Australian timber industry news

Stora Enso launched its Harvesting Partner concept in November 2022 to encourage more skilful operators and new entrepreneurs to join the forest industry. The concept was initially introduced in Sweden, but it has since then been launched also in Finland, Norway and Lithuania. Stora Enso is currently recruiting for the second generation of harvesting partners that could join the network in 2024. Source: Timberbiz SEB has been Stora Enso’s partner from the start, and the bank has developed a new financing model to make it easier for the new entrepreneurs to start their business. Based on this model, new machinery is rented with a monthly cost for a four-year rental period after which the machinery will be returned to Stora Enso for maintenance and further use either in a new rental or in training new harvesting partners. “We are happy to support with a financial set-up that enables Stora Enso to retain ownership and control of the machines with the aim to extend usage over its lifetime as well as prolong the machines end-of-life,” said Jakob Hansson, Head of SEB Product as a Service Incubator for Large Corporates. Stora Enso’s Harvesting Partner concept is based on a four-year contract with new or established entrepreneurs. The contract includes financing of new machinery, accounting and HR services, training and participation in Stora Enso’s management and harvesting networks. Through the contract, Harvesting Partners will commit to provide Stora Enso with safe, sustainable and efficient operations and agreed volumes as well as developing their operations further. “Together with SEB we want to attract more people to join the industry and enable entrepreneurship for people living in the rural areas. The new financing model developed by SEB lowers that barriers of entry to the market as the initial investment by the entrepreneur will be lower due to external financing,” says Mattias Bränngård, Sourcing Director, Harvesting in Stora Enso. “The financing model also enables us to have control of the circularity and further use of the machinery.”  

Komatsu S172 has an upgraded length-measuring function as well as improvements that will increase the reliability and performance of the head. Source: Timberbiz Several improvements have been made to the length measuring function to increase the measuring accuracy. For example, the measuring wheel arm now has a stronger design, which improves its service life and allows it to better withstand pressure from the measuring cylinder. Other improvements include the measuring wheel cylinder and reinforcements in the frame. These improvements allow the measuring wheel to better follow the contour of the stem, increasing measurement accuracy. Another area of improvement is the saw unit, which has a more robust saw bar holder. This provides a smoother and more reliable operation. The saw unit has also been equipped with a protective plate that covers the saw bar holder and protects the chain when the saw bar is in the starting position. Other new features include an optional hydraulic top knife, which is ideal for cutting crooked stems or thick and difficult-to-handle branches. The head has also been improved with reinforcements in the frame, stronger attachment of the head computer and the use of expander bolts for the feed wheel arms. All these improvements help to increase the reliability and lifespan of the head.  

The European Organization of the Sawmill Industry (EOS) and the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois) sent an open letter to the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis. Source: Timberbiz With this statement the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry (EOS) and the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois) would like to encourage you in your discussions with your Japanese counterparts to raise the question of a possible Japanese ban on the imports of Russian wood products, in particular lumber and glue laminated timber. According to figures shared by the Japanese Lumber Importers Association, Japan in 2023 was still importing 13% of its total lumber imports from Russia. This is regrettable as Russia is a major global power in the woodworking industry and Japan is an important market for many Russian exporters. We believe that a concerted effort to persuade Japan to stop importing Russian lumber would be a significant step in further impacting the Russian economy and its war machine. Our trade posture towards Russia, and sanctions in particular, should be coordinated and coherent among the coalition of countries that have decided to punish Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Up until 2021 the European Union imported significant quantities of wood products from Russia (and Belarus), much more than what Japan is currently importing, even in proportion to the larger EU population and economy. As an industry and a society, we should be proud that in the space of some months we were able to give up importing Russian wood products, swiftly readjusting and adapting to the new reality. We have thus shown that this is feasible, and we believe that Japan should join Europe in banning imports of wood products originating from Russia. We would be grateful if you could help us achieve that.

Interpine’s drone UAV team uses drone-based SLAM LiDAR technology that can work in GPS-denied environments to collect data and calculate product/material volumes for inventory stocktaking. Getting warehouse stockpile volumes in tight spaces and internal warehouses is now much easier. Source: Timberbiz The LiDAR scanning technology also provides real-time autonomous control, allowing the drones to avoid and navigate around obstacles while operating in challenging and often dusty environments. LiDAR can be used to create extremely detailed terrain and vegetation models. This can be applied in planning, resource inventory erosion and biodiversity monitoring and environmental resource management. LiDAR assists the creation of GIS surfaces of trees and stand attributes and 3D walk through and visualisations. Interpine has an expert team to arrange the collection of LIDAR requirements, tailoring the specification to suit the needs for analysis. This can range from inside or under canopy surveys, to small aerial surveys using drone-based LiDAR systems, through to millions of hectares across multiple suppliers all being managed to deliver your project on time and to specification. Interpine has developed a large toolbox to carry out a large number of LiDAR analysis workflows.  These build on our expertise in LAStools, Quick Terrain Modeler, FUSION, Pix4D, R, Python, ERSI ArcPro and ArcMap Extensions and software tools.

