Forest Products Industry

Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL) APRIL Group, an Indonesian pulp, fibre, and paper producer, highlighted advancement in forestry science at the recent International Union of Forest Research Organisation World Congress (IUFR)) in Stockholm. Source: Jakarta Post During this premier global forestry event, APRIL’s researchers Dr Gustavo Martins, Kirti Bajpai M Sc, and Dr Chandra Deshmukh presented findings aimed at achieving key targets, including achieving net-zero emissions from land use, advancing tropical peatland science, and enhancing fibre plantation productivity by 50% by 2030. Dr Gustavo Martins, Program Leader for Tree Improvement and an expert in plant genetics, works with his team to develop varieties of plantation trees that can better cope with environmental stress from the climate or pests. Dr Martins presented a study that involved mapping the genetic characteristics of nearly 84,000 Acacia crassicarpa seedlings and then investigating how these DNA markers are correlated with the growth of the adult trees, including traits such as the density of the wood and other tree growth characteristics like straightness. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this type of genetic mapping in selecting the most productive trees for planting in the field. Geographic Information Systems analyst Kirti Bajpai regularly carries out research to understand how features of the landscape impact plantation growth. The research she presented at IUFRO looked in detail at the physical and chemical properties of soil and site, such as clay content, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and slope, in one of APRIL’s eucalyptus plantations. Investigating how trees with a different genetic makeup fared in that soil, the team has shown that it is possible to predict how well different genetic varieties will grow based on soil characteristics. This is vitally important information for improving productivity, as a poor match between tree genetics and planting site can take years to become apparent through slow growth. Dr Chandra Deshmukh presented a study conducted between 2016 to 2022 that measured greenhouse gas exchange on tropical peatlands between the atmosphere and three particular sites: intact forest ecosystem, degraded peatland swamp forest and APRIL’s Acacia plantations on peatland. The results, published in the scientific journal Nature, are vital for understanding and mitigating the climate impact of APRIL’s operations and have relevance far beyond the company for support the calculating Indonesia’s overall carbon emissions from land use changes. The three researchers are part of APRIL’s research and development team, a unique force of nearly 280 individuals based at the company’s operations in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. With nine PhDs and 21 master’s degrees, the team conducts original research in fields such as tissue culture, biological control, drone-mounted sensing and plant genetics. This is further supported by a dedicated 28 strong Peatland Science team, which includes three PhDs and seven at Masters level. This team has successfully conducted research on greenhouse gases, tropical peatlands and other related tropical forestry issues. APRIL’s Research teams are esteemed in the industry, conducting research that holds promising implications for enhancing plantation productivity. This work aims to achieve higher levels of production per hectare of land while also striving to minimize impact on the natural environment Over the last decade, the team has published around 100 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and regularly attends scientific and industry events to engage with global peers and share knowledge and insight.  

Forest fires in Russia have burnt more than 3.5 million hectares of forest in the far north of the country. This area is near the Arctic and emergency officials in the Siberian region of Sakha-Yakutia said that wildfires had spread to 600,000 hectares of land in that region, making it the largest territory in Russia hit by the fires. Sources: Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty, Timberbiz In all, 170 sites in the region have been hit by wildfires since early May, destroying 2.5 million hectares of forest, which is 1% of all forest in Sakha-Yakutia. Since May, wildfire emergencies have been announced in other Siberian and Far East regions, such as Buryatia, Zabaikalye, and Khabarovsk. According to Avialesookhrana, the total area of ​​active forest fires in Yakutia has reached 600 thousand hectares. There are 170 wildfires in the republic. This is the largest area of ​​fires in Russia at the moment. Avialesookhrana is the Russian Aerial Forest Protection Service, the Russian government agency tasked with the aerial management of forest fires. It has been reported that there are around 6000 fire hotspots in Russia with more than 500 active. These fires are a cause of concern for a numerous reasons including emission levels and timber production, there has been a shortage of timber for Russian sawmills for some time.