Forest Products Industry

This week is National Science Week, 10 – 18 August, and the Tasmanian forestry industry is reminding students across the state of the many great science-based jobs on offer in our forests. Source: Timberbiz National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, and features hundreds of events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and industries. Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA), Nick Steel, said the state’s forest industry is proud to support the event, with hundreds of science-based jobs on offer in the forestry industry. “The Tasmanian forestry industry offers our state’s young people great opportunities in science-based fields,” Mr Steel said. “Forestry isn’t just the harvesting of trees. There is a plethora of jobs that require science training to make our sustainable industry thrive. Some of the jobs that require science-based training in our forests include: Forest ecologist Resource planner Harvest manager Conservationist Environmental scientist Biosecurity scientist Geospatial scientist “Our industry is innovative, forward-facing and sustainable,” Mr Steel said. “Science plays a huge role in our industry, and science jobs in our forests give young people the chance to secure high-quality jobs in the communities where their friends and families live. “I’d urge all young people interested in a science career to see what opportunities exist in Tasmanian forests.” For more information on jobs in forestry in Tasmania visit www.arbre.net.au and www.forest-education.com

A free Heavy Vehicle Rollover Awareness Program (HVRAP) to enhance safety in the Australian road freight industry has been released by the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association. Source: Timberbiz HVRAP is a comprehensive program developed by LBRCA to provide the industry with the necessary tools and resources to foster a culture of safety. Funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) and supported by the Australian Government, the program allows individuals to learn from the real-life experiences of professional drivers at their own pace, in their own time, and on their own terms. There are specific logging and woodchip modules that will be released soon. These were developed in cooperation with some very credible operators across the country. Key features of the Heavy Vehicle Rollover Awareness Program include: Understanding Heavy Vehicle Rollovers Understanding the Forces The Contributing Factors Tackling the Issue Additionally, load-specific modules such as grain, cotton, and fertiliser are included, addressing the unique challenges associated with various cargo types. Each module is accompanied by informative learning videos, providing a dynamic and engaging educational experience for participants. The program’s website houses the HVRAP Toolbox, a comprehensive resource centre containing links, tools, and other valuable information to support individuals and organisations in their commitment to safety. HVRAP empowers the road freight industry to create a culture of safety, recognising that a culture of safety is synonymous with success. By providing accessible and flexible learning opportunities, LBRCA aims to significantly reduce the incidence of heavy vehicle rollovers and crashes, enhancing the overall safety of Australia’s road freight network. “The Heavy Vehicle Rollover Awareness Program is a testament to our commitment to the safety and well-being of our industry professionals,” LBRCA Chief Operating Officer Bec Coleman said. “We believe that by equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to prevent rollovers, we can create a safer working environment and save lives.” Alan Pincott from Australian Trucking Safety Services & Solutions said that an enormous amount of support and participation from the industry has gone into developing the program. It makes us all proud that their efforts have gone into a program that is available to everybody and is free to all users. To enrol in the Heavy Vehicle Rollover Awareness Program, visit www.hvrap.au

New Zealand’s Canterbury West Coast Wood Council (CWCWC) held its second ever awards night in August at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch. It was a sellout event with 420 guests attending from all parts of the industry. Source: Timberbiz CWCWC is unique in that its membership welcomes all those from across the supply chain, including nursery growers, forestry companies, contractors, distributors, sawmillers, timber retailers, local port businesses and councils. Opening the night was Glenn Moir, chair of CWCWC, who highlighted the importance of forestry to our local regions and the 2000 plus jobs it creates. He attributed this mostly to the benefits of growing Pinus radiata. Local MP for Selwyn Hon Nicola Grigg and Minister of State for Trade, Minister for Women, and Associate Minister of Agriculture spoke of the improvements the new government aims to