New Forests has appointed Michelle Elliot as Global Head of Funds, and Sanjiv Louis as Director, Investments Asia.  Source: Timberbiz In this newly created role, Ms Elliot will be responsible for overseeing New Forests’ global funds management platform to support future growth and opportunities. She will look at ways to improve efficiencies across investments, operations, and investment analytics, while harnessing data and technology to support the company’s strategic growth priorities. Ms Elliot joins New Forests after a 17-year career at Macquarie Asset Management where she was most recently Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific. Based in Sydney, Michelle sits on the executive leadership team and reports to Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer. Mr Louis will lead New Forests’ Asian investments team in identifying, evaluating, and acquiring investments within the nature-based solutions, forestry and natural capital space in the Southeast Asia region. He brings over 23 years of investment banking and alternative asset investment experience in Asia across senior roles in Sail Ventures, Credit Suisse, and UBS. Sanjiv will be based in Singapore and report to David Shelton, Global Head of Investments. “New Forests is at an important stage in its history with strong momentum in funds under management across our forestry and agriculture businesses, coupled with the demand for carbon, biodiversity and natural capital expected to grow significantly,” Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, New Forests said. “Michelle and Sanjiv are key hires who will bring their deep experience to our teams, helping us to continue to deliver to our investors, while ensuring we’re remaining focused on our vision of seeing investment in land use and forestry as central to the transition to a sustainable future.” The appointments follow Sarah Campbell joining New Forests in October 2023 as General Counsel reporting to Mark Rogers, following Margaret Cole’s retirement. Ms Campbell brings over 20 years’ experience to New Forests and was most recently General Counsel and Company Secretary for Adamantem Capital.

HVP Plantations has appointed Melanie Cook as its new CEO, after an extensive search following the retirement of Stephen Ryan in October last year. Source: Timberbiz Ms Cook will begin in the role in April, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a 25-year career with ExxonMobil. HVP Board Chair Therese Ryan said Ms Cook’s appointment was an exciting move, citing her experience and background complement the company’s direction. “We are thrilled to welcome Melanie, whose extensive experience, strategic vision and leadership ability makes her the ideal person to guide HVP Plantations through the evolving landscape of the timber industry,” Ms Ryan said. Ms Cook held many roles at ExxonMobil, highlighted by Chief Operating Officer in Malaysia and President and CEO in Indonesia, before returning to Australia in 2021 where she led her own consultancy business specialising in Leadership and Energy. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Melbourne. Interim CEO Josie Pane will work closely with Ms Cook to ensure a smooth transition, before resuming her role as CFO.

Students from Casterton, Hamilton and Portland descended on Casterton Racecourse this week to explore forestry career opportunities in the Green Triangle. Source: Timberbiz Around 180 students witnessed an up-close water bombing from the Green Triangle Fire Alliance’s helicopter, which has been based in Casterton over the summer. On display were some of OneFortyOne’s and timberlands Pacific firefighting trucks. The fire prevention arsenal has been active throughout the fire danger season, protecting lives, property and the forestry estate. Students also travelled out to a clearfell operation, being conducted by Merrett’s Logging. There they witnessed the operation up close, showcasing some of the impressive equipment that is used across plantations in the Green Triangle, saw a single-grip harvester, forwarder, loader and B-Double. Students were able to hear first-hand from a team of experienced operators about the nature of work in the industry, and the vast range of opportunities available to people working in the industry. Forestry directly employs 10000 people across the Green Triangle, and a further 20000 induced jobs. A range of positions are open to nearly everyone. Tertiary, vocational and unskilled pathways are on offer, in the forest, harvesting, milling and cubic sectors. For every cubic metre of timber harvested, a whopping 700 kg of carbon dioxide is sequestered out of the atmosphere. Every year, over 10 million trees are planted into the estate, to replace the trees that had been harvested. The trees planted this year, won’t be ready for harvest for over 30 years. This ensures an industry full of potential and longevity for young people entering into the workforce. “It is important we showcase some of the exciting career opportunities to students as they consider their opportunities,” Hub General Manager Tony Wright said. “The Forest Industry is international and there are many exciting opportunities from professional, business, all aspects of STEM, operations and advanced machine processing.”

VicForests will cease operations on 30 June, the end date was revealed on Wednesday during a court hearing involving VicForests and environmental group Wombat Forestcare. Source: Timberbiz Nationals’ leader Peter Walsh said VicForests was being treated deplorably. He said the State Government has not offered a single positive word, effectively ignoring its existence. “This June 30 end date is painful enough, but VicForests are being kicked on the way out the door without an ounce of respect,” Mr Walsh said. “The organisation has no way of defending itself. The Allan Labor Government remains silent, refusing to publicly defend its own logging company. “This is a cruel, unfair ending for an organisation that has done so much for regional communities and made a huge contribution to Victoria.” The winding-up of the body is part of the Victorian government’s decision to end native forest logging, which took effect on January 1. Stand-down payments to VicForests contractors are due to end on 30 June. Last September, the government paved the way for the organisation’s closure, altering its status as a state business corporation and making it a “reorganising body”, which allows its functions and staff to be moved around. VicForests employs 140 staff. Of these, it is understood 60 will be made redundant while the remaining 80 will get new roles in the state Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. “It has always done its best despite severe harassment from illegal protesters,” Mr Walsh said. He said the contribution of VicForests should be applauded given so much of its work supporting the industry was amid continual litigation by extremists. “VicForests had to use taxpayers’ money to defend itself from carrying out government policy,” Mr Walsh said. He said the end of VicForests would also leave a gaping hole in fire management. “The risk of mega-fires will increase. There won’t be tracks maintained by the timber industry and there won’t be control lines to burn back from,” Mr Walsh said. “There won’t be the heavy equipment and timber industry workers to go in and help fight fires. “The Greens, so critical of the industry, will be hiding in inner Melbourne and nowhere to be seen as regional communities face the inevitable bushfires without the support of the timber industry to help fight them.” Community and Public Sector Union industrial organiser Kassey Dickie said VicForests’ 100 employees were aware the company would close on 30 June. She said workers were able to apply for about 80 other government jobs, including five-year contracts with Forest Fire Management Victoria. “Everyone’s going to lose their job at VicForests, whether or not a large portion find other work, that remains to be seen,” Ms Dickie told AAP. The government initially planned to phase out native logging in 2030 but brought that forward over claims the sector had become unviable because of ongoing legal action. Ms Dickie said many workers were stressed and finding new roles had been a “very fast process” for them. “They’re sad I think, to sum it up, many of them have worked together for a very long time,” she said. “They have been rushed through a process made by government in a hurry that has been pretty stressful.” VicForests recorded a net loss of $60.1 million in the 2022/23 financial year, blaming court action brought on by environmental groups. During that time it harvested $17.9 million in timber, paid $110 million in compensation for undersupply to customers and $41 million to contractors who were not able to work. It received $149 million from the state to fund the compensation.

