the market, and it provides an attractive and competitive end-to-end solution for the growing sustainable packaging market. “The investment confirms the market potential of the technology and accelerates the replacement of plastic packaging in high-volume production. Over the years, Metsä Group and Valmet have worked closely together to develop and validate the 3D Fiber technology, creating a strong foundation of trust and shared ambition,” said Juho Pyrrö, Head of 3D Fiber at Valmet. Valmet and Metsä Group have been developing the technology together in a demo plant in Äänekoski. The new production line will be located alongside the existing demo plant with a nominal capacity of more than 100 million products per year, demonstrating the scalability of the technology and paving the way for future industrial investments.

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Timber crane operators are increasingly looking for control systems that offer ease of use, precise controllability, and superior operating comfort. During long working days, a smooth control feel, quiet operation, and the ability to adapt the system to individual operator preferences become especially important. Source: Timberbiz Kesla addresses these needs with the new KESLA proPILOT and KESLA proC i 2.0 control systems. Both systems have been developed to provide smooth and precise crane control together with a user-friendly operating experience across a wide range of timber crane applications. KESLA proPILOT – Smooth, Precise and Quiet Crane Control KESLA proPILOT is a hydraulically pilot-operated control system designed for both high seat and cabin-mounted timber cranes. The system delivers smooth and precise crane operation through load-sensing (LS) control hydraulics and light, smoothly operating control levers. Key advantages of proPILOT include its comfortable operating feel and exceptionally quiet operation, helping to reduce operator fatigue during long working shifts. Control options include: 2-lever control with pedals 4-lever control with pedals   KESLA proC i 2.0 – An Electrically Pilot-Operated Control System Designed for cabin-mounted cranes, KESLA proC i 2.0 is an electrically pilot-operated control system that combines precise crane handling, versatile adjustment options and operator-specific customization. Its smooth and precise control feel is achieved through the combination of load-sensing (LS) hydraulics, joystick controls and touchscreen-based adjustment features. Operator profiles allow the system to be tailored to the preferences of multiple users. In addition to the factory default settings, the system can store personalized settings for up to five operators. Separate loading and unloading profiles can also be configured for each operator. KESLA proC i 2.0 control options include: 2-lever control with mini joysticks 2-lever control with maxi handles 2-lever control with pedals 4-lever control with pedals   Both proPILOT and proC i 2.0 have been designed to meet the expectations of today’s timber transport and forestry professionals, including comfortable operation, precise controllability, reliability, and the ability to tailor crane controls to individual preferences. With the introduction of these new control systems, Kesla continues to enhance its timber crane offering by providing operators with greater comfort, flexibility and control throughout the working day.

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When we talk about forests, we tend to focus on what they provide – wood, non-wood forest products, raw materials, and the foundation of a sustainable bioeconomy. Rarely do we talk about them as workplaces. And rarer still do we ask who, exactly, works in them. Source: Timberbiz The forest sector employs approximately 42 million people worldwide – not only inside forests themselves, but in the industries, services, and supply chains that forests support. Until now, however, fragmented data and incomplete country coverage have left significant gaps in the global picture and no breakdown by gender. Together with the International Labour Organization and the Thünen Institute of Forestry of Germany, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are addressing these gaps with more precision than ever before. This new joint study provides the first globally comparable, sex-disaggregated employment figures for the forest sector between 2011 and 2022, covering 182 countries and representing 99% of the world’s forest area. The need for this kind of data is massive. To help build a green economy, we need a clear picture of who works in our forests. Internationally comparable data on employment in the sector is essential for creating policies that protect both people and forests. Across every region studied – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania – a persistent gender employment gap is evident. Fewer than 11 million of the 42 million forestry sector workers are women – roughly one in four. Forests provide ecosystem services that are critical to the environment and sustainable development and whose provision needs prudent management. Forests also provide renewable resources which build the basis for sustainable bioeconomies. Particularly in rural areas, where sources of income are often limited, the forest sector provides essential livelihood options and underpins food security, supplying wild foods and non-wood forest products that