Forest Products Industry

The Australian Government is providing development funding for technical assistance and capacity building support which will further strengthen Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) sustainable forest management. Source: Timberbiz Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the PNG Forestry Twinning Program aims to collaborate in support of the forestry and forest industries of both countries. “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is collaborating with the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) to support frameworks and policies to enhance plantation forestry in PNG for sustainable wood supply in the region,” Mr Lowe said. “We have a long and collaborative history with PNG, one that’s built on strong institutional connections improving sustainable forest management practices and combating illegal logging. “The twinning program supports Australia’s international commitments to the industry while strengthening our relationship through shared expertise and technical cooperation. “Ongoing engagement in the forestry sector allows us to combine the knowledge and expertise of effective plantation development and forest industry governance through workshops and short-term deployments. “Supporting our closest neighbour to grow, develop and protect their forestry sectors shows our commitment to strong international relationships and a harmonised approach to a sustainable future.” The twinning program will deliver on commitments made in the Forestry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between the department and PNGFA that was entered into in February 2023. The PNG Forestry Twinning Program is currently funded under the PNG Institutional Partnerships Program by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Federal Government will provide a $6.4 million grant over three years to the University of Melbourne to continue collaborative biosecurity research crucial to protecting the nation’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries. Source: Timberbiz The University of Melbourne will host the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) program over the next three years, with potential to extend for a fourth year, as it helps bolster the country’s defences from increasing biosecurity threats. The Government will invest around $2 million annually in CEBRA to benefit trade, agriculture, the environment and community through: development of advanced monitoring or detection tools predictive modelling to assess and mitigate threats before they arrive research that informs regulatory decision-making, ensuring cost-effective and informed policies ensuring the latest scientific findings are integrated into policy and operational on-ground decision-making. CEBRA conducts collaborative research to strengthen government biosecurity efforts, providing evidence-based insights that shape risk analysis, regulatory interventions, inspections and surveillance. Strengthening research is part of national and departmental commitments outlined in the DAFF Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap and the National Biosecurity Strategy and National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan. “Australia’s biosecurity system is among the best in the world, but it faces increasing challenges, and the government is proud to fund the University of Melbourne to continue CEBRA’s research to help us meet these challenges,” Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said. “The rise in threats from plant pests, diseases and invasive species is being driven by a variety of factors such as a changing climate, expansion of trade, increased tourism and shifts in land use patterns. “Effectively managing these growing pressures calls for innovative solutions to biosecurity risks underpinned by quality research,” she said. “Whether it be modelling frameworks designed to assist with policy formation and response strategies for emergency animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, or automated image analysis to identify the biofouling risks of vessels, CEBRA’s work is integral to protecting Australia from all manner of diseases, plant pests and invasive species.”  

Rayonier and The Rohatyn Group (TRG), an investment firm specializing in emerging markets and real assets, announced an agreement for Rayonier to sell the entities that hold its entire 77% interest in the New Zealand joint venture to a special purpose vehicle formed by Ents LP, an investment fund managed by TRG, for US$710 million. Source: Timberbiz This sale marks the conclusion of Rayonier’s previously announced strategic review of its New Zealand business and will result in Rayonier becoming exclusively focused on its US operations, while positioning the New Zealand business for continued growth under TRG’s management. The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. Consistent with Rayonier’s large dispositions completed in 2023 and 2024, this transaction aligns with Rayonier’s previously stated goal of enhancing shareholder value by capitalizing on the disconnect between public and private timberland values and reducing leverage amid a higher interest rate environment. Further, exiting New Zealand will concentrate Rayonier’s capital in core US markets with favourable long-term growth prospects, reduce Rayonier’s exposure to log export markets, and simplify and streamline Rayonier’s portfolio, financial reporting, and overall value proposition. In addition, the transaction will position the New Zealand business to drive new growth as it benefits from TRG’s extensive experience managing similar assets in New Zealand and globally. TRG has specific expertise and a capital base very well suited to large-scale forestry assets with a focus on long-term value creation, diversifying market opportunities, and maximizing investment returns. “After completing a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives for our New Zealand business, we believe the decision to sell our joint venture interest is the best path forward to create value for our shareholders,” said Mark McHugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rayonier. “Rayonier’s presence in New Zealand dates back to 1988, and over time the value of our New Zealand business has appreciated considerably. The team in New Zealand has done an outstanding job in managing these highly productive assets with a long-term mindset, and this joint venture has contributed meaningfully to Rayonier’s growth and success over time. “Despite these positive attributes, the New Zealand business lacks meaningful synergies with our core US operations, and we further believe that the value of the New Zealand joint venture is not fully appreciated in the public markets. Thus, after careful consideration, we believe now is the appropriate time to sell our interest and opportunistically redeploy capital. “To this end, we are pleased to transfer the stewardship of this business to TRG, a well-regarded manager of forestry assets in the region.” Nick Rohatyn, Partner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TRG  said the company was delighted to acquire Rayonier’s New Zealand business and looks forward to continuing a highly productive and successful operation over the long term. “Like Rayonier, TRG’s team has a long history of involvement in the New Zealand forestry industry, and we are excited about adding their New Zealand assets to complement our global portfolio of high-quality timberland investments,” he said. TRG Partner and Head of Forestry & Agriculture, Mike Claridge, added, “Our organization has been investing in the New Zealand forestry sector since 1998. We have long admired Rayonier’s business here, and particularly the professionalism of the team and their suppliers, who are widely recognized as leaders in the New Zealand industry. We look forward to working closely with the team and building on their success to create a sustainable, long-term forestry enterprise.”  

Forestry Australia’s 2025 conference will focus on restoring forests and landscapes and securing Australia’s future. Source: Timberbiz We are halfway through the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and the conference aims to bring together experts, researchers, forestry professionals, farmers, rangers and tree growing practitioners to explore how forest management and forest and landscape restoration can make a positive contribution to Australia’s future. The conference aims to provide forest scientists, forestry professionals, tree growers and restoration practitioners with tools and best practice ideas to address critical challenges such as reducing carbon emissions, adapting to climate change and increased bushfire risk, engaging with changing social attitudes and values, empowering and involving Indigenous Australians, supporting regional development and local processing to meet national housing and forest product needs. The role of research, innovation in supporting evidence-based practice and decision making, and the use of emerging technologies, will be important topics. Together, attendees will discuss ideas, envision pathways, and explore a future that supports Australia’s forests to provide positive environmental, cultural, economic, and social outcomes. The 2025 Conference Program Sub-Committee is looking to develop a diverse, authentic and engaging program built around the following sub-themes: Restoring forests and landscape This sub-theme includes Traditional, cultural and Indigenous forestry; Stakeholder, social and cultural values; Post fire recovery; Forest restoration; Investment incl. carbon and biodiversity markets; Restoration for multiple values; Agriculture, private forests and trees on farms, and Biodiversity and ecosystem services. The role of forests in securing Australia’s future This sub-theme includes Policy & policy impacts; Markets, business and housing; Social acceptance, Stewardship and engagement; Recreation and tourism; Fire; Biosecurity; Timber and forest products, and New partnerships and opportunities. Learning and innovating in the forest sector This sub-theme includes Innovation; Lessons from the past to inform the future; Technology; Workforce, training and capacity building; Decision making and risk; Silviculture; Forest health as well as Climate change. Abstracts are being sought for the following presentations: Oral presentations Workshops Whole sessions. Series of oral presentations; Panel discussions; Interviews; Quiz the Speaker; Debates; Coffee Table or ‘Campfire’ discussions; Yarning Circles; Solution Rooms Poster presentations Short student presentations (3-minute): Students are also welcome to present in other sessions. Other: The Committee are open to proposals for other styles of presentation to support learning and the exchange of ideas that is not mentioned in the Call for Abstracts. The conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 20-23 October. Abstract submissions close: 11:59pm AEDT, Sunday 16 March 2025. More information at https://www.forestryconference.com.au/

Glenelg Shire Mayor, Karen Stephens, was presented with the Inspiring Excellence Award at the Women in Wood Fibre event hosted by Australian Bluegum Plantations in Dunkeld, marking the world-wide event. Source: The SE Voice Cr Stephens, who is also renowned for her leadership role with the Casterton Kelpie Association and as a former local businesswoman, won the award for her tireless work advocating for the sector over many years. “I am truly honoured to win this award,” she said. “The food and fibre industries are major contributors to the Glenelg Shire economy and our role as council is to advocate for them when needed to help them and our Shire to thrive – that advocacy is at all levels of government. “I would also like to thank Australian Bluegum Plantations for organising such an inspiring event today.” Hosted by Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), more than 100 industry members joined by political and agricultural leaders enjoyed a High Tea celebration at the Dunkeld Community Centre, recognising the achievements, resilience and contributions of women across the plantation sector and local community. ABP Human Resources General Manager, Sheri Tarr said the sector was working hard to promote inclusive practices and policies, creating pathways to support female leadership and career progression. “Creating gender equality starts by achieving a positive workplace culture, where everyone feels valued and respected,” she said. “This is a primary objective for ABP and our broader industry which today has 30% of its executive roles filled by women, matched by an ongoing increase in female employees, with a growth rate of 10% per year since 2021. “It’s important we celebrate this progress whilst recognising there is still more that can be achieved – we must collectively lead and champion this change. “Creating opportunities for women is not just about fairness, we must liberate the talent within our workforce, challenge the bias and barriers that holds us back, to create a more progressive and productive community where women can live, work and prosper without limits.” Victorian Agriculture Minister, Ros Spence said the forestry industry was an important part of Victoria’s economy and the increasing number of women in the sector, was encouraging. “Plantation timber plays a vital role in supplying critical building materials for the housing and construction sector in Victoria and delivers a world class supply of wood chips for the pulp and paper industry,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see more women taking up roles in this essential industry, especially in leadership roles.”

The Federal Government is inviting forestry industry and researchers to pitch their ideas for part of $5 million in grant funding. The Government is investing $300 million in the future of the forestry industry, which includes more than $100 million for Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI). Source: Timberbiz “After the success of the First Round, I’m excited to see what transformative ideas are proposed through the Second National Open Call,” Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam said. “I encourage anyone with initiatives that will enhance the productivity and profitability of Australia’s forest industries both now and in coming decades to come forward. “I am confident industry is united in wanting to ensure the $100 million investment called for by AFPA and delivered by the Australian Government creates the products, jobs and climate solutions needed to decarbonise our economy and turbo charge this great Australian industry,” she said. Research through this round of funding can include climate change solutions, sustainable forests, and making the most out of our available wood fibre. Now is the time for industry and researchers to put their heads together and develop industry-driven research proposals with an end-user focus. The successful projects will have matching funding from industry or other sources. “Research like this is how we keep our forestry industry competitive, sustainable and able to face challenges head-on,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said. “Australia’s forestry industry has enormous potential, and I want to see it grow and thrive. The sector is a vital economic contributor and a huge source of jobs in my home state of Tasmania. “Last year’s projects are researching practical solutions to a range of challenges, from finding Australian timber species for sports flooring and even finding ways to stop pest animals from eating seedlings,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the next crop of researchers will discover.” Last year’s call resulted in eight successful projects sharing the first $5 million grant and unlocking $8.3 millions of matching investment from industry and research partners. The Executive Director of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations Dr Joseph Lawrence said this call for applications was about funding innovative ideas that can deliver real commercial outcomes and help solve industry challenges. “We’re looking for research that will make a tangible difference, whether by strengthening local manufacturing, supporting sustainable forestry practices, or driving the transition to a circular bioeconomy,” he said. “This round introduces a two-stage application process. The first stage invites Expressions of Interest, with selected applicants progressing to a full proposal submission. “The new process, informed by industry and researcher feedback, is designed to streamline applications, enhance industry alignment, and maximise real-world impact. “By introducing an EOI stage, we’re ensuring early engagement with industry and giving applicants an opportunity to refine their proposals before moving to the next step,” Dr Lawrence said. “This will help attract bold, high-quality ideas that directly address industry needs.” The next Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) National Open Call for forest research is open until 14 April 2025. Details on the projects supported in the first round are available at Research projects – Australian Forest and Wood Innovations. For more information on the second round, visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/national/australian-forest-and-wood-innovations  

MiTek and the Housing Industry Association have joined forces to launch She Builds The Future – a program designed to inspire, educate and promote diversity in the residential building industry. Source: Timberbiz “MiTek and HIA are working together to help open doors for the next generation of builders, tradespeople, manufacturers and fabricators,” said David Oliver, Managing Director – MiTek, Asia Pacific. “As we launch this initiative in line with International Women’s Day and MiTek’s global Women’s Conference, we are proud to create pathways that inspire and empower women and girls to consider careers in building.” Inspired by the book The House That She Built written by Mollie Elkmann and illustrated by Georgia Costellano, MiTek and HIA have launched “She Builds the Future” as a program that brings the book to life in a meaningful way, helping women navigate the vocational opportunities available in the building and construction industry. The first initiative is the launch of The House That She Built Australia. “HIA is excited to be working in partnership with MiTek to establish She Builds the Future and bring The House that She Built to life in Australia. If we can inspire people of all ages to think about the vast range of jobs you can do in this amazing industry, we know we can increase the diversity of the industry and create a culture of inclusion,” said HIA Deputy Managing Director, Kristin Brookfield speaking at MiTek’s global Women’s Conference. “With women currently making up just 15% of the construction industry in Australia, the book serves as a call to action, encouraging young minds to explore, create and develop skills that build confidence and character.” Through a series of practical tools and guides, She Builds The Future aims to empower women to explore the world of home building. The initiative will be supported through a series of events and promotional activities across HIA and MiTek platforms over the coming months. HIA, as a leading industry advocate, is dedicated to guiding young people towards rewarding careers in building and construction. Similarly, MiTek is committed to using its capabilities and expertise to equip individuals with the skills to fill future trade and technology jobs. HIA and MiTek have worked closely with the book’s author, Mollie Elkman and the National Association of Home Builders to create the Australian edition. “The She Built Foundation is thrilled to see HIA and MiTek working together to bring The House That She Built to Australia,” said Mollie Elkman who is also founder of the She Built Foundation. “We believe the most catalytic way to inspire girls is to reach them early in their development and rally the support of their communities around them. Let’s keep encouraging the next generation of builders.” By supporting initiatives like The House That She Built in Australia and New Zealand, and through She Builds The Future, MiTek and HIA say they are paving the way for a more inclusive workforce where women and diverse talents are not just welcomed but empowered to lead, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the construction industry. Learn more at www.shebuildsthefuture.com