Australian timber industry news

The Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) has warmly welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of a new $12 million Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund, describing it as a strong commitment to the future of Victoria’s forestry, plantation and wood fibre industries. Source: Timberbiz The new fund will support innovation, advanced manufacturing and future investment across the sector. VFPA Chief Executive Officer Andrew White said the new fund represented an important step towards growing and strengthening Victoria’s wood fibre industries, but further investment was also needed to make the significant transformational changes needed over the next decade. “This is a positive investment in Victoria’s wood fibre manufacturing sector and a strong signal that our industry has a critical role in delivering housing and wood fibre products that Victorians need,” Mr White said. “The Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund recognises the critical role Victoria’s plantation forestry and wood fibre manufacturing industries play in regional economic development, housing, advanced manufacturing and the transition to a lower-carbon economy. “Importantly, this fund moves beyond supporting industry transition and focuses on supporting transformation, innovation and growth within the sector, through equipment upgrades, process improvements and new innovations.” The TFIF expands on previous government funded programs by opening eligibility to businesses and organisations involved with both softwood and hardwood manufacturing across Victoria. The fund will provide grants during the second half of 2026, ranging up to $1 million per grant, and support projects that improve productivity, develop new products, commercialise innovative ideas and strengthen domestic manufacturing capability. “Victoria is home to Australia’s largest plantation estate and a diverse range of timber processors, but we need to bring down costs and support these businesses to be successful given the current tough market conditions facing the industry,” Mr White said. “Investment in innovation helps ensure more of that value is created here in Victoria, supporting regional jobs, sovereign manufacturing capability and stronger domestic timber supply chains. “Creating new markets and new manufacturing opportunities for innovative product types, at the same time as supporting our existing manufacturing base is critical,” he said. While welcoming the announcement, VFPA said the fund should form part of a broader long-term vision for Victoria’s wood fibre sector. “The Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund is an important first investment that aligns strongly with our call for a new Victorian Government-led 10-Year Wood Fibre ‘Action Plan’ and Strategy,” Mr White said. “Victoria has the resource base, the manufacturing capability and the expertise to become a national leader in sustainable wood fibre production and advanced timber manufacturing. “With the right long-term policy settings, there is a huge opportunity to grow regional jobs and increase plantation investment to ensure we can meet Victoria’s future housing, packaging and construction needs.”

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When construction and trades professionals are asked which single trade the skills shortage will hit hardest, they don’t name electricians or plumbers first. They name the carpenters and woodworkers, and the consequence they point to most isn’t a blown budget or a slipped schedule. It’s a decline in the quality of the work itself. Source: Woodworking Network Eagle Woodworking surveyed 500 US construction and trades professionals, a mix of contractors, tradespeople, project managers, and builders, to understand where the skilled-labour shortage is landing hardest and what it’s doing to the work. The results describe a shortage that has moved well past a hiring inconvenience. Respondents report turning down jobs they can’t staff, paying more and waiting longer for the work that does get done, and watching the most experienced hands in the trade age out faster than anyone is replacing them. One finding cuts through the rest. The shortage isn’t mainly a story about too few workers. It’s a story about too few skilled ones, and in a trade built on craft, that’s where the real damage shows up. When respondents could flag every trade, they expect the shortage to affect, carpenters and woodworkers led at 47%, ahead of electricians at 41% and plumbers at 37%. Forced down to a single choice, they picked woodworking again at just under 20%, with cabinet makers and millworkers, the same craft under a different name, adding another 4% on top. Among contractors, ~19% named carpenters and woodworkers as hardest hit; among tradespeople, 20%; among project and site managers, ~25%. The people running the jobs and the people doing them agreed. The trade that produces the surfaces a client actually sees and touches is the one the industry expects to lose the most ground. The scale of the broader squeeze backs them up. Construction needs to attract an estimated 349,000 net new workers in 2026 just to keep labour supply and demand in balance, a figure that climbs to roughly 456,000 in 2027 (Associated Builders and Contractors, Jan. 2026). Most coverage treats the labour shortage as a story about delays and budgets. Our respondents told a different one. When they had to name the single biggest impact of the shortage, quality of workmanship ran away with it at 39.4%, close to double the share that named project timelines and more than double the share worried about cost. The hardest workers to find aren’t the entry-level ones. They’re the master-level tradespeople at the top of the ladder, named by 41.6% of respondents as the scarcest group, ahead of both mid-level and apprentice-level workers. When the people in shortest supply are the most experienced, the knowledge that separates good work from merely acceptable work is the first thing to leave with them. The hardest workers to find aren’t the entry-level ones. They’re the master-level tradespeople at the top of the ladder, named by 41.6% of respondents as the scarcest group, ahead of both mid-level and apprentice-level workers. When the people in shortest supply are the most experienced, the knowledge that separates good work from merely acceptable work is the first thing to leave with them. Ask what’s causing the shortage and the answers point to demographics more than dollars. Fewer young people entering the trades was the most-cited cause at 59%, followed by an aging, retiring workforce at 45.6%. Low starting wages came in well down the list. The picture respondents paint is a generational one: the trade is losing its veterans faster than it’s bringing in replacements. Then comes the contradiction. Asked for the single most effective fix, the same respondents reached for pay first. Raising starting salaries topped the list at 29%, ahead of earlier exposure in schools, more apprenticeships, or better trade-school training. They don’t mainly blame low pay for the problem but pay is the lever they grab to solve it, and a money fix for a demographic problem may not pull as hard as they hope. The aging-out worry isn’t just sentiment. Most of the new-worker demand projected for 2026 traces to retirement rather than fresh construction activity (Associated Builders and Contractors, Jan. 2026). And the anxiety climbs right alongside experience. Among the youngest respondents (18-34), 39.2% think the shortage is getting worse; that share rises through every age band to 60.7% of those 55 and older. The workers closest to retirement, the master-level talent already in shortest supply, are the most worried about who’s coming up behind them.

