Australian timber industry news

The Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) has funded over 50 demonstration projects across more than 20 Asia-Pacific economies, with total investment exceeding US$45 million. Source: China Daily Gong Yumei, director of the APFNet Coordination Centre — an affiliate of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration — revealed the figure at a press conference. The briefing was held in the lead-up to the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry, which is scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, from July 27 to 28. Under the theme “Building a Green Asia-Pacific, Sharing Ecological Well-being“, the high-level gathering will bring together regional leaders to discuss sustainable forest management and ecological governance. “In recent years, China has actively supported and participated in forestry exchange and cooperation under the APEC framework, promoting practical collaboration among member economies in key areas such as forest restoration and sustainable management, ecosystem conservation, community livelihood improvement and capacity building,” Gong said, highlighting APFNet as an example. She said these demonstration projects represent APFNet’s efforts, under the administration’s support, to explore effective models for forest restoration, focusing on the needs of developing member economies — with a focus on degraded forest rehabilitation, multifunctional forest enhancement and community livelihood improvement. One of the projects, she said, is an urban forestry demonstration initiative in the Bang Kachao area of Bangkok, Thailand, which seeks to explore effective ways to protect and restore the “urban lungs” of densely populated cities. “These projects act both as ‘test beds’ for locally tailored forest restoration and as ‘green seeds’ that spread ecological civilization concepts and technologies across the Asia-Pacific — generating ecological gains, community prosperity and sustainable development,” she emphasized. Officially launched in September 2008, APFNet is a nonprofit international organization dedicated to advancing sustainable forest management and rehabilitation in the Asia-Pacific region. The establishment of APFNet, proposed by China, was endorsed by the 15th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in September 2007 in Sydney, Australia.

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As Europe experiences another summer of extreme heat and wildfire warnings, one tree imported from Australia is coming under renewed scrutiny across the world: eucalyptus. Source: DW Each year, more than 400,000 hikers descend on Galicia for the Camino de Santiago pilgrim walk, crossing misty hills and dense green woodland. But much of the forest surrounding the route is no longer native. Instead of indigenous oak and chestnut, large parts of northwestern Spain are now dominated by eucalyptus. That transformation is not unique to Galicia. Prized by the pulp and timber industries for its rapid growth and profitability, vast monocultures of the Australian tree have been planted in places such as Brazil, Chile, California, India and South Africa. Globally, eucalyptus plantations now cover 22 million hectares across more than 90 countries, and in many regions, they have become a cornerstone of rural economies. But hiding beneath the seemingly tranquil canopies are landscapes vulnerable to extreme wildfires because scientists regard the trees as highly flammable. Europe has already been sweltering this summer, with concerns that the unusually early heat waves could intensify fire risk. Parts of the southern continent have been hit in recent days. Last year was the worst wildfire year on record, with more than 1 million hectares burned — much of it on the Iberian Peninsula. Researchers say that while eucalyptus trees aren’t to blame for igniting these infernos, they can significantly intensify fires once they start. “Eucalypt forests are clearly one of the more flammable forests that we have in the world,” Tim Curran of Lincoln University in New Zealand told DW. “If you put a eucalypt in a new environment, you’re very likely to change what we call fire regimes. So, things like fire intensity, fire frequency; how hot the fire gets and how often you get fires.” The trees’ leaves contain highly flammable oils, and strips of bark can ignite into burning embers. In extreme conditions, those embers can travel huge distances to start secondary fires, as happened during Australia’s devastating 2009 Black Saturday fires. “There was evidence that embers were blown more than 30 kilometres ahead of the fire front to start a new fire,” Curran said, adding that it was not a one-off. In Galicia, plantations can easily outgrow their original borders because while native oak and chestnut can take more than 80 years to reach maturity, eucalyptus needs just 15. As a result, they bounce back quickly when fires decimate landscapes, giving them a competitive advantage over native species. That creates a self-reinforcing cycle that ultimately allows monocultures to expand further, increasing wildfire risk. The plantations in Galicia date back to the 1970s but really took off two decades later. In 1992, the regional government released a forestry plan projecting eucalyptus would reach 250,000 hectares by 2030. It took them 30 years to update that plan, during which time eucalyptus ran rampant. “It’s now around half a million hectares, which is a massive amount of land,” local community leader Joam Evans Pim said. Though the regional government has since introduced a moratorium on new eucalyptus plantations, campaigners say enforcement remains uneven, and illegal planting persists. On the one hand, there is money in eucalyptus — the Galician plantations, which predominantly feed the pulp and timber industries, generated €167 million in 2024 alone. But there is also mismanagement. As younger generations ditch rural lifestyles for urban centres, they are leaving behind uncontrolled plantations. “[Eucalyptus growth] is happening both because of plantations, many of these plantations being illegal, but also because of land abandonment, because of forest fires, because of the invasive nature of the species. So, it’s a mix of all these that has led to this result.” Critics accuse regional authorities of failing to control expansion for too long. Luisa Piñeiro, director general of forest management for the Galician government, told DW there had been failures in the past. “Back then [in the 1990s], there probably wasn’t adequate forest management. There wasn’t as much control over the plantations or the species being planted,” she said. Nevertheless, the government does not classify eucalyptus as invasive, and Piñeiro rejects calls for blanket bans. She argues instead for improved management and greater species diversity. “Rather than banning things, we should first have a forest management plan,” she said. “We believe forests should have the species diversity they’re meant to have.” Galicia starts to reckon with eucalyptus legacy Looking over his community’s land in Froxán, about 40 kilometers west of Santiago de Compostela, Evans Pim recalls the wildfires that reshaped the surrounding hills. “This is an area that was affected by a very large fire in 2006. All the woodlands around the village burnt down, and after that it became invaded with eucalyptus,” he told DW. It was when another fire struck ten years later that the community decided to act.  They set up the De-Eucalyptus Brigades volunteer group, working to raise awareness around species like eucalyptus and remove them from community-owned land. What began as a team of 50 people has now grown to1500 operating across Galicia. “We’ve been eliminating eucalyptus and allowing native trees to take that space,” Evans Pim said. “We want to create a green fire break… and eventually we’re aiming to have a land which manages itself. Where we don’t have to intervene, and that is resilient to fires and climate change and prolonged drought.” The devastating Portugal wildfires in 2017, in which people died trying to escape, serve as a warning. “Portugal lived the experience a few years ago; people died, burnt in their cars,” he said. “We would really hope we don’t have to get there for real change in terms of applying existing laws and improving all the laws to be taken seriously.” That message is increasingly echoed by scientists, forestry groups and activists who say unmanaged land is becoming one of the biggest fire dangers, not just in Europe but around the world. Researchers say the economic benefits of eucalyptus increasingly need to be balanced against rising […]