supplement diets and provides a safety net when other sources of income fall short. The new Forest EMployment model (FEM) used in the study represents a genuine methodological advance over previous approaches, enhancing precision. The FEM model utilizes annual, country-specific data, drawing on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, labour-market variables and forest-related variables to fill the considerable gaps in what countries might report. Wood and wood product manufacturing accounts for 58% of global forest-sector employment – the dominant subsector by far. Forestry and logging consistently represent nearly one-third of the total, while pulp and paper manufacturing make up approximately 16%. Asia, driven by China, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam, dominates with roughly half of all forest-sector employment worldwide. Meanwhile, the forest sector’s share of total global employment has declined by about 3% since 2011 – not because absolute numbers have decreased, but because employment across all economic activities has grown at a faster rate. The study estimates that fewer than 11 million of those 42 million workers are women – roughly one in four. Across every region studied – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania – a persistent gender employment gap is evident. Between 2011 and 2022, approximately 1.5% of men and only 0.8% of women in the global workforce were employed in the forest sector. The gap is widest in Europe, where 1.8% of the total male workforce is employed in the forest sector compared with just 0.5% of women. In South and Southeast Asia, the gender employment gap narrowed between 2011 and 2022, declining from 0.36 percentage points to 0.15. Expanding national data systems to capture non-wood forest products and job-quality indicators, and continuing to invest in sex-disaggregated data, will bring greater attention to the true value of this workforce and strengthen the evidence base for shaping the future of forests. From smallholder producers to skilled technicians, this workforce manages forests, harvests and processes timber and non-wood forest products, and shapes how forests are conserved, restored and used as part of a growing bioeconomy. Making these jobs attractive, safe and rewarding, particularly for youth and women, is key to sustaining livelihoods, attracting new talent and fostering innovation for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient bioeconomy and society.

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By the time forest products reach our everyday lives, it can be easy to lose sight of the forests, people, practices and decisions behind them. This year’s FSC Forest Walk brought those connections into focus for businesses that support FSC, giving them a firsthand view of what responsible forestry looks like in Australia. Source: Timberbiz Each year, FSC Australia and New Zealand invites businesses to get their boots on the ground, stepping into a certified forest to meet the people responsible for its management. For FSC certificate and promotional licence holders, this experience provides them with a first-hand connection between the responsible sourcing commitments they make and the forests those commitments help support locally. This year, the FSC Forest Walk took place at Taswood Estate in northern Tasmania and was hosted by Timberlands Pacific. The 54,000-hectare plantation estate is predominantly planted with radiata pine and provided the setting for representatives from some of Australia’s leading brands, including Coles Group, Kimberly-Clark, Essity, Merry People, Bunnings, Opal, Winc, Uncle Bills and Visy. The experience began with a smoking ceremony, creating a powerful sense of place and connection to Country. Mark Harriss of Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana (Heart of Country) Aboriginal Corporation invited participants to engage and see an alternative view of self, industry and harmony with Country, burning local native plants to create smoke that moved across the participants. Collaboration and self-ownership were a strong theme throughout Mark’s reflections, particularly the importance of working together in ways that are respectful and responsible to Country. He spoke about the importance of industries such as forestry operating responsibly and in harmony with the landscape. Braving the elements was all part of the experience, with rain, mud-caked boots and low cloud drifting through the trees as participants witnessed harvesting in action, something many had never seen before. They learnt how factors such as slope, terrain and environmental values influence the choice of harvesting method, from ground-based and tethered systems to cable harvesting. The team also explained the role of landscape management in forestry, a strategic approach that considers ecological, visual, cultural and sustainability values across the broader landscape, rather than within individual coupes alone. Skies cleared just in time to provide a clear outlook over the Taswood Estate, showcasing the different age classes of the trees alongside areas of native forest managed for conservation under Timberlands Pacific’s FSC certification. A wedge-tailed eagle soared in the distance right on cue as the Timberlands team explained how management focuses on nest protection, disturbance avoidance and landscape-scale habitat retention. This