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Australia’s professional association for forest scientists, managers and growers is using Sunday’s International Day for Women and Girls in Science on Sunday as a call for the next generation to join forestry science. “Forestry across Australia has so many tremendous women who are at the forefront of the science that underpins the skilful management of our forests and broader environment,” Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said. “On February 11 we celebrate all of these women, and we want to encourage the next generation of women and girls to follow in their footsteps too. “If you ask someone to imagine a typical person who works in forest and fire management, they tend to picture a very narrow stereotype, but the reality is very different. We have incredible scientists across our country doing the most innovative and creative work for the betterment of our environment, community and economy – and that’s the definition of career goals. “There’s so many opportunities for the next generation of women and girls to lead the science in our sector, promoting evidence-based decision making from carbon capture, forest fire management, conservation and renewables and to them I say: do it, you’ll love it.” Some of the women from across Forestry Australia have shared their thoughts and experiences on this International Day for Women and Girls in Science: Dr Tegan Brown, Victoria “Vegetation is the fuel that burns in grassland and forest fires. In my current role as a Research Scientist for CFA, I use climate models and landscape data to predict future vegetation and fuel types. We will then use these data to predict future fire activity, and model the number and type of fire management resources that Victorian fire agencies will require. Data isn’t neutral, and is interpreted by scientists through a lens built from context and lived experiences. Having more diverse people contributing to and making decisions in land, forest, and fire management will enhance our organisations and our contribution to communities.” Molly Marshall, Tasmania “I believe that now is the perfect opportunity for women to work within the forest, fire and land management sector. Every one of us has and will continue to have an integral role to play in the combat against climate change and our sector provides no better platform to be at the forefront of mitigation, adaptation and resilience.” Emily Post, New South Wales “Forestry science is a unique blend of natural, physical, and social sciences; it is a privilege to work in a science that can contribute so much to the wellbeing of people and the planet. Forests and their benefits are so diverse in nature, and I want to encourage the continued diversification of the community of stewards who are working to nurture our vital forest ecosystems.” Dr Danielle Wiseman, WA “Working in forestry science is great as I get to collaborate with scientists across Australia and sometimes the world.  An example of this is a recent success story for scientists and blue gum plantation growers.  Some time in the 1990s its thought that a damaging snout weevil (Gonipterus spp.) was introduced to Western Australia from eastern Australia.  By the early 2000s plantation growers were starting to notice damage and branch death in the growing tips of trees in blue gum plantations.  This damage made trees unprofitable.  Initially, damage from the snout weevil was controlled using insecticides.  However using insecticides kills all insects, including beneficial insects.  Another approach was developed where insecticide was applied to the roots where its absorbed by the trees.  This method meant only insects feeding on the trees were affected by the insecticide.  This worked well, but plantation growers would prefer not to use insecticides at all.   A research collaboration was established between scientists from around Australia to find a solution.  Simon Lawson and Helen Nahrung (USC) and Treena Burgess (Murdoch Univ.) decided to look for a natural enemy of the Snout weevil.  The prime candidate was Anaphes nitens a type of fairy fly.  The fairy fly lays its eggs in the eggs of the snout weevil.  This is actually pretty gross as the Snout weevil lays its eggs in a blob of its own poo.  The fairy flies larvae feed on the Snout weevils larvae so they don’t grow into adults.  After many years of work by forest health scientists, last year we released a matched fairy fly into a plantation south of Rocky Gully to target the Snout weevils.   We hope that it doesn’t find laying its eggs in Snout weevil poo as gross as we do and is able to stop the snout weevil from damaging the blue gum plantations.”