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Greece has become the first country in the world to integrate a dedicated satellite constellation into its national firefighting system, launching four suitcase‑sized nanosatellites designed to spot new wildfires within minutes and transmit real‑time alerts to incident commanders. Source: Timberbiz The system, developed with German company OroraTech, (A CTIF Associate Member) uses thermal sensors capable of detecting hotspots as small as 4×4 metres, far surpassing conventional satellites that typically identify fires only once they reach the size of a cruise ship. The satellites scan Greece’s fire‑prone mainland and more than 100 inhabited islands, feeding imagery into AI models that instantly analyse heat signatures, filter out false alarms such as solar panels or hot factory roofs, and send verified alerts directly to fire‑service command units. When multiple fires ignite simultaneously — a growing challenge during Europe’s increasingly severe heatwaves — the system provides commanders with location, size, intensity, and predictive spread simulations to help prioritize resources. Officials say the technology is a critical response to Greece’s escalating wildfire threat. A 2018 blaze east of Athens killed more than 100 people, and in 2023 the Alexandroupolis fire became the largest wildfire ever recorded in the European Union, burning roughly 96,000 hectares. With hotter, drier summers now the norm, Greece’s satellite‑AI network is being closely watched by other European nations seeking faster, more autonomous wildfire‑detection capabilities.

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New research from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao aims to improve New Zealand’s wildfire preparedness and response. The institute has developed national-scale wildfire hazard potential data layers to help communities, businesses and wildfire managers better understand the areas that are more likely to burn under high-risk conditions, and how severe fire behaviour is likely to be. Source: Timberbiz The data was developed by simulating more than 500,000 potential ignitions and wildfire growth around New Zealand. Fire scientist Laura Kiely, who led the work, says the team modelled potential fires under set conditions – not actual fires that have happened. “We’re not saying this is the number of fires that will happen at any time. Rather, we’re considering if we have an ignition occurring, then what happens? What does that look like? Combining data from a high number of simulations allows us to consider the potential fire behaviour and the probability of it occurring,” she said. The data combines information about likely ignition drivers, fuel and weather conditions and potential fire behaviour to provide a consistent, documented baseline for planning, prevention, preparedness and risk communication. The team is designing these layers so they can be shared and reused in operational tools and scientific workflows. “This will help identify what parts of New Zealand burn repeatedly under historical locally extreme weather conditions in our simulations and what parts have high- or low-intensity fires – to give an indication of what a wildfire could look like in a particular area if a fire were to occur there,” Ms Liely said. “This can enable safer wildfire management, resilience planning, better-prepared responses and more transparent conversations about mitigation. Knowing the potential hazard that could occur allows us to better prepare for a wildfire.” Consistent hazard layers can help explain why defensible space, building design choices and protection of evacuation routes matter, supporting resilience. The team is working with councils and risk analysis companies that have already expressed interest in using this data. The data layers can be accessed here:  Wildfire Hazard Potential Data WebExperience https://gis.scionresearch.com/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=8458963e54dc42ac958f0e5f3dda2c71&page=Home&views  

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A simple idea is making a practical difference at Five Mile Wetland in New Zealand, where Kaingaroa Tipu and Abodo have teamed up to support predator control, enhance biodiversity and give timber offcuts a useful second life. Source: Timberbiz The collaboration centres on a new network of pest traps that will support predator control, building on years of community-led restoration work including planting, weed management and habitat care in one of Rotorua’s best-known public wetland sites. Kaingaroa Tipu GM Sustainability Colin Maunder said the partnership reflects the organisation’s wider commitment to caring for the forest beyond the trees it grows. “Protecting places like Five Mile takes ongoing effort, and predator control is a big part of that, especially in wetlands where threatened bird species live,” he said. “This is about long-term stewardship – supporting healthier ecosystems as well as productive forests.” What makes this project especially fitting is the role timber plays in it. Timber manufacturer Abodo has repurposed offcuts from its manufacturing process into wooden pest trap boxes for use at the wetland and Whakarewarewa Forest, creating a simple example of circular forestry in action. Sustainably grown timber harvested from the wider Kaingaroa Forest Estate is returning to help protect the landscape from which it came. Abodo Sustainability Lead Jade Harris says this practical action makes partnerships like this meaningful. “It’s a simple idea, but it shows how the right partnership can take a useful construction material into something that protects biodiversity as well,” she says. “Instead of becoming waste, these offcuts are going back into the forest to do a job.” The traps, hand-crafted by the Men’s Shed, have been installed in the forest with Kaingaroa Tipu staff among those making weekly checks to monitor and report on the various pests captured. In the first four weeks, 220 pests were caught, including rats, hedgehogs and mice. Because Five Mile is a popular public site, the use of safe, toxin-free trapping methods is an important part of the approach. Red Stag near Waipa is one of many supporters of biodiversity protection in and around Whakarewarewa Forest and Five Mile Wetland. Red Stag’s Anthony Gare also serves on the Whakarewarewa Pest Free Trust and says the collaboration is an example of what can be achieved when organisations work together. “No single organisation can do this alone – biodiversity protection works best when efforts are connected. We know that small actions that are sustained can have a big impact.”

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National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event, coordinated annually by Planet Ark. Schools Tree Day takes place on Friday 24 July and National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July.  Source: Timberbiz Since its inception in 1996, Australians have planted more than 28 million native trees. With the recent announcement of Coles as the major sponsor of National Tree Day 2026, one of Australia’s biggest retailers will now help expand that impact by supporting communities across the country to take part in local environmental action. Coles kicked off its support planting seedlings at a site near the company’s Store Support Centre in the east of Melbourne. The site, which runs along Gardiners Creek trail, was originally mostly weedy grasses. The revegetation of the trail provides an important wildlife corridor with native vegetation seamlessly incorporated into suburbs as an excellent example of biodiversity in an urban area. Seedlings planted were a mixture of natives, including local Acacias, Poas and Dianellas. Coles staff were also joined by members of the Planet Ark team, including Planet Ark CEO Adam Culley. “National Tree Day has inspired millions of Australians to take positive environmental action over the past 30 years, and we’re thrilled to welcome Coles as Major Sponsor during this landmark anniversary year,” Mr Culley said. “The practical support Coles is providing to communities around the country will help local organisers plant more seedlings, engage more volunteers and create lasting environmental benefits in their local areas.” As part of its sponsorship, Coles will equip five National Tree Day hero sites across Australia, with one site in each participating state receiving a comprehensive support package to help deliver successful community planting events. The support includes a $2,500 seedling contribution for each site, a $500 Coles voucher for refreshments, site coordinator resources and event materials, helping local organisers welcome volunteers and maximise the environmental impact of their planting activities. In addition to supporting local planting events, Coles is providing a prize for a nationwide National Tree Day giveaway hosted by Planet Ark to celebrate the efforts of volunteers. Australians who take part in National Tree Day activities will have the chance to enter by sharing a photo from their event on Instagram using the hashtag #NationalTreeDayGiveaway. Ten winners will each receive a $250 Coles gift card. You can register to volunteer at a site near you at www.nationaltreeday.org.au/find-a-site  