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is seriously concerned about allegations regarding bamboo toilet paper containing other timber fibre. The allegations made through an investigative media channel, allude to FSC-labelled toilet rolls. Source: Timberbiz In line with FSC’s process, these allegations were further investigated by Assurance Services International (ASI). The investigation included 14 certificate holders belonging to the supply chains of the brands identified by Which? – Bazoo, Naked Sprout, and Bumboo. ASI traced the supply chains of these companies back to the source and obtained their transaction records to check the certified timber traded between them. As a result of this investigation, one of the suppliers was suspended. The investigation also revealed a few cases of trademark misuse. While the label on the product communicated that it contains 100% bamboo from FSC-certified forests, it was actually mixed with Eucalyptus FSC Mix pulp. The main difference between FSC 100% and FSC Mix labels is: FSC 100% means that only material from FSC-certified forests have been used in the product. FSC Mix means that the product is made of material from well-managed, FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources. FSC takes supply chain integrity violations, seriously and carries out investigations using various tools in its integrity toolkit, as well as through additional verification involving certification bodies and ASI. If additional investigations and collected evidence prove that the violations were deliberate, wrongdoers are excluded from the FSC system. Businesses, consumers, and many organizations worldwide depend on the integrity of the FSC label. Fraudulent claims and non-certified materials found in FSC-certified supply chains therefore represent a breach of trust that can significantly overshadow the positive achievements of conforming organizations. FSC leads initiatives around the globe to identify, prevent and eliminate false claims across certified supply chains. A false claim is when a certificate holder deliberately or unintentionally sells a product as ‘FSC certified’ when it is not the case. Any false claim related to FSC can lead to immediate suspension or termination of the certificate for FSC-certified companies. FSC may decide to block such companies from the certification system, which includes the revocation or suspension of their trademark license agreements. A blocked company cannot seek recertification until the period of blockage is completed.

Yarn’n, an Australian First Nations-owned company, produces 100% recycled toilet tissue sourced from FSC certified forests. Crafted entirely from 100% recycled materials, the environmentally conscious practices go beyond waste reduction to conserve resources, using 50% less water and 90% less energy than conventional methods. Source: Timberbiz Their dedication to local manufacturing minimises environmental impact while ensuring each product meets rigorous global standards. In 2023, Yarn’n became FSC Promotional Licence Holders, ensuring their toilet paper originates from FSC certified forests. This commitment actively contributes to combatting biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change. By sourcing from FSC certified forests, Yarn’n promotes sustainable forestry practices that respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights, support local communities and forest workers, and protect diverse wildlife that live in the forests. “We have always admired FSC’s initiatives to bring global awareness to where our products and materials come from. We depend on forests, and by doing all we can to protect and steward them, we all profit,” Lane Stockton, CEO & Founder of Yarn’n, said. Ms Lane said that Yarn’n’s commitment to sourcing from FSC-certified forests underscored their prioritisation of high-quality products, environmental stewardship, and cultural significance. In addition to their partnership with FSC, Yarn’n collaborates with organisations like Great Wrap, specialists in compostable stretch wrap, to further reduce plastic waste. Additionally, each roll of Yarn’n toilet paper features artwork and stories inspired by First Nations cultures, celebrating totems, artist profiles, and dreamtime stories. This initiative aims to share and preserve First Nations language and culture, fostering unity and inspiration throughout Australia. Yarn’n proudly supports education through a partnership with Yalari, directing 50% of their profits to empower First Nations children. Founded by Waverley Stanley AM and Llew Mullins, Yalari provides educational and leadership opportunities for Indigenous youth from regional and remote Australia. This partnership demonstrates Yarn’n’s commitment to driving generational change through education and community support. “We at FSC ANZ are thrilled to have Yarn’n as a part of our community,” CEO of FSC ANZ Melanie Robertson said. “Their commendable efforts in advancing education for First Nations children underscore their commitment to creating a positive influence.” By sourcing their toilet paper from FSC-certified forests, Yarn’n actively contributes to combating deforestation and the climate crisis more broadly. “Their holistic focus on social impact and environmental stewardship exemplifies how everyday products can promote both human well-being and planetary health. Their support for FSC plays a crucial role in nurturing healthy, thriving forests, which are vital for communities and biodiversity worldwide,” Ms Robertson said. This July, Yarn’n introduces new artwork by Bayley Mifsud, a descendant of the Peek and Kirrae Whurrong clans of the Mar Nation in Warrnambool, South West Victoria. Titled “Kapa Ngoonang – Sunset,” Bayley’s artwork beautifully captures Warrnambool’s beach essence, reflecting her deep connection to Country and community. “As I gaze upon it, memories flood back of evenings spent with my cousins, watching this breathtaking view over the breakwater. It’s difficult to articulate the deep connection I feel to this land – a sense of safety, love, and respect ingrained in every sunset witnessed back on Country,” said Ms Mifsud. Through pioneering efforts in sustainability and cultural collaboration, Yarn’n showcases how business can positively impact the environment and communities. Moving forward, Yarn’n remains steadfast in creating products that are responsibly sourced, sustainable, enriching, and empowering for all Australians.