includes nest identification, constraint periods and Forest Practices Plan prescriptions that establish mandatory protection zones around nests, with restrictions on harvesting, road construction and other operations nearby. Site re-establishment was another key focus, with participants learning how establishing a healthy, well-stocked crop is critical to achieving good outcomes. Every tree is planted by hand and subject to quality assurance checks to ensure the new crop gets off to a strong start. Reflecting on the morning’s learnings, Sally Wilson, Landscape Specialist at Bunnings, said, “Seeing firsthand how responsible forest management is implemented across such a large estate was both impressive and inspiring. From planning and harvesting through to regeneration and habitat protection, it was clear that sustainability and environmental stewardship are at the forefront of every decision.” The smell of freshly harvested pine filled the air as we arrived at a thinning operation, where participants saw firsthand how this practice is used to remove suppressed or poorly formed trees, giving the more dominant, better-formed trees greater space and resources to grow and ultimately meet sawlog specifications. Carefully stepping between the pine trees, participants learned from an Operations Forester how to accurately measure tree diameter at breast height and use a handheld laser to measure tree height. Getting hands-on with these tools gave participants a better understanding of the skill and attention to detail involved in managing a forest and making decisions that will shape its future. Warming up by the fire over lunch at Scottsdale Football Clubhouse, participants heard from Peter Coleborn, Dorset Council’s Bikes and Trails Manager, about how forestry operations and mountain biking coexist within the famous Blue Derby network. Mr Coleborn’s presentation reflected Timberlands Pacific’s commitment to proactive engagement with neighbours and stakeholders. As part of its FSC certification, the company is required to meaningfully engage with those who may be affected by forest operations. Timberlands Pacific approaches this with great enthusiasm, and in Derby this includes shuttle operators, tourism businesses, local government, mountain bikers and the broader community. As the day drew to a close, participants talked about what the forest walk experience had given them, including Cassandra Wheat, Head of Product from Merry People, who said, “It was really insightful to see the scale of the operation, both physically and economically, which I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I also really enjoyed seeing firsthand the measures in place to protect native flora and fauna, waterways and bird habitats.” Many travelled long distances to attend the event, showing just how valuable opportunities like the FSC Forest Walk are for FSC stakeholders. The day was a chance to recognise the work of certified forest managers such as Timberlands Pacific and to see what FSC’s requirements look like on the ground.

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Forestry Corporation firefighters have stepped up preparations for the approaching bushfire season through a five-day intensive training camp on the Mid North Coast. Source: Timberbiz Held at Mount Seaview near Wauchope, the camp brought together 45 staff members completing nationally recognised qualifications in Fire Fighter, Advanced Fire Fighter and Crew Leader roles. Forestry Corporation Fire Training and Operations Coordinator Nathan Fischer said the fire camps play an important role in ensuring firefighters are prepared to protect communities, forests and assets during the fire season. “Forestry Corporation has a responsibility as a firefighting authority to ensure our people are trained, capable and ready to respond to fires in the landscape,” Mr Fischer said. “With two million hectares of State forests across NSW, it’s essential we maintain a skilled workforce that can respond safely and effectively wherever they’re needed. “The training combines classroom learning with practical field exercises, helping firefighters build confidence and capability in fire behaviour, tactics, leadership, communications and equipment operation.” The camp included a live fire scenario, providing participants with hands-on experience in a realistic fire situation. Among those undertaking training was Tamworth-based Production Supervisor Mat Newberry, who completed a Crew Leader course having previously gaining qualifications as a Firefighter and Advanced Firefighter. Mr Newberry joined Forestry Corporation as a seasonal firefighter after serving 16 years with Fire and Rescue NSW and said the Crew Leader course provided valuable insight into the responsibilities of leading a team of firefighters. “The biggest shift as a Crew Leader is moving from being on the tools to looking at the broader operation,” Mr Newberry said. “You’re responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your crew, identifying hazards and risks, monitoring changing fire conditions and making sure critical information is communicated from your position on the fireground to those managing the operation.” Having worked in both structural and forest firefighting environments, Mr Newberry said the experience had broadened his understanding of fire management. “Forest firefighting is vastly different to structural firefighting, and