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The votes are in, and New Zealand has spoken. The iconic Bucket Tree in Tawa has been crowned New Zealand Tree of the Year 2026 following an outstanding level of public support throughout this year’s competition. Source: Timberbiz Organisers, the NZ Notable Trees Trust, said the result reflected not only the tree’s remarkable history and distinctive appearance, but also the tremendous enthusiasm shown by the Tawa community and supporters across the country. “The Bucket Tree captured people’s imagination from the outset,” said Trust Chair Brad Cadwallader. “Its success was driven by an extraordinary level of community engagement through local media, social media, schools, community groups and residents who proudly got behind their local tree.” The tree was planted in the 1850s on Boscobel Farm in Tawa and is named after the property’s original owner, William Earp as the ‘Earp Macrocarpa’ or ‘Bucket tree’. Since around 1879 it has been regularly trimmed into the form of an upturned bucket, creating a silhouette instantly recognisable to locals. Mr Cadwallader says the tree represents an important piece of Wellington’s heritage. More than just a competition, Tree of the Year aims to celebrate New Zealand’s remarkable trees, their histories, and the communities that care for them. “The real winners are all six finalists,” Mr Cadwallader said. “Each of these extraordinary trees has enjoyed national exposure, with thousands of New Zealanders discovering their stories, histories and significance. That’s exactly what Tree of the Year is about, connecting people with the trees that shape our landscapes, communities and heritage.” The Trust said it was delighted with the exceptional public response to this year’s competition, which generated strong engagement across traditional and social media, while attracting widespread support from local councils, community organisations, elected representatives and several mayors who enthusiastically championed their local nominees. “It has been fantastic to see communities embracing their trees with such pride. The competition has sparked conversations about the value of trees, encouraged people to learn more about their local natural heritage, and inspired many to visit these remarkable living landmarks.” The six finalists represented a diverse cross-section of New Zealand’s arboreal heritage—from ancient native giants and historic heritage trees to unusual specimens with fascinating stories spanning generations. The NZ Notable Trees Trust thanked everyone who nominated trees, voted, shared stories and helped promote this year’s competition. “Tree of the Year continues to grow each year, and that is thanks to the passion New Zealanders have for the special trees that enrich our towns, cities and countryside. We look forward to doing it all again next year.” Final Placings The Bucket Tree – Tawa The Sangro Survivor – Pukekohe Old Goff – Hobsonville   Established in 2007, the NZ Notable Trees Trust documents and celebrates New Zealand’s arboreal heritage. It maintains the NZ Tree Register, an open-access online database showcasing notable and historic trees throughout Aotearoa.

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Recent Australian bushfire seasons demonstrate that current fire regimes dominated by long fire free intervals and heavy fuel accumulation are unsustainable. Source: John O’Donnell Prescribed burning remains the only practical, landscape scale tool for reducing fuel hazards, moderating fire behaviour, protecting communities and maintaining forest resilience. Across Australia, a suppression heavy, mitigation light posture has repeatedly failed under severe conditions, whereas jurisdictions with sustained prescribed burning programs show markedly better preparedness and suppression outcomes. This review synthesises research, case studies and operational experience to demonstrate the decisive benefits of prescribed burning for bushfire preparedness, suppression, safety and cost effectiveness. The review can be downloaded here. Shifting from suppression heavy to suppression and mitigation focused A central theme is the need to move away from reliance on suppression, which collapses under extreme weather and heavy fuels. Heavy fuels in SE Australia have repeatedly driven uncontrollable fires. Fuel reduction lowers fireline intensity, rate of spread and spotting, expands tactical options, improves firefighter safety and increases initial attack success. Reduced bushfire fuel risks Prescribed burning reduces surface litter, elevated fine fuels, bark fuels, shrubs and coarse woody debris, directly lowering intensity, spread and spotting potential. Fine fuels accumulate rapidly in eucalypt forests; without regular mild burning they reach levels that support fast moving, high intensity fires. Fuel is the only determinant of fire behaviour that land managers can modify at scale and decades of research confirm that reducing fine fuels reduces intensity. Studies show that reducing biomass from 24 to 16 t/ha can halve the likelihood of large fires, and fuels younger than six years markedly mitigate intensity. Heavy, continuous fuels in NSW forests (60–100 t/ha) have driven unprecedented fire behaviour. Fuel reduction also improves access, escape options and reduces reliance on expensive aerial fleets. Enhanced bushfire preparedness Preparedness across SE Australia remains inadequate due to very low prescribed burning rates (0.6–2% annually), these levels are insufficient to manage accumulating fuels.  In contrast, SW Western Australia historically treated 6–8% of forest annually, maintaining 40% of bushland in fuels 0–5 years old and achieving strong reductions in wildfire extent. Long term WA data show that when prescribed burning declines, uncontrolled bushfire area rises exponentially. Standing dead trees and hazardous fuels along roads further undermine preparedness and firefighter safety. Improved suppression efficiency Prescribed burning provides a decisive suppression advantage by modifying the fire environment before ignition. Lower fuel loads slow fires, reduce flame height, widen suppression windows and expand viable tactics. Research shows fuel reduction increases the proportion of the perimeter where direct or parallel attack is safe, improves access and egress, increases resource productivity, reduces holding time and expands the weather window for successful initial attack. Case studies from WA (1978, 2023) demonstrate that lightning ignited fires in younger fuels spread slowly and were easily contained, whereas fires in older fuels required concentrated effort. Across states, fuel reduced areas consistently slow spread, lower intensity and provide anchor points for backburning, containment and firefighter safety. Suppression benefits across jurisdictions Western Australia’s 50 year program shows that prescribed burning reduces flame height, rate of spread, spotting and intensity, with effects lasting 8–20 years. Victorian studies show prescribed burning most effectively assists suppression within 4–10 years, after which bark and elevated fuels rebuild. Case studies from Victoria, NSW, SA, Tasmania and ACT consistently show that fuel reduced areas slow or halt fires, reduce spotting, provide safer tactical positions and prevent fires from reaching towns. Safety benefits Prescribed burning improves firefighter and community safety by reducing flame heights, moderating behaviour and creating safer access and escape routes. Fuel reduced areas beside roads lower evacuation risks and support safer backburning. Examples from Queensland, NSW and Victoria show that prescribed burning beside key roads and tracks significantly reduces firefighter danger. Long term community based programs, such as Kurrajong Heights, demonstrate the effectiveness of mosaic burning for maintaining low fuel buffers around towns. Cost benefits Case studies show prescribed burning reduces suppression costs by enabling quicker control, reducing resource needs, lowering reliance on aerial fleets and decreasing chemical suppressant use. US modelling shows suppression costs will rise steadily through 2100 due to warming climates and accumulated fuels, reinforcing the need for expanded mitigation. The Dixie Fire example illustrates that proactive fuel management would have cost a fraction of the $700 million spent on suppression. Reduced bushfire extent Long term WA data show prescribed burning explains up to 71% of variation in annual wildfire extent, with strong inverse relationships between treatment levels and wildfire area. Studies from WA, Victoria and NSW confirm that fuel reduced landscapes limit fire size, reduce severity and prevent megafires. Without expanded prescribed burning, SE Australia will continue to experience escalating bushfire disasters. Enhanced training and readiness Prescribed burning provides critical training environments for developing suppression capability, improving situational awareness, understanding fire behaviour and practising tactics such as backburning, edge management and mop up. These skill sets strengthen operational readiness and improve safety during bushfires. Conclusions Across decades of evidence, prescribed burning consistently delivers decisive benefits for bushfire preparedness, suppression, safety and cost effectiveness. Fuel reduced landscapes slow fires, lower intensity, expand tactical options and protect communities and firefighters. To avoid repeating suppression dominated failures, governments need to expand and stabilise prescribed burning programs and embed effective mitigation programs as core land management.

