Forest Products Industry

Timber Queensland has launched a new website and released the annual partner magazine Grounded amplifying the association’s powerful voice on political, technical, market development, industrial and environmental issues. Source: Timberbiz Strategic Relations & Communications Manager Clarissa Brandt said as the public face for Timber Queensland the new website echoes the organisation’s mission to represent the State’s forest and timber products industry to government, specifiers, timber traders and the wider community. “The website provides up-to-date facts and resources to inform the community about the role forestry and timber plays in tackling climate change and the environmental benefits of well-managed forests and timber products,” said Ms Brandt. “From posting a new role on the free industry job board, accessing research and development reports to registering for an upcoming event and contacting us for technical advice the new website makes it easier to interact with the services we provide. “We’re always working on projects to build a proud, self-sufficient and expanding industry, a refreshed website makes it easier for members and other stakeholders to access the outputs of these initiatives.” Ms Brandt said that Timber Queensland’s its annual partner magazine, Grounded, is another communications channel that highlights the association undertakes to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and advocate for the interests of our members and the broader industry. Available to read online in an interactive flipbook format, the magazine explores some of the behind-the-scenes details of the people and projects working to help Queensland’s forest and timber industry thrive. “This publication is a great read, either online or print out and leave in your lunchroom to learn more opportunity and directions for our industry, available scholarships and meet the companies that support our industry,” Ms Brandt said. Access the Grounded magazine at https://online.flippingbook.com/view/942466550/ Access Timber Queensland’s new website at https://www.timberqueensland.com.au/

New home building approvals fell by 0.3% in February, following a 6.3% increase in January. The Australian Bureau of Statistics this week released its monthly building approvals data for February 2025 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. Source: Timberbiz Master Builders Australia Chief Economist Shane Garrett said new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed a 0.2% gain for detached houses, but higher density approvals fell 0.9%. “We are starting to see a recovery in the market. Over the year to February 2025, new home building approvals are up 8.4%,” Mr Garrett said. “Higher density home building approvals did most of the heavy lifting, which is great news for renters and first home buyers. “But there’s still a long way to go if we are going to meet the 1.2 million new homes target under the Housing Accord. “Over the year to February, 177,400 new homes were approved, well below the 240,000 annual target,” he said. Tom Devitt, a Senior Economist with the Housing Industry Association, said that confidence has been improving on the back of strong population growth, near-record low unemployment, and recovering real incomes. “Low rental vacancy rates and rising rents were bringing investors back to the market. And even before the RBA’s February rate cut, interest rates had been relatively stable since mid-2023,” he said. “The RBA’s February rate cut will provide a welcome extra boost, but structural reforms are needed to properly address Australia’s housing affordability crisis. “Medium-to-high density housing activity, in particular, has been around just half its required volumes over the last year, constrained by labour shortages, finance costs and punitive government taxes and regulations. “This has funnelled improving market conditions back into the detached housing sector, but housing of all types needs to contribute to the Australian government’s target of 1.2 million new homes over five years. “Reforms are required across multiple policy fronts, including skilled migration, tax, regulation, planning, approvals, land supply and infrastructure provision. “Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia have been driving the improvement in home building volumes over the last year, while New South Wales and Victoria have been held back by prohibitively high land costs.” The HIA is calling on the Australian Government in the lead-up to the Federal Election 2025 to help remove barriers to new housing supply. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn that that more investment in housing supply and action on reducing supply barriers was needed. “We have long called for better co-ordination across departments when it comes to investment in building and construction projects,” she said. “Master Builders supports the Coalition’s Investment Australia announcement today to reduce regulatory costs and red tape, with a specific working group focused on construction. “Both major parties are starting to send the right signals as the election campaign unfolds, which reflect policies in our election platform,” Ms Wawn said. Home building approvals in the three months to February 2025, in seasonally adjusted terms, were up by 48.4% in South Australia, followed by +30.2% in Western Australia, +28.1% in New South Wales, and +24.1%in Victoria, while Queensland was flat (+0.2%) and Tasmania declined (-3.8%). In original terms, the Northern Territory was more than double (+121.0%) the equivalent quarter last year, while the Australian Capital Territory was down by 25.9%.