Recent public commentary about the closure of VicForests has included numerous false and misleading claims. VicForests knows there are individuals and organisations who are opposed to native timber harvesting who will be celebrating VicForests’ closure. But this doesn’t mean it’s open season – and it will never be acceptable to treat the men and women of VicForests with blatant disrespect. False claims do harm. This includes the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people who have dedicated themselves to the management of forests for future generations. The most offensive category of false claims being made is the suggestion VicForests is “rogue” or a “cowboy agency”. These claims are demonstrably false – but repeated often by those opposed to the legal activity undertaken by VicForests in furtherance of longstanding government policy. VicForests is a government agency, overseen by an independent Board and otherwise subject to the ordinary governance obligations and control of any government agency. The executives and staff of VicForests are Victorian public servants. It is self-evident that if VicForests was acting otherwise than in accordance with Government policy – or behaving illegally – then it was clearly within the power of the Government to intervene. The system of regulation in Victoria is based on compliance with explicit rules to manage known threats to the environment that have been developed by forestry and environmental experts over many years. These legal rules balance environmental objectives with economic and social objectives. This balance is required by the Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development – which is a cornerstone of Australian and International environmental law. VicForests has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to meeting, and often exceeding, the explicit rules set by Government. It has never been prosecuted by the independent environment regulator. This is backed up by the latest published independent audit result from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, which saw VicForests achieve an average of 96% compliance across four environment areas: environmental values in State forests, conservation of biodiversity, operational planning and record keeping, and coupe infrastructure for timber harvesting operations. The 96% average compliance findings are a testament to the work our staff undertake in Victoria’s state forests. Litigation brought against VicForests over the last few years was based on arguments that VicForests had a duty to protect the environment that goes far beyond the balanced rules set by the Victorian Government. Recent outcomes in these cases were based on novel interpretations of laws that had been decided in VicForests’ favour previously. The effect of these recent cases is that VicForests could never know what it needed to do to comply with the law, because the rules will now be decided by the Courts – not the Government – on a case-by-case basis without reference to the balance explicitly required by the National and State policy arrangements. VicForests even had multiple cases brought against it by different environmental groups arguing that different measures were needed to protect the same species in overlapping locations – so that different judges were being asked to set new and different rules at the same time. And inevitably as VicForests adjusted its processes to respond to legal threats, plaintiffs simply changed their claim or brought new cases arguing for something different. Another category of offensive claims are that VicForests is an “environmental vandal” or that we are “putting countless threatened species at greater risk of extinction”. Any organisation or person who is truly committed to the protection of Australia’s threatened species would understand that the greatest risk – by far – is the risk of invasive species – affecting 82% of threatened species in Australia. [https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/pdf/PC18024]. Professional and impartial forest scientists know that the threat of timber harvesting is comparatively low, well understood and managed through the extensive system of rules and practices reflected in the code of practice. VicForests worked in very small areas of native forests and operated in areas managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The areas in which we planned our harvesting operations were set by the government through a Ministerial Order. No harvesting could ever be undertaken in the areas explicitly set aside to protect threatened species – to ensure the State of Victoria could meet its obligation to preserve viable populations of native species throughout their natural ranges [Framework for the management of threatened species and native timber harvesting (vicforests.com.au)]. Areas available for harvest had previously been harvested or were bushfire regrowth forests. In a normal year VicForests would harvest about 0.04% of the forests, or four trees in every 10,000. All harvested areas are re-grown by law with our compliance audited on a regular basis. Prior to any timber harvesting, our staff undertook comprehensive planning to ensure all operations met the harvesting and biodiversity requirements under Victoria’s strict environmental regulatory system.  Pre-harvest studies and surveys undertaken by VicForests included: Aquatic (Fish & Crustacean) Surveys, Arboreal Spotlight and Owl Call Playback, Biodiversity Coupe Inspection, Bird, Coupe Habitat and Sign Survey, Frog, Habitat Tree and Resource Inventory Survey, Intensive Tree Geebung Surveys, Leadbeater’s Possum Arboreal Camera Trapping, Leadbeater’s Possum Thermal Imaging, Old-growth, Targeted Fauna and Flora Species Survey, Targeted Plant Surveys and Terrestrial Camera Trapping. Where required, special protections were applied for the management of threatened species and their habitat. Such protection measures complied with, and often exceed, regulatory prescriptions.  For example, between 2014 and 2021 we established well over 1000 exclusion zones around sightings of Leadbeater’s possums in state forests. This resulted in over 14,000 hectares of a forest being reserved and protected as new Leadbeater’s possum colony reserves. We also protected all hollow-bearing trees as well as a selection of trees likely to develop hollows in the future to provide habitat for native species such as the Leadbeater’s possum and the Greater Glider. Over 4500 large old hollow-bearing Ash trees were retained in areas planned for harvest. So contrary to false claims, our people are passionate about the health of forest ecosystems and remain committed to the care of Victoria’s […]

  VicForests will be gone by 30 June. It really doesn’t come as any surprise. The writing was on the wall, and writ large the moment the Victorian Government announced it would be shutting down the native timber industry by 2030. It brought that death forward when it announced that the industry would be shut down at the end of last over claims the sector had become unviable because of ongoing legal action. What is so disappointing is that the Victorian Government could have stepped in to prevent the “lawfare” campaign again VicForests. But it didn’t. The number of injunctions issued by conservation groups over logging – coupe by coupe – has had an enormous impact on VicForests. Third-party litigation locked up coupes, delayed harvesting and forced VicForests to pay harvest and haulage contractors compensation as it struggles to meet contracted log volumes. Even when VicForests won cases it struggled to recover court-awarded costs against environment groups. In the 2022-23 financial year, VicForests returned a net loss of $60.1 million, despite receiving a $149 million bailout from the state government. The record loss followed a loss of $54.2 million the previous financial year. VicForests described the financial result as having been “fundamentally impacted by litigation” brought by environment and community groups against its logging operations. Legal representatives for VicForests announced the 30 June deadline in the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne on Wednesday during yet another hearing involving Wombat Forestcare and its case alleging VicForests breached requirements to survey for threatened species in western Victorian forests. It was the first time a decision on VicForests’ future had been revealed after the Victorian government deregistered it as a state business corporation in September last year, removing the requirement for it to be commercially focused. However, many in the industry believed the 30 June closure was inevitable. Needless to say, many of those groups which were so vehemently opposed to VicForests will be dancing on the organisation’s grave this weekend. Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell, said the writing had been on the wall for VicForests for some time, after the company was plagued with illegal activity and controversy after controversy. She said the Victorian Labor Government now needed to direct its department to focus on forest restoration and protection and invest in specialised staff who have these skills. But with so many logging contractors forced out of the industry, who will be left to carry out that sort of work. Community and Public Sector Union industrial organiser Kassey Dickie said VicForests’ 100 employees were aware the company would close on 30 June.

South Carolina loggers are sounding the alarm over a burgeoning crisis facing the state’s timber industry, saying recent market disruptions are leading the more than US$23 billion industry to the brink of what some contend is a catastrophic collapse. Source: The Post and Courier In a 6 March hearing before the state Senate’s Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, several leaders in the state’s timber industry warned the closures of several mills in North and South Carolina have left them with no place to process their raw materials at a time they are growing more trees than ever, leaving them with cratering prices for their goods and threatening them with closure. Last year, a paper mill in Canton, North Carolina, owned by Pactiv Evergreen closed its doors taking with it dozens of jobs and a critical processing facility for South Carolina’s logging industry, which provided just under half of the facility ’s raw material. Months later, WestRock, another milling company, announced it would be closing down its mill in North Charleston, taking with it an additional 550,000 tons of processing capacity. The closures have since created a bottleneck for South Carolina’s foresters who plant 1.38 trees for every tree they remove from the ground, according to industry statistics. With few options to turn to if they want to turn their trees into usable paper products, the entire industry is now unable to access the market at a time the global demand for new sources of wood product has been spiking. “We have a grossly out of balance, supply and demand problem,” Thurston Chavis, president and CEO of Columbia-based forestry firm Milliken Advisors, told members of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee in early March. And the state has a lot to lose: Per the state Forestry Commission, logging and its related industries ranked number one in the total number of jobs across the state, number two in overall labor income, and number three in direct economic output. For comparison, the money brought into South Carolina by forest products each year is surpassed only by sectors like tourism, which generated some US$29 billion in economic activity last year. After years of revenue declines since reaching highs in 2017 and 2018, South Carolina’s forestry sector saw a 98% drop in real gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2023 at a time overall growth was at 28% – a disparity Chavis warned could cause lumber facilities to go out of business or the state’s productive forestlands converted to more profitable uses, like residential or commercial development. “We’ve learned to grow more wood, but we’ve not learned to consume more wood,” Chavis said. “We have a finite milling capacity here and they can they can only mill so much wood,which tells us we need to find new markets for our wood.” Federal regulations could make getting that product out even more difficult. Last winter, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it was weighing plans to tighten air quality standards for fine particulate matter by as much as 25%. And paper mills are notorious polluters. In 2021, the EPA fined a Catawba-based facility with ties to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft US$1.1 million after it was found to be releasing excessive amounts of hydrogen sulfide into the air, prompting thousands of complaints. But demand for wood products internationally has also been spiking. Many members of the European Union stopped trading with Russia, one of the world’s largest exporters of wood products after its unprovoked military incursion into neighbouring Ukraine in early 2022. And the European Union as a whole recently adopted new forest management plans that, by 2030, will place a greater emphasis on forest conservation than on their ability to harvest timber. Given the region’s growing reliance on wood pellets and biomass for heat and energy, the European Union is considered one of the largest potential markets for wood products in the world. Right now, however, the only places capable of profitably exporting wood pellets are the ports in Wilmington, North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, places too far remote for some South Carolina producers to make it worth their while. Most of the pellets, or wood chips for that matter, that are shipped are shipped bulk, and not in containers. It is cost prohibitive to ship them in containers. There are no bulk loading facility at the Charleston port. The industry is already working to address its milling capacity issues. Chavis said his company has obtained several letters of support to pursue constructing another production facility somewhere in South Carolina, though it will be nowhere near the capacity WestRock provided. Meanwhile, Gov. Henry McMaster’s office has already announced it is weighing a US$55 million appropriation in this year’s budget to purchase the shuttered facility in an effort to increase export capacity out of North Charleston, a move that will presumably help bolster the state’s timber industry. But nothing will happen, Chavis told The Post and Courier, until the industry has a guarantee it can actually move the product it produces. “Nobody in the right mind is going to sign an agreement without the ability to deliver the product,” Chavis said. “But then the port is not going to build anything unless you have signed contracts. So we’re in this game of Whac-a-Mole.”  