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ForestFit has launched a new technology platform and welcomed ArtesMobius as a Foundation Sponsor. As expectations around safety, environmental performance and supply-chain assurance continue to grow, ForestFit is helping Australia’s forest service businesses translate continual improvement into independently verified performance. Source: Timberbiz The launch of ForestFit’s new website and Forest Services Portal marks an important step in the development of Australia’s Forest Services Standard and Certification Scheme. The platform gives businesses undertaking harvesting, haulage, civil and silviculture operations clearer access to the certification pathway, practical resources and information to strengthen their management systems and demonstrate safer, more sustainable and professionally governed operations. ForestFit CEO Dionne Olsen said the Scheme is designed to evolve alongside the businesses it supports. “ForestFit is built on continuous improvement. Our role is to keep strengthening the Forest Services Standards and Certification Scheme so forest service businesses can strengthen their own systems, manage critical risks more effectively and demonstrate measurable progress over time,” she said. “The credibility of the accredited Scheme provides confidence in the integrity of the ForestFit Standards, while independent certification gives growers, workers and the broader supply chain confidence in the capability, governance and performance of certified businesses.” This commitment is closely aligned with inaugural Foundation Sponsor ArtesMobius. Their support reflects a shared understanding that resilience is built through sustained investment in equipment, workforce capability, management systems, risk controls and appropriate insurance. Chris Thomas, CEO of Artes Specialty, said insurance should be recognised as part of a broader strategy for protecting businesses and supporting long-term continuity. “Insurance is not simply a response when something goes wrong; it is an investment in protecting people, assets and operations,” he said. “Supporting the industry means more than underwriting its risks. It means recognising and encouraging the investment businesses make in modern machinery, operator training, fire suppression technology and safer ways of working. Those investments help prevent losses, strengthen resilience and support the long-term sustainability of the industry.” Tom Richards, Director of Mobius Insurance, said that we see first-hand how forest service businesses are investing in safer equipment, better technology and stronger operating practices. Supporting ForestFit is a practical way for us to recognise that progress and contribute to a more resilient industry. ForestFit will reach another significant milestone later this month when its newly established Board of Directors holds its inaugural meeting to develop the strategic plan for the Scheme’s next phase. Visit the new website at www.forestfit.com.au

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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO’s North Ryde fire testing facility by six months, saying the announcement provides valuable breathing space but does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia’s building product testing capability. Source: Timberbiz “The extension was a positive step that acknowledged industry concerns, but the underlying issue remains,” said HIA Chief Executive Industry and Policy, Simon Croft. “HIA has raised concerns with the federal government on behalf of Australian manufacturers and builders about this looming problem, so this extension provides an opportunity to further these discussions. “However, the extension simply buys time. Australia still needs a long-term plan to protect this critical national asset,” Mr Croft said. “It is about ensuring Australia retains the testing capability needed to certify safe, compliant and innovative building products. “The North Ryde facility plays a vital role in testing products used throughout residential construction, including timber windows, doors, plasterboard systems, flooring, façade assemblies and bushfire-rated building materials. “Without it, Australia risks relying on a single private provider for many forms of fire testing. This reduces competition, risking increasing costs and creating uncertainty and longer delays for manufacturers seeking certification. “At a time when governments are focused on lifting productivity and delivering more homes, we cannot afford to lose nationally significant testing infrastructure,” Mr Croft said. “This extension gives governments, CSIRO and industry a genuine opportunity to find a permanent solution. We urge all parties to use this time to secure Australia’s long-term fire testing capability. “If six months passes without a long-term commitment, we’ll simply be back having the same conversation with the same risks hanging over manufacturers, builders and home buyers. “A six-month stay is an opportunity that should not be wasted. The clock is now ticking, and industry will be looking for a positive solution,” concluded Mr Croft.  

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Latvia’s state-owned forestry company, LVM, said it is still working to restore its IT systems weeks after a ransomware attack disrupted several internal and customer services. Source: The Record The attack, first disclosed in late June, knocked the company’s mapping platform and hunting application, as well as systems used to exchange information with contractors and customers offline. Latvian authorities said the attackers had likely been inside the company’s network for more than a week before they were detected. LVM’s chief technology officer, Maris Kuzmins, told local media earlier this week that the situation has stabilized, but returning operations to normal remains “quite challenging.” About two-thirds of customers with service contracts still do not have access to the affected systems, he said. According to Kuzmins, the attackers exploited a vulnerability in a system that had not been updated for two years, but he did not identify the affected software. The company previously said it had not received a ransom demand and would refuse to pay even if one were made. Latvijas Valsts Mezi is one of the country’s most profitable state-owned companies. It manages most of Latvia’s state forests; harvests and sells timber; maintains public recreation sites; and provides geographic information and mapping services. Latvia’s national computer emergency response team, CERT.LV, attributed the intrusion to a foreign, financially motivated ransomware group that has previously targeted companies and public institutions in NATO and European Union countries. Officials have not identified the group. The attackers leaked roughly 44 gigabytes of stolen data online, although investigators believe they accessed significantly more information than they ultimately published. According to CERT.LV, the exposed files include internal documents, email correspondence, software code repositories, digital certificates, cryptographic keys and user credentials. Election infrastructure is separate The attack also prompted scrutiny because LVM helped develop new functionality for Latvia’s electronic voter registration system, which allows voters to cast ballots at any polling station. Latvian authorities said the election infrastructure was not compromised because the software was developed in a separate environment and its code was never stored in LVM’s corporate repositories. CERT.LV said it had reviewed every software delivery made for that project and found no evidence of malicious code or unauthorized access, concluding the system is safe to use in the upcoming parliamentary elections. CERT.LV said the same threat actor also compromised a server belonging to Latvian pharmaceutical company Olpha, formerly known as Olainfarm. The Olpha breach has since been contained, with no evidence so far of broader damage beyond the affected server. Authorities said the two breaches were technically unrelated despite being attributed to the same threat actor. According to CERT.LV, the group behind the incident “continues its activities in Latvian cyberspace, purposefully searching for new potential vulnerabilities in the infrastructures of public- and private-sector organizations.”