make for the industry. Also in a video presentation, Forestry Minister Todd McClay talked on current forestry initiatives and promoting economic growth in the regions. The Canterbury West Coast Forestry Awards showcases the exceptional skills of the local workforce and acknowledges those businesses that are accomplishing notable achievements. This year there were 40 nominations received that went on to be judged by John Hawkins, Dr Elizabeth Heeg and Mark Grover. The judges were impressed by the high standard of nominations. Winners were selected for each of the 10 award categories. First up on stage was the award winner for Business Innovation – TrackIT Logistics developed by Chris Murphy and his team. TrackIT logistics is an easy-to-use software solution for businesses to streamline their logistics management with efficiency. Next for the Business Awards section was C3 Limited taking out the award for Crew of the Year. For the Individual Awards this year’s winner for Harvesting Excellence was David Button from Button Logging. Mr Button and his team play a crucial role in the success of the harvesting environment. They have the ability to regularly adapt to meet the forever changing challenges that harvesting brings. The award for Wood Processing Excellence went to Ben Millar from Mitchell Bros. Nominated more than once was Jason Lyon better known as Bert from Steve Murphy Limited for Distribution Excellence. Mr Lyon excels in his role and is extremely well respected. He spends his day in a constant juggling act between logging contractors, forest managers, sawmills and the port. Aaron Tahuhu from SRS New Zealand Limited was the deserving recipient of the Emerging Talent of the Year award. The Forestry Excellence award went to an indispensable forestry representative Nathan Sew Hoy of Central Forestry Services. Achieving the Outstanding Environmental Management award was Ryan Lee from Lee Logging. The worthy winner of the Outstanding Health and Safety Management award was Ebony Hillman from Westco Lumber. To finish the night the Outstanding Contribution to the Forestry Industry award was presented to Derrick Parry of Rangiora Nursery. Mr Parry has given a lifetime’s commitment to forest nursery production in New Zealand and has always been passionate about growing the highest quality trees. Special mentions were also given to all the sponsors that contributed significantly towards the night, making the event possible. The Canterbury West Coast Wood Council was thrilled to see the people of the regions coming together for this very important occasion. Sponsors: GOLD – Rayonier Matariki Forests, Port Blakely, Laurie Forestry Limited, Forest Management Group, Rangiora ITM, TrackIT Logistics, C3 Limited, Westco Lumber, McAlpines Timber, SRS New Zealand SILVER – WIDE Trust, Competenz, FISC, Te Uru Rakau BRONZE – Patchell, Forest360, Trans Tasman Forestry, Total Energies, UDC, Sutherland Timber, One Stop Deck Shop

Road access has been improved in State forests over the past two years under the largest ever infrastructure program rolled out across the NSW State Forest estate. Source: Timberbiz The $60-million Forest Infrastructure Repair Program (FIRP), undertaken by Forestry Corporation, has now seen 160 road, bridge and culvert projects planned, constructed and completed in State forests since 2022. Forest Infrastructure Project Supervisor Peter Walsh said a further 60 projects are currently operational and a further 54 are in planning stages across the state. Mr Walsh said the fund has improved public and emergency firefighting access in State forests and generated regional returns through public infrastructure investment for local communities. “Restoring and improving vehicle access to the forest estate has been a major focus for Forestry Corporation with these major works creating regional employment and adding significantly to regional economies,” he said. Laurieton-based company Green Construction Management is completing one of the latest projects on the Mid North Coast. The firm has overseen the installation of a concrete bridge on Geary’s Flat Road in Kippara State Forest, north-west of Wauchope, and is now undertaking road widening works. “The great thing about the projects is they allow contractors completing the work to source all of the labour and supplies from the local area,” owner operator Rob Green said. “When you look at this project, we have replaced a damaged old timber bridge no longer fit for traffic with a new precast concrete structure that carries a life span of around 100 years,” he said. Across NSW, Forestry Corporation maintains a 60,000km road and fire trail network that complements the public road network providing access for community use, forest management and fire protection. After years of significant weather damage, a statewide audit found more than half of the State forest road network was in areas heavily impacted by flooding. Consecutive weather events damaged between 10,000 and 50,000 kilometres of forest roads. This prompted the NSW Government in 2022 to provide $60 million in funding spread over three years to fix flood-damaged roads, bridges and culverts and restore vehicle access for the wider community. To find out more about the Forest Infrastructure Repair Program go to www.forestrycorporation.com.au