Plans by the Federal Greens to stamp out misleading and ambiguous environmental claims has been welcomed by the Australian Forest Products Association. The Greens said this week they would push to “stamp out misleading and ambiguous environmental claims”. Source: Timberbiz AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said that this pledge came as activists continued to spread lies about Australia’s sustainable forest industries. “While we disagree with a number of aspects of the minor party’s Green Australia policy, including its outdated and longstanding plans to cease sustainable native forest harvesting, the announcement that the Greens want to crack-down on misleading and ambiguous environmental claims is very much welcomed and refreshing,” Ms Hallam said. “Radical activists consistently create and promote disinformation about Australia’s forest industries and particularly the sustainable native forest harvesting segment of the sector – and we’d welcome action on that.” The AFPA said that common disinformation pedalled about Australia’s sustainable forest industries included: That native forestry is ‘deforestation’. This was completely untrue. The United Nations and the Australian Government defined deforestation as permanent land use change. Every tree in Australia’s native forests harvested for timber and wood-fibre in Australia was regenerated and regrown for the future. That native forestry is a key reason for the extinction of native flora and fauna. Again, this was completely untrue. The Federal Government had listed forestry as having the least impact of 11 categories on forest dwelling flora and fauna. That plantations can replace native forestry. Not true. Native forestry was essential for flooring, decking, power poles and other appearance grade products. Without it, Australia’s would have to rely more on imports and carbon-intense non-renewable substitutes. Australia’s plantations were predominantly softwood, geared towards producing construction timber. Australia’s smaller amount of hardwood plantations were predominantly for the pulp market. That Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are a ‘loophole’ to national environmental laws. Again, not true. An RFA was an alternative mechanism to achieve the objectives of the EPBC Act through a federal-state intergovernmental agreement and the creation of millions of hectares of national parks. They were not a bypass of the EPBC Act and this had been confirmed by the Federal Court of Australia. “There are many more examples about the myths and disinformation surrounding Australia’s sustainable forest industries which is a primary reason that as part of AFPA’s election campaign, we’ve launched www.forestfacts.com.au – a new website dedicated at countering exactly what the Greens want to address,” Ms Hallam said. “I look forward to working with the Greens on cracking down on activists pedalling ‘misleading’ and ‘ambiguous’ environmental claims and call on the other parties to support the initiative,” she said.

All political parties are being urged to throw their support behind the Tasmania’s sustainable forestry industry, ahead of the upcoming federal election. Speaking at the launch of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association’s Election Priorities, TFPA Independent Chair, Sarah Courtney said the forest industry was vital for the state’s economic, social and environmental success. Source: Timberbiz “Over 5,500 Tasmanians are employed directly and indirectly by the Tasmanian forestry industry,” Ms Courtney said. “The Tasmanian forestry industry is vital to secure our rural communities, for our economic prosperity and to help meet the state’s ambitious climate change targets. “In the coming weeks, the TFPA will be reviewing the promises made by all parties and candidates and assessing them against the election policy platform that we’ve launched today. “Our priorities list outlines the key election policies needed to ensure that our sustainable industry can continue to thrive in years to come,” Ms Courtney said. The TFPA election policy platform focuses on three key priorities. They are: An ongoing commitment to the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA); The modernisation of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES); and A $4 million public awareness campaign outlining the value of Tasmanian timber (as part of AFPA’s $20 million public education campaign policy request). “We’re pleased that both major parties have already committed in this campaign to supporting the TFES in the coming years, and we will continue to work with both to ensure that the scheme offers the best outcomes for Tasmanian forestry businesses,” Ms Courtney said. “We look forward to working with all political parties to ensure that their commitments will guarantee the Tasmanian forestry industry can continue being successful and sustainable for many years to come.” The TFPA federal election priorities sit under the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) 2025 Policy Platform, which can be seen at https://www.timberbiz.com.au/afpas-three-pronged-federal-election-policy-platform/  