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Researchers at McGill University, Canada, have confirmed that aspen play a key role in forest fire prevention and mitigation across Canada. Planting these trees near communities can reduce both the likelihood and severity of fires and limit how far they spread, the researchers said. Source: Timberbiz “Aspen is not a 100% effective fire deterrent, but compared with other species, it is a better choice to plant around communities or critical infrastructure,” said Flavie Pelletier, lead author and recent PhD graduate in Natural Resource Sciences. While individual aspen trees burn easily due to traits like thin bark, large aspen stands have the opposite effect, with bigger patches linked to lower fire severity. This study, which found that aspen trees are much more common at fire perimeters than within burned areas, was the first to demonstrate the pattern on a national scale. The team had expected aspen stands to burn more severely in spring, when trees are drier due to the lack of leaves. However, researchers did not observe any significant link between the season and fire severity or the proportion of aspen along the perimeters, Pelletier said. “This is the strongest indicator that aspen serves as a fire barrier,” she said. “The bigger the aspen patch, the lower in severity the fire tends to be. Even with higher fire weather, as during the historic 2023 fire season, aspen’s ability to slow fire progression appears stable.” “Fire weather” refers to the conditions that cause wildfires to start, spread or change behaviour. Pelletier said that the team used previously unavailable remote-sensing data to do a large-scale analysis of how fires and aspen interact. The researchers developed an algorithmic tool that creates near-real-time maps of forest stand disturbances, such as wildfires, using remote-sensing data from NASA’s Landsat and the European Space Agency Sentinel-2. These fire maps can be cross-referenced with other datasets, like the newly available maps of dominant tree species from the Canadian Forest Service, to inform new analysis, such as the one on aspen. Pelletier said the Canadian Forest Service may adopt the tool as a second data stream to complement its coarse daily fire maps, enabling faster and more precise information on wildfires. Because some forestry companies remove aspen to promote commercially valuable conifers, the findings could also influence forest management practices. “There is value in retaining aspen for biodiversity, but also because mixed stands that include aspen may be less likely to be entirely lost in a fire,” Pelletier said. About this study “Populus tremuloides as a natural fire barrier in Canada’s boreal forest under a changing climate,” by Flavie Pelletier (McGill), Jeffrey A. Cardille (McGill) and Joanne White (Canadian Forest Service), was published in Forest Ecology and Management. The study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada.

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Greater use of sustainably sourced wood could help reposition the construction sector from a major greenhouse gas emitter to a driver of climate change mitigation, according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Bauhaus Earth. Source: Timberbiz The findings come at a time when the built environment accounts for 37% of global energy and process-related emissions. With the global urban population set to double by 2050, a substantial part of the world’s future housing still needs to be built, mostly in Asia and Africa. Launched during London Climate Action Week 2026, Wood products in the bioeconomy: scenario-based assessment of the potential for engineered wood products in climate change mitigation examines the potential use of wood in construction to reshape demand across the forest sector. In particular, engineered wood products – created by bonding together layers, fibres or pieces of wood to create strong building materials – are gaining momentum in construction, offering reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional materials such as steel and concrete. The report underscores that unlocking the climate benefits of wood in the construction sector will depend on strategies to ensure that rising demand supports climate goals without putting additional pressure on forests. “Using engineered wood products in construction can significantly support climate mitigation but success will depend on coordinated policies that address regional imbalances, climate risks and governance,” said Zhimin Wu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Forestry Division. The report finds that an increase in urban adoption of engineered wood products in construction beyond current trends could increase the annual demand by 50 million m3 globally per year and potentially by as much as 250 million m3, depending on the rate of adoption. This potential increase could deliver significant climate benefits. The study suggests that with a boost in urban adoption to 20 percent of new residential buildings built with engineered wood products, global emissions could be reduced by 236 MtCO2-eq per year for the period 2025 to 2070, compared with business-as-usual scenarios. About two thirds of this would be delivered from the storage of carbon in engineered wood products, with the remaining benefit resulting from the substitution of wood for more carbon-intensive materials. The study also highlights the scale of regional impacts. Under the same 20% boost scenario, Asia would require an additional 40 million m3 coniferous sawnwood, almost a 30 percent increase from current production levels, while Africa would require nearly 20 million m3, representing an increase of 165%. Furthermore, the study assesses possible impacts of climate change on forest productivity and competitiveness, as they are also expected to affect future supply. The study identified the potential for North America to shift from being a net exporter to a net importer of industrial roundwood, while Europe could become a stronger exporter. The report stresses that realizing the climate benefits of engineered wood products will depend on how forests are managed and how wood resources are used. Currently, approximately half of global industrial roundwood is supplied by naturally regenerating forests, with planted forests accounting for the rest, the study explains. Planted forests will need to play an increasingly important role in meeting rising demand, but the extent to which they can meet future demand depends on factors such as national policies, sustainable forest management practices and competition for land. At the same time, around half of all wood removals globally is still used as low-cost fuel, and a gradual shift away from traditional woodfuel use could increase the availability of roundwood for engineered wood products, the report notes. To maximize the benefits of engineered wood product use as part of a transition to a global bioeconomy, the report recommends early adoption of a series of strategies. These include embedding wood-based solutions in construction, energy and industrial value chains, using and recycling wood products efficiently, and managing trade flows between regions with internationally coordinated governance. At the same time, the report highlights the importance of sustainability standards and strong governance frameworks to ensure forest conservation and restoration and protecting naturally regenerating forests. The report concludes that coordinated action is needed to guide the transition to a forest-based bioeconomy and to ensure that growing demand for wood products supports both climate and sustainability goals. The report was prepared in the context of the Global Forest Resources Assessment with the assistance of the European Union.