A study published in the Journal of Field Robotics has assessed the world’s first unmanned machine designed for autonomous forestry operations. Source: Timberbiz Investigators demonstrated that using computer vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms, their newly developed machine can safely, accurately, and efficiently pick up logs from the ground and manoeuvre through various forest terrains without the need for human intervention. The autonomous terrain vehicle was designed and built at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. It is the first time in world history that forwarding is done completely without human intervention. The researchers behind the successful trial see it as an important step towards more sustainable forestry. “This will redraw the map for the industry and how other players in the area view operations such as these. We have worked extremely intensively with this test, and it feels very nice that it actually works,” Magnus Karlberg, professor at Luleå University of Technology said. The research represents a significant milestone in the field of autonomous outdoor robotics, which could reduce the need for human labour, thereby increasing productivity and reducing labour costs, while also minimizing the environmental impact of timber harvesting. The autonomous shovelling took place in Hörnefors in Västerbotten, in collaboration with the Forestry Technology Cluster and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. By being programmed to perform the work on its own, the forestry machine was able to pick up and transport logs to the intended collection point. A job usually performed by forwarder drivers in machines built for the purpose, but this time the people could stand by and watch. The 10-ton machine, which is now also used in the Arctic Off-Road Robotics Laboratory, can be controlled with a remote control but is also programmed to perform work entirely on its own, as in the test with autonomous forwarding. The machine is currently powered by biodiesel and is built without a cab, but with a hydrostatic driveline, forest crane, pendulum arms and sensors. As early as 2014, researchers began sketching the machine, or off-road vehicle platform, which is a more correct name. Since then, the research team has worked to make the self-propelled vehicle as smart and robust as possible. A work that is now beginning to bear fruit. “That a self-driving forest machine can handle such an advanced task is world-unique and opens up for major changes in the forest industry,” Prof Karlberg said. “Even though it is still many years away, and will take place gradually, we are convinced that the technical development with smart autonomous forest machines is the future of forestry. We have shown that the technology exists, but there is of course a difference for us who look at this from a research perspective and commercial activities. We researchers can step into the future in a completely different way.” The development of self-propelled forest machines is also an important step for more sustainable forestry thanks to the possibility of smaller and more energy-efficient machines that can also work much more gently in forest and land. “Besides its short-term effect on forestry, the technological advancements that come with autonomous forestry machines have the potential to address current environmental issues. As demonstrated in this study, by embracing cutting-edge technologies like autonomous navigation and manipulation algorithms, the unmanned machine provides not only timber harvesting with greater efficiency but also promotes sustainable forestry,” said corresponding author Pedro La Hera, PhD, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. “Automated operations can be highly accurate and effective in terms of collateral damage to adjacent ecosystems, which helps us to be more ecologically friendly than we currently are.”

PONSSE Manager 2.0 is a next-generation digital service platform and forest machine management system that provides customers valuable data of machines’ location, productivity figures and fuel consumption, among others. The PONSSE Manager monitors the progress of stands, plans, and manages machine transportation, keep track of machine outputs according to assortment and print out measuring certificates. Source: Timberbiz “We want to support our customers, so that they can run their business successfully,” said Miika Soininen, Chief Digital Officer of Ponsse “This has been the guiding principle, how we have designed new Ponsse Manager. All the development has been based on customer feedback and customer needs from all over the world”. In Ponsse Manager 2.0, the user can create a personalized home page focusing on the most important data. Every important information is visible immediately, variations can be discovered quickly, and corrective action can be taken directly. With the single sign-on, all digital solutions required to improve operational efficiency and productivity are at the user’s disposal in one web address. PONSSE Manager keeps customers up to date on data that affects their machines’ profitability and helps improve operations’ efficiency. One of the new key features is the possibility to download all reports and combine them in a spreadsheet with other data to create new valuable views of operations. Mobile applications will also be available to download for free from the app store. “The mobile app is easy to use on site, with all required functionalities available for professionals working in different roles” said Jenni Pulkkinen, Product Owner Digital Solutions. Ponsse is developing its digital solutions together with its customers. The digital innovations address the right issues and provide relevant support for both professionals working on-site and those responsible for smooth and efficient fleet management.