The temporary exemption of tariffs on timber and lumber imported into the United States provides some relief to New Zealand exporters. Though this exemption could be short lived based on the outcome of the Section 232 investigation aimed at determining the effects imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products have on the United Sates supply chain according to the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. Source: Timberbiz Exports of radiata pine products from New Zealand to the United States were estimated at $358 million, making the United States the third largest export market for forest products behind China and Australia. New Zealand’s timber and lumber products are highly valued in the United States for their quality and appearance within the domestic DIY and home building market. The exemption comes about through internal United States lobbying, by the likes of the American Building Materials Alliance and National Association of Home Builders, who have been speaking with White House advisors and providing formal letters to the President urging him to rethink placing a tariff that would weaken a critical supply chain. As a response, the administration has recognised that raising costs on timber and lumber would hurt housing affordability, disrupt construction, and weaken an important supply chain. An on-going challenge facing home builders in the United States is the cost and availability of building materials such as lumber, with price increases of just over 30 percent over the last few months. Further supply chain disruptions from increased tariffs coupled with increased demand for materials could also hinder rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, which the administration has pledged to rebuild as quickly as possible. Given this temporary tariff exemption, the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (NZ) would like to thank its kindred associations in the United States for making this happen as it now waits for completion of the s. 232 investigation.

Australia’s forestry and forest products sector is warning the Federal Government the consequences of the United States tariff decisions could result in more foreign timber and wood-fibre products being diverted to the Australian market, while our low margin paper and paperboard exporters will face material impacts. Source: Timberbiz These tariffs strengthen the Australian Forest Products Association’s (AFPA’s) case ahead of the Federal Election for stronger border vigilance of the timber trade as well as country of origin labelling for timber and wood-fibre products. “Aside from obvious and very real impact on our direct exporters to the US, we’re concerned the ricochet effect of the tariffs will mean some countries could resort to dumping their large export volumes intended for the US, to markets like Australia,” AFPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said. “There is the real prospect that Australia could experience an influx of dubious, imported timber and wood-fibre products – impacting a local industry already under pressure from the depressed housing market. “It’s difficult to forecast the full impact of these tariffs but it signals that we’ll need to be more vigilant at our borders. Two key requests in AFPA’s Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Election Platform are country of origin labelling so consumers know where the timber product they’re buying comes from, Australia or otherwise, and ongoing Commonwealth funding to crack-down on illegally logged timber. “We know the illegal trade is an increasing problem for Australia because a Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) testing trial last year found a quarter of tested imported products were found to be inconsistent with declared species, origin, or both. “Ahead of the Federal Election, we call on all sides of politics to commit to our Election Platform in full, but in light of today’s tariff announcement, especially the country of origin labelling measure and increased support to crack-down on the illegal timber trade at our borders. “While waiting to see how global trade will shift in reaction to today’s US tariff decision, the Federal Government can act to help inform consumers of timber and wood-fibre through country of origin labelling and making sure there’s as much vigilance at our borders as possible to catch illegal product.”  