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After a period of some 50 years, former TPNG foresters met in South East Queensland in July. Dick McCarthy, editor of the PNGAF magazine series – Australian foresters in Papua and New Guinea from 1922 to 1975, travelled to Queensland to acknowledge the efforts by many of the TPNG foresters who provided invaluable assistance over the last decade in documenting those forest scientists’ efforts. Source: Timberbiz The PNGAF project, in serialised magazine format posted on the site www.issuu.com/rbmccarthy covers the history of Australian foresters in PNG from 1922 up till 1975. It attempts to explain the strange coming together of methods, opportunities, and motives of early Australian foresters to enact lasting social changes within the PNG Forest Sector. At the same time, it provides an insight into the introduction of sustainable forest management practices and tree growing into the privately owned forest lands of PNG. Many people and organisations have contributed and continue to contribute to this social forest history project especially because its format is non-commercial and for educational purposes. The main gathering was held at the beautiful Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – Mountain View Restaurant Maleny on Monday 13th July 2026.  It was a fitting venue for a group whose professional lives had revolved around scientific forest management of PNG’s forests. The reunion was made possible through the efforts of Des and June Harries assisted by Dr Barry Gray. Their hospitality and organisation were greatly appreciated. For some it had been over fifty years since they last met. Although the years have passed quickly, conversation certainly hadn’t. Within minutes the group was recalling their days in the PNG Forest Service, the people they worked alongside, the challenges faced and the friendships that developed while working in one of the world’s most remarkable and relatively unexplored forest environments. During the visit they presented Dick McCarthy with a copy of The Magic of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, accompanied by a thoughtful inscription acknowledging his work in recording the history of forestry in Papua New Guinea. It was an unexpected and much-valued gesture that he will forever honour. By 1975, Australian foresters had undertaken initiatives for the development of detailed flora mapped inventories of the various forest systems of PNG; community based forest management interventions including a forest concession system catering for all parties, ie landowners, government agencies and developers; industrial wood processes for the conversion and treatment of PNG woods coupled with development of a structured wood processing and construction industry.; silvicultural techniques and establishment of PNG species in plantation format; forestry technical and tertiary training institutions and the involvement of the Papua New Guinea people in their forests economic development. This ongoing PNGAF social history project would not be possible without the ongoing support and input of PNG historians and especially senior Queensland Forest Scientists. The implications for Australia and PNG of political, economic and security development in terms of PNG forestry is that there is a long standing and significant wood trade between Australia and PNG especially Queensland, encompassed within a sphere of similar forest types, similar plantation species and forest products bound by many existing long-term areas of mutual co-operation (e.g., forestry training) within the respective government and private sectors. During the period up to 1975, there was a need for PNG as an emerging nation to develop its forest sector to assist in creating its own economy utilising its resources (including wood fibre) but at the same time ensuring peoples’ interests were protected. This PNGAF project is to ensure that this forestry knowledge and the lessons of the past help current and future forest sector personnel to develop their own perspective re developing PNG’s forest sector.

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A million native trees have been planted in Greater Wellington regional parks, a milestone in efforts to reforest former grazing land through the council’s Recloaking Papatūānuku planting program. Source: Timberbiz The millionth tree was planted in Queen Elizabeth Park, celebrating the ongoing work of mana whenua, community groups, and volunteers at planting days facilitated by Greater Wellington. Council Chair Daran Ponter says the programme is about working with the community to restore ecosystems that sustain wildlife and forests that protect the climate. “A million native trees is a special milestone for our region, and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for te taiao,” says Cr Ponter. “Recloaking Papatūānuku is about much more than planting trees. It’s about restoring the health of our regional parks, improving habitat for native species, enhancing the well-being of our waterways, and giving communities a practical way to care for the whenua that sustains us.” Since 2019, 420 of about 2,000 hectares of former grazing land in regional parks has been replanted. In the coming years, 200,000 native trees are expected to be planted every winter under the planting program. Greater Wellington Project Lead for Parks Restoration Kellie Benner says the program’s success is underpinned by strong partnerships with mana whenua, community groups and local businesses. “The plants we use are sourced from a diverse network of nurseries, including Rimutaka Prison’s nursery in Trentham and iwi-run nurseries like Otaraua in Kāpiti,” Ms Benner said. “We work with local contracting crews, Māori-owned businesses, and community volunteer groups who are passionate about environmental restoration; work that has a positive impact not only on the environment, but the community as a whole. “Park visitors can see the transition for themselves. In just a few short years, the land has changed from pasture with very little biodiversity to regenerating native areas that are full of life.” Greater Wellington manages eight regional parks covering 33,000 hectares. While the parks contain areas of lush native forest, much of the land was historically converted to farmland, reducing biodiversity and displacing native wildlife. Greater Wellington Director of Delivery Jack Mace says planting does more than change how the parks look. “Restoring our parks means improving the health of our streams, wetlands, rivers and inlets. Planting along waterways helps create habitat for fish, reduces erosion and the amount of sediment and nutrients getting into the water,” Mr Mace said. “By gradually retiring stock from these areas, emissions from grazing in our regional parks have nearly halved since 2019. At the same time, forests that capture carbon are re-growing on land previously converted to pasture. “The million trees we celebrate today are just part of the story. Many of our regions’ landowners are passionate about restoring the environment. We’re working alongside them to replant native forests, stabilise erosion, and protect wetlands and waterways on private land. The planting in our parks has taken root across the region.” Greater Wellington hosts regular community planting days during the winter months that mana whenua, community groups and volunteers are encouraged to attend.

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Unfavourable economic conditions in the wine industry are leaving some Riverland grape growers with no choice but to start from scratch however, a senior local politician says current State Government solutions to address mass vineyard waste “are not fixing the problem”. Source: Australian Regional & Rural News Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone met with Riverland Barrel Pruners and Harvesting (RBPH) owner Tate Milne last Friday, with conversations centred on the current issues local farmers are facing while transitioning away from grape growing. Tasked with the recent jobs of clearing the land of multiple growers in the region, Mr Milne said struggling farmers are often left with mass amounts of vineyard trellis posts – something which he claims is the “biggest issue” for those attempting to clear their block. Treated with copper chrome and arsenate (CCA), the pine posts cannot be recycled, mulched, or burned, with South Australian laws requiring the waste to be disposed of at licensed landfills. While local farmers can dispose of their pine posts at the Monash-based Cleanaway site, the posts are classed as general waste, and due to their weight, can cost up to $400 per tonne. The Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot, part of The Timber Circularity Project, is developing a practical end-of-life alternative and it is the culmination of trials run by the FABAL Group. Using innovative technology to process the vineyard posts for reuse, it represents a step forward for the Timber Circularity Project in developing pathways for CCA treated timber posts. Between 1.7 and 4.3 million treated timber posts are currently being removed from Australian vineyards annually, representing 15,000 to 38,000 tonnes per year. This initiative is addressing that problem by safely stripping them to be repurposed as fence posts or landscaping materials using a system that can readily be adopted by vineyard managers and farmers. At $3.50 – $5.50 per post, times 600 – 700 per hectare, there’s potential to save up to $3000 a hectare in waste management. Dr Pene Mitchell, Research Fellow from National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life who is leading the project, puts it plainly. “If we treat timber, we can get 20 plus years out of it. If we change to concrete or steel or plastic, the overall sustainable impact is much more significant: “We really need to find a solution for treated timber in a circular economy,” Dr Mitchell said. “A lot of farmers just want to be able to transform their block to the next crop, of which tends to be almonds or pistachios – crops that don’t need the posts,” Mr Milne said. “Most of the time, farmers are just having to leave them in piles. “I guess it was always going to be an issue. However, now with the industry collapsing, it’s a bigger issue than ever.” Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said – while speaking in Parliament last month – it was necessary to increase options for managing removed vineyard posts. “The first stream of the South Australian Wine Recovery Program is focused on vineyard waste management of already abandoned or removed vineyards,” Ms Scriven said. “A range of projects have commenced to position South Australia’s leadership in the management of the nation’s growing stockpile of CCA treated timber posts, including establishment of a national stewardship framework. “This is addressing the reuse, recovery, management and safe disposal of treated timber. “In April 2026, the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, a not-for-profit charity, was engaged to develop the framework. A feasibility study has evaluated the viability of establishing dedicated aggregation sites for removed CCA-treated vineyard posts, with 15 high-potential existing waste handling sites shortlisted in South Australian wine regions.” Mr Whetstone said the current actions of the State Government to address the CCA-treated posts “was not fixing the problem”. “There are currently 30 million pine posts sitting in piles and clogging up the system in South Australia’s industry, with majority found in the Riverland,” he said. “We need collection points and designated areas where posts can be responsibility stored until we find a purpose for them. “A lot of the issues we’re dealing with at the moment are government driven – through the pandemic we had political interference – which put China on notice – and (China) put obstacles in our way, concerning agricultural products, and particularly wine. “It is now the responsibility of the government to come in a help people in their current transition.”