it presents a unique set of challenges as we often see across the state over spring and summer,” he said. “Since joining Forestry Corporation, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and experience through wildfire operations and specialist training, including working as a Planning Officer within Incident Management Teams during major incidents. “These training camps are beneficial to our staff, the instructors bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the training, and it’s a great chance to learn from people who have worked on fires in different forest types across NSW and beyond,” he said. “It also helps build relationships with other Forestry Corporation firefighters, which is important when you’re working together during major incidents.” Forestry Corporation currently has around 500 staff members trained as forest firefighters. The organisation also maintains a statewide fleet of fire tankers, light vehicles fitted with firefighting equipment, contracted aircraft and more than 100 drones operated by trained pilots. Heavy plant machinery used in forest operations, including bulldozers, is also made available through the broader forest and timber industry to support firefighting efforts across NSW. Forestry Corporation is currently planning further fire training camps at Wallerawang near Lithgow in September and at Bondi Forest Lodge near Bombala in October. For more information about Forestry Corporation’s firefighting operations, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au

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Industry personnel and students are invited to apply for the 2026 round of The Gottstein Trust Skill Development Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships. Source: Timberbiz Individuals working, or training to work, in the forest products value chain are encouraged to apply before 19 October 2026. Grants are open to anyone in the Australian sector. They could be a saw doctor, mill or machine operator, GIS analyst, forest ecologist, harvest planner, farm forester, tree geneticist, timber product engineer, marketer, tree nursery expert or a forest scientist, PhD researcher, TAFE student, architect. Each grant category has an online application and a competitive selection process. Then grant funds are provided to a small number of successful applicants. People can use those funds for agreed activities that will build their skills, knowledge and network. The employer of a grant recipient can also benefit from their staff member’s commitment to their own skill development. Funding helps an individual to pursue activities to match their ambition. Applications close at midnight Monday, October 19, 2026. More information, and online application forms are at  https://gottsteintrust.org/grants-courses Enquiries to Helen Murray on 0419-991-424 or email: team@gottsteintrust.org

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Building approvals for new homes declined by 3.6% in July, led by a 4.5% fall in houses, with a 2.4% fall in multi-units. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday released its monthly building approvals data for July 2026 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt said that despite these monthly declines, approvals in the last three months remained materially higher than a year earlier (+8.3%), led by houses (+12.4%), with multi-units up by 2.5%. “There are long lags between changes in market conditions, building approvals and construction activity,” he said. “New home building activity had good momentum heading into 2026, on the back of strong population growth, low unemployment and ongoing shortages of housing across the country. “This year, the Australian government has increased taxes on housing investors, while restricting the ability of SMSFs to invest in housing. “Combined with rising interest rates, global conflict and surging fuel costs, this has interrupted an expansion in home building that was already underway,” Mr Devitt said. “The effect is already visible in a number of leading indicators across the economy. “As expected, the increase in taxes on investors in the established market will have a short-term adverse impact on established home prices, further reduce the supply of new homes, and lead to a worsening in affordability.” He said that lending in the established housing market had tumbled, with loans to investors, in particular, dropping almost 20% in the first half the year. Dwelling prices were declining across the country, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. “This is predictably filtering into the new construction pipeline, with new home sales declining for the three consecutive months to July,” Mr Devitt said. “This adverse shock to new housing supply is yet to emerge in building approvals data. “Increasing the supply of housing and sustainably improving affordability requires the cost of construction to be reduced,” he said. In seasonally adjusted terms, Tasmania saw the largest increase in building approvals in the three months to July compared to the same period a year earlier, to be 44.9% higher. This was followed by Queensland (+24.0%), Western Australia (+15.3%), South Australia (+9.5%) and Victoria (+2.8%), while New South Wales was down by 1.3%. In original terms, building approvals increased by 60.8% in the Northern Territory, while declining by 15.6% in the Australian Capital Territory.