I have written this opinion piece after attending a Forestry Australia webinar from ABARES on 12 March 2025 from the latest State of the Forests Report – Synthesis 2023. The information provided gives a strong impetus for Australia to review its National Forest Policy 1992 to address the looming shortages of structural timber and what options are advisable to address these issues. The cyclic nature of timber demand, particularly during a slump, as reported currently, can dampen thoughts of addressing the long-term position for plantations, which have a long period between investment and return. This is a long view issue. Forestry and timber production is a great industry for Australia with major centres in all states except NT. Softwood forestry plantation areas have been relatively static since 2011-12 despite the increasing demand for timber and Government programs to stimulate investment and plantings. Total area from State of the Forest’s Report Synthesis 2023, is around 1 million hectares of softwood plantation and around 0.7 million hectares of hardwood plantation. Hardwood plantation areas have declined from a high of 1 million hectares in 2011-12 mainly due to transfer of land back to agriculture following harvesting of the tree crop. Timber production from softwood plantations, which are long rotation 25 years plus, is predominantly sawlogs 8 million m3 and pulpwood 6 million m3 for a total of 14 million m3. Softwood pulpwood is sold from first thinnings and is a by-product of later harvesting operations. Timber production from hardwood plantations is predominantly pulpwood, currently at 8.5 million m3 largely from plantations established during the MIS programs up until 2011-12. Hardwood plantations producing pulpwood are predominantly short rotation around 12-15 years. Despite the small areas of additional new plantations since 2011-12 there will be a static future domestic timber supply with increasing shortages, according to published articles from the Housing Industry Association, ABARES and other authoritative bodies. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) forecasts that Australia’s timber demand will continue to rise, driven by population growth and housing construction, potentially leading to increased reliance on imported timber if domestic production doesn’t expand. The HIA, along with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), predicts that demand for sawn softwood will continue to grow, primarily due to housing commencements and GDP growth. The HIA’s housing forecasts are consistent with the predicted timber demand, estimating that there is demand for the construction of around 200,000 new dwellings per year on average in Australia. Imports of sawn timber in 2022 were around 700,000 m3 representing 30% of total timber demand. The main timber product needed in future is sawn timber for residential and commercial buildings. This timber is sourced from softwood sawlogs produced from long rotation plantations. The main impediment to developing new long rotation plantations is economics where the cost of establishing plantations, particularly on purchased land and managing those plantations until timber harvesting of the major crop at generally 25 years plus, is very sensitive to the rate of return and assessed as too long, with the natural risk factors including fire, for most investors. Insurance for forestry plantations is now very difficult and costly. Investors and State Government forestry agencies have been happy to purchase existing long rotation plantations generally 10 years and older, but have infrequently established new plantations from year zero since 2012. For softwood plantations there is replanting of harvested areas. Victoria and WA have announced programs to develop new plantations to attempt to counter the closure of Government native forestry businesses in those states. These programs will take years to result in additional plantation resources, assuming they proceed as planned. The Commonwealth and State governments grants, and loan schemes have resulted in modest areas of plantation development over the past 2 years. The DAFF program to support plantation establishment over 4 years 2023-24 to 2026-27 has resulted so far in approvals for establishment of around 11,000 ha of long rotation softwood plantations and 2,500 ha of hardwood plantation. This program is welcome, despite its impediments, but will not reach anything like the levels of new plantation development to satisfy forecast domestic demand. There has been a reduction in the area of hardwood plantations following the demise of the Managed Investment Scheme plantations 15 years ago due to a transfer of some plantation land back to agriculture after harvesting the tree crop. Unless there is a circuit breaker in the basic economics, Australia will import increasing supplies of timber from overseas, which could otherwise be grown locally. The Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative does include developing forestry plantations with potential sale of carbon credits. Forests, and timber in buildings have embodied carbon which is part of Australia’s push to achieve net zero emissions in 2050 and is part of United Nations strategies. This is a positive, but the policy is not yet resulting in a significant uptake of plantations as shown in the 2023 Report. There are some impediments in the detail of the CFI including the “7-year rule” which are counterproductive and in need of review. For residential homes the main product is sawn softwood with some hardwood for strength in frames and trusses. Sawn softwood timber is usually grown for 25 years and more, requiring long rotation plantations. For multi-story and commercial buildings the main product is engineered timber including Cross Laminated Timber. While the timber used may be from younger trees the factories producing this product are high tech with supporting design services and a significant proportion of the engineered timber is imported. The Australian factories producing such engineered timbers are a valuable asset. The current Commonwealth policy of “Made In Australia” has a focus of developing industries which will support Australia in the decades ahead, where Australia has economic advantages in an emissions restrictive economy, compared to the densely populated areas of Asia and Europe. This should apply to forestry in general but will need serious promotion in the current climate. In such a scenario short rotation plantations could supply basic fibre for chemicals and essential liquid fuels instead […]