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Tasmania’s Zanetto Builders dominated the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, taking home three national titles, including the coveted HIA Australian GreenSmart Home of the Year, partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric, for the exceptional Bluebush Passivhaus. Source: Timberbiz Designed to perform in Tasmania’s cool temperate climate, the 287sqm Passive House Classic-certified residence combines contemporary architecture with exceptional building performance. Thoughtfully oriented to capture natural light and expansive views, it features super-insulated timber-framed walls, an approximate R11 roof assembly and a measured airtightness result of just 0.5 ACH@50Pa, making it one of the tightest residential buildings ever tested in Tasmania. Triple-glazed European windows, balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and a fully electrified design work together to deliver exceptional thermal comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Complemented by rooftop solar PV, heat-pump hot water, rainwater harvesting and low-VOC materials, Bluebush demonstrates how advanced building science, architectural design and sustainability can combine to create a healthy, resilient and remarkably comfortable family home. This project was also awarded HIA Australian GreenSmart Custom Built Home, partnered by Bondor. Continuing their outstanding success, Zanetto Builders claimed the HIA Australian GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development for two all-electric coastal homes that challenge the convention of a single oversized dwelling. Inspired by Tasmania’s traditional east coast shacks, the homes combine passive solar design, high-performance construction and carefully selected materials, while responding sensitively to their coastal setting. This category is partnered by Toyota for Business. Presented as part of the HIA Future Homes Forum, the HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards brought together builders, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and sustainability leaders from across Australia to celebrate excellence and explore the latest innovations shaping the future of residential construction. GJ Gardner Homes Warragul, Victoria won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Display/Project Home. Designed to operate independently of the grid, this display home showcases a holistic approach to sustainable living. Solar, integrated battery storage and smart energy management technology work together to significantly reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources. This category is partnered by The Australian Reinforcing Company. Davies Design & Construction, Tasmania won HIA Australian GreenSmart Energy Efficiency, partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric, for one of Tasmania’s few Certified Passive House Plus homes. Behind its understated rural appearance, the home combines a high-performance building envelope, triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation and rooftop solar to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and year-round comfort. Joe Mercieca, of Blue Eco Homes, NSW was named HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional, partnered by HIA Insurance Services, recognising more than four decades of leadership in sustainable residential construction and his ongoing commitment to advancing high-performance building practices across the industry. Shepherd Homes, Victoria won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project, partnered by Electrolux, for the thoughtful transformation of a heritage miner’s cottage, blending careful restoration with a contemporary, energy-efficient extension to preserve the character of the home while enhancing its performance and liveability. Nulook Homes and Solar Dwellings, Western Australia won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Sustainable Home for a 10 Star NatHERS-rated, carbon-negative home. Through passive solar design, high-performance insulation, rooftop solar and water-saving initiatives, the home achieves exceptional environmental performance on a standard suburban site. This category is partnered by ForestOne. HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards set the benchmark for the latest in environmental design excellence, industry innovation and sustainable building practices. “Consumer demand for practical, affordable, smart, connected and durable environmental solutions for residential housing continues to grow. “Our commitment to sustainable building outcomes and leading housing innovation has not altered for more than 25 years since the HIA GreenSmart program was introduced. Our members demonstrate that quality building and design, comfort, and ongoing value for money can co-exist in a sustainable built environment. “The HIA GreenSmart Awards highlight our members who excel at delivering year-round comfortable homes into the market. Each winner and finalist is congratulated for achieving success at a national level,” Ms Martin said.

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Mid North Coast residents of New South Wales are being invited to collect free firewood and learn valuable chainsaw safety skills at a two-day event in Kiwarrak State Forest near Old Bar. Source: Timberbiz Forestry Corporation staff will combine their annual chainsaw refresher training with a community event on Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 designed to help locals prepare for the colder months. Firewood made available to the public has been sourced from timber left following a sustainable plantation thinning operation in Kiwarrak State Forest. The plantation was heavily impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and the thinning operation has removed dead and fire damaged trees, improving forest health, reducing fuel loads and maintaining safe access for recreational users. Forestry Corporation staff will be undertaking chainsaw training on the site and members of the public are welcome to cut and collect a ute or trailer load of firewood free of charge and Forestry staff will be on hand to help pensioners, who need assistance loading firewood. During the event, Forestry Corporation staff will provide practical demonstrations on chainsaw maintenance, sharpening techniques, personal protective equipment and safe operating practices while answering questions from the public about working safely with chainsaws. Forestry Corporation Production Manager Andrew Goodman said the event was an opportunity to support the community while ensuring staff maintained important chainsaw safety skills. “This event allows our staff to complete important chainsaw refresher training while providing something meaningful back to the community by offering chainsaw operating advice and making firewood available to those who need it,” Mr Goodman said. “We know many pensioners and families rely on firewood to keep warm through winter and rising living costs can make that increasingly challenging. Much of the timber available is dry and ready to burn and we’re particularly keen to assist pensioners in the local community who cannot collect firewood on their own from State forests.” The plantation management work also mitigates bushfire risk to the community of Old Bar. “By removing dead and damaged trees and reducing fuel loads, we’re helping create a safer forest environment while improving access for the community and supporting ongoing forest health,” Mr Goodman said. “State forests are managed to provide a range of benefits for local communities, from renewable timber and recreation opportunities through to affordable firewood and bushfire risk reduction. “We encourage anyone who uses a chainsaw, collects firewood or simply wants to learn more about sustainable forestry to come along, meet our team, take advantage of the safety information and take home some firewood.” Visitors will also be able to learn about Forestry Corporation’s low-cost firewood permit system and how state forests are sustainably managed to provide renewable timber products while protecting environmental values. Event details: Community Firewood and Chainsaw Safety Days – Old Bar Thursday 30 July and Friday 31 July from 8am to 3pm daily. Kiwarrak State Forest, 201-225 Saltwater Road, approximately 500 metres past Forest Lane. https://maps.app.goo.gl/8TdbprayZgA6NEa28?g_st=i&utm_campaign=ac-im