Durable eucalypt timbers are hard, strong and naturally resistant to decay, so can be used without any chemical treatment and Gippsland farmland has emerged as a key region to grow this valuable timber. Source: Philip Hopkins, Gippsland Times The importance of this trend has been underlined by the state government’s decision on the native forest industry, the traditional source of durable hardwoods. Of Australia’s approximate 900,000 hectares of eucalyptus plantations, less than 5% have a natural durability ratings of Class 1 and 2 (above-ground). Enter Heartwood Unlimited, founded in 1995, a boutique management company based in Gippsland that researches, plants and harvests native durable hardwoods. It manages about 2000 hectares (ha) of plantations, about 40 properties ranging in size from 10-20ha to 100ha and is probably the largest grower of such timbers in Victoria. Heartwood is driving a new plantation model that encompasses genetics, silviculture, harvesting, nutrition, biodiversity and agroforestry. “Animals are an important part of our operation,” Heartwood Owner and Manager, Jon Lambert said. Heartwood has been a driver in getting together a group of fellow travellers around Australia and even in New Zealand who have formed the Durable Eucalyptus Growers Forum. “The idea is to visit one of the members each year,” Mr Lambert said. The group started with its first forum at Yarram in 2018, which was followed by forums in northern NSW (two members), South-East Queensland and NZ last year after missing 18 months due to COVID-19. This year, the group was back full circle to South Gippsland, with a role in central Victoria through Wood 4 Good. Next year will be hosted by a relative newcomer, Ironwood, based in central NSW. Mr Lambert said growing durable hardwoods – trees such as spotted gum, yellow stringybark, mahogany, grey box, sugar gum, and ironbark was the common binder for the group. “We don’t want to open the group for a whole lot of growers to come along as individuals. The values of the group are important; you have ‘skin in the game’ and are prepared to offer something up, knowing others will do the same – intellectual property, R&D, collaboration,” he said. “It’s important to have a group that meets those requirements; we have protected that fairly well, but we do have guests invited to forums. All groups are growing and selling in some capacity; even Wood 4 Good sells firewood and poles from durable resources.” Heartwood aims to be at the forefront of growing durable eucalypts, hence the emphasis on genetics, silviculture, harvesting, nutrition, biodiversity and agroforestry – an innovation that requires interaction with animals. “We recently changed our name to Heartwood Unlimited to become more focussed on these key five areas, rather than just focus on forestry. These are all areas that require development to get right. We are burrowing away doing trials and tests, using different technologies to remain at the forefront. That parallels what our partner Radial Timber Australia in Yarram is doing,” he said. Apart from Radial, Heartwood’s main investors are individuals grouped in investment trusts with two-to-10 members. There is not a single farmer. “Farmers are inclined to do their own thing, or finances are an issue – farmers don’t usually have large amounts of finance up front,” Mr Lambert said. Forestry is more suited to people with high taxable incomes and self-managed super funds, otherwise it is too difficult to fund or to make it stack up. “We are finding that people have shifted, they don’t want to just get some trees, they want more than that – conservation qualities, carbon, farming forestry and capital growth,” he added. Mr Lambert said Heartwood spent a lot of time aiming to do harvesting and thinning better. “Harvesting in Australia and Victoria is geared to industrial-sized plantations. We’re smaller, looking at ways to make it more cost-effective as a business,” he said. The emphasis on thinning plantations also has downstream impacts – a proliferation of grass and weeds, sometimes noxious weeds. Unlike pine plantations, which are thick and dark and rarely let in weeds and grasses, Jon said Heartwood thinned early to get some saw logs. “So, you get extra light and water on the ground, creating grass and weeds,” he said. That led to problems such as spreading weeds to neighbours, creating potential fire hazards and competition with the trees. Heartwood’s solution has been to run animals through their plantations, creating a business called Heartwood Herds in 2018. “Animals have become part of what we do. We run a number of our own herds – cattle and sheep, as well as recent trials with goats. Genuine agroforestry. It can be a juggle, grazing the animals amongst the trees,” he said. Some aspects were counter-intuitive to farming alone. For example, forestry required sites at the end of December to have the grass well fed down, whereas farmers prefer the grass to last through summer. “Sheep have been the most successful. We started with Wiltshire and did some breeding… they have a high lambing rate, eat a broader range, more like goats, are not quite as aggressive as others, so there is less need for intense fencing. There are trade-offs everywhere,” Mr Lambert said. “Some Strzelecki blocks have major weed problems. We have been able to control the majority of weeds and minimise the chemicals we put out and still get good breeding numbers on those blocks. They protect their young from eagles and foxes.” Goats have not been as successful. “They have been fantastic in what they eat. I believe they are one of the only animals that neutralises the blackberry seeds, and don’t spread them through dung, like other animals do,” Mr Lambert said. “But the problem with the goats, the breeds we have had, they’ve got terrible footrot on high rainfall blocks. The trim and bath management costs go through the roof, but they do a great job, have knocked out a lot of noxious weeds. They will climb up the trees as far as they can to get to the […]

A typical forest takes 30 years from planting to harvest. That’s 10 election cycles. Up to 10 different governments and ministers of forestry – the previous government had three in eight months – and policies that impact outcomes over the 30-year investment … and that’s for just one harvest cycle. Forestry generates NZ$7 billion per annum and creates 40,000 jobs. The ability to plant forests and register them in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) provides valuable diversification choices for farmers and landowners struggling with economically marginal land, high input costs and depressed prices for sheep and beef. Revenue from registering a forest in the ETS is now essential to meet the much higher costs of actively managing a forest through to harvest. New Zealand cannot meet its international climate change commitments without a sustained contribution from exotic forestry. Our forests are New Zealand’s only bridge to a low carbon economy, buying emitters time to decarbonise by 2050. Forestry could double its economic contribution through developing domestic wood processing and finishing prior to export. Currently, we are in the crazy position where we export raw logs and then import value-added timber products. We should be doing this ourselves and meeting the world’s growing demand for high-quality, sustainable products. The juxtaposition between timber that absorbs and stores carbon and the emissions-intensive production of cement and steel supports timber as the building material of choice in a low carbon global economy. New Zealand is also facing an energy crisis as we transition to an economy based on renewable electricity. Natural gas is the best transition fuel to support this energy and economic transition, but we are rapidly running out. There are now mature technologies that use wood products to generate electricity at scale, as well as to generate process heat and electricity for industrial applications. We can and should be producing alternative energy products with our timber resource and building new clean industries around it. There’s no argument around the massive potential for our forestry industry and its ability to contribute more to our economy, environment and communities. But unless we stop continuously fiddling with forestry policy settings, we are now at real risk of collapsing one of the pillars of our economy. Lewis Tucker operates approximately 30,000 hectares of rotation forestry for timber and carbon on economically marginal land across the country. Most of these blocks have been subdivided away from productive farms, farmers have sold the steep hill country out the back that is unprofitable and tough to farm. This land, typically Land Use Class 6 (LUC 6), is perfectly suited for forestry. These subdivisions provide farmers with important cashflow and diversification options, including growing the more productive parts of their operations. We must protect the right of farmers to make the best land use decisions for their farms and families. But we are now at a crunch point in the policy process. The government’s recent Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) contains a proposal to prohibit forestry on LUC 6 land from being registered in the ETS, with only a small amount of LUC 6 land allowed to be planted and registered. This possibility is beginning to paralyse the sector. Planting has dried up and the government’s forestry forecasts look well overstated. If implemented, this policy will restrict choices for farmers around what they can do with their