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The Australian government’s announcement of an additional funding stream under the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to build 1,000 social and affordable homes proves the importance of sustained Commonwealth leadership in housing. Source: Timberbiz The new Stream 5 release will support up to 1,000 social and affordable homes through ready-to-go projects, while encouraging greater diversity in housing typologies, including detached and semi-detached homes, and creating opportunities for community housing providers to partner with builders to deliver housing more quickly. National Shelter CEO Jackson Hills said the stream directly addresses the lag between funding decisions and highlights the value of the HAFF as a long-term national mechanism for social and affordable housing. “National Shelter welcomes this additional funding stream, which recognises the need to get more social and affordable homes built quickly while supporting a broader range of housing types and locations,” Mr Hills said. “For the hundreds of thousands of people in Australia on social housing waitlists, the difference between a home in 2027 and a home five years later is life changing. “The Housing Australia Future Fund has made clear its value as a long-term national mechanism for increasing social and affordable housing, with this additional stream showing how it can respond to opportunities in the market and help bring forward projects that are ready to be delivered. “Backing low-density homes broadens the scope of social housing in this country, and it opens up regional centres and outer suburbs where medium density is harder to deliver. These homes will connect people to work, schools and healthcare rather than isolating them. “At this pivotal moment in Australia’s housing history, Commonwealth leadership has never been more important. The scale of Australia’s housing challenges requires sustained national investment, coordination and partnership across all levels of government, community housing providers and industry. “The Commonwealth’s leadership through the Housing Australia Future Fund is helping rebuild Australia’s pipeline of social and affordable housing and demonstrating the value of a long-term national commitment to housing supply.” Mr Hills said the announcement reinforces the need for long-term national housing targets that extends beyond individual funding rounds and election cycles. “The fact that the Fund has opened a new stream in response to what the market can deliver makes the clearest case for making it permanent. Round 3 is currently the final round, and Australia faces a shortfall of 640,000 social and affordable homes by 2041, a gap no single program with an end date can close,” he said. “National Shelter believes future National Housing Accord targets should explicitly include social and affordable housing outcomes alongside broader housing supply goals. Establishing long-term targets across the next 20 to 30 years would give governments, community housing providers and investors greater certainty about the scale of housing Australia needs to build. “We also welcome the Senate’s recent focus on examining the nation’s social housing needs. Programs such as the Housing Australia Future Fund are an essential delivery mechanism, but we must also maintain a clear picture of future need so that housing investment can keep pace with Australia’s growing population and changing communities.” National Shelter said the focus on shovel-ready projects and accelerated delivery demonstrated how targeted Commonwealth investment could bring desperately needed social and affordable housing online sooner while strengthening Australia’s long-term housing system.

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New Zealand Institute of Forestry says it rejects a blanket forestry moratorium in the country. The NZIF says proposals to halt new forestry registrations or progressively remove forestry from the scheme are premature and risk further undermining investor confidence. Source: Timberbiz NZIF President Adrian Loo says that the Adrift: What future does the Emissions Trading Scheme have? report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment raises legitimate questions about the balance between reducing gross emissions and removing carbon through forests. “New Zealand needs faster reductions in gross emissions, but this does not diminish the importance of carbon removals,” Mr Loo said. “We need both. The challenge is to design a system which recognises their different roles and provides credible incentives for each.” NZIF is concerned the report’s media release presents modelled scenarios as settled outcomes. The report itself acknowledges its results are projections rather than predictions and depend heavily on assumptions about future carbon prices, planting rates and forest owner behaviour. “A model looking ahead to 2075 can help us understand possible risks, but it cannot tell us with certainty how markets, technology, landowners or governments will behave over the next 50 years. Major policy decisions should not be based on one set of modelled scenarios,” Mr Loo said. NZIF also says an important distinction is being overlooked between Government auction units and forestry units. “Government auction units are permissions to emit. Forestry units recognise carbon which forests have actually removed from the atmosphere. Treating both forms of supply as though they have the same climate effect overlooks a fundamental difference,” Mr Loo said. NZIF agrees biological carbon storage carries risks from fire, pests, disease and extreme weather. However, it says these risks should be addressed through professional forest management, monitoring, enforceable standards and appropriate financial provision. Descriptions of “vast new plantations of highly flammable, storm prone pine” are unhelpfully emotive and do not reflect the diversity or reality of modern forestry. “Forestry is not a single land use. A managed production forest, a permanent exotic carbon forest, an indigenous forest and a planned transition forest have different purposes, benefits and risks. Sound policy must distinguish between them,” he said. “Broad descriptions of pine forests as inherently dangerous show insufficient recognition of forest management, fire planning, engineering, harvesting controls and the regulatory improvements made across the sector.” NZIF says a blanket moratorium on new forestry registrations would not simply pause the present system. It would be a significant policy intervention which could affect production forestry, farm forestry, indigenous regeneration and transition projects. It could also strand investments made in good faith under rules established by successive governments. “Foresters did not design the ETS. Landowners and investors have responded to the incentives created by government policy. They should not be blamed or retrospectively penalised for following those rules,” Mr Loo said. He said forestry was a long-term investment and unnecessary changes to ETS settings would seriously erode investor confidence and would result in significant reductions in planting rates across all forest types. New Zealand did not need to face a choice between reducing emissions and growing forests. “We need faster reductions at source alongside the right trees, in the right places, managed for the right purposes,” Mr Loo said. “Foresters must be part of the discussion and forestry part of the solution.”