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The quarterly Timber Market Survey (TMS) report presents Australian timber price movement data collected through the quarterly surveying of a representative range of timber product traders in eastern Australia. Source: Timberbiz The TMS collects data on the movement in buying price of a wide range of domestic and imported timber products purchased and stocked by survey participants. The TMS does not collect participants’ quarterly product volume data. Individual survey results are assigned an overall weighting based on participant business size. Aggregated state-level results are weighted based on TMS state weightings. Price movement data are presented in nominal terms unless otherwise stated. All TMS reports contain price trend results for softwood timber, panels, and engineered wood products. In addition, the June and December quarter reports contain price trend information for a range of hardwood products. Price changes in this report are based solely on TMS survey data; individuals may experience different price movements in their markets. The TMS is prepared by Indufor (Australia). Funding is provided by Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, HQPlantations, OneFortyOne Plantations, Green Triangle Forest Products, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Hancock Victorian Plantations, and Southern Cross Forests. Find the latest and past surveys at: https://induforgroup.com/knowledge-hub/timber-market-survey/

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Forest & Wood Communities Australia is calling on Federal Parliament to disallow the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative – Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Native Forests) Methodology Determination 2026, warning that the method risks issuing carbon credits for shutting down sustainable timber production while shifting the environmental, economic and emissions impacts elsewhere. Source: Timberbiz FWCA Chair Steve Dobbyns said the INFM method should be disallowed before any Australian Carbon Credit Units are issued. “Carbon credits should represent genuine climate benefit,” Mr Dobbyns said. “They should not be used to financially reward governments for closing sustainable public native forestry while timber demand simply moves to imports, interstate supply chains or private landholders. “That is not emissions reduction. That is displacement.” ERAC’s own advice confirms that leakage, additionality and transparency were central concerns raised through consultation. The final method replaced the original flat 5% indirect leakage deduction with project-level assessment, but only within a possible deduction range of 0 to 40%. FWCA says that 40% cap is impossible to justify against Venn et al. (2026), which found that reduced Australian native forest harvesting has driven growing import dependency, with a long-run timber harvest leakage rate of 81.3%. Venn et al. also found that 86.8% of displaced demand was met by countries with elevated illegality-risk profiles. “Venn et al. found a long-run timber harvest leakage rate of 81.3%,” Mr Dobbyns said. “That international leakage estimate alone is more than double the INFM method’s 40% cap, before inter-State leakage or private native forestry displacement are properly accounted for. “The timber demand does not disappear. It is shifted, along with jobs, emissions risk and biodiversity pressure.” FWCA says the contradiction is made worse by advice given directly to Venn et al. during discussions with ERAC. “We understand Professor Karen Hussey, Chair of ERAC, clarified in a meeting with Tyron Venn that ERAC did not have to consider leakage to imports when assessing the method,” Mr Dobbyns said. “If that is correct, it exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of the INFM approval. “ERAC says leakage was a key integrity concern, yet the largest leakage pathway identified by Venn et al. — import substitution — was apparently outside the scope ERAC had to consider. “You cannot claim a carbon method is conservative while excluding the market response most likely to undermine the claimed abatement.” FWCA also says Venn et al.’s import leakage work does not capture inter-State leakage, such as the supply shift from Victoria to Tasmania highlighted by ABC’s Four Corners program Timber Turmoil, nor does it resolve leakage onto private native forests. “For private native forestry, there is no comprehensive, transparent production baseline equivalent to public forest sustainable yield and wood supply records,” Mr Dobbyns said. “You cannot credibly deduct leakage against a baseline that does not properly exist. “Worse still, the Great Koala National Park moratorium has already distorted the market. Pentarch’s State forest log supply was cut off by the NSW Government, and the company has been forced to shift its entire supply focus onto private property. “That means any future private native forestry baseline may already be contaminated by the policy shock.” FWCA says the INFM approval process has also failed to transparently assess the economic and social impacts of the method. “The INFM is not an abstract carbon accounting exercise,” Mr Dobbyns said. “It is a method designed to reward the permanent removal of timber supply from multiple-use public native forests. That has direct consequences for workers, contractors, mills, downstream businesses, private landholders and regional communities.” FWCA disputes the NSW Government’s claim that the Great Koala National Park moratorium and INFM pathway only affect six timber mills and approximately 300 jobs. “That figure is not a serious socio-economic assessment,” Mr Dobbyns said. “It is a narrow political framing of the immediate damage. It does not account for harvesting contractors, haulage operators, roading contractors, mechanics, private native forestry operators, downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, builders, fencing suppliers, firewood operators, farm and infrastructure users, or the regional communities built around those supply chains.” The EY Economic Contribution Study of the NSW hardwood timber industry found that the North East NSW hardwood industry contributes $1.84 billion in gross revenue, $700 million in gross value added and supports 5,700 full-time equivalent jobs. Across NSW, the hardwood industry contributes $2.9 billion in gross revenue, $1.1 billion in gross value added and supports 8,900 full-time equivalent jobs. “The North Coast hardwood industry is not just six mills,” Mr Dobbyns said. “It is an integrated regional supply chain. “Over the INFM’s 15-year crediting period, the North East NSW hardwood industry represents a $10.5 billion regional economic base. Over the 100-year permanence period, it represents a $70 billion economic base. “That does not mean every dollar disappears, but it proves the NSW Government’s ‘six mills and 300 jobs’ line is grossly inadequate.” FWCA says the economics become even harder to justify when the 15-year crediting period is compared with the 100-year permanence obligation. “The NSW Government can receive carbon-credit income for 15 years, but the public is left with the management obligation for the remaining 85 years,” Mr Dobbyns said. “Who pays for fire management, roads, weeds, pests, compliance, visitor infrastructure, cultural heritage management and ongoing administration after the carbon-credit income stops? “The answer is obvious: taxpayers. “The State would be trading a renewable, productive, regionally embedded timber economy for 15 years of carbon-credit income, then leaving future taxpayers to fund the remaining 85 years of management. “How is that rational economic or social responsibility?” FWCA is calling for the INFM Determination to be disallowed until there has been an independent assessment of import leakage, inter-State displacement, private native forestry baseline integrity, the effect of pre-existing moratoria, regional socio-economic impacts and the long-term taxpayer liability created after carbon-credit income stops. “If the carbon benefit cannot survive proper leakage analysis, and the method cannot survive a proper socio-economic assessment, it should not be credited,” Mr Dobbyns said. “That is why this instrument should be disallowed.”