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As demand grows for lower-carbon construction, transparent supply chains and robust sustainability reporting, organisations are increasingly looking for credible ways to demonstrate responsible sourcing. Source: Timberbiz The new PEFC Project Sourcing standard provides an independent, third-party certification framework that enables organisations to demonstrate that forest and tree-based materials used within construction and infrastructure projects have been responsibly sourced and are supported by verifiable evidence. To explore the opportunities presented by the new standard, PEFC recently brought together experts from Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the UK to share practical insights and real-world examples. The webinar provided a practical introduction to the new PEFC Project Sourcing standard, explaining how it supports responsible sourcing, material traceability and sustainability reporting while showcasing certified projects from around the world. The construction sector is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, improve material traceability and meet the requirements of green building rating systems and sustainability reporting frameworks. Jonathan Tibbits, sustainability consultant and lead author of the new PEFC Project Sourcing standard, explained that the revised requirements were developed specifically to meet these evolving needs. “At its core, the move to a standalone standard was intended to make project certification clearer, more consistent and more practical.” The new standard introduces several important developments, including applicant projects, multi-project certification and greater flexibility for organisations managing multiple developments. It also uses terminology and requirements designed specifically for construction projects while aligning with leading green building rating systems around the world. Mr Tibbits explained that these changes make certification more accessible while maintaining the robust, independent assurance that organisations increasingly need to support responsible sourcing claims. Kevin Hill, Managing Director of Nautilus Innovation, demonstrated how project certification creates value throughout the construction process, drawing on examples from hospitality developments across Asia and the Middle East. As organisations seek to communicate the environmental benefits of timber construction, Mr Hill emphasised that evidence has become just as important as ambition. “People don’t believe what you tell them anymore. They want to see evidence.” He described PEFC Project Sourcing certification as providing the trusted evidence trail needed to support sustainability claims, carbon reporting and responsible sourcing communications. Mr Hill also stressed the importance of considering certification from the outset of a project. “Project certification needs to be committed before, not after, a project.” The webinar also highlighted how project certification is already supporting construction projects in different markets. Makiko Horio, Deputy Secretary General of PEFC Japan (SGEC/PEFC Japan), shared how Japan has become the world’s leading market for PEFC Project Sourcing certification, with 33 certified projects ranging from schools and public buildings to commercial developments and the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. She explained that while the motivations vary between public and private sectors, responsible sourcing is becoming increasingly important across both. “Project certification is used across both private and public sectors, with a strong focus on locally sourced certified timber.” John Kirkby, Executive Director of PEFC UK, outlined how growing use of mass timber construction and increasing availability of PEFC-certified materials are creating new opportunities for project certification. Drawing on experience from projects including the London Olympic Village, HMS Victory and Timber Square in London, John explained how feedback from developers, contractors and certification bodies helped shape the revised standard. “We’ve listened to the users and hopefully have provided some real practical solutions.” The revised standard includes new mechanisms that make certification more practical, including continuous multi-project certification and improved trademark provisions that allow project owners to continue communicating their certified status after construction has been completed.” The webinar can be view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mREs60z7y1k

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The UK Government has announced plans to launch a public consultation aimed at strengthening the country’s timber regulations. The initiative was confirmed in a statement issued by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and is expected to begin later this year. Source: Timberbiz The proposed consultation follows extensive discussions over the future of timber regulation in the UK. It also comes ahead of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is scheduled to come into force at the end of 2026. The consultation is intended to ensure that the UK maintains an effective and practical regulatory framework while supporting sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing practices. Under the proposed changes, businesses operating in Great Britain with an annual turnover exceeding £1 million and using forest commodities or wood products would be required to undertake due diligence. The purpose would be to verify that timber and forest-based products have been produced in accordance with relevant local legislation in their country of origin. The proposal represents a significant step towards strengthening existing legal requirements for timber supply chains. Greater emphasis would be placed on responsible sourcing and legal compliance throughout the procurement process. The consultation has been welcomed by Timber Development UK (TDUK), which has consistently advocated stronger measures to combat global deforestation and forest degradation while maintaining practical implementation for the timber sector. David Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of TDUK, said the organisation strongly supports the objective of modernising UK timber legislation to address global environmental challenges. According to Hopkins, aligning UK standards with evolving international regulatory frameworks, including the EUDR and recent amendments to the United States Lacey Act, would provide long-term benefits for the domestic timber industry. He explained that greater alignment with international requirements would assist UK businesses involved in global trade while also supporting the wider adoption of sustainable forest management practices across producing countries. Although TDUK supports stronger regulation, the organisation believes the UK should avoid directly replicating the European Union’s legislative framework without modification. Darren Mayes, Sustainability and Supply Chain Compliance Manager at TDUK, emphasised that the EUDR should not simply be transferred into UK legislation without considering domestic market conditions and international trading relationships. He noted that several timber-producing countries are already encountering challenges in complying with the EU regulation. According to Mayes, these implementation difficulties have created friction between producer nations and European markets. He warned that excessive regulatory complexity could discourage producing countries from continuing investment in improving forestry practices and strengthening supply chain governance. Instead, TDUK believes the UK has an opportunity to develop a balanced regulatory model that reflects international best practice while remaining practical for businesses. Mayes suggested that the UK could build on its established leadership in responsible timber sourcing by creating a framework that connects the approaches adopted by the European Union, the United States and timber-producing nations already working to strengthen their forestry legislation. The consultation is also expected to address the regulatory position of Northern Ireland. Under existing post-Brexit arrangements, the EU Deforestation Regulation will apply to businesses operating in Northern Ireland. As a result, companies importing timber products from Great Britain into Northern Ireland will need to comply with the European requirements. This creates additional compliance obligations for businesses trading across the UK internal market. The implications for supply chains are expected to be considered carefully during the consultation process. Hopkins highlighted the work already undertaken by TDUK and its members since Brexit to establish responsible sourcing systems designed specifically for the UK market. He stated that considerable effort has been invested in developing reliable and transparent supply chains that support sustainable timber procurement. Maintaining these achievements remains a priority for the organisation. Hopkins also stressed the wider environmental importance of sustainably sourced timber. He said responsibly managed wood products remain one of the most effective materials available to support climate change mitigation. However, these environmental benefits can only be fully realised through continued collaboration with international supply chain partners and forest-producing countries. TDUK has therefore encouraged the Government to ensure that the forthcoming regulatory framework remains practical, proportionate and achievable for businesses of varying sizes. The organisation also believes that the interests of international trading partners should be considered throughout the consultation process. Industry stakeholders are expected to participate actively as proposals are developed. Their experience will help inform regulations that strengthen legal compliance without creating unnecessary barriers to trade. The consultation follows more than two years of industry discussions, technical workshops and ongoing developments surrounding implementation of the EUDR. For many businesses across the UK timber sector, the Government’s announcement provides greater regulatory certainty and demonstrates continued commitment to strengthening responsible sourcing policies. The planned consultation is also viewed as an opportunity to ensure that the UK keeps pace with evolving international timber regulations while maintaining competitive and sustainable supply chains. As global expectations surrounding legal timber sourcing continue to increase, the forthcoming consultation is expected to play an important role in shaping the future direction of the UK timber industry and reinforcing confidence in sustainable forest product markets.