One of the world’s largest home improvement retailers, The Home Depot has released its 2023 Sustainable Forestry Report stating that it works to promote sustainability by enhancing its operations and by purchasing from responsible suppliers across a global supply chain. Source: Timberbiz The company says it understands the critical role that global forests play in the sustainability of the planet’s biodiversity and the potential impact of deforestation on climate change. The Home Depot first issued its Wood Purchasing Policy in 1999 and the most recent is its Sustainable Forestry Report published January 2024. The vast majority of wood sourced by The Home Depot comes from regions with sustainable forests. Nonetheless, the company says it is committed to continuing to manage and mitigate, across its diverse and growing product assortment, the risk that products it sells or suppliers it selects may contribute to deforestation. The Home Depot has supported third-party certification of wood and wood products. Certified wood and wood products come from forests that are actively managed under strict guidelines developed by third parties that monitor compliance to ensure sustainable forest practices are followed. For this reason, the company strives to select suppliers that have obtained one or more recognized certifications, including certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and others. The Home Depot has stocked and sold FSC-certified wood since 1994 and began giving preferential treatment to FSC-certified products in 1999. It says it has worked closely with domestic and international suppliers to help develop a supply chain that enables consumers to purchase FSC-certified wood products. The company currently offers FSC-certified products in numerous categories, including board lumber, plywood, doors, moulding, and patio furniture. The Home Depot continues to seek out opportunities to expand the availability of FSC-certified wood products as well as wood products bearing other recognized certifications. Moreover, The Home Depot has since 2018, required FSC certification for wood sourced from regions most at risk for deforestation: specifically, the Amazon basin, the Congo basin, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Taking a regional, risk-based approach to sustainable forestry allows The Home Depot to closely monitor wood sourced from regions of the world where the risk of deforestation is greatest. Looking ahead, the company says it is focused on ways to expand its regional, risk-based approach to deepen its understanding of risks beyond the four regions have previously identified as highest risk. Home Depot will continue to require FSC certification from the Amazon basin, the Congo basin, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, while increasing due diligence and other mitigation measures to protect forests in regions that also are at risk of deforestation. Accordingly, in addition to requiring that all wood from the Amazon basin, the Congo basin, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands be FSC-certified, The Home Depot will require that, by the end of fiscal year 2026, all wood sourced from the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Choco Darien, Ecuador, Gran Chaco, East African and Miombo, Greater Mekong, Sumatra and Borneo, Eastern Australia, and Russian Far East Forest regions by its US and Canadian Lumber, Building Materials, and Millwork departments must either bear third-party certification as sustainably grown or be verified as plantation- grown. In addition, Home Depot expects all of its wood suppliers to maintain a wood sourcing policy that supports sustainable forestry management and transparency. Home Depot also encourages its suppliers to enhance biodiversity considerations and support efforts to promote ecological balance. Further, The Home Depot encourages its suppliers to find alternatives to high-risk wood species and support the development and use of wood alternative products. To better understand and monitor risks connected to the global supply chain for wood products, The Home Depot is committed to an ongoing risk-based assessment that ensures it maintains appropriate diligence requirements regarding the wood products sourced. As has been the case since the initial publication of its Wood Purchasing Policy in 1999, Home Depot expects to draw on the expertise of and partner with not only suppliers, but also the government agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations that are committed to the continual development of best practices in sustainable forestry. Home Depot will continue to encourage meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities by relevant government authorities and forestry companies to advance sustainable forestry practices. Home Depot’s policy is outlined below. The Home Depot and all of its suppliers offering wood and wood products for resale shall adhere to the following principles: The Home Depot will give preference to the purchase of wood and wood products originating from third-party certified, well-managed forests. The Home Depot will not purchase wood and wood products from regions around the world at greatest risk of deforestation unless responsible sourcing conditions are met. Specifically: The Home Depot will not offer products for sale that contain wood from the Amazon basin, the Congo basin, Papua New Guinea, or the Solomon Islands unless it is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. By the end of fiscal year 2026, The Home Depot will not offer for sale any wood for its US and Canadian Lumber, Building Materials, or Millwork departments from the following regions unless that wood is either third-party certified as sustainable or plantation-grown: Atlantic Forest East African and Miombo Cerrado Greater Mekong Choco Darien Sumatra and Borneo Ecuador Eastern Australia Gran Chaco Russian Far East Forest The Home Depot requires that its suppliers of wood and wood products maintain detailed information regarding their wood sourcing and that they participate as requested in The Home Depot’s wood sourcing surveys and any inquiries by the company. The Home Depot requires that its suppliers of wood and wood products maintain compliance with this policy as well as the laws and regulations pertaining to their operations and the products they manufacture.