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Ten of the UK’s “toughest” trees, from an oak that survived a plane crash to a yew hit by a cannonball, have been shortlisted for this year’s Tree of the Year award. The Woodland Trust said its annual competition aimed to celebrate and raise awareness for rare, ancient or at-risk trees across the country. Source: BBC An oak tree in Rutland that was hit by a World War Two bomber and a yew in Surrey which could be 4,000 years old and was struck by a cannonball in the English Civil War are among the final 10 contenders for the title. Actor and nature podcaster David Oakes, a Woodland Trust ambassador, said the nominees had “defied the odds in extraordinary ways”. Of the 10 shortlisted, a panel of experts selected eight trees of differing ages and species, while the public chose two as wildcard entries. The public can vote for their favourite tree until late September via the Woodland Trust website, and the winner will be announced in early October – before progressing to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year finals. The aptly named “Bomber Oak” in Rutland features a slight dip in the top of the canopy as well as twisted misshapen branches after it was hit by a Lancaster Bomber during World War Two. The tree was also nearly lost some decades later when a water company sought to install pipes in a field. The Bollihope Burn Birch in County Durham has also been nominated. It is perched “precariously off a cliff” in an area once dominated by industry, including quarries, lime kilns, mines and a goods railway. Another shortlisted tree – the Crowhurst Yew in Surrey – survived a direct hit from a Civil War cannonball that villagers later discovered in 1820. A different plucky yew in Devon is up for contention because of its location at the top of a church tower overlooking Culmstock Village, where it has been for some 200 years. Another nominee, the “Preston Twin” in Brighton – is said to be the world’s oldest English elm and has lived four centuries despite the threat of Dutch elm disease, which killed another specimen of the same age that stood nearby. A wildcard selection for the list is the Donnington Oak, in West Berkshire, which stands between a small patch of forest and the ruined walls of Donnington Castle. The Woodland Trust said it was a young established tree during the English Civil War and survived unscathed during the castle’s gruelling siege and bombardment. Another wildcard selected by the public is the Balloch Castle ash, which stands on the lawn of the semi-derelict castle by Loch Lomond and is more than 150 years old. The trust said it had experienced a lightning strike, multiple storms, ash dieback, footfall from millions of visitors and an Oasis concert. The “Bendy Tree” in Newcastle, Northern Ireland – a much-loved wych elm along the town’s seaside promenade that grows almost horizontally after withstanding more than a century of the harsh coastal conditions – has also been nominated. Another nominee includes an oak, which stands alone in the Ynys-hir nature reserve in mid-Wales overlooking the Dyfi estuary, the Cambrian Mountains. The “Earlstoun Lightning Oak” in Dumfries and Galloway made the list, not only for its stature but for surviving a lightning strike. Oakes added: “Most things survive by fleeing … a tree, rooted for life to a single patch of ground, doesn’t get that option. “So, trees have perfected the opposite: the art of weathering whatever arrives. But a few are frankly show-offs. “The 10 nominees for Tree of the Year have all defied the odds in extraordinary ways, from clinging to cliffs and church towers, to enduring collisions and cannonballs.” May Chemais, who runs the Ancient Tree Inventory at the Woodland Trust, said: “Trees can be both tough and flexible, as the shortlist proves. “We hope people will enjoy discovering all the incredible stories of resilience behind our nominees this year.”

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Ho Chi Minh City is building a transparent wood supply chain, and traceability of forest products to meet the new regulations of the EU. Source: DanViet Ho Chi Minh City has approved the Forestry Management Program in the period of 2026-2030, aiming to digitize the entire area of production forests, traceability of forest products according to the supply chain and strengthen the control of wood processing and trading activities to meet the increasingly strict regulations of the international market. The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has issued a decision approving the Forestry Products Management Program in the City in the period of 2026-2030 to improve the effectiveness of state management, strengthen the control of forest products supply chain, conserve biodiversity and support enterprises to adapt to the new requirements of the export market. According to the program, Ho Chi Minh City currently has more than 1,000 wood processing enterprises operating in industrial parks, export processing zones and industrial clusters. The woodworking industry has contributed positively to economic growth, job creation, increased export turnover and promoted many supporting industries. However, the wood processing industry still faces many difficulties when it is heavily dependent on imported raw materials, the cost of production is high, lack of high-quality plantation materials, while export activities are affected by the decline in the demand of the world market and the increasingly strict requirements on legal timber traceability, forest certificates and carbon credits. In particular, the European Union’s Anti-Forest Loss Regulation (EUDR) requires agricultural, and forest products imported into this market to ensure that there is no origin from deforestation or forest degradation. This is considered an urgent requirement that enterprises and management agencies must build a transparent supply chain, strictly controlling forest products. The program aims to support the construction of sustainable production planting databases, improving the effectiveness of state management for importing, exporting, manufacturing, processing and trading forest products; at the same time, inspecting and classifying timber enterprises, minimizing violations and strengthening the management of wildlife farming activities. One of the outstanding objectives is the construction and deployment of supply chain traceability systems to each planting area, associated with geographic coordinates and planting area codes for EUDR-implemented industries. The city also aims to be 100% digitized production forest area, granting planting area codes and forest certificates; setting up applications for forestry forces and forest owners to declare forest products online. In addition, 100% of organizations, enterprises, production, processing, trading and import and export of timber and forest products will be fully disseminating the regulations on management, inspection and traceability of forest products; at the same time, it is managed and supported legally on the basis of information technology application. The city also aims to detect, strictly handle and gradually eliminate the points of sale, transportation, storage, processing, trading in forest products and illegal wildlife. To accomplish the above objectives, Ho Chi Minh City will build an information system and database for the classification of wood processing enterprises; deploy traceability according to the supply chain; apply information technology and geographic information systems (GIS) in the management of production, processing, trading and forest products, integrating into the shared database of the city. The city also strengthens inspection and control of production, processing and trading of forest products; regularly review establishments with signs of violations, identifying key areas, hot spots for illegal wildlife to organize inspection and processing according to regulations. Every year, it will organize an inspection plan for enterprises producing, processing, trading in forest products and establishments for wildlife. According to the decision of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Agriculture and Environment shall lead the implementation of the program, coordinate with the departments, branches, People’s Committees of communes, wards and special zones of Con Dao to organize; At the same time, periodically inspect and synthesize the results, advise the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to handle the difficulties and obstacles arising in the implementation process.