Digital speed limitation for timber trucks works well on stretches with a lot of infrastructure, and haulage companies show great commitment to safer timber transports. This is demonstrated by the geofencing project that SCA has undertaken in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration. Source: Timberbiz “We continue to utilize the technology on both existing routes and new ones,” Lars Nolander, logistics manager at SCA Skog said. This latest initiative involves testing digital speed limitation, known as geofencing, on four selected routes in Västernorrland and Jämtland, Sweden where the road passes through villages or residential areas with houses and residents along the way. The technology involves creating zones using GPS points, where the vehicle senses when it’s time to adjust the speed. Four haulage companies and nearly 40 timber trucks have been involved in the project. “We have learned a lot. The technology works like an automatic cruise control activated by someone else, and it provides a good traffic rhythm. The haulage companies are very positive and committed.” Driver Christoffer Söderblom, who works for the Ferm Group, gives the technology a high rating. “The technology is a very good tool on roads with lower speeds and a lot of infrastructure nearby. It makes you even more alert.” One lesson learned in the project is that it is crucial to design the zones correctly. “Some fine-tuning is required in order to let the driver have enough time to brake and reach the specified speed in time, and then accelerate when the zone ends. It has worked differently on different stretches, so likely, the road’s design concerning slope, road crests, and other factors, as well as the effectiveness of GPS signals, plays a certain role,” says Lars. As a safety measure, the driver can perform what is called a “through-tramp” if a traffic situation arises, allowing them to accelerate despite being in a zone. “I have never had to perform a through-tramp (kick-down). But it’s very good that it’s possible to do it, for example, in a situation like a ‘jack-knife effect,’ where the wheels lock, and the trailer slides sideways, folding towards the truck. In that case, you have to accelerate to straighten out the rig,” says driver Christoffer Söderblom, who works for Ferm Group. “I don’t want to be without this technology; it assists me during driving and contributes to creating better traffic safety, making it safer for everyone involved,” says Christoffer. Lars sees significant potential for geofencing technology. “Our plan is to involve more haulage companies and activate new routes. We have already added a stretch in Sillre along road 86. The technology is easy to apply, and it is already available in all new Scania trucks, so why not make use of it? I also hope more truck manufacturers will follow. Additionally, the technology has many applications beyond timber transports. It could work well for, for example, passenger cars, buses, and passing through construction zones.”

The European Commission has disclosed findings of the anti-circumvention investigation, and it confirms illegal imports of Russian wood products via Kazakhstan and Türkiye (Turkey). Source: Timberbiz The European Commission has disclosed the findings of its anti-circumvention investigation into illegal imports of Russian birch plywood. The findings disclosed to relevant stakeholders show evidence that Russian birch plywood is being imported into the EU market through Kazakhstan and Türkiye to avoid paying anti-dumping duties. As Russian wood products are also subject to sanctions in the EU, the results of this investigation are expected to lead to further action by national authorities and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Following an in-depth investigation, which included on-site visits in Kazakhstan and Türkiye, the European Commission has found evidence of circumvention which requires the extension of anti-dumping duties to all imports from these countries to correct market distortions and unfair trade practices. Once the investigation process is complete, the anti-dumping duties, as high as 15.8%, will be applied retroactively on all imports of birch plywood into the EU from 22 August 2023 and for all future imports from Kazakhstan and Türkiye. The results of the Commission’s investigation are an important milestone in exposing the deceptive practices of some actors in the timber trade. With the spotlight on Russian birch plywood, channelled through Kazakhstan and Türkiye, it is likely that controls and inspections will increase, as the Commission’s findings suggest the possibility of customs fraud and sanctions violations by individual operators, including importers, traders, and users. There are separate legal and, in some countries, criminal provisions governing customs fraud and sanctions violations, with serious consequences and liabilities for those found to be involved.