Richard Westlake has been appointed Chair of the Scion Board replacing Dr Helen Anderson whose two terms on the Scion Board ended in June. Mr Westlake will join existing Board members for their first official meeting together in Rotorua on 25 July. Source: Timberbiz He brings more than three decades of leadership and governance experience across a variety of sectors to Scion. He was the establishment Chair for two state-owned enterprises, MetService and Quotable Value, and for six years he served as Deputy Chair at GNS Science. Notable government appointments have included serving as Chair of Better Border Security, and Standards New Zealand. His contributions to the private and voluntary sectors are also impressive, having chaired New Zealand Home Loans since 2019 and Hospice New Zealand since 2022. Other roles have included Careerforce Industry Training Organisation, the Dairy Goat Co-operative, Dairy NZ’s predecessor Dexcel Trust, Canterbury Opera and Kiwibank, where he was one of the founding directors. Mr Westlake says he is looking forward to working with Scion’s Board and Executive Management Team to provide guidance during a challenging period in New Zealand’s science sector. “With the Science System Review underway, I acknowledge the feeling of uncertainty that people working at the coalface are experiencing. “At the same time, Scion will remain committed to forest research and building on the huge opportunities emerging particularly in industrial biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. “Working together, we expect that our outstanding team of scientists and those who support them will continue Scion’s mission of driving impactful scientific research and development to deliver significant benefits for New Zealand in a variety of areas.” Scion chief executive Dr Julian Elder has expressed his enthusiasm for the new Chair appointment. “We are looking forward to welcoming Richard to Scion and in particular, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, our headquarters in Rotorua. “His extensive experience and distinguished track record in governance and leadership of change will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the complexities and opportunities in our sector. Richard’s deep understanding of both the public and private sectors will bring a fresh perspective to our Board and help us drive our strategic objectives forward.” In addition to his Board roles, Mr Westlake has an extensive career history that includes being the Chief Executive and South Island General Manager for Trust Bank Canterbury/Westpac Trust from 1995 to 1999 and holding various banking and merchant banking positions in New Zealand and Australia between 1976 and 1995. His early career saw him as a fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force, UK, from 1973 to 1976, demonstrating his diverse and robust leadership background. His affection for aviation continues today as President of the Kāpiti Districts Aero Club. He owns a governance consultancy that he established over 20 years ago and has worked extensively with the Institute of Directors for much of that time. Mr Westlake will chair a Board made up of existing Scion directors Stana Pezic, Brendon Green (Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāpuhi), Nicole Anderson (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Te Aupōuri), Phil Taylor and Kiriwaitingi Rei-Russell (Te Arawa – Ngati Whakaue, Tūhourangi Ngati Wāhiao, and Ngati Awa – Te Pahipoto), and Future Director Zara Morrison (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūwharetoa).

As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) approaches its enforcement date in December 2024, Australian and New Zealand forest industries are keen to understand its implications. Source: Timberbiz The EUDR bans the sale of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, cattle, palm oil, soy, and wood linked to deforestation and forest degradation. This regulation is part of the EU’s broader strategy to combat environmental and climate challenges and ensure that products consumed within the EU do not contribute to global deforestation. Forest certification schemes, such as PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), are well positioned to meet most EUDR elements. Certification to (AS/NZS 4708-2021) already provides a robust framework to help global supply chains achieve preliminary compliance with the regulation. Certification plays a crucial role in verifying that forest management practices are sustainable and do not contribute to deforestation, ensuring that businesses meet the stringent requirements of the EUDR. However, some definitions and applications of the EUDR do not appear to have catered to an Australian and New Zealand forest industry context. Responsible Wood recently visited New Zealand to engage with local industry stakeholders and provide essential information on the EUDR in light of these developments. The visit included a workshop and training session at the SCION Research Centre in Rotorua to enhance the industry’s understanding and compliance with international certification standards. The workshop offered an in-depth overview of sustainable forest management and chain of custody certification practices in New Zealand and Australia. It served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development within the forestry sector. Attendees gained insights into Responsible Wood’s regional and global activities through PEFC. Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood, highlighted the significance of these events in fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable forestry, “We aim to support the New Zealand forest industry by providing the latest updates and insights on sustainable forest management and certification. This workshop demonstrates our commitment to promoting best practices and enhancing the industry’s ability to meet global standards.” The training session focused on chain of custody certification, providing valuable information to current and potential certificate holders. Participants learned about the principles of PEFC chain of custody, methods, controlled source risk assessments, claims and label use, and relevant legislation, standards, and codes of practice. This session was particularly timely given the impending EUDR. Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, emphasised the importance of this training in light of these new requirements. “With the EUDR set to be enforced from December 2024, it is crucial for our certificate holders to be well-prepared. Our training equips them with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure compliance with this ambitious legislation, which aims to make global supply chains deforestation-free.” Discussions during the visit also covered the EUDR and the benefits of certification in meeting these new requirements. The visit to New Zealand provided an opportunity to present PEFC International’s EUDR Due Diligence Module, report back on the PEFC International Forest Forum in Paris in May, and listen to stakeholder concerns. The EUDR, part of the EU’s New Green Deal, is the world’s most ambitious policy to address deforestation. It bans the sale of products linked to deforestation and introduces a benchmarking system to assign risk levels associated with deforestation and forest degradation. PEFC, the world’s largest forest certification scheme, has proactively aligned with the EUDR. A series of webinars in March provided certificate holders worldwide with updates on the new legislation. “PEFC certification already addresses sustainability, legality, and due diligence, considering deforestation and forest degradation through our Sustainable Forest Management and Chain of Custody standards,” stated the PEFC Working Group on EUDR. The visit to New Zealand underscored the role of certification in helping businesses understand how they may comply with the EUDR. Certification schemes like PEFC are well-positioned to meet the EUDR’s requirements, as they already consider environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable forest management, streamlining compliance processes. Despite the positive strides towards compliance, there are growing concerns within the Australian and New Zealand forest industries regarding the application, endorsement, and definitions within the EUDR. Stakeholders have highlighted that certain aspects of the regulation may be out of touch with regional practices and lack clarity on key issues, such as the distinction between primary and plantation forests. These ambiguities could lead to challenges in interpreting and implementing the regulation, potentially disadvantaging local producers and complicating efforts to achieve certification. These concerns must be addressed to ensure that the regulation is fair and effective in promoting sustainable forest management practices in our region. Authorities will inspect varying percentages of operators and traders based on the risk level associated with their product’s origin. These inspections aim to confirm compliance with the EUDR, ensuring that businesses effectively meet their obligations under the new regulation. Responsible Wood’s visit to New Zealand reinforced the importance of sustainable forest management and certification in combating deforestation. Through workshops and training sessions, Responsible Wood can support the New Zealand forest industry in meeting international standards and complying with new regulations like the EUDR. Certification will underpin sustainable practices and deforestation-free supply chains as the industry progresses.

Lending for new home purchase and construction decreased by 3.3% in May. There were 4693 loans issued for the purchase and construction of new homes in the month of May in seasonally adjusted terms. Source: Timberbiz “This leaves the three-month period to May 2024 with 13,988 loans for new homes, which is 7.9% higher than in the previous quarterly period,” HIA Senior Economist Matt King said. “Lending for new homes in the most recent three-month period to May 2024 is up by 8.8% compared to the same time in the previous year. “Lending for new homes remains around the lowest levels observed since interest rates began rising, and well below the 20-year average. “This continued weak result in new home lending does not bode well for the supply and delivery of new homes to market in short to medium term,” he said. There were 66,818 loans issued for the purchase of established homes in the three months to May 2024 (in seasonally adjusted terms). “This is up by 6.1% compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Over the last year, lending for established homes has remained stable compared to new home lending,” Mr King said. Lending to first home buyers continued to remain soft in the face of historic affordability constraints. The number of loans issued to first home buyers was down 3.3% in May but was up 7.4% in the three-month period to May 2024. “All categories of home lending point to ongoing weakness in the new home market,” Mr King said. “Only 172,725 dwellings were completed in the calendar year 2023. With annual demand for housing sitting above 227,000 homes a year, and a resulting shortfall more than 50,000 homes a year, this will add further strain to historically high dwelling prices and rents across the country.” In original terms, the total number of loans issued in the three months to May 2024 for the construction or purchase of new homes rose in Western Australia by 49.0% compared to the previous year. This was followed by Queensland (+13.9%), Tasmania (+10.8%), and New South Wales (+4.6%). The other jurisdictions recorded a decline in lending for new homes, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-22.3%), followed by the Northern Territory (-13.1%), Victoria (-2.3%), and South Australia (-1.7%).