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A new study led by Japanese researchers from Tohoku University and National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) reveals that some of the minerals most essential for green technologies may have a significantly negative impact on biodiversity. Using remote sensing and machine learning, the scientists produced an unprecedented global map of mined commodities. Source: Timberbiz Combining this map with public datasets on forest loss and species extinction risk, they then quantified how the extraction of these commodities is reshaping forests and biodiversity worldwide. Analyzing approximately 70,000 mining sites across 20 commodities, the study found that mining activities caused the loss of 16,268 km² of forest between 2001 and 2022, an area roughly comparable to the size of Beijing, with the majority of that loss occurring in rainforests in the Amazon, Southeast Asia, and the Congo Basin. “Advances in remote sensing and machine learning offer new opportunities for automated analysis of mining at a global scale. The transition to green technologies is driving demand for a different set of minerals, but there is insufficient data to fully understand the environmental implications,” explained Keiichiro Kanemoto, an associate professor at Tohoku University and author of the study. While the study shows that commodities such as gold and coal remain the largest drivers of deforestation, it reveals a different pattern when biodiversity is considered. Green energy minerals such as lithium show some of the highest biodiversity risks despite being associated with lower levels of forest loss. This contrast highlights a critical shift: while traditional mining has been defined by large-scale deforestation, the extraction of minerals central to the energy transition may exert subtle – but equally serious – pressures on ecologically sensitive habitats. For example, lithium extraction in salt-flat and wetland environments can disrupt fragile ecosystems and endanger species despite minimal visible deforestation. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are indispensable for technologies like electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, yet their extraction can impose substantial environmental costs. The findings highlight the need to balance decarbonization goals with biodiversity protection, particularly as demand for these materials is expected to rise in the coming decades. The resulting dataset offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. Governments can use the data to design targeted, commodity-specific environmental regulations, while companies can better anticipate policy shifts and assess risks within their supply chains. By identifying which commodities and regions carry the greatest environmental costs, the research supports more informed decision-making toward sustainable resource use. “This study represents a major step forward in understanding the true global footprint of mining and demonstrates that the path to a greener future must also account for the hidden environmental costs of the materials that make it possible,” Kanemoto said.

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This Sunday morning, in parks, paddocks and backyards across the country, thousands of Australians will kneel in the winter soil and plant a tree. Planet Ark’s National Tree Day turns 30 this year, and Australians have planted almost 28 million trees through the event since 1996. Source: Timberbiz Schools get their turn a little earlier, with Schools Tree Day from Friday 24 July 2026. The scientists, professionals and growers who manage Australia’s forests would like those trees to still be standing for generations to come, and that is why Forestry Australia has released its top nine tips for planting a tree that thrives. Whether a seedling grows into a healthy, mature tree is determined largely by what happens before planting and in the months and years that follow. Careful preparation, selecting the right tree for the right place and consistent follow-up care are as important as the enthusiasm of planting day. “Planting a tree is something anyone can do to make a positive and enduring difference for your community and environment. Our handy tips for tree planting ahead of National Tree Day will help to make sure your efforts continue to have an impact for many years to come,” Forestry Australia Director and tree grower Leon Holt said. Here are the top nine tips from the experts. Get to know your area. Before choosing a tree, take time to understand the conditions. Consider annual rainfall, seasonal temperatures, exposure to frost, heat or drought, and the kind of soil you are working with. Check before you plant. Make sure you have permission to plant, especially on public, rented or shared land. Keep well clear of buildings, boundaries, powerlines, roads and underground services. Choose the right species. The right tree in the right place has the best chance of thriving. Select a species suited to your local climate, soil, available space and intended purpose, whether that is shade, habitat, shelter, food production or visual appeal. Your local nursery can offer valuable advice. Decide between seedlings and advanced trees. Small seedlings are often easier to establish and can adapt quickly to their new environment. Larger, more advanced trees provide immediate impact but generally require more careful planting, watering and maintenance. Pick the right spot. Look closely at the conditions within your planting site. Sunlight, shade, wind, moisture and competition from nearby vegetation can vary considerably across a small area. Avoid planting too close to established trees, where your seedling will compete for water, nutrients and light. Prepare the site. Preparation makes a significant difference to survival and growth. Loosen compacted soil so air and water can move through the profile, remove competing weeds and consider whether protection from grazing animals, wildlife or other pests will be needed. Plant with care. Follow the planting and care instructions from your local nursery or tree supplier. Handle roots gently, plant at the correct depth, firm the soil carefully and avoid burying the trunk. Most importantly, enjoy the experience and involve family, friends or your local community. Water and protect. Newly planted trees need reliable moisture while their roots establish. Water deeply during dry periods and use mulch to suppress weeds and slow evaporation, keeping it clear of the trunk. A tree guard can also protect against animals, wind and accidental damage. Keep caring for it. Planting day is only the beginning. Regular watering, weed control, inspection and protection during the first few years can greatly improve a tree’s chance of reaching maturity, and a little attention early on can deliver joy and benefits for decades.   A tree planted this weekend will still need care next summer, and for many summers to come. The trees that thrive are generally those that someone continues to watch, protect and nurture. The same is true of Australia’s forests, which need ongoing, active and adaptive management to stay healthy and resilient. That is the everyday work of Forestry Australia’s members, who draw on science, practical experience and local knowledge to care for our forests now and into the future.