A preliminary study has been published documenting kea habitat use, movement and diet in forestry company OneFortyOne’s forests in the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz The study, conducted by Lincoln University Masters student Jodanne Aitken, and funded by forestry company OneFortyOne, confirmed that kea are residing and utilising food sources within pine plantation forests in the Nelson Tasman region. Aitken said very little is known about kea occupancy, behavioural ecology or habitat use of plantation forests. “It’s a preliminary study, which gives us a better insight into kea beahviour in pine plantation forests and help us understand what might be keeping them in the pine forests,” said Ms Aitken. “It is thought kea may utilise plantation sites to forage for seeds and insects and could possibly even seek out plantation sites at particular phases of forestry activities, for example immediately post-harvest to find specific food items. “The study used GPS-VHF units to track the movements of three kea through the forestry blocks, I also recorded feeding observations of kea in the forest.” Ms Aitken noted the kea in OneFortyOne’s forest were different to those she had previously studied further south. As a PhD student, it’s not often you’re outsmarted by your study species, but Ms Aitken said the kea in the Nelson Tasman forests were the hardest birds to catch out of all kea in the country. “It took almost four months to lure the birds in,” she said. “The kea studied tended to sit up in the trees more and are not observed on the ground as often. This behaviour is similar to what we would see in Okarito in the West Coast, the diet was also similar with them eating mostly invertebrates and seeds.” “Understanding kea use of plantation forestry sites is vital for guiding effective conservation management strategies and ensuring that no negative interactions occur between kea and forestry workers and their equipment. “The numbers of kea are sadly low (~5000-7000 kea remaining), we need to understand them better in all their environments to conserve them.” “It would be great to see more large land users replicate the investment OneFortyOne has made, we all need to work together to protect these beautiful and extremely clever birds,” said Ms Aitken. OneFortyOne has contributed NZ$100,000 to a suite of Kea Conservation Trust projects, including this study focused on kea habitat use and diet in plantation forests.  

Timberlink has launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan as it embarks on a journey to enhance its awareness and appreciation of the First Nation Peoples of Australia. Source: Timberbiz Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, Timberlink’s 2024-2025 Reflect RAP is focused on equipping the organisation to actively participate in meaningful reconciliation efforts. It is designed to further support positive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples while establishing the areas where Timberlink can make the most impactful contributions to further Reconciliation. The RAP provides a structured approach, outlining clear actions aimed at establishing and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and organisations. Increasing understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights through cultural learning. Improving employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ recruitment, retention and professional development. Establishing and maintaining an effective RAP Working Group (RWG) to drive the execution and governance of the RAP. The Chief People Officer sponsors the RAP program, with oversight by the Chief Executive Officer. This sponsorship is instrumental in facilitating the achievement of our RAP deliverables and overarching program objectives. “Our decision to embark on this journey was borne from our desire to connect more fundamentally with the communities within the regions in which we operate and to strengthen our commitment to develop and nurture an inclusive and diverse working environment,” Timberlink CEO Paul O’Keefe said. “Over the next 18 months, we are committed to progressing the key areas of Reconciliation through fostering relationships with our First Nations Communities, and to reflect respectfully First Nations cultural protocols within Timberlink.” Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia, said the Reflect RAP enabled Timberlink to deepen its understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make to lead progress across the five dimensions. “Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provide a meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey,” she said. To help celebrate the commencement of its RAP journey, Timberlink commissioned First Nations artist Tamay Beam to create artwork using timber from its Bell Bay manufacturing facility.

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has welcomed the third tranche of the Liberal Party’s forest policy ahead the 2024 election. Source: Timberbiz TFPA Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel, said this announcement offers the industry certainty of supply and stability, which will allow them to invest in their businesses for the long term. “By offering long term contracts to existing Tasmanian businesses, as well as guaranteeing hardwood plantation supply and pausing the current public estate contract negotiations, the Tasmanian Liberals, if elected, will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Tasmanian forestry sector,” Mr Steel said. “(The) announcement shows the Liberals have listened to industry concerns and have acted swiftly to ensure the future success for our businesses and securing thousands of jobs in regional Tasmania. “And while we welcome the extra resource being made available to our businesses, we continue to insist that any expansion of the public estate must follow due process, including considering balancing the conservation value, the opportunities for aboriginal management and access for the sustainable forestry sector.” Mr Steel said the Liberals have backed TFPA’s Election Wishlist – a road map for all political parties and candidates on how best to protect regional communities, the Tasmanian economy and the sustainability and profitability of our members’ businesses. “With both major parties having now thrown their support behind Tasmanian forestry, we look forward to working with whoever triumphs at the coming election to ensure the future success of our local Tasmanian businesses, and the thousands of regional families employed in forestry across the state,” Mr Steel said. The TFPA Election Wishlist can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/4bPyfDF