Private Forests Tasmania is leading a $450,000 co-investment grant program to support farmers to plant and grow commercial trees on their private properties in Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz The Stems for CO2 2024 Grant Program is supported by the State Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania. It will support successful applicants with upfront establishment costs to enable them to integrate trees into their agricultural enterprise. The program supports the implementation of commercial tree plantings in the agricultural landscape for modelling carbon abatement levels, improved farm productivity, water quality, biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, creating a future wood resource, and communicating and educating the Tasmanian community on the benefit of trees on farms. PFT Chief Executive Officer Dr Elizabeth Pietrzykowski encourages landowners not to miss out on this opportunity to be supported in joining or a advancing their farm forestry opportunities. “The program has been developed to assist farmers with up front establishment costs to successfully integrate trees into their agricultural enterprise,” she said. “Key objectives are to establish commercial tree plantings into the agricultural landscape and to conduct carbon modelling on the successful grant recipient planting. “The modelling will identify the expected carbon abatement of the plantings and their planned length of rotation. “We will also communicate the carbon benefits of commercial trees to farmers, producers and landowners.” “PFT has a $450,000 funding pool to allocate with the maximum amount a grant recipient can receive is $2,500 per hectare.” An assessment panel comprising of representatives with forestry and agricultural expertise will competitively assess each application against the program objectives and assessment criteria. Expressions of interest are now open and close at 5pm on 1 March 2024. Interested landowners can call Private Forests Tasmania’s Helpline on 1300 661 009 or email admin@pft.tas.gov.au

New Zealand’s Forest Industry Contractors Association has announced the appointment of Rowan Struthers as its new CEO. Source: Timberbiz An experienced professional who has worked across the forestry sector in various roles including senior leadership and forest management, Mr Struthers will take over the job from departing CEO Prue Younger who finishes up in March. Having graduated from Canterbury University Forestry School, Mr Struthers has more than 30 years of experience working in forestry. He has worked in most facets of the industry including silviculture, woodflow/supply chain management, harvesting, log trading, human resource management, sales and marketing of processed products, building supplies management, forest procurement and general management. Mr Struthers has held senior leadership roles in a diverse number of companies that include Fletcher Challenge Forests, Umbraco (a privately owned building suppliers company managing multiple sites), Hancock/Manulife and most recently Chief Operations Officer at China Forestry Group. He has also been a member of the NZFOA executive. FICA Chair Nick Tombleson says the FICA Board is delighted to have Mr Struthers on board, who will take the organisation forward into its next stage. “Rowan has a huge amount of knowledge across so many parts of our industry. That will be of huge benefit to our forestry contractor members and we’re looking forward to drawing on his experience as we take FICA into the next period,” Mr Tombleson said. Mr Struthers says that he is ready to take on the new challenge and will be focused on building a professional, efficient and sustainable contractor workforce. “Over the 30 years I have spent in the industry, a key part of my success has been the collaborative relationships I have been able to develop with Contractors,” he said. “A professional, efficient, and sustainable contractor workforce is key to ensuring the long-term future of the NZ Forest Industry. This role is a great opportunity to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to further the good work that has already been done by many. I look forward to the challenge.”

The Australian Forest Products Association will talk up the need for timber to be at the centre of policy development solutions for Australia’s housing crisis at today’s National Regional Housing Summit 2024. Source: Timberbiz Hosted by the Regional Australia Institute, Real Estate Institute of Australia and Masters Builders Australia, the National Regional Housing Summit 2024 will draw policy experts and political decision makers to Old Parliament House in Canberra for high level discussions around increasing the availability and affordability of housing in regional Australia. “You cannot build the carbon friendly housing Australia needs for the future without timber, which is why AFPA is sponsoring and actively participating in tomorrow’s summit to promote the important role of both construction and furnishing timber in new and existing housing,” , acting AFPA Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said. “Right now, our sector has Aussie grown timber on the shelf ready to go and build the homes of tomorrow, along with the hopes and dreams of many Australians who want a home to live in that meets their needs, whether they have a growing family or downsizing. “Furthermore, as the Commonwealth and State governments look to identify how they reduce emissions and meet ambitious climate targets, they need to more closely consider the role of embodied carbon in timber products as a major solution,” he said. “(The) summit will be yet another opportunity for AFPA to remind Ministers, MPs and Senators, senior public sector administrators and other senior decision makers across the housing construction supply chain, how important the increased take up of timber will be to solve Australia’s housing crisis and help Australia fight climate change,” Mr Hyett said.  