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After more than 63 years of family ownership, one of Australia’s respected timber businesses is preparing to begin a new chapter. Source: NTHA The Tilling family announced the sale of the Tilling Group to Claymark Australia, with the acquisition to be completed on 31 July 2026. While ownership is changing, the family views the transition as a way of continuing the legacy established by founders Norm and Judy Tilling and supporting the future of the business. For Tilling SmartFrame Managing Director Glenn Tilling, the announcement marks a significant milestone in a journey that began more than six decades ago. “Since its beginnings in 1963, the Tilling Group has had many significant landmark events, and today’s announcement is one of them,” Mr Tilling said. The story began in November 1963, when Norm and Judy Tilling opened a small timber factory in Eltham. From those early days, the business built its reputation on serving local builders and merchants with timber products defined by reliability, quality workmanship and a personal approach to service. What started as a modest operation was grounded in long hours, determination and a deep commitment to doing the work well. As the decades unfolded, that small Eltham factory began to grow beyond its original footprint. During the 1970s and 1980s, the business expanded its timber import operations and developed an international supply chain, strengthening Tilling Timber Imports and building capability that reached far beyond its local beginnings. In 1990, a new chapter of growth opened with the establishment of the Newcastle (Carrington Wharf) bulk receiving yard, significantly enhancing import and distribution capacity and extending the business’s national reach. Innovation continued through the 1990s. In 1994, the business was appointed exclusive Australian distributor of Willamette Valley Lumber Company’s LVL and I-joist products, bringing engineered timber solutions into the Australian market. In 1995, the SmartFrame engineered wood brand was launched, further shaping the direction of the business for years to come. As demand for engineered timber solutions grew, manufacturing operations were relocated to Kilsyth to support increasing value-added production and evolving industry needs. Through each stage of expansion, the business continued to evolve while holding closely to the values established at its beginning. Those values were formally recognised in 2021, when Norm and Judy Tilling were named industry icons by NTHA. In 2023, the business marked 60 years in operation, and leadership transitioned to Managing Director Glenn Tilling, continuing the family stewardship into its next generation. Today, Tilling stands as a manufacturer and wholesaler of engineered wood products. Its SmartFrame, FrameSmart, Architectural Products and SmartFrame Design Centre divisions support builders, designers and timber merchants across Australia with engineered timber solutions, technical expertise and support. Despite decades of growth and change, Mr Tilling said the relationships built along the way remain at the heart of the business. “The relationships we have built with our trading partners, particularly our customers, have been central to Tilling’s success and have shaped the Tilling Group into what it is today. The Tilling family and I sincerely thank you for your support and the journey we have shared over the years.” Tilling SmartFrame will continue operating under the Tilling name, retaining its existing staff and service standards following the change in ownership. “There will be no change to the service and relationships you have come to expect from us. We are confident this next chapter, under new ownership, will create further opportunities for your business,” Mr Tilling said.

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Natasa Sikman is among three new speakers confirmed for the 2026 Forestry Australia Symposium, bringing the view from inside federal policy to a program now set. The three-day event runs at the Rex Hotel in Canberra from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 October. Source: Timberbiz Early bird registration is open until Sunday 12 July, after which standard rates apply. Ms Sikman has spent two decades in Federal Parliament, including a stretch as chief of staff to former Labor agriculture minister Joel Fitzgibbon, before moving into forest products advocacy. At the Australian Forest Products Association, she led policy and served as acting chief executive, and she now advises on federal government affairs at Chevron. It is a career built largely at the meeting point of forestry, policy and politics, which is much of what this year’s Symposium sets out to examine. Steve Whiteley and Sarah Norris have also been confirmed as speakers at the event. Mr Whiteley offers four decades of Tasmanian forest management, as independent chair of the State Fire Commission and, until his retirement in 2025, through 12 years as chief executive of Sustainable Timber Tasmania, the state’s public production forest manager. Ms Norris, is head of social impact and community at Snowy Hydro, and brings more than 15 years on major infrastructure, energy and government projects and a focus on the community side of large, complex builds. They join a bill confirmed over recent months: Janina Gawler of RST Solutions, previously an executive at Rio Tinto; Alexandra Gartmann of the Australian Farm Institute; and Luke Martin, former chief executive of Salmon Tasmania. Keynote addresses will come from journalist and author Stan Grant and Dr Simon Longstaff AO, executive director of The Ethics Centre. This year’s theme, The forestry story: Strategies for improved awareness, social licence and effective engagement, frames a program that builds on Forestry Australia’s 2025 Conference which was in Adelaide and its 2024 Symposium in Ballarat. It gathers the forest science and management community to work through how forestry explains itself to the audiences that will shape its future, from local communities and Traditional Owners to policymakers, the media and the public. The 2026 Symposium runs at the Rex Hotel, Canberra, from Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 October, across two days of plenary and concurrent sessions followed by a day of field trips. Early bird registration closes on Sunday 12 July, at $765 for members, $1,095 for non-members and $95 for full-time student members, inclusive of GST. Full registration covers all sessions, day catering, the Welcome Reception on 7 October, the Symposium Dinner on 8 October and one field trip on 9 October. Registration and the full program are available on the conference website, and invoices can be arranged through conference@forestry.org.au