own land at precisely the time they need as many options as possible. It also runs the risk of wiping significant market and option value off their properties. In the ERP this possible policy outcome is couched in the context of needing to “protect highly productive land”. Yet much LUC 6 land is not highly productive: it’s economically marginal. Generally, on its own, LUC 6 land is not profitable to farm. It is the land many farmers are choosing to subdivide or plant into forestry. While a large proportion of LUC 6 land is poor for pastoral farming, it does lie at the heart of a healthy, sustainable forestry industry. Up to 10% of the country’s 5 million hectares of LUC 6 land needs to eventually end up in trees, for both economic and environmental reasons. Adopting the potential policy will mean more permanent pine forests – with no intention or capability to harvest – are planted on LUC 7 and 8 land, setting up future generations for a lost opportunity. We share the government’s concern around planting highly productive land. However, limiting ETS-registered forestry on LUC 6 land is drawing the line in the wrong place. Drawing the line on productive LUC 1-5 land makes more sense: it would enable continued growth in pastoral production as well as the rotation forestry that will assist us to meet our climate obligations. We also support a requirement that any forestry planted on LUC 6 land must be maintained for timber harvest. This approach represents the best outcome for the country: for farmers and rural communities, our energy and forestry sectors, our global climate change commitments, and our economy. Colin Jacobs is an executive director of Lewis Tucker and Co. Lewis Tucker and Co is an investment banking, funds management and corporate advisory firm servicing New Zealand’s middle market and specialising in the agribusiness, forestry and food sectors. This article was first published in Farmers Weekly New Zealand.

The world’s largest hybrid building currently under construction in Sydney will use European-sourced cross-laminated timber and glulam beams for its 24 timber levels. Source: Timberbiz Speaking at this week’s Timber Construct 2024 conference in Melbourne Tim Allen, from structural engineering company Taylor Thomas Whitting, said the timber components for the $1.5 billion 39-storey Atlassian Central Tower would be sourced from Wiehag and Stora Enso. Mr Allen said that the sourcing of the CLT and glulam was originally designed for an open procurement pathway, “We tried to leave it open to a competitive tender as best as we possibly could,” he said. “This could have been either Australian or European supply, but ultimately, decisions were made, and the timber will now come from Europe. “So, the European supply for this project has been appointed to Wiehag, with the CLT being supplied by Stora Enso.” Mr Allen said the products were currently being fabricated and would start arriving early next year. Located in Sydney’s new Innovation and Technology Precinct, Atlassian Sydney Headquarters will be 180 metres tall and includes a youth hostel occupying the lower levels. To be completed by 2025 and attracting 25,000 workers, the new 40,000m2 world-first commercial tower is a groundbreaking global first. The benchmark design of timber, with a glass and steel facade, includes a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces and reaches over 40 storeys high. Mr Allen described the tower being built next to Sydney’s Central Station as a timber building inside a much, much larger building. “This hybrid building utilizes the performance characteristics of different materials, concrete, structured steel work and mass timber throughout the construction,” he said. “Being a hybrid building, we’re trying to utilize the materials for its benefits and the right application in this aspect. “So, we’ve been able to leverage these benefits and balance of materials combining into an aesthetic and environmental advantages of mass timber with also using the structural performances of benefits of steel and concrete.” The building has concrete foundations as well as a concrete wall throughout the building with concrete “mega floors’’ from level one to level eight. Mr Allen said that these would repeat every four floors. “Next, we have the three timber floors that sit between the mega floors. “And these repeat from level eight to level 32. He said there was about 2000 square meters of timber floor plate. “So that adds to quite a bit of timber. “And finally, we have the structural steel exoskeleton that wraps around the side.” Mr Allen said he was often asked why do we only have three stories of timber sitting between the mega floors? “That’s a one of the outcomes of the fire separation strategy,” he said. Mr Allen said the project had some interesting sustainability goals, including a 50% reduction in up front embodied carbon, 100% renewable energy from day one of operation, and a six-star green star rating.