AKD’s Caboolture Sawmill Expansion Project is now complete, which will support an internationally competitive sawmilling business for the Sunshine Coast gateway region. Source: Timberbiz The project was officially opened by Queensland Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm. As a result of the project, the site has doubled its production capacity and is currently processing 370,000m3 of locally grown sawlog. The upgrades have also enabled AKD to install the latest technology to improve the recovery of structural timber from the sawlog resource – making operations more efficient. The expansion project also installed an acoustic barrier, which has improved the surrounding environment. This has meant production was able to move to a two-shift operation with minimal impact on the local community. The ability to run the two shifts has created more than 100 new and permanent skilled manufacturing jobs at AKD’s Queensland site. This additional 100 jobs in Caboolture will support a further 763 jobs in the regional economy, according REMPLAN modelling. The $41 million project was made possible thanks to $10 million from the Australian Government, with AKD providing the remaining $31 million. “The Australian Government is committed to supporting local jobs, businesses and economies to ensure communities can thrive, which is what the Caboolture Sawmill Expansion is all about,” Ms King said. “This project will leave a lasting legacy for the region, by supporting skilled jobs, better environmental outcomes, and a more efficient local sawmilling business.” AKD CEO Shane Vicary said the project had secured the future of the Caboolture sawmill in Queensland. “The Caboolture Team has done a fantastic job in delivering the desired outcomes of this project, providing security to existing and new employment, and opening the door for further growth opportunities for the site,” he said.

Winners of the 2023 Australian Timber Design Awards will present their creations at a special event in Melbourne tomorrow 14 March 2024. Source: Timberbiz Attendees will hear from the team behind the overall ATDA winners of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal which was honoured with both the Excellence in Interior Fit out Public Building and the overall 2023 Timber Design Award. Director of ARM Architecture, Andrew Hayne, will discuss the amazing acoustic and architectural transformation of this heritage listed space, accomplished through a marriage of digital design and offsite manufacturing, and magnificent sculptured wood surfaces. The 2023 People’s Choice Award winner Boola Katitjin at Murdoch University in Western Australia will also feature with Nikeesh Prasad, Structural Engineer at Aurecon, will delve into the intricacies of this remarkable project and how it creatively employs hardwoods and softwoods in both structural and architectural aspects, crafting a distinctive learning environment for students. The next presentation will cover Eternity Life Apartments, which is a paradigm of sustainable urban living – a socially inclusive building that is 71% carbon neutral. k20 Architecture Director, Theodore Kerlidis, will discuss this spectacular natural and environmental sanctuary. Made from Simple Laminated Timber (SLT) and clad in sustainably sourced hardwood timber, it resides respectfully within its natural surrounds connecting building and environment. Attendees will also hear from architect and designer, Melanie Beynon, from the Elsternwick House project which seamlessly marries Edwardian charm with a harmonious timber rich modern extension. Ms Beynon will discuss her Excellence in Timber Design – Interior Fitout – Residential award project which features a warm and robust material palette of natural stone and timber veneer joinery, and her philosophy of designing holistic and integrative spaces for wellness. Michael Miles, Senior Design Manager at ICON will present on the design and construction of the benchmark Bendigo GovHub project. This development features an innovative exposed timber structural frame, chosen for its environmental, construction, and healthy workplace benefits. The mass structural timber systems used assisted in addressing a unique set of challenges due to the complex geometries of the building design. The forum rounds off with a presentation on the Barker College Maths and Student Hub which provides a harmonious blend of design innovation and ecological consciousness, aligning functionality with sustainability and aesthetic brilliance. Kieran Hayes, Senior Technical Engineer at XLam, will present the key themes of the architectural and engineering design approach, as well as covering the important supply and dFMA processes for a cost-efficient delivery. The event on 14 March begins at 12:15pm at the Library at the Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2023-australian-timber-design-award-winners-presented-by-their-creators-tickets-813591412817?aff=oddtdtcreator  

The decision to base Australian Forest and Wood Innovation regional hubs at the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Melbourne has been attacked by the Member for Barker Tony Pasin. Source: Timberbiz Mr Pasin MP said it was disappointing that the Green Triangle had been overlooked in the Federal Government’s attempts to build the nation’s forestry research and development capability through the AFWI. Last year, it was announced that the University of Tasmania (UTAS) would host AFWI, a national research institute committed to advancing research and innovation to support Australia’s vital forest and wood product industries, by drawing on the best researchers and facilities across Australia. Last week the Federal Government announced the two regional hubs will be established at the University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Melbourne supporting UTAS. Each research centre will have access to $24.5 million in funding as part of the more than $100 million AFWI grant agreement with UTAS. Mr Pasin said a Coalition Government had invested in a forest and forest product research sector based in Mount Gambier and that this existing capability was now under threat. “Failure to secure an Australian Forest and Wood Innovation research hub in Mount Gambier is a huge loss to our region and yet another example of the inability of our State Labor Government to lobby their Federal Labor mates and stand up for South Australia,” Mr Pasin said. “The Green Triangle offered an unapparelled opportunity for continued Australian Government investment in forest and forest product research and development given the regions 140-year history in growing and producing world renowned forest products and the inherent understanding that exists locally of forest and forest products research requirements. “Mount Gambier has well established research capability through UniSA, which to date has been highly valued by the local industry and the national sector. Without the ongoing support from the Federal Government, this local research capability will at best be severely diminished, at worst lost completely.” Mr Pasin said the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas loved to come to Mount Gambier for a photo opportunity with Forestry Minister Clare Scriven to suggest his government supported the forestry industry. “But where are they standing up for the Green Triangle and lobbying their Federal Labor counterparts when we need them? Labor sold our forests, and it seems they still don’t understand the importance of the industry to our region,” Mr Pasin said. Ms Scriven told The Border Watch that South Australia was still “well-placed” in research and development capability following a $15m investment in creating the Forestry Centre for Excellence in Mount Gambier. Ms Scriven said she was concerned Mr Pasin’s “petty politicking” could also undermine future funding applications for Mount Gam-bier and would have hoped to see “bi-partisan support” for the industry. “It is hard to identify anything at all that Tony Pasin delivered for the forest industry in the South East while his party was in government,” Ms Scriven said. “I encourage Tony to engage with the industry and develop some policies that will assist the industry to grow, rather than these little stunts. “The industry and  the  community  want  positive plans such as the Malinauskas Labor government is delivering rather than attempts at political point scoring.”