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A Bay of Plenty rūnanga boss is optimistic locals will benefit from an industrial bio-energy hub proposed in one of New Zealand’s largest plantation forestry estates. Source: RNZ Investors and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa are exploring the possibility of building a new bio-refinery hub around Kaingaroa Forest Estate, between Rotorua and Taupō. The concept was driven by NZ Bio Forestry – a New Zealand company launched in 2018, with shareholders in Singapore and Taiwan – on a mission to utilise plantation forestry in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. It wanted to turn forestry biomass into biofuels, bio-chemicals and residues from a New Zealand-based bio-refinery. The company, backed by the forest’s major shareholding iwi, agreed to carry out a feasibility study for a forestry-based processing centre around Kaingaroa and Murupara Villages. The forest spanning about 200,000 hectares was returned to tangata whenua in 2009, marking one of the largest Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi settlements. It is now owned by a central North Island iwi collective and leased out to commercial entities like major employer Kaingaroa Tipu, formerly Timberlands, with its logging operation. With Ngāti Manawa representing about 5000 mana whenua, chair Kani Edwards said, while the project was still in its early stages, he hoped it would create jobs for locals. “There are a lot of boxes that need to be ticked in order to get this off the ground, but if we get this right, it would be incredible,” he said. “For too many years, both Kaingaroa and Murupara have been in economic decline, and we think this is the opportunity that can change that.” The largely Māori area was once a bustling centre for forestry workers during the logging booms of recent decades, after it was first planted about a century ago. Since then, many private forestry companies have come and left the area or headed to nearby Rotorua and Taupō instead. Edwards said, over the years, many workers and their whānau exited the villages hunting work, so the community now faced acute socio-economic challenges it was trying to address. “Murupara and Kaingaroa, we have some of the highest social and economic issues probably in the Bay of Plenty,” he said. “We have one of the highest unemployment rates, we have some of the highest social and health problems as well. “First and foremost, if we can get our people into full-time employment and get stable incomes coming in, then that sets the tone for everything else and the families can start getting better quality of life.” Among other things, Edwards hoped that a sawmill would be introduced in the hub. NZ Bio Forestry chief executive and owner Wayne Mulligan said it wanted to utilise the abundant and durable forestry resource, while boosting regional development. “It’s about helping the foresters – they’re in a bit of a slump to be honest – and to help them see that what they’re growing can be put to more uses than export logs. “We look to Manawa – to Murupara and Kaingaroa Village – as the place where New Zealand’s next industrial transformation can begin.” Over the next six months, it will investigate opportunities in advanced wood processing, renewable energy, green chemistry, land assessments and other high‑value bio‑based industries in the area. Any future development would be subject to due diligence, commercial viability, governance approvals, regulatory processes and community engagement. If successful, construction would begin this year or early next. The company wanted to replicate what it called a scalable model for an industrial forestry-based hub at other sites across Aotearoa. The rūnanga held community meetings regarding the project last week.

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Timber Queensland has joined The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is as its newest peak body member. QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said QFF welcomed the opportunity to work alongside a critical industry which is deeply embedded in regional communities, and which contributes significantly to the Queensland economy. Source: Timberbiz Timber Queensland is the peak forest and timber industry body in Queensland with a unique and diverse membership base consisting of businesses from growers, harvesters, sawmillers, treaters and merchants through to timber users including manufacturers, architects and builders. “As an industry with a well-established local manufacturing base, timber contributes almost $4 billion to the state economy and supports around 23,000 jobs, 70 percent of which are regionally based,” Ms Sheppard said. “We also know that the forest and timber industry faces many of the same challenges as the broader agricultural sector, including biosecurity, secure access to productive land, awareness and attraction for a workforce with diverse skilling requirements, and managing rising input costs, including fuel. “There are also significant opportunities for this industry – growing demand both domestically and globally for timber as a construction material, carbon markets, bioenergy and other opportunities to add value to waste streams, and the State Government’s 25-year Queensland Future Timber Plan. “It will be fantastic to have Timber Queensland at the table as part of the QFF peak body membership and QFF looks forward to working alongside Timber Queensland to proactively navigate these challenges and opportunities to position the industry and its supply chain for a profitable, productive and sustainable future. “QFF is a great vehicle that enables agricultural peak bodies to come together and work collaboratively on policy and cutting-edge projects. It is so important – we cannot do it alone and we are stronger together.” Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said it is important to acknowledge that forestry and wood products are an integral part of the food and fibre supply chain, making it logical to work collaboratively with other peak agricultural industry bodies through QFF. “Many of the issues and opportunities for the timber industry are the same as for broader agriculture, such as workforce development and training, regulation, market access and resource security,” Mr Stephens said. “In particular, we are excited by the opportunities for better integration of forest assets and wood production trees with farming as additional sources of income through timber, carbon and related natural capital markets. “The Queensland Government has also set an ambitious goal of revitalising and growing the timber industry as part of the Queensland Future Timber Plan, including through plantation expansion and related agroforestry activities. “Forestry and downstream processing can provide a broad range of on-farm benefits such as shade and shelter for livestock, improved soil and water quality and business resilience as well as much needed timber to build our growing demand for homes and public infrastructure. “We look forward to working with the QFF and other member bodies to promote a strong and prosperous future, through well-targeted policy advocacy and industry development in Queensland”. Timber Queensland joins QFF’s membership which consists of 20 state and national peak agricultural industry organisations who collectively represent more than 13,000 primary producers across Queensland.

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AFPA has welcomed the sale of the Rushy Lagoon property in north-east Tasmania to expand Australia’s sovereign capability in sustainable timber production. Source: Timberbiz The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) has approved UK-based investment company Gresham House to purchase the large property near Launceston and allow forestry development along with other agricultural production. “We welcome this important strategic investment to help support and grow Australia’s sovereign capability for sustainable timber production and supply,” AFPA acting deputy Chief Executive Dominic Lane said. “During the building boom in COVID, we couldn’t rely on imports to meet our housing needs in Australia, so new opportunities to strengthen our sovereign capability and investment are critical. “We also know various forms of agriculture can co-exist in Australia to provide long-term and sustainable benefits to regional communities, local jobs, the national economy and wider population.” In recent years, there has been a significant reduction in forestry plantations, with Australia’s national plantation estate falling by 264,000 hectares from 1.973 million hectares in 2014-15 to 1.709 million hectares in 2024-25. Fortunately, a bipartisan national commitment for federal plantation grants in 2022 has helped to reverse this decline, and enabled estates to grow. “We sincerely thank Federal Agriculture and Forestry Minister the Hon Julie Collins for administering these important grants; however we are still more than 260,000 hectares below the 2014-15 plantation levels, which remains a concern,” Mr Lane said. “It was fantastic to see both major parties recognising the importance of growing the total area of production forestry with bipartisan support for this grant program at the 2022 election. “The choice between wood or steel by a homebuilder also makes a big difference between starting with a healthy carbon credit or a deficit. A typical timber house frame absorbs 9.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”