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Tree Breeding Australia has officially opened its new $1.2 million National Genetics Research Centre in Mount Gambier, South Australia. Located on Kilsby Road, the research facility will accommodate up to 12 staff – mostly technical specialists – to provide better infrastructure for TBA’s national tree breeding and genetic improvement programs across both hardwood and softwood plantation species. Source: Timberbiz Key capabilities at the site include the storage and management of genetic material used in seed and pollination programs, with plans to progressively undertake DNA sequencing and analysis on-site, reducing the need to send samples interstate or overseas. The new TBA research facility represents another jewel in South Australia’s crown as a national leader in research and innovation and builds on the State Government’s investment in the recently opened $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence. South Australia’s Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven, who officially opened the building, said the State Government’s investment in the research facility would strengthen the State’s role in forestry research and help secure the future of South Australia’s timber plantation industry. “Tree breeding and genetic improvements are critical to developing productive and resilient plantations, and this facility will support the research, skills, and innovation required to meet the industry’s future challenges and opportunities,” she said. “Through this partnership between the Malinauskas Government and the forestry sector, we are supporting skilled technical roles and strengthening Mount Gambier’s position as a centre for forestry research and innovation.” Built by Parham Construction, the facility was delivered by an entirely local trade base comprising more than 15 businesses. TBA purchased the Kilsby Road site in 2005, building on an organisational history dating back to 1983 when it began operating locally as a cooperative focused on the genetic improvement of plantation timber species. Today, it is the premier breeding organisation in Australia for plantation softwood and hardwood species. The chairman of Tree Breeding Australia, Dr Andrew Jacobs, said the project represented a significant investment in the future of Australian plantations. “The new research facility will enable us to better protect and manage valuable genetic material, improve the efficiency of our breeding programs, and develop the skills and technology we need for the next generation of tree improvement,” Dr Jacobs said. “Our goal is to develop trees that grow faster, produce better-quality timber, and are increasingly resilient to the conditions in which they are grown, including adapting to more challenging environments. This facility is a long-term investment in the people, science, and genetic resources that will underpin Australia’s future timber supply.” Forest & Wood Products Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer Craig Taylor said the opening of the new facility – known as “The Shed” – marked an important milestone for Australia’s plantation forestry sector and the researchers, growers and industry organisations working to improve the productivity, value and resilience of Australia’s plantation resource. “We recognise the vision and commitment of all those involved in bringing this important facility to life,” he said. “FWPA has a focus on helping our plantation grower members increase their profitability by growing more fibre on every hectare of land they manage, while also increasing the value of that fibre through improvements in wood characteristics that better meet the needs of downstream manufacturers. “We are also helping plantation growers increase their resilience through the development of genetics that will be best suited to a changing climate. Increasing the volume, quality and resilience of Australia’s plantations benefits participants right across the supply chain.” FWPA has been a major investor in plantation genetics research and development delivered in partnership with TBA, focused on tree improvement, genomics, plantation productivity, disease resistance and climate adaptation. Since 2020, the $11.5 million investment, leveraged through Australian Government matched funding, significantly expands the impact of industry research funds. An independent assessment of one recent research project found that for every $1 invested the research is likely to deliver $6.70 of direct economic benefit, plus other environmental and public good benefits. FWPA Head of Forest Research Jodie Mason said sustained investment in genetics and breeding was critical to the long-term success of Australia’s plantation estate. “Tree breeding and genetics underpin the future productivity, quality and resilience of Australia’s plantation forests. The Shed provides an important platform to accelerate the research and collaboration needed to deliver benefits to growers and processors for decades to come.” The projects supported by FWPA and its funding partners include research to increase and sustain productivity gains in national tree improvement programs, accelerate genetic gain through advanced genomics, optimise tree survival and resource quality, design genetically improved pine varieties, develop more productive trees adapted to changing environments, and future-proof plantations through disease-resistance screening. Mr Taylor said the opening of the Centre demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between industry, government and researchers. “Facility investments such as this, combined with continued investment in research and development, help ensure Australia’s plantation sector remains internationally competitive and capable of meeting future demand for sustainable, renewable forest products.” TBA’s longer-term plans include a purpose-built glasshouse at the site to assist quarantine measures for the introduction of plants interstate and to fast-track the propagation of elite genetics.

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