The future of sustainable forestry has received a significant boost yesterday with the official launch of the Albanese Government’s $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) program. Source: Timberbiz AFWI is a collaboration between the Albanese Government and the University of Tasmania, committed to advancing research and innovation in Australian forest and wood products. The University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Melbourne will be invited to form AFWI research centres, joining a third research centre being established at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in Launceston. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the University of Tasmania AFWI Headquarters in Launceston would support a local AFWI research centre, with further centres planned for the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Melbourne. “Establishing AFWI was an election commitment which we are proud to deliver and forms part of our record $300 million investment in the Australian forestry and forest product sector,” Minister Watt said. “This program will support sustainable forestry, while also helping to deliver a future made in Australia. “It’s an exciting time for forestry research as we work towards unlocking the full potential of wood as the ultimate renewable material and growing our forests and forestry industry. “The three research centres will undertake research to enhance our production forests and the wood products sourced from them – managing and sustainably expanding our Australian forestry resources, transforming wood residues into renewable products and energy solutions – all while helping to address the threat of climate change. “AFWI will draw on the best researchers and facilities across the nation to ensure Australia’s forest and wood products industries remain on the front foot, supporting applied research, development and innovation. “We saw demand for forest products significantly increase during the Covid-19 pandemic — increasing production in our sustainably managed plantation estate and product recovery from our sawmills and wood and fibre processing plants will see us better positioned to meet demand into the future.” The AFWI Board is chaired by Mr Bob Gordon and includes nine other members with industry and forestry research experience, an understanding of workers’ needs, First Nations perspectives and from the Commonwealth. They include Diana Gibbs, Christine Briggs, Heidi Dungey, Brian Farmer, Michael O’Connor, Rachael Cavanagh, Andrew Leighton, Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra and Andrew Wilson. AFWI will create opportunities for innovation and support the development of researchers to support the sectors’ future, building on the work the existing regional National Institute for Forest Products Innovation centres have already delivered. Minister Watt said AFWI would also shortly be announcing the opening of the first of four, $5 million annual national open calls for forestry research projects. The annual national open calls will be open to applications from all Australian-based researchers supporting the forest industry, and not be limited to the research centres established by AFWI. “The Albanese Government is getting on with the job of protecting important industries and regional jobs by delivering on election commitments,” Minister Watt said. “AWFI is a key part of this ensuring forestry research and innovation can continue to meet wood and fibre needs into the future.” The University of Tasmania’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rufus Black, said the university was excited to bring world leading research to answer questions that will help accelerate the role of forestry and wood products in meeting the challenge of climate change and building a circular economy. “AFWI will provide the skills and knowledge to support sustainable production of wood products, protect biodiversity and multiple forest values, and ensure the national sector is at the forefront of innovation and climate action,” Professor Black said. “We are the number one university in the world for climate action according to the Times Higher Education impact rankings and we are committing to supporting the transition to a low-emissions global economy we need to make – wood must play a big part in that future.” UniSC Professor Mark Brown said the successful bid by the Forest Research Institute to be part of AFWI would allow it to extend its leadership, skills and expertise in this space. The Forest Research Institute is a collaboration between eight Queensland and New South Wales universities, and three state government agencies from Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. It has active partnerships with industries across regional Australia and research sites across tropical and subtropical forests and plantations. “We look forward to working with the other AWFI regional research centres to make the national institute a success and welcome the strong innovation and collaboration that we will be able facilitate across the sector,” said Professor Brown, who will head the new centre at UniSC. He said the planned key focus areas for the Queensland-based centre would be to sustain, manage and rehabilitate Australia’s forests and find innovative solutions for the forest and wood products industry. “This includes growing more trees sustainably in forestry areas and developing innovative timber products using carbon-friendly building systems,” Professor Brown said. Much of the research will apply First Nations knowledge and expertise on current and future sustainable land management challenges. “Invasive weeds, pests, diseases, extreme weather and climate change are some of the issues for Australia’s diverse forest ecosystems that impact the important role they play in storing carbon, protecting soil and water and providing wood products,” Professor Brown said. “With increasing need to get sustainable multi-use outcomes from forest and land management, effectively engaging the wealth of Indigenous knowledge and skills through the AFWI investment will be critical to get the best social, environmental, and economic impacts for the sector into the future.” Potential projects include new and innovative ways to incorporate timber production with other land uses, with a particular emphasis on agriculture, grazing, water management and mine site rehabilitation. Strategies to increase carbon storage, restoring degraded land, tree breeding and genetics, fire management and mitigation, as well as management of forest health, pests and disease in a changing climate are other likely research areas. UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, welcomed UniSC’s recognition as a […]