Alpine Truss, one of Wangaratta’s three largest employers, has sold to national Independent Hardware Group (IHG), with the business changing hands on 1 March. George Prothero, who will remain in his role as managing director, sold the business to the IHG, which has supported local communities and family-owned businesses for more than 60 years. Source: Wangaratta Chronicle IHG is one of Australia’s leading wholesalers and Alpine Truss will be its first truss company based in Victoria. It supports the largest independent network of hardware operators with more than 600 branded stores and a further 950 Independent family businesses, located in metro and regional areas across Australia. Mr Prothero, who built the Alpine Truss business from the ground up 22 years ago, started with three staff including himself, today there are 110 employees. He assured the community that even though the business will change hands, there will be no change to how Alpine Truss operates today. “Our priority is to continue to service your needs to the highest of standards and with the same familiar faces and relationships you know today,” he said. “In fact, it is absolutely business as usual where I will continue in my role.” Over the last two decades, Alpine Truss has invested in the latest computerised sawing and pressing equipment to deliver to its customers tailored requirements. “We’ve also seen significant growth having added additional yard space, a mechanics shed, and frame shed,” Mr Prothero said. “Today, Alpine Truss employs 110 staff and operates 12 trucks, helping to build in excess of 3000 homes each year. “Looking into the future, this is an exciting opportunity that opens doors for us within IHG’s expanding Frame & Truss manufacturing business, to grow Alpine Truss across multiple locations in Victoria and Southern NSW sites. “We will be able to expand our capability and see more value-added offers that can only benefit our customers over time.” IHG said its network supports the growth of Independents within the hardware sector through IHG’s purpose ‘building successful independents’. “The culture of IHG is built on being a low cost and transparent business partner with an unwavering commitment to protect and grow a sustainable independent hardware sector for the long term,” Mr Prothero said.  

Australian Forest Products Association chairman Joel Fitzgibbon has resigned and been replaced by Pentarch executive director Stephen Dadd. Source: Timberbiz Mr Fitzgibbon informed the board of his intention on Sunday, and on Monday the board accepted his decision effective immediately. Acting CEO Natasa Sikman has also resigned. Richard Hyett has stepped into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer. Mr Dadd, who was officially elected on Tuesday, is also Chair of AFPA NSW and a Director of Forest Wood Products Australia. Jean-Yves Nouaze will continue as Deputy Chair. Mr Fitzgibbon has been on the AFPA board since June 2022 and took on the role of Chair in 2023. In that time, he also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from January to September 2023. Mr Nouaze thanked Mr Fitzgibbon for his service to the forest products sector as well as his long-term support for the industry. “AFPA has been fortunate to have Joel’s support for the sector over many years. As Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Forestry, Joel passionately represented the importance of our industry to Members of Parliament for Australian communities. “It is testament to Joel’s commitment to the industry, that following a distinguished career in Australian politics, he agreed to serve as Director and Chair of AFPA. “Throughout his time as Chair, Joel has guided AFPA and the Board through government relations as well as national and international climate policy decisions and CEO recruitment,” Mr Nouaze said. “We look forward to our ongoing positive relationship with Joel as he pursues a range of other commitments. “We wish Joel well for his future endeavours.” An announcement regarding a new CEO is expected soon. The Softwoods Working Group has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Mr Fitzgibbon for his exceptional leadership as both CEO and Chair of the Australian Forest Products Association. SWG executive officer Carlie Porteous said Mr Fitzgibbon played a pivotal role in steering the organization through a transitional phase, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment. She said he had worked tirelessly to elevate the profile of the forest products industry, championing its cause and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. His passion for the sector had left an indelible mark, and the Softwoods Working Group expressed its deepest gratitude for his contribution. Ms Porteous said the new chairman would bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the industry to his new role. “He is highly respected by all in the industry, and we look forward to his contribution and leadership as Chair,” Ms Porteous said. “The Softwoods Working Group looks forward to working closely with Stephen Dadd in his new capacity as Chair of AFPA and is confident that his leadership will further strengthen the industry’s position and foster continued collaboration among industry stakeholders.”