Australia’s packaging paper and paper board imports were up 4.3% in total, year-ended April 2024. Imports totalled 236.1 kt for the year. As the table shows, the major increase in imports has been in Corrugating Medium and Testliner/Multiply. For the most part, these are recycled grades, but the Corrugating Medium includes increased imports of ‘semi-chemical’ medium, which includes virgin fibre pulp. Source: Industry Edge At a time when the Australian economy is struggling under the heavy weight of cost-of-living pressures, it is unsurprising to observe relatively small movements in trade volumes of packaging products. As a further example, exports of packaging paper and paperboard were up 3.4% over the same period, but the order of magnitude is far greater, tracking above 800 kt per annum. This ‘raw’ paper and board data is relevant in another context. The material in the table below is all ‘unconverted’ or ready to be converted into finished packaging products. The modest movements in these volumes are notable, but most important is the context provided by the huge rise in pre-converted or finished packaging imports that are described below. Increases in finished goods imports are one of the drivers for increased local production of paper bags and sacks, as an example, but there is growth in other formats also. FINISHED PACKAGING IMPORTS Imports lift 23.5% to 193.8 kt tonnes, year-ended April Annual imports of pre-converted packaging products increased across the year-ended April 2024, up 23.5% to total 193.8 kt for the year. As shown in the table below, imports are dominated by three large grades. The largest proportion of annual imports are now taken up by the smaller sized Sacks & Bags, accounting for 45.1% of all imports. Folding Cartons make up the second largest proportion (28.5%), and Corrugated Cartons rank third (20.4%). For the year-ended April 2024, annual imports of Sacks & Bags <40cm grew 38.6% to 87.4 tonnes. Folding Carton imports were up 10.1% to 55.3 tonnes, and Corrugated Cartons were up 27.2% to 39.6 tonnes. MOULDED FIBRE PRODUCT IMPORTS Imports lift 8.8% year-ended April Australia’s imports of Moulded Fibre products increased in value across the year-ended April 2024, up 8.8% compared to the prior year. Import values steadily increased to peak around early 2023, then flattened out for the rest of that year. In January & February 2024, import values jumped, but have fallen back subsequently, totalling AUD6.5 million in April. Total annual imports for the year-ended April 2024 were valued at AUD73.7 million, compared to the AUD67.7 million imported during the year prior. Used for a variety of purposes, including disposable medical pans, imports were sourced from a variety of supplier countries, however the majority originated in the Asian region. The two key supplier countries continue to increase their share, holding 93.5% of the market, whilst supplies from most other countries fell. Chinese supplies continued to dominate, accounting for 65.6% of the total imported value (AUDM48.4), while Malaysia accounted for 27.9% (AUDM20.6). For more information visit: www.industryedge.com.au

Built by Nature is a “Network and grant-making fund dedicated to accelerating the timber building transformation in Europe. Radically reducing embodied carbon; safely stopping carbon in our buildings for generations; and sequestering carbon by championing forest stewardship and regeneration.” Wood is built by nature and I’m sure if it was only discovered in recent times, it would be heralded as the greatest product mankind had ever come across. Unfortunately, that’s not what governments believe as evidenced by the Victorian Government’s decision to end native forest harvesting. While softwood timber, from plantations, is the preferred timber for the framing of our new houses, the need for quality hardwood in joinery and feature house (and commercial) fittings is vital. Overall Australia is short of ‘shelter’ for our growing population. The call to reduce our migrant intake will not stop this demand as the need for ‘new’ accommodation is NOW. National Cabinet’s target is for 240,000 detached and multi-unit commencements per annum but only around 160,000 will be commenced in 2024. A shortfall of 80,000. While interest rates and overall cost of living increases are in the mix of why new house commencements have slowed, it does not help when manufacturers of hardwood finished products have had to source their raw material from overseas. The 0.04% (4 trees in 10,000) of the forest that the Victorian industry previously harvested annually, and replanted (is being) replaced now by imports of Tasmanian hardwood, European and American oak, and the durable hardwood species from tropical forests of countries where the forests are not necessarily certified to FSC or PEFC. The extra cost of imported timber will of course be passed on to the consumer. In an earlier Bowens Bulletin, I noted Forestry Australia’s comment that the Victorian government’s decision to end native forest harvesting is flawed and rather than being based on science, it is a decision motivated by ideology! The President of Forestry Australia added that this was a big step backwards for sustainability. ‘There are very few productive systems on the globe that offer stronger sustainability credentials than well managed native forests. In fact, we know that well managed native forests can actually provide superior biodiversity, fire, and climate outcomes.’ However, it is sad to me that only recently Dr Michelle Freeman found it necessary to put out an opinion piece: ‘Standing up for our Profession’. As President of Forestry Australia this was issued in ‘response to disturbing media coverage that is disrespectful of our profession and the scientists and growers who study, manage and care for our forests … Forestry Australia is an independent professional organisation with 1,200 members. (These) members are individuals who have high levels of scientific expertise and extensive operational experience. They operate across all aspects of forest, fire and land management farm, forestry and tree growing throughout Australia …’ My reason for including some points in Dr Freeman’s opinion piece is that whatever ‘side’ or ‘views’ one might have about our forestry, each party should respect competing arguments, and in particular respect the need for factual arguments, particularly from scientists who are at the top of their profession. Our forests are there for ALL Victorians and no one organisation, group or business (including timber sawmillers and timber merchants) has the right to claim them exclusively. The government has effectively shut out those of us who understand the need for timber in a built environment. Concrete and steel have a place in building houses and communities, but they account for around 8% of global GHG emissions. On average, two tonnes of CO2 are emitted to manufacture one tonne of steel. Whereas wood removes more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits during manufacture. Some salient points are there for governments to consider: The need to interrogate the forest management research to understand broader views rather than to base forest management on narrow viewpoints. Our current situation enables the opportunity to consider forest management from scratch … a fresh start. This fresh start would not consider the industrial-type clear fall harvesting or coupe burning. Rather we could utilise ‘selective harvesting’ which is widely practised in the hardwood forests of Europe and USA for centuries have maintained the same forest and biodiversity in perpetuity. Selective harvesting incorporates all forest values and is now being successfully practiced in Tasmanian private forests, with the same species as in Victoria under strict improved forest practice’s plan. This is a low-cost model that enables funding for forest improvement and fire prevention work. It is also self-funding. Monitoring is an important component both before and after forest activities to both show improvement and improve forest management practices. Native forest timber harvesting sparks significant emotion, passion and energy. Differences of opinion around the issue have been ongoing in Australia for decades. However, the irony is that regardless of ‘sides’, we all care deeply about forests. We want to see biodiversity flourish, we want to prevent devastating bushfires, we want to be sustainable, and we want to find better building solutions to climate change. We recognise the dire need to manage our forests better for the health and prosperity of our environment and society. (Dr Freeman) In the meantime, Europe leads the way with many iconic buildings being built in timber – Australia is following with large-scale mass engineered timber buildings in WA, Victoria and NSW. The industry is also encouraged to see the Australian government join with 16 other countries at the GOP28 UN climate meeting in Dubai and agree to ‘advance policies and approaches that increase the use of wood in the built environment by 2030’. I live in hope! Jack Bowen is the Chairman of Bowens Timber

Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving has made the successful transition into plantation timber haulage through a grant provided by the Victorian Government’s Timber Innovation Fund (VTIF). Source: Timberbiz The Traralgon-based business took the initiative last year to transition to plantation timber haulage following the State Government’s closure of the native timber industry but needed to modify and purchase new equipment in order to do so. Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving applied for a $330,000 VTIF grant to redesign and repurpose a prime mover and purchase a crane unit that is suitable and compliant for haulage of plantation timber. The decision by the business to transition into plantation timber haulage has also supported the retention and training of six existing full-time employees. The move to plantation timber haulage also means employees who previously would have been working away from home for extended periods are now back with their families most nights. Native timber haulage often required workers to travel long distances, whereas the plantation timber is located closer to Traralgon. Gippsland Logging and Earthmoving has been operating since 2004, and while most of its work is in timber haulage, the business also specialises in earthworks and roading. The Victorian Timber Innovation Fund Grants Program Round 3 has grants of up to $1 million for eligible businesses to access. As part of Round 3, support will include a Grant Application Assistance Service for the first time. Businesses can apply for vouchers of up to $7,500 which will provide them with access to a panel of Registered Service Providers. These Providers will help businesses to prepare and submit strong submissions for the grants program. VTIF supports businesses to transition away from the native timber industry and diversify their business operations to pursue opportunities in other industries that will support jobs and the communities that depended on the native timber industry. It is a key part of the Forestry Transition Program to support timber businesses to explore, invest and implement new opportunities. For more information visit www.deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry