Australian timber industry news

To combat the growing risks from unsustainable business practices, governments and regulators worldwide require corporates to bring greater transparency and reporting to their sustainability impact. Source: Deloitte When it comes to reporting, however, arguably, not all industries are the same. Forests are key to addressing both climate change and biodiversity loss, two of the most urgent challenges for the global community, as they have the ability to sequester carbon and host 80% of terrestrial plant and animal species. The Nordics, despite having only 1.6% of the world’s forested area, account for 13% of the world’s wood and pulp production. They provide the case for this article. If reporting (and other) regulations are to encourage forestry organizations, and their stakeholders, to make more sustainable choices, more needs to be done to increase understanding of the specific sustainability impacts of the industry. Three key areas should be addressed: reporting models, underlying data, and success cases. Models provide the measurement frames but are not yet fully developed or uniformly adopted. Forestry organizations, like peers in other industries, report on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their own operations and value chain (known as scope 1,2 and 3 through the methods developed by the Green House Gas Protocol). However, forestry also has the potential to remove carbon through the uptake of carbon dioxide, storage of carbon, and the contribution of forest-based products in replacing fossil raw materials. The models for accounting of this removal are yet to be adopted uniformly. In addition, the Science Based Targets Initiative presented the final version of their guidance on setting targets for the Forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) sectors at the end of 2023. Whereas CLEAR, a different set of guidelines, has already been adopted by several large Swedish forest companies. This hampers comparability of data and communication to broader stakeholder groups. Reporting of biodiversity is even less mature which means individual actors need to interoperate and devise more of their own reporting metrics. Comparability is further aggravated through regional variations in forest type, conditions and management practices which entails a difference in what is relevant to report on. Ultimately measurement models and methods need to be integrated into internal management control systems that can help organizations implement strategies and investors to allocate resources. Recent progress is encouraging, yet more needs to be done to strengthen the models for effective decision making. Data provides input to the models but is difficult to gather and interpret. Challenges in climate reporting are compounded by the difficulty in capturing data. For instance, in addition to the notoriously difficult Scope 3 emissions, forestry companies can account for their FLAG emissions, which include emissions related to restoring natural ecosystems, improving forest management practices, and enhancing soil carbon sequestration. The difficulty of collecting reliable data often results in companies adopting modelled estimates with varying degrees of accuracy. Companies are also increasingly trying to gather primary and secondary data. Differences in the unique makeup of soils, local climate, or weather conditions can affect emissions and aggravate accounting. This fragmented landscape has entailed a real risk of reporting on “the same metrics but in different ways”. There are also difficulties in capturing biodiversity data. However, new technologies offer solutions. For instance, remote sensing to create a forest digital twin has shown biodiversity on a very granular level. Initiatives like this provide understanding of complex cause and effect of different measures on biodiversity. “We do not only need metrics and data but a clearer understanding of future scenarios for the industry,” said Katarina Kolar, Head of Business Improvement & Business Control, SCA. The question is how to act on available data. What will the role of the organization be in reporting and controlling if the knowledge about climate science or biodiversity is insufficient to interpret the signals provided by the collected data? Cases can provide a map for the do’s and don’ts – but are still evolving. Beyond reporting of metrics, there is also a need for examples of initiatives and concrete scenarios that provide viable pathways for the industry to both drive financial growth and address climate impact. This relates to the more narrative elements of reporting on progress. Examples could relate to good forest management practice, which is particularly relevant for an industry tackling a divergence in opinion on what constitutes good forest management practice (a source of major debate between the EU and the Nordics on regulatory design). Examples could also relate to innovation in technology and business models. For instance, several companies pilot novel carbon capture technology. One large Swedish forestry company is currently analyzing the potential to offer Carbon Capture and Storage as well as carbon credits to their customers, potentially making their products carbon neutral. Other examples relate to product development projects where fibre-based products could replace plastics. This would imply the avoidance of emissions, again something that the current measurement system does not capture fully. Scaling of good examples and broad backing of sustainable scenarios will require sharing knowledge from successful deployments and business models that also secure a return on investment. The drive to measure sustainability impact has arguably never been stronger. The forestry industry has huge potential to either improve or aggravate sustainability efforts. Therefore, it is important that actors within and around the industry have good information to make the right decisions and do justice to the sustainability benefits that this industry can provide. An evolving regulatory environment with potential broad implications for forest companies combined with a fragmented reporting landscape diminishes the usability of information for stakeholders as a steering tool. Actors within the industry should seize the opportunity to better shape and align on models, metrics, and narratives that provide clarity into an industry central to climate action and biodiversity. The potential benefits of such a venture could be worth the effort.

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The EU has imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese plywood imports with provisional levies of up to 62.4% due to the damaging uptick in hardwood plywood imports that has damaged local producers. Source: Timberbiz The Greenwood Consortium complained about the Chinese plywood trade in 2024 and has welcomed this latest move. The Greenwood Consortium is an ad-hoc group of EU hardwood plywood producers, established in 2023. It represents producers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, Latvia, Italy, Poland, and Spain. It was reported that Chinese exporters were disguising hardwood products in anticipation of levies to be applied by altering imports making them appear to be softwood or by sending them in through other countries. The Russian/Ukrainian conflict meant there was a gap to be filled of which China sought to take advantage. There has also been speculation that Russian plywood could come in via China. The EU has already imposed tariffs on a number of Chinese goods including motor vehicles.

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US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith has introduced legislation to allow consumers to claim a tax credit for purchasing solid American hardwood products for their homes, a measure intended to shore up a hard-hit American industry made up of small sawmills and family-owned secondary manufacturers. Source: Timberbiz The Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act (S.1964) would allow individual taxpayers to include solid American manufactured hardwood products as qualified home energy efficiency improvements under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. The credit would apply to any flooring, paneling, millwork, cabinetry doors, cabinetry facing, window, or skylight, comprised of deciduous trees grown and processed in the United States. “Mississippi’s sawmills and rural communities that depend on timber have been hit hard by the same economic challenges facing the entire industry.  This bill is designed to support the domestic hardwood industry and the jobs it provides while making American-made hardwood products more affordable for families,” Ms Hyde-Smith said. “Our goal with this legislation is to preserve rural manufacturing jobs and sawmill operations that are critical to local economies and national security supply chains, while encouraging the use of environmentally sustainable wood products over cheap, Chinese-made synthetic alternatives.” Despite the significance of the forestry sector to Mississippi’s economy, the state’s hardwood industry has been affected by a severe national decline. The domestic hardwood-grade lumber market has fallen from 6.5 billion board feet to less than 2 billion board feet in the past 26 years. Much of this decline is associated with foreign substitutes that often contain harmful chemicals and larger carbon footprints than sustainably harvested American hardwoods. The Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to qualify American hardwood products for the home improvement energy efficiency tax credits under Section 25c of the Internal Revenue Code while offsetting the cost of the bill by eliminating a costly bonus tax credit created in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA bonus credit provides increased subsidies for carbon capture projects only if union labor requirements are met.  As such the bill would end a provision that allows the federal government to pick winners and losers. S.1964 also falls in line with a March executive order issued by President Trump, which called for the immediate expansion of American timber production and tasked the secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to craft legislative proposals to improve timber production and forest management.

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Pan Pac has issued its 2025 sustainability report – A sustainable future together. In addition to highlighting the progress made towards the goals established in 2022, the report covers the impact of 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle on operations and recovery. Source: Timberbiz The document is a sustainability report for Pan Pac Forest Products, detailing the company’s operations, resilience efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle, and its commitment to sustainable forestry practices in New Zealand. It includes a large feature on its forests and the ways in which it is building resilience for climate change events, increasing environmental protection, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the community. Pan Pac Forest Products is one of New Zealand’s largest fully integrated forest products companies, focusing on sustainable forestry and contributing significantly to the economy. The company has faced challenges, including the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, but remains committed to its purpose of providing tailored forest products. You can download the document here.  

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Launceston Church Grammar School Year 10 Agriculture students stepped out of the classroom and into the paddock for a hands-on learning experience about the benefits of integrating trees into farming landscapes. Source: Timberbiz Hosted by Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) in collaboration with the Forest Education Foundation and Campbell Town farmer John Taylor, the session offered students a rare chance to witness first-hand the value trees bring to farms beyond just timber. The day began with a walk through a three-year-old radiata pine shelterbelt, where PFT Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie and Mr Taylor discussed the shelterbelt’s role in erosion control, animal welfare, and boosting overall farm productivity. Mr Taylor also shared the challenges he faced in establishing the trees and the positive changes he is already seeing. “John chose to plant trees for the future, even though he won’t get to use the money they make – it’s for his children,” student Chloe said. At a second location, students took measurements of tree heights and diameters to estimate the carbon stored in approximately 20-year-old plantation trees. “Putting numbers (kilograms of carbon) to individual trees was a real eye-opener and got students thinking about how much one tree stores versus how much carbon can be stored across a farm in plantation stands,” Mr McKenzie said. Student Tommy noted the environmental benefits: “The trees helped lower the water table, making the ground less salty for pasture and trees to grow better.” “The higher the density of the wood, the more carbon it holds – eucalypts versus the pine trees.” The practical fieldwork sparked engaging conversations about carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and how strategic planting benefits not only livestock and crops but entire landscapes. Forest Education Foundation Manager Darcy Vickers said students also gained insight into the wide range of careers available in forestry, many of which they hadn’t considered before. “Having Dion available to work with the students brought valuable professional insight to the day. His personal agriculture story really resonated with the students and helped them connect the science with real-world outcomes,” Mr Vickers said. “We hoped to connect the dots between trees, productivity and future land use in 90 minutes – and I think we achieved that. “It’s clear they came away with a better understanding of how forestry and agriculture work together – and that there’s a place for them in the future of both.” Grammar teacher Tanya Beaumont said student feedback echoed the value of learning in a real-world context. “They didn’t know that forestry had lots of different jobs and that they can work in many areas, not just in planting or harvesting trees,” Ms Beaumont said. “The systems are linked, and the wool and tree products benefit each other. “The students got more from learning in the paddock than if I had presented the same material to them in the classroom.”  

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A landmark survey has uncovered a hidden koala population living on the fringe of a major city, using thermal drone searches with spotlight verification and statistical modelling. Source: Timberbiz The study, funded by WWF-Australia and led by the University of Newcastle, is the largest and most accurate peer-reviewed koala survey to date, estimating a population of 4,357 koalas across 67,300 hectares of bushland spanning 208 sites in New South Wales. University of Newcastle’s Dr Ryan Witt said they were surprised to find Sugarloaf State Conservation Area, located inland of Newcastle, is home to a significant population of more than 290 koalas. “The koala population at Sugarloaf seems to be a bit of a secret even though it’s in close proximity to Newcastle,” Dr Witt said. Dr Witt said while there have been sporadic reports of koala sightings in Sugarloaf, there was no indication of a large or stable population until now. “This population has flown under the radar—proving that koalas can survive, and even thrive, in peri-urban areas. These fringe habitats need protection and monitoring just as much as pristine reserves,” Dr Witt said. Local resident and Gamilaraay and Wiradjuri man, Daryn McKenny, grew up in the suburb of Killingworth which borders Sugarloaf. “Sugarloaf was practically my backyard as a kid. But we never saw koalas there. “It wasn’t until about five years ago that I first spotted a koala at Sugarloaf,” Mr McKenny said. Since then, Mr McKenny has dedicated hundreds of hours to capturing the secret lives of Sugarloaf koalas on camera. “Old records showed only around a dozen koalas documented, but our work over these past years was showing otherwise. To know there’s close to 300 is just incredible though,” Mr McKenny said. Mr McKenny was invited to help the research team survey Sugarloaf and share his connection to the land. “Daryn has a huge amount of knowledge of the land and the koalas at Sugarloaf. We were grateful to learn from him and share methods to find these cryptic animals,” Dr Witt said. Using thermal drones with spotlights for night surveys, the team could find a koala in less than two minutes in areas which previously took hours of searching on-foot. Shelby Ryan, a PhD candidate from the University of Newcastle and lead author of the study, said they look for a tiny yellow dot on-screen, which shows potential body heat in that area. “We navigate the drone towards heat spots and switch on the spotlight to see in real-time whether it’s a koala or another animal,” Mr Ryan said. While the use of heat detecting drones to find wildlife is not new, combining this method with spotlights to help scientists visually distinguish animals was unique to this koala study. “This method is much more reliable than using AI, which can mistake possums or other animals for koalas,” Mr Ryan said. The team surveyed a sample area of about ten per cent of the seven national parks studied. Multiple surveys were taken across different nights to improve accuracy of the koala counts. A robust statistical model was developed to predict koala numbers across the entire national park allowing data to be captured on a much larger scale. “Our modelling reflects real-world environmental variation and not just a flat average. We considered factors like the terrain slope, tree coverage and height, and soil moisture to accurately represent koala abundance,” Mr Ryan said. Of the seven national parks surveyed, Maria National Park had the greatest density of koalas with 521 koalas predicted in 3,350 hectares. Dr Witt cautioned that density does not necessarily point to a thriving koala population though. “We also surveyed two areas that were burnt in the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires – Lake Innes and Khappinghat. “We found the abundance of koalas at fire-affected sites was about two-thirds less than non-affected sites,” Dr Witt said. The study sets a new bar for best practice and can be applied to monitor other species of tree-dwelling marsupials in Australia and mammals across the world. “This kind of scale and precision is unparalleled in conservation, and data that we do not have across most species globally,” Dr Witt said. While past koala monitoring efforts have relied on access to land, Dr Witt said their model can be used to predict koala numbers in surrounding areas of private land, or in areas with inaccessible terrain. “We can now estimate how many animals are out there and where at scale,” Dr Witt said. The study is crucial to inform urgent conservation decisions across diverse landscapes. “It gives a solid scientific baseline for seven of the state’s koala populations. We’ve located koalas that wouldn’t have been found on foot,” Dr Witt said. Darren Grover, WWF-Australia’s Head of Regenerative Country, said WWF supported this research because it has a goal to double the number of koalas in eastern Australia by 2050. “Achieving accurate abundance estimates is the holy grail of koala conservation. The work of Dr Witt and his team shows great promise towards that goal. Sugarloaf indicates when it comes to koalas there are still surprises. We need to know the location of significant populations, and to track their numbers, to better protect them,” he said. This study was published in the journal, Biological Conservation. It was funded by WWF-Australia and led by the University of Newcastle in collaboration with researchers from Taronga Conservation Society Australia, UNSW, and FAUNA Research Alliance.

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New Zealand Forestry Minister Todd McClay has introduced legislation that will put a stop to large-scale farm-to-forestry conversions delivering on a key election promise to protect the future of New Zealand food production. Source: Timberbiz “For too long, productive sheep and beef farms have been replaced by pine trees in the race for carbon credits. That ends under this Government,” Mr McClay said. “The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme – Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill will restrict wholesale conversions of farmland to exotic forestry by stopping LUC 1-5 land from entering the ETS and capping new ETS registrations on LUC 6 land. “It will also protect farmers’ ability to diversify – allowing up to 25 per cent of a farm to go into trees, while stopping the kind of blanket ETS planting that’s been gutting rural communities in places like the East Coast, Wairarapa, the King Country, and Southland.” As previously announced the new restrictions will take effect from 4 December 2024. The law will: Restrict farm conversions to exotic ETS forests on high-to-medium versatility farmland (LUC classes 1-6) A limit of 15,000 hectares per year for exotic conversions on medium versality farmland (LUC class 6) The annual limit of 15,000 hectares for LUC 6 farmland will be allocated by a ballot process, including a reserved quota for small block holders, with the first ballot proposed to be held in mid-2026. Allow for up to 25 per cent of a farm’s LUC 1-6 land to still be planted in exotic forestry for the ETS, ensuring farmers retain flexibility and choice. Protect specific categories of Māori-owned land, in line with Treaty obligations The Bill proposes time-limited transitional exemptions in rare cases for people who were in the process of afforestation prior to these changes originally being announced on 4 December 2024. To be eligible for a transitional exemption, applicants need to show sufficient evidence that they made a qualifying forestry investment between 1 January 2021 and 4 December 2024. Transactions that commenced after this date will not be eligible to register in the ETS. The applicant will need to demonstrate that the investment relates to the specific Land Use Capability (LUC) class 1–6 land they are applying to register in the ETS. Registry of 25% of LUC 1-6 land will be registered against the properties title to restrict further planting as a result of subdivision. “Labour’s careless ETS settings turbocharged the sell-off of our farming base. They let speculators put short-term profits ahead of long-term food production. That was careless – and it ends now,” Mr McClay said. “This Government is backing farmers, restoring balance, and making sure the ETS doesn’t come at the cost of New Zealand’s rural economy. “This policy is pro-farming, pro-food production, pro-commercial forestry and pro-rural New Zealand.” The legislation is now before Parliament and is to come into force October 2025.

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Brazilian company Suzano is set to become the new majority owner of the Kimberly-Clark Australia Millicent Mill as part of an international deal involving the Kimberly-Clark Corporation of the USA. Source: The SE Voice Suzano already supplies imported pulp to the Millicent plant which has 400 company employees and contractors. The local workforce received a memo from management on Friday advising them of the sale. Speculation about a possible sale had been circulating for months. It has been a tumultuous time at the Millicent Mill with its largest union with 270 members splitting from the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union. The current enterprise agreement expires at the end of this month and a new deal has yet to be finalised. Production began at Millicent in 1960 with a joint venture of Australian companies Cellulose Australia Limited and Australian Paper Manufacturers. The mill was then known as Apcel after blending the names of its two owners. American firm Kimberly-Clark took 50% stake three years later and then moved up to 100% ownership in 2001 after receiving the green light from the Foreign Investment Review Board. At its peak, the Millicent Mill had 1000 employees. Suzano will hold a 51% stake in the new entity, with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation retaining 49%. According to the deal endorsed by all Kimberly-Clark Corporation directors, the Brazilians have the right to move to 100% ownership. The partnership will encompass the Millicent Mill and 21 other manufacturing facilities across 14 countries and approximately 9000 employees. These assets generated net sales of $US3.3b in 2024. The Australian and New Zealand businesses of Kimberly-Clark provided 11% of this turnover.

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Dr Fabiano Ximenes, one of Australia’s leading forest and wood products carbon researcher, Professor Tripti Singh, director of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, and Professor Keith Crews, head of Australia’s Advanced Timber Manufacturing Hub, are among the speakers already lined up for this year’s Gottstein Wood Science Course. Source: Timberbiz Scheduled for 7-12 September, participants will divide their time between Wangaratta in Victoria, Albury in New South Wales, and Canberra in the ACT. It will also involve field trips to Alpine Truss, Alpine MDF facilities and Xlam’s state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber plant. Helen Murray, course convener, promised that “from kick-off to the final whistle, leading subject matter experts and prominent industry people will deliver the sessions. “At ANU, a hands-on laboratory session will have participants examine the cellular structure of timber under a microscope, guided by Dr Matthew Brookhouse. (While) Professor Peter Kanowski will canvas the big picture of a timber circular economy.” Ms Murray said the course fees have been unchanged since the 2023 course, with the Trust absorbing all related cost rises. “The registration fee of $3,995 also has several inclusions: accommodation for two nights at Albury NSW, transport for the site tours, luxury coach transfer from Albury to Canberra, ACT, two casual dinners plus the course celebration dinner. “On top of learning experiences is the relaxed social environment where participants will network with participants from across the value chain,” Ms Murray said. In addition, she said, participants will get: An understanding of wood properties insight into the processing of different timbers for different end uses insight into evolving issues including sustainability, durability, the role of timber in a low-carbon economy, innovation and technology, the rigour of compliance, and supply/demand trends and refreshed motivation.

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Timber Queensland is calling on businesses across the state’s forest and timber industry to encourage their employees and networks to apply for the 2024–2025 Growth Scholarships Program, with just three weeks remaining before applications close on 30 June. Source: Timberbiz The scholarships offer up to $10,000 in funding for early and mid-career professionals (aged 18–45) working or studying in Queensland’s forest and timber supply chain to pursue a professional development opportunity of their choice without needing to leave their current role or rely on internal company funding. “This program backs potential and builds opportunity,” said Timber Queensland Strategic Relations and Communications Manager Clarissa Brandt. “These scholarships are an investment in the talent already working in our industry—from the forest to the frame and beyond.” Thanks to the generous support of industry sponsors, four individual scholarships are on offer: Kennedy’s Timber Award – $10,000 HQPlantations Award – $5,000 AKD Award – $5,000 DTM Timber Award – $2,500 Scholarship recipients can tailor their application to suit their career interests and aspirations, with funding available for a wide range of learning opportunities, including: Course or qualification fees Attendance at national or international conferences Study tours to explore global forest management and timber innovation Secondments within other parts of the industry Or a unique initiative aligned with their professional development goals “The only limit is imagination,” Mrs Brandt said. “We’re encouraging businesses to think about who in their team could benefit from this chance to broaden their skills, experience and leadership capacity.” Now in its fourth year, the Growth Scholarships Program reflects Timber Queensland’s commitment to developing the future capability of Queensland’s $3.8 billion forest and timber industry. “We want to see people from every corner of the supply chain—whether they’re working in growing and harvesting, sawmilling, manufacturing and wholesaling, design, research or construction—put their hat in the ring,” said Mrs Brandt. “By backing those already in the industry, we’re creating a motivated, connected and skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.” Applications are open until 30 June 2025. Eligible applicants must be aged 18–45, based in Queensland, and currently working or studying in the forest and timber industry. The online application process is simple, and support is available for anyone who needs help putting together their submission. For full details and to apply www.timberqueensland.com.au/growthscholarships  

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Certified materials are shaping the direction of contemporary fashion and influencing consumer decisions. A collaboration with emerging Hong Kong designer vicKie AU introduced the first FSC-certified capsule collection, placing sustainability at the core of design. Source: Timberbiz The collection was recently awarded Gold in Women’s Prêt-à-Porter at the International Design Awards (IDA) in Oslo. “Tranquility: Nature in Modernity is more than a collection. Using FSC-certified sustainable fabrics, it demonstrates how thoughtful design choices can drive real change. True elegance starts with responsibility, and every material decision connects us back to the forest,” Ms Au said. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is collaborating with Ms Au of V Visionary Design Studio (FSC-N004591), unveiling the first-ever FSC-certified capsule collection made entirely from sustainably sourced materials from responsibly managed forests. This groundbreaking initiative addresses a critical issue in the fashion industry, where nearly 50% of all forest-based fibres – like rayon, viscose, modal and lyocell – come from uncertified and irresponsibly managed sources, which contributes to deforestation, illegal logging, and biodiversity loss. The FSC x V.VISSI Collection showcases a revolutionary approach to fashion, proving that style and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. Designed under the theme “From Deforestation to Coexistence with Forests,” each garment in this capsule collection is crafted using FSC-certified materials throughout the entire production process. From fibres to final production, the collection represents a complete supply chain of responsible sourcing from an elite collective of FSC-certified Chain of Custody (CoC ) companies, including yarn from Eastman Chemical Company (FSC-C140711) and Grasim Industries Limited, Unit-Indian Rayon (FSC-C151684), fabrics from Shinjintex Co. Ltd. (FSC-C194015) and BRUNELLO S.p.A. (FSC-C136496) , and production by High Fashion (China) Co. Ltd. (FSC-C165230). “Through this collection, I aim to inspire stakeholders and consumers to recognize that choosing garments produced in line with FSC standards isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a commitment to a healthier planet. By infusing sustainability into our wardrobe choices, we’re not only adding fresh value to fashion but also cultivating a deeper awareness of our environmental impact,” Ms Au said. This collaboration is part of FSC’s broader “Fashion Forever Green Pact,” an initiative aimed at offering alternatives to fast fashion and promoting the transition to sustainable practices. To date, approximately 50 brands and supply chains have joined the pact, including all companies involved in this latest collection. Cindy Cheng, Regional Director of FSC APAC, emphasized the significance of this project: “We’re grateful to all the stakeholders who helped bring this capsule collection to life. This isn’t just about crafting beautiful garments; it’s about revolutionizing the fashion industry through responsible sourcing. The momentum we’ve created here will expand our mission beyond APAC, inspiring global change in how we approach fashion and sustainability.” The FSC x V.VISSI Collection represents a significant step towards a more sustainable fashion industry, demonstrating that responsible sourcing can be both stylish and impactful. By choosing FSC-certified clothing, consumers can actively contribute to forest conservation and support a future where fashion and nature thrive in harmony.    

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Hubtex has launched two new electric multidirectional sideloaders: the MSL 50 and the MAXX 50. For timber merchants, sawmills or prefabricated house builders, Hubtex offers tailor-made solutions for the specific requirements of the industry. Source: Timberbiz With the new MSL 50, the Hubtex product line has received a robust outdoor upgrade. The new electric multidirectional sideloader, with a load capacity of 11,000 lbs, is equipped with a specially developed SL cabin (sideloader cabin) and is optimized for longer transport distances outdoors. The ergonomic seating position in the direction of travel reduces strain on the driver, ensuring maximum comfort – particularly over longer distances. Thanks to the low-set front window, the route remains in view at all times, while the generous side window provides an optimal view of the load being transported. The new MSL 50 is particularly suitable for companies with large outdoor areas, such as lumber merchants or sawmills. Hubtex has also expanded its portfolio with the addition of a powerful 5-tonne model, the MAXX 50. Like all models in the MAXX series, it is designed for combined indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for use in narrow warehouse aisles as well as for loading and unloading trucks outdoors. “The MAXX 50 is ideally suited to the needs of wood processing companies and lumber dealers,” said Hans-Joachim Finger, General Manager of Hubtex. “It offers increased residual load capacity, which is particularly essential for transporting heavy or damp timber.” The new MAXX 50 includes an ergonomic cabin, a lift mast precisely tailored to the load capacity, and the optionally available 360° HX steering. With a ground clearance of 7.3 inches and a load arm height of 21.1 inches, it offers the optimum trade-off between maximum utilisation of storage space and high flexibility outdoors. A powerful 5-kW electric motor ensures good performance – even on inclines. Hubtex has also expanded its portfolio with the addition of a powerful 5-tonne model, the MAXX 50. Like all models in the MAXX series, it is designed for combined indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for use in narrow warehouse aisles as well as for loading and unloading trucks outdoors. “The MAXX 50 is ideally suited to the needs of wood processing companies and lumber dealers,” MR Finger said. “It offers increased residual load capacity, which is particularly essential for transporting heavy or damp timber.” The new MAXX 50 includes an ergonomic cabin, a lift mast precisely tailored to the load capacity, and the optionally available 360° HX steering. With a ground clearance of 7.3 inches and a load arm height of 21.1 inches, it offers the optimum trade-off between maximum utilisation of storage space and high flexibility outdoors. A powerful 5-kW electric motor ensures good performance – even on inclines.  

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After a sharp decrease in 2023, felling in Swedish forests continued to decrease in 2024, according to preliminary statistics from the Swedish Forest Agency. Not since 2013 has annual felling been lower. Source: Timberbiz The trend of higher harvesting levels was broken in 2023, and preliminary statistics now show that the decrease continued in 2024. The decrease has meant that the Swedish forest industry’s imports of roundwood have increased, according to Jonas Paulsson, statistician at the Swedish Forest Agency. Record fellings were recorded in 2021 and 2022, excluding 2005 and 2007 when fellings were very high due to storms Gudrun and Per. The trend of high felling levels was broken in 2023 with reduced felling. The reduction continued in 2024. According to the Swedish Forest Agency’s preliminary statistics, gross felling in 2024 amounted to 87.1 million cubic meters of forest. This is a decrease of 2% compared with 2023, when felling amounted to 88.9 million cubic meters of forest. Net felling, which constitutes the harvested volume of all tree trunks that are fully or partially recovered, amounted to 70.3 million cubic meters in 2024. Just under half of the net felling consisted of softwood sawn timber, 43% of pulpwood and 8% of firewood. Compared with 2023, the harvesting of softwood sawlogs is estimated to have been relatively unchanged, while the harvesting of pulpwood has decreased by 4%. The harvesting of firewood was 3% lower compared with 2023. In Svealand, felling decreased by 6% in 2024 and in Götaland by 3%. In Northern Norrland, felling was unchanged while it increased by 4% in Southern Norrland. Västra Götaland was the county with the most felling in 2024, with 8.1 million cubic meters of forest. This corresponded to 9% of the total felling in the country. Felling was also high in Värmland County, where 7.8 million cubic meters of forest were felled. Just over 1% of Swedish logging was exported in 2024. Exports decreased in 2024, from 1.3 million cubic meters in 2023 to a preliminary 0.9 million cubic meters in 2024. In 2024, imports of roundwood were provisionally 9.2 million cubic meters, which is around 1.9 million cubic meters more than the previous year. Imports increased from the Baltic countries, Norway and Poland, while they decreased from Finland.  

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A comprehensive new review published in the Journal of Stored Products Research warns that although phosphine (PH₃) continues to be registered as a generic phytosanitary treatment for timber, including by major importers such as China and India, global research data overwhelmingly concludes that it is not effective and should not be used for wood products. This is alarming as, despite the clear evidence that phosphine is not appropriate for use as a broad-spectrum treatment for wood, it has been successfully approved as a treatment for exported logs as recently as 2018. Source: Timberbiz In the first fully comprehensive study on phosphine’s efficacy, the review analysed a total of 41 studies from the late 1980s through to 2023. Among other aspects, the paper summarises the history of phosphine use, describes its mode of action, application conditions and treatment limitations, and provides an exhaustive biography of all relevant scientific literature on the subject. One of the authors of the study, Dr Matthew Hall, is an academic at Charles Darwin University in Australia and also Head of Phytosanitary and Market Access Affairs for the International Treatment Solutions (INTRESO) Group. “Despite phosphine’s successful track record as a grain fumigant, there is a conclusive absence of data to support a sufficient degree of its effectiveness against a full range of pests including insects, nematodes, and fungi, when it comes to wood products,” he said. “While the urgent need to phase out methyl bromide from use on wood products has meant regulators are looking for ready alternatives, there is a clear scientific consensus that phosphine is not an appropriate option. “This study not only shows that there is ample evidence available that phosphine does not work on wood, but that even limited use creates real-world risks to biosecurity and has already led to irreversible invasive species migration. With alternative solutions backed up by comprehensive efficacy data, regulators must reject complacency in assessing legacy products and instead follow the evidence.” The study conducts an in-depth analysis of research and evidence of phosphine’s efficacy as a phytosanitary treatment for wood products. Its conclusions are unequivocal, and the implications are deeply troubling given that phosphine is still registered as a fumigant for wood products in several countries and is accepted by a number of countries as a phytosanitary measure, potentially threatening their own biodiversity and ecosystems. Historically, phosphine has been seen interchangeably with methyl bromide, a fumigant widely used in the agricultural industry. It is particularly effective in treating grains, where it remains the primary fumigant. Following the international ban on most uses of the ozone-depleting methyl bromide two decades ago, including for treatment of wood, phosphine emerged as one of the chemical alternatives helped by its ready approvals for generic fumigation. As part of this legacy, many countries readily accept phosphine-treated wood products, including major markets such as China, Malaysia, Mongolia, Paraguay and India. Tellingly, although they are happy to treat their wood exports with phosphine, none of the USA, Australia, Canada, nor New Zealand accept any wood products treated with phosphine themselves, calling into question their own trust in phosphine as an effective treatment option. The authors suggest that despite regulatory permissiveness, the professional industry remains doubtful and that, in most cases, phosphine is not used as an industry default for large-scale wood product treatment. Nevertheless, even this limited use has already had disastrous consequences. The study highlights a well-documented case where the ineffective phosphine treatment has resulted in the permanent establishment of the Golden-Haired Bark Beetle, a critical forestry pest that has been transmitted from infested New Zealand wood to China. After reviewing the existing research, it became clear that there is an absence of scientific data to prove phosphine has a high degree of effectiveness against a full range of pests, including insects, nematodes, and fungi. Despite this absence of evidence, phosphine has been successfully approved for logs exported from Uruguay to China as recently as 2018. The research additionally notes there is no accepted phosphine treatment standard under ISPM 28, the international standard for controlling pests in international trade. The paper details an attempt to register phosphine as a treatment for wood under this internationally agreed standard that failed due to a lack of evidence showing its effectiveness against a broader range of pests.

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Australia and New Zealand’s changing climate patterns are leading to more volatile fire behaviour, spurring continued focus on bushfire preparedness to combat hotter, drier conditions. Source: Timberbiz In late 2024, the Australian Government committed $35 million over two years to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to respond to a wider range of emergencies, enhance the National Emergency Management Stockpile, and deliver a national preparedness program to reduce potential harm to the community.(1) Government support continued with the Australian Government committing $28.8 million to disaster preparedness in the 2025-2026 Federal Budget, including $17.7 million for the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Program.(2) In New Zealand, the government has committed $70 million over seven years (2024–2031) to the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform, an initiative designed to strengthen national resilience to natural disasters by supporting science across the four Rs: reduction, readiness, response, and recovery.(3) The platform underpins New Zealand’s Disaster Resilience Strategy and focuses on building a more resilient future through collaborative research and innovation. Australia and New Zealand’s bushfire detection has historically relied heavily on human observation, aerial surveillance, and satellite imagery. These traditional methods depend on visible smoke or flame and are no longer sufficient to meet the growing threat. Delays in identification are common, particularly in remote or heavily forested areas. Both countries face similar challenges, with increasing fire risk and difficult terrain adding complexity to early detection and intervention. Bushfires have become more intense and unpredictable, making early detection and rapid response critical to protecting communities, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure. A national push towards artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions is now underway to deliver faster, more accurate detection and outpace catastrophic fires, according to Dryad Networks. “AI is reshaping Australia and New Zealand’s bushfire response by interpreting chemical markers, minor heat shifts, and environmental anomalies that would otherwise evade traditional monitoring,” Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology, and Operations, Dryad Networks, said “AI systems process data from a wide range of sources, including sensors, satellites, and atmospheric trackers to detect ignition risks before visible fires develop, helping emergency services deploy earlier and more precisely.” This AI-led evolution represents a fundamental shift from reactive firefighting to proactive risk identification. AI-powered sensor networks installed across bushlands and national parks can detect smoke and heat signatures at the smouldering stage, well before flames are visible. Their alerts are linked to predictive modelling tools that map potential fire spread, giving authorities critical lead time to coordinate ground response, aerial support, and evacuation measures. The ability to intervene at the first indication of ignition is essential to achieve the speed and precision needed to protect lives and assets as bushfire seasons lengthen and intensify. “AI technologies identify ignition points and simulate the likely movement of fires using advanced forecasting models,” Mr Domingo said. “This considers terrain, fuel loads, live weather conditions, and historical fire behaviour patterns for faster decision-making about asset protection, community warnings, and firefighting strategies.” Autonomous drones equipped with AI technology further strengthen Australia and New Zealand’s bushfire response. Drones can be dispatched instantly to verify alerts, map fire perimeters, and assess real-time conditions from above without placing human crews in danger. The integration of machine learning (ML) lets drones interpret their findings autonomously, minimising critical delays. Drones in future deployments could also be equipped with suppression tools such as foam dispensers or acoustic fire suppression technology, extending their role from surveillance to direct fire mitigation. “The environmental dividends of AI-powered early detection are clear. Stopping fires before they escalate lets ecosystems recover faster, minimises biodiversity loss, and avoids major carbon release events, supporting Australia and New Zealand’s emissions reduction and adaptation goals,” Mr Domingo said. “AI platforms feed sensor alerts, satellite data, and drone observations into shared dashboards for real-time situational awareness in emergency coordination centres. This connected approach supports faster multi-agency mobilisation and resource prioritisation during critical incidents.” Adapting AI for bushfire prevention requires local expertise and community involvement. Tailoring AI models to reflect Australia and New Zealand’s diverse terrains and leveraging Indigenous knowledge of traditional land and fire management practices can make detection technologies even more effective. Local participation creates AI deployments that are technologically advanced, culturally sensitive, and environmentally appropriate. Embedding AI into every stage of bushfire prevention redefines the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of Australasia’s emergency management capabilities from ignition detection to response coordination. “Continued investment in AI-powered detection, autonomous response, and post-fire ecosystem monitoring is critical to strengthening Australia and New Zealand’s disaster resilience. Expanding collaboration between government, research bodies, and traditional land managers will further enhance the relevance and effectiveness of these emerging technologies,” Mr Domingo said. References: (1) https://www.nema.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/media-release-summer-bushfire-outlook-reminder-plan-all-hazards (2) https://budget.gov.au/ (3) https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/investment-funds/strategic-science-investment-fund/ssif-funded-programmes/natural-hazards-and-resilience-platform  

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New Zealand exporters sending wood or beef and leather products to the European Union (EU) will soon have to comply with new rules that aim to reduce deforestation in the supply chain. Source: RNZ New Zealand government officials and industry opposed the approach to anti-deforestation taken by the incoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), due to increased compliance costs exporters will face in proving their products have not contributed to the loss of trees. However, the European Commission was standing firm that imports of certain commodities had their part to play in addressing challenges related to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. A European Commission spokesperson said the EUDR covered seven key commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. “These commodities have been chosen on the basis of a thorough impact assessment identifying them as the main driver of deforestation due to agricultural expansion,” they said. Deforestation was defined as converting forests to land for agricultural use. For New Zealand, this will affect the $213 million export trade of beef and leather exports into the EU, with new rules coming into force this December. Exporters of wood products – a trade to Europe valued at around $100m – would be required to provide traceability processes to show that their products did not contribute to deforestation too. Products that do not meet the new import requirements will be rejected at the border. In recent months, the European Commission released further clarifications about the rules for operators and traders. A spokesperson said it found New Zealand to be a country with “low risk of deforestation”. “Sourcing from low-risk countries entails simplified due diligence obligations for operators and traders,” the spokesperson said. “Concretely, this means that they need to collect information but not assess and mitigate risks.” It also announced a 12-month phase-in for the new regime in December 2024, a year’s delay after the original enforcement date to give operators time to prepare, they said. “Given the EUDR’s novel character, the swift calendar, and the variety of international stakeholders involved, a 12-month additional time to phase in the system is a balanced solution to support operators around the world in securing a smooth implementation from the start,” they said. “This is essential to guarantee certainty about the way forward and to ensure the success of the EUDR.” The Wood Processors and Manufacturers’ Association chief executive Mark Ross said a working group with forest growers, wood processors and the government had been set up to work through some issues relating to the new requirement, like geolocation requirements. He said, overall, companies were “reasonably confident” they would be in a good position to meet the requirements. “At first glance the EUDR appears complex, but the best way to overcome any risks associated with the legislation and to ensure that our wood product exporters remain compliant, is for the forestry and wood processing industries to continue to work closely together on fulfilling the EUDR requirements,” said Ross. “By taking the necessary steps to comply with EUDR, the New Zealand wood products industry can gain a market advantage in Europe and globally, which will further enhance our positive sustainable forestry and wood products reputation.” However, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Trade and Investment Todd McClay wrote to the European Commission early last year, urging it to exclude New Zealand and the pastoral farming system from the regulation, among other bilateral efforts. “Without changes, this regulation risks making it too costly for many of our exporters to continue supplying the EU market, affecting over $200 million in Kiwi exports at a time when we should be growing this trade through the benefits of the NZ-EU Trade Agreement, not facing additional barriers,” said McClay in October. “New Zealand does not have a deforestation issue, and while we share the EU’s goals of promoting deforestation-free products, we already have stringent domestic protections in place. Imposing these compliance costs on our exporters is not justified.” Industry group Beef and Lamb New Zealand helped successfully lobby for the exclusion of sheepmeat with its British counterparts, the UK National Sheep Association, but senior trade policy advisor Nicholas Jolly said in May last year, it should also extent to beef. He said diverting products from the EU to other markets would significantly “devalue New Zealand’s trade”. “The loss in beef exports would begin at approximately $98 million annually, while the impact on leather exports would also be substantial, considering 45 percent of New Zealand’s leather exports by value go directly to the EU and it would be extremely difficult to find alternative markets.” Beef and Lamb New Zealand declined to comment further at the time of publish. Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the Meat Industry Association (MIA), said the deforestation regulation was “unlikely” to tackle global deforestation, as it was “poorly designed and poorly drafted”. She said New Zealand already had strict environmental regulations with enforceable penalties for negatively impacting native vegetation. “New Zealand beef exports are backed by world-leading sustainability credentials and should be treated differently to products from countries where deforestation is a genuine concern,” she said. Karapeeva said it was working closely with officials to advocate for a “more pragmatic and sensible solution” that recognised New Zealand’s trend of afforestation. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the costs imposed on exporters were disproportionate to the risk that the product was actually linked to deforestation. “New Zealand shares the European Union’s objective of addressing global deforestation but has consistently raised concerns with the approach taken in the EU Deforestation Regulation.” It also encouraged the Commission to address these concerns through the relevant committees of the New Zealand/EU Free Trade Agreement. Large exporters had to comply with the new rules by 30 December, 2025 and June 2026 for smaller-sized exporters. Ministry for Primary Industries’ Bilateral Relations & Trade divisional manager Steve Ainsworth said it was continuing to liaise with beef and forestry sectors about the requirements. “MPI and MFAT have maintained an open […]

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New Forests has announced its Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 (TAFF2) has made its first investment in timber processing infrastructure in Vietnam by investing in the Tavico Group (Tavico), one of the country’s leading suppliers of solid wood lumber and logs. Source: Timberbiz Tavico was founded in 2005 as a log trader and sawn timber mill with annual production capacity of 12,000m3 of lumber per annum, which is equivalent to approximately 800 medium sized houses. Since then, Tavico has increased its annual production capacity to approximately 250,000m3, equivalent to supplying wood for 16,500 medium sized houses. Tavico has also expanded its operations to include a distribution centre, home furniture wholesale market, warehousing and modular wooden home construction. TAFF2’s investment in Tavico will seek to establish a platform for an integrated timber processing and plantation business across Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, using Vietnam as a focal point. Tavico will look to expand into higher-value segments including finger-joint panels, flooring, furniture, glue laminated timber, and FSC-certified wood pellets. Tavico has established a 3,200-hectare FSC certified community forestry program with small holder farmers which provides employment and revenue sharing opportunities for local communities. The investment from TAFF2 will look to expand this program for smallholder farmers in Vietnam. Tavico’s ambitions for supporting and growing the availability and supply of high-quality, certified wood resources from community-based farms at scale aligns with New Forests’ and TAFF2’s vision to deliver sustainable, long-term livelihood impact through scaled, commercial activities. “We are excited to be announcing our first investment in Vietnam, partnering with Tavico, a company with significant scale and network for timber processing across the country. This collaboration reflects a shared vision for creating long-term value through innovation, sustainability, and positive impact on local communities,” Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director, Emerging Markets, New Forests said, “Vietnam remains a key player in the global wood industry, recording close to USD 4 billion in wood product exports in the first quarter of 2025 with key exports including wooden furniture, pellets, woodchips, plywood, and engineered wood products.” Vo Quang Ha, CEO, Tavico Group said that the partnership with New Forests marked an exciting new chapter in Tavico’s journey. “With their support and global expertise in sustainable forestry, we’re well-positioned to expand our impact, strengthen our value-added capabilities, and continue leading the way in responsible wood sourcing in Vietnam. Together, we aim to help elevate the entire Vietnamese wood industry by promoting higher sustainability standards, encouraging the use of certified wood, and supporting the development of a traceable, high-value supply chain that benefits both local communities and the environment.” The investment marks the fourth acquisition for New Forests’ TAFF2 strategy, which is continuing to deploy capital after announcing in April that it has acquired a majority stake in Burapha Agro-Forestry, a Laos-based timber plantation forestry company.

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South Australia’s Treasurer Stephen Mullighan delivered a State Budget this week that could best be described as “back-to-basics” that responds to the challenges of today while setting the State on a path to a more prosperous future, according to South Australian Forest Products Association CEO Nathan Paine. Source: Timberbiz “From law and order, cost-of-living support, health, road infrastructure, to targeted drought support for primary industries and the Whyalla Steelworks rescue package, the Treasurer has delivered a modest yet focused Budget that recognises the pressures faced by South Australian families, businesses and industries,” Mr Paine said. “For our state’s forest industries, SAFPA looks forward to working with the Government and Minister Clare Scriven to finalise delivery of the previously announced $20 million in forestry projects, including the Forestry Centre of Excellence – a state-of-the-art facility being developed in partnership with UniSA that will enhance forest research, education and new product development.” Mr Paine said that over the past 18 months, the Malinauskas Government had announced major investments in the forestry industry from the completed $2.34 million rollout of Australia’s largest AI-powered fire detection camera and upgraded fire tower network that has protected our estate and the community during the most recent bushfire season, to the jointly funded, purpose-built Tree Breeding Australia Research and Development facility. “We have also seen the release of the Wood Fibre and Timber Industries Master Plan and secured nearly $30 million in combined Telstra, Federal, State, Local Government and industry funding to make the Limestone Coast the most connected regional area in the nation,” Mr Paine said. “As our industry celebrates 150 years of growing the foundational fibre that underpins our communities and economy, SAFPA will continue working alongside the State Government and community leaders to deliver critical initiatives that ensure we meet the growing demand for sustainable wood and fibre products. From framing timber for homes and pallets for supply chains, to pulp, paper, and the emerging opportunities in biofuels, biochemicals and biochar – forest industries are central to South Australia’s future prosperity.”

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Forestry Australia, in partnership with ForestWorks, has launched a mentoring program for women in the industry. CEO Jacquie Martin said the program is a transformative nine-month pilot initiative designed to empower women in the forest and forest products sectors. Source: Timberbiz “We are now calling for expressions of interest from both mentors and mentees to join this groundbreaking program, funded by ForestWorks through the Australian Government’s Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP),” Ms Martin said. “Mentoring fosters’ personal and professional growth by building trust-based relationships that support goal setting, confidence, and leadership readiness,” Ms Martin said. “For women in male-dominated industries like forestry, mentoring provides critical support to overcome systemic barriers, access career opportunities, and build a strong, inclusive community that champions growth and connection.” The program will connect 25 mentor–mentee pairs, carefully matched based on shared interests, goals, and communication styles. Participants will engage in monthly one-on-one sessions (virtual or in-person), quarterly webinars, and peer support groups, exploring key themes such as: Defining your career path Establishing goals Time management for life Confidence, self-advocacy, and self-belief Work-life integration and wellbeing Building networks and connections Strategic influence and leadership Mentors will receive training on effective, inclusive mentoring practices, while mentees are encouraged to invest approximately one hour per month for meetings, plus six hours for preparation, goal setting, and development activities. The program is designed to boost confidence, foster professional growth, and support women in navigating both career and personal commitments. “This initiative is about creating lasting change,” Ms Martin said. “Participants will connect with role models, strengthen their leadership and career pathways, and build peer networks that endure beyond the program. “We’re committed to fostering a supportive community that empowers women to thrive in the forest and forest products industries.” Following the pilot, Forestry Australia will provide ForestWorks with the program’s framework, resources, learnings, and webinars, ensuring long-term accessibility and impact for the broader industry. The program is open to women working in the forest and forest product industries who are seeking support to grow their careers, develop leadership skills, and build strong professional networks. Expressions of interest from women, men and non-binary individuals who are committed allies of women in the industry are welcomed. Mentors will be selected based on their experience, values, and willingness to support and uplift the next generation of women leaders in forestry. To apply visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TPSFDGM or contact PD@forestry.org.au before Friday 4 July.

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Federal environmental approval granted for expansion of the South 32 Worsley bauxite mine has given the green light to clearing of a further 3855 hectares of native forest around Boddington south-east of Perth. Mine clearing will predominantly impact public forest in a landscape where native vegetation is already heavily fragmented due to past agricultural clearing and mining. Source: Australian Rural & Regional News These forests are known to provide important habitat for eight threatened fauna species including woylie, numbat, chuditch, western ringtail possum and quokka, along with three species of forest-dwelling cockatoos. Other conservation dependent fauna and threatened plants occur within the area to be affected by mining. Cumulative impacts from the Worsley mine expansion are in direct conflict with the vision and goals for management of public forest land articulated in the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033. This plan is intended to prioritise forest health and biodiversity of public forests and to manage forests to maintain or enhance carbon storage and improve climate resilience. In September 2021 the Western Australian Labour government announced the end of commercial timber harvesting in native forest and has since spent $80 million of public funds on transition measures to support affected workers and communities. Mine expansion takes place against a background where the Western Australian Environment Protection Authority acknowledged that clearing of vegetation within the northern jarrah forest will accelerate over the next 20 years. Experience shows the rate of clearing for mining has increased at a rate greater than that of subsequent post-mining rehabilitation. In assessing the Worsley mine expansion, the Environment Protection Authority recommended a series of conditions be imposed including protection of private land as conservation offsets, limits to the number of cockatoo nesting trees cleared for mining, and measures to limit and offset emission of greenhouse gases from clearing, mining and ore processing. Following an appeals process the Western Australian Minister for Environment chose to relax a number of conditions placed on South 32 allowing increased clearing of public native forest and removing any conditions on greenhouse gas emissions. Federal approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is subject to conditions substantively consistent with State requirements. Given this background the commitment of the Western Australian government to managing native forests to conserve biodiversity and improve climate resilience must be questioned. Bauxite mining requires complete clearing of all vegetation and the removal of a substantial part of the deeply weathered soil profile. Important habitat elements such as large decayed ground logs and old trees containing hollows suitable for cockatoo nesting are lost completely from mined landscapes and will take much longer than a century to re-establish. These impacts far exceed any temporary loss of habitat resulting from timber harvesting. Bauxite mining is an important industry for the Western Australian economy and provides a metal increasingly in demand for the transition to renewable energy. However, the community should question how much bauxite mining is enough, and whether closure of the native forest timber industry is simply a convenient smokescreen for increased mining in the jarrah forest. Dr Lachlan McCaw AFSM is a forest scientist with more than four decades experience studying and working in the forests of south-west Western Australia.

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