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The CEFC, Aviva Investors and Gresham House have launched a groundbreaking $142 million project to invest in sustainable forestry plantations in Tasmania, creating local jobs and injecting significant capital into the regional economy while generating high integrity Australian Carbon Credits Units (ACCUs) and protecting an important Ramsar wetland. Source: Timberbiz The new Tasmania Natural Asset Trust (TNAT) platform is an afforestation and natural capital platform to be managed by Gresham House Asset Management (GHAM). It has investments from the CEFC, Aviva Investors and Gresham House Limited. The cornerstone asset for the platform is a vast 21,745ha property in northern Tasmania Rushy Lagoon. This critical investment converts degraded farmland into a production model that will boost the Australia’s forestry industry, create local jobs, support sustainable timber production, introduce sustainable grazing and protect the unique environment. The pioneering project will combine commercial softwood plantations on low productive land with large-scale conservation and ecological restoration and sustainable grazing. This is expected to provide a major boost to Tasmania’s forestry industry. The Radiata Pine trees produced by the project are expected to be processed locally by Tasmanian-based sawmills and supplied into the Australian market. This will alleviate some of Tasmania’s wood supply pressures and help divert harvesting away from native forests. It is expected to stimulate the local economy, creating jobs for contractors, sawmill operators, field surveyors and planting crews. In addition, sustainable agricultural activities will continue in designated areas across the property. “This critical investment converts degraded farmland into a production model that will boost the Australia’s forestry industry, create local jobs, support sustainable timber production, introduce sustainable grazing and protect the unique environment,” CEFC Head of Natural Capital, Heechung Sung said. “It is a demonstration of the power of institutional capital to drive economic development for regional communities while also supporting decarbonisation and positive environmental outcomes.” Direct benefits are expected to include: More than 190 new jobs over the life of the project. Production of approximately five million tonnes of timber and 3.2 million ACCUs. Timber will be grown under Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and be processed by Tasmanian sawmills to help offset a critical shortage of construction timber in the Australian housing market.   “This initiative represents a long-term equity investment in nature and Australian forestry that will provide significant local employment and contractor opportunities. By utilising high-integrity Plantation Forestry and Environmental Plantings Australian Carbon Credit Unit methods, the economics support the establishment of this new large scale investment opportunity, generating commercial returns,” Ms Sung said. Greta Talbot-Jones, Director of Natural Capital at Aviva Investors and co-Portfolio Manager of the Carbon Removal Fund, said that it is an important project in Tasmania with the potential to create real economic benefits for the region and repair a degraded area of land through considered and sensitive afforestation. “We think it will be a great example of how our investment activity can deliver long-term investment outcomes, whilst having a positive and real-world benefit on the surrounding habitat and within local communities. “Working with the CEFC and Gresham House, alongside local land and development partners in Tasmania, gives us clear, direct reporting lines which are vitally important in helping to deliver on our financial and sustainability ambitions to create positive change and long-term value.” Dorian van Raalte, Associate Director, Forestry and Natural Capital at Gresham House said that TNAT is a new model for sustainable land management in Tasmania. “By combining climate-positive forestry with restoration of high-value habitats, we aim to deliver durable natural capital outcomes while supporting regional jobs and skills. Our management approach prioritises safeguards, certification and transparent monitoring, including the protection of the Lower Ringarooma Ramsar site.” Rushy Lagoon includes ecologically significant wetlands and threatened species, with part of the purchase area intersecting the internationally recognised Floodplain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar Site. Alongside restoration of the wetlands and conservation areas, the project design will include protective buffers and hydrology safeguards to help maintain the ecological character of the Ramsar site.

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With the depths of winter upon us, we are starting to see softening oil prices and reduced export related costs giving a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope that light is not a train. Traditionally, the third quarter of the year sees the bottom of the log market and the emergence of some green shoots in terms of demand and price. This year appears to be a trend follower, albeit we haven’t seen the severe price reductions in late Q2 that we have in previous years. Interestingly, the bottom of the cycle has been less severe year-on-year for the past 4 years, with the bottom of the 2026 cycle only 5% below the 12-month average. This is compared to 8% in 2025, 10% in 2024 and 25% in 2023. We need to view these numbers with caution however, as 2026 is only just past halfway and there’s plenty of potential speedbumps ahead which, as we know from recent events, can come out of nowhere. If we look back at the export log price history over the past 7 years it is obvious that export pricing has become increasingly more stable over time, with the previous 9 months being the most stable in memory. This doesn’t mean that stability has led to increased forest owner returns, it just means that returns are more predictable, not more palatable. June saw a reduction in spot prices of around $8/JAS (based on SNI prices), which was a result of the Trump effect. Increased war-related freight costs and foreign exchange stung the cost side. while poorer buyer sentiment saw CFR sales prices take a dip. July At Wharf gate (AWG) prices have bounced back somewhat from the June reduction into the early $120’s/JAS (A grade shorts) as all of the aforementioned factors have reversed. It is expected that August will be higher again and more reminiscent of the previous 9 months. Freight is expected to reduce later in the month from the mid $US40s to somewhere in the high $US30s, foreign exchange has taken a bath to a 7-month low in the mid $US0.56 range and the CFR price is expected to gain a couple of $US. The $US:NZ will likely be affected by the Reserve Bank’s posturing in July as they contemplate a rate hike, although the expectation of this is lower now due the economic damage from the Iran debacle. Much of our ability to lever prices higher will be a direct result of total New Zealand supply. Large-scale wind events in the upper South Island and lower North Island continue to put significant volumes of log into the market. Also, although the lower North Island salvage is now mostly complete, the Nelson/Tasman cleanup still has a way to go. This volume is not price sensitive so will continue to hit the wharves regardless of the market. What this does mean in the medium to longer term is that we now have significant holes in the longer-term supply equation. This has played out in the CNI following Cyclone Gabrielle, with a significant reduction in harvest levels around Taupo as those forests now recover from a massive windthrow salvage program. The ability for this harvest capacity to move elsewhere is limited as there simply aren’t the large-scale opportunities anywhere else in the country (with the exception of Gisborne but that’s another story). The likely scenario is that New Zealand supply will decrease incrementally over the next few years as these large tracts of forest recover from the wind-related decimation of their age classes. Wind damage is now becoming an expected rather than a random event and many forest managers now have sold battle plans for when, not if, this happens in their estates. Current China inventory sits around the 2.5 million mark, which is down very slightly on June, and daily consumption is in the early to mid-50,000 m3 range, which is expected for this time of year as the market starts to pull out of the rainy season. Daily consumption is expected to increase toward the back end of August as the China construction season ramps up pushing consumption through 60,000 m3/day. This is likely the point that we will see the squeeze on supply and better opportunities for price increases, provided Trump doesn’t have another military brainwave. India continues to tick over with around 12 vessels planned for July from NZ, Australia, Uruguay and the USA. Monsoon rains have slowed construction and also affected the movement of freight which will likely have a flow-on effect to log demand. T he Indian Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) has dropped to 54.2 for June, down from 55 in May and the second weakest since mid-2022. While still in positive territory (above 50) it does reflect the reduced demand from European markets. There appears to be plenty of excitement from Indian buyers around the pending FTA, however, it is very unlikely that NZ will see the full value of the tariff reduction. It will, however, create additional demand which will pull supply away from China likely creating more total demand pressure for NZ radiata. Domestic mills in the SNI have been hand-to-mouth with log supply as weather and poor production start to bite. Sawmills in the South Island have seen increased demand for lumber as the effect of the Eves Valley mill closure in Nelson becomes evident. Latest data from Stats NZ shows a 19% increase of issued residential building consents to the end of May 2026 compared to the previous 12-month period. This is the end of three successive years of decline but is however, still 25% below the 2021–2022 period. Commercial consents still show declines with a 19% reduction over the same period, but farm buildings bucked the commercial trend with an increase of 34%, which is not surprising considering the current sheep, beef and dairy prices. The planting season is off to a slow start with drier conditions around the country. Total planting numbers will be significantly down […]

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