As we commence the year 2024, we are confronted with the demise of our industry in Victoria. This deliberate course of events has sparked intense emotions within our community. Although some may celebrate its exit, many of us appreciate the deep-seated connection and historical significance that the industry retains in Victoria’s high country. We comprehend that the removal of professional timber workers will not only create financial difficulties, but it will also deprive the community of their invaluable expertise in managing the constant threat of devastating bushfires. Since 2003, 60% of the old growth forest has been lost to these fires, raising a legitimate concern that a further reduction in timber workers will accelerate the forest’s decline and yet again put our people and homes in danger. Our community has already endured the tragic loss of loved ones in these catastrophic events. It’s puzzling why the government overlooks not only the financial burden for the state and rural communities with the loss of timber workers, but also the impact on the environment. A common view I’ve heard is that we should lock up our forests to keep them safe. This would have been the case with our original old growth forest. This is no longer the case after 200 years of interference. The bushlands of Victoria today are vastly different from those before Europeans arrived. When they settled here, they had to cut wind tunnels into the old growth forests as the terrain and trees were too damp to burn. These wind tunnels were essential when wind conditions were favourable for forest fires. Clearing the land this way was the only option due to the forest’s natural fire-retardant properties. However, as we have learned from recent fires, a young, dense forest can no longer stop the spread of fire. The landscape has changed significantly and no longer holds water as it once did. Without proper rehabilitation, the risk of future bushfires continues to rise. If we fail to protect the remaining old growth forest, it will have long-term effects on the endangered species that inhabit these areas, including us, since most of our water supply originates from these remaining areas. By commencing rehabilitation efforts around the remaining 40% of old growth forest and water catchments, we may be able to protect them from the increasing likelihood of bushfires in the future. The undeniable fact is that the young forest we have now, compared to a complete old growth forest, is overpopulated with trees. These overcrowded trees vie for water and sunlight, making them more prone to burning due to their insufficient internal water storage. This condition causes the environment beneath them to become drier and more susceptible to igniting severe bushfires. If we do not address this issue by removing these surplus trees, we are likely to witness more massive and destructive bushfires, as we did in the past and as predicted with the escalating impact of climate change. In the 2019-20 fires alone, five unrehabilitated national parks in Victoria were entirely burnt, with 60% of the forest exposed to extreme bushfire, permanently changing this environment and releasing 56 million tons of carbon in one devastating event. These occurrences are prime examples of the repercussions when rehabilitation work is neglected to be done before making these areas parks. The suffering and loss of life to our native forests and animals in these areas was horrendous. The way the animals would have suffered is unimaginable. The few survivors are now exposed to feral predators like wild dogs and cats. The feral deer eat most of the forest’s natural regeneration after the fires, removing more of the native wildlife food source. Sadly, moving forward without the timber industry makes it impossible for the government to afford the necessary funding for our forestry. Our forestry needs to generate income to make it viable to carry out the essential rehabilitation work. The problematic trees need to be selectively removed in a low-impact manner and used for renewable building materials so as not to release more carbon into our atmosphere. If the government had the foresight when they came into power, they could have initiated a transition into a more sustainable and beneficial forestry practice. However, it seems that emotional politics have clouded their judgment, demonising the timber workers and failing to recognize their potential in preserving the forest and helping us combat climate change. Instead, they have deliberately and gradually dismantled the industry and the businesses involved, without properly managing the forest, leading to more environmental damage. The effect of the industry shutdown on hundreds of timber workers has been equally devastating. The knee-jerk closure – instead of the eight years transition the government had us all planning for – has disrupted small businesses across Victoria. The stress and uncertainty faced by the frontline industry workers and their families are overwhelming, leaving them in limbo. With some of them, myself included, not having been paid for months with no sign of compensation as yet. The future looks uncertain, casting a shadow of doubt over the entire community. The timber industry has undeniably left a lasting impact on the area, but its legacy will forever be tarnished by its sudden and unexplained end. The unanswered questions and unheard pleas of those involved leave a bitter taste. Why was the industry closed without proper transparency and communication? Why is there a need to withhold and redact information if the intention is to protect the environment? These circumstances give rise to suspicions of corruption or incompetence, further reinforcing the belief that the industry was set up to fail. It is evident that the promised deadline of 2030 was unattainable from the start because it was a lie. A lie that led us timber workers to invest in our businesses and family homes, believing we had time to repay our debts before the closure occurred. A deceitful trap set by our government leaders, playing politics with the rural community, families, and businesses. As the bittersweet reality sets in […]