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nxzen has announced that it has been awarded the LiDAR Acquisition – North Coast Native Forest, Plantation and Habitat Monitoring Areas contract by Forestry Corporation of NSW. Source: Timberbiz The project will see nxzen deliver high-resolution airborne LiDAR and four-band aerial imagery across significant areas of Forestry Corporation’s plantation estate throughout northern New South Wales. The captured data, together with a range of derived datasets, will be delivered through Cognitive Earth, nxzen’s Digital Reality Platform, providing secure access to critical geospatial intelligence that supports informed operational and strategic decision-making. Cognitive Earth is nxzen’s operational infrastructure intelligence platform, bringing together engineering-grade LiDAR, imagery, IoT, SCADA, digital network models and other critical datasets into a single, integrated operational view. nxzen says the platform underpins its Virtual Communities initiative, enabling organisations to unlock greater value from shared intelligence to address complex challenges including bushfire risk mitigation, vegetation management, canopy analysis, flood modelling and long-term infrastructure resilience. Through this partnership, Forestry Corporation of NSW will leverage high-quality spatial data to support forest inventory, yield estimation, operational planning and future analytical applications, creating a valuable digital asset for ongoing forestry management. “We are delighted to welcome Forestry Corporation of NSW to the nxzen Virtual Communities network and look forward to working together to deliver innovative, data- driven solutions that support sustainable forestry operations and improved environmental outcomes,” Dileep Viswanath, CEO nxzen Australia said.

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TasFarmers believes the $142 million sale of Rushy Lagoon, one of Tasmania’s largest farms, is now mired in so many unanswered governance questions that only one conclusion is available to the ordinary observer: the financial, funding and approval processes do not add up. Source: Timberbiz The organisation claims that months before the Treasurer Dr Chalmers approved the foreign purchase of Rushy Lagoon, the Commonwealth had already backed the buyer twice over. TasFarmers says that more than $8.8 million in grant funding was awarded under the Support Plantation Establishment program (SPEP), a program run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and announced by the Agriculture Minister, Tasmania’s own Julie Collins, in May 2026. Dr Chalmers announced the approval of the sale of Tasmania’s largest farm, Rushy Lagoon, to UK-based forestry investor Gresham House. The 22,000-hectare property will be converted from an agricultural estate into a $142 million pine plantation and carbon project. The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed the sale, saying the plantation project will expand Australia’s sovereign capability in sustainable timber production. The 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. TasFarmers President Nathan Cox said the growing number of serious financial questions could no longer be ignored. “It’s now obvious the project was inappropriately supported financially and guaranteed before FIRB and the Treasurer approved the sale of Rushy Lagoon,” he said. “TasFarmers first revealed approximately $69 million in taxpayer-backed finance was lined up through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which is itself a partner in the buying consortium. “Now there is more to this deal, and the Federal Agriculture Minister has signed off on another $8.8 million, taking the total taxpayer bill to $77.8 million swiped on the taxpayers’ credit card. “All of this happened while the Foreign Investment Review Board process was still underway, and while the buyer had no approval to purchase the land, no formalised contract and no settlement. It still has none of those things today,” Mr Cox said. “There was a smell already surrounding the deal, and it’s now rotting. We know the deal was bad and the process was crooked. Tasmanian farmers’ concerns were right. “Multiple Commonwealth arms appear to have supported the same transaction before the statutory approval process had run its course. “It appears that the Government ceased to act solely as an independent regulator and instead became financially invested in the outcome it was later required to judge. “The Federal Government’s ideology on this is driving the displacement of agriculture with trees. “Running hand in hand with that is the poor information coming from proponents of these schemes, which politicians and bureaucrats blindly believe against the national interest. The misinformation is not being checked because no consultation is being done,” Mr Cox said. Mr Cox said the proper checks and balances had failed, the Treasurer was committing to the wrong outcome, and it was all being done in the wrong way for Australia. “The clock is now ticking for the Treasurer to do the right thing by Australian voters and taxpayers. It’s time to put an immediate stop to the sale before the property settlement date passes,” Mr Cox said, TasFarmers listed the governance failures as: Grant money awarded against the program’s own rules. The SPEP requires applicants to demonstrate long-term access to the land. The recipient did not own Rushy Lagoon, had no approval to buy it and still has not settled. How was that criterion satisfied? The Government funded the buyer before deciding whether the buyer should be allowed to buy. Two arms of the Commonwealth financially committed to the sale before the arm responsible for approving it had decided. The approval process was compromised in appearance, if not in fact, before it concluded. A conflict of interest at the heart of the deal. The chair of the CEFC, financier and partner of the buyer, also sits on the board of FIRB, which advised the Treasurer to approve the purchase. No public account has been given of how that conflict was managed. Secrecy until it was too late. The identities of the parties behind the Tasmanian Natural Asset Trust were hidden until the day of approval, and officials refused to answer basic Senate questions, citing “commercial sensitivity” about a deal soaked in public money. Nobody in charge. The Agriculture Minister, a Tasmanian, has confirmed she delegated her review of the project to her department. No elected representative has answered for the whole of this transaction. $69 million dollars was approved without what we believe to be sufficient oversight. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has confirmed the $69 million investment was approved under delegated authority by its Investment Committee rather than its Board. Was the Treasurer misled?The most serious question of all is what the Treasurer was told. Did the FIRB application disclose that the buyer’s side had already applied for, and been awarded, Commonwealth grant money for planting on land it had no approved right to acquire? Did the grant application claim secure long-term access to land that the FIRB application acknowledged was uncertain?   TasFarmers says that if those two documents do not match, then a Commonwealth decision-maker was misled. If the Treasurer was misled in a material way, the law gives him express power to revoke this approval. He should use the next three weeks, before contracts are formalised and settlement occurs, to find out. TasFarmers wants: The Treasurer to immediately verify whether the FIRB application was complete and accurate, and to use his revocation power if it was not, before settlement. The Department of Agriculture to suspend all payments under the $8.8 million grant pending an eligibility review. The Auditor-General to audit the administration of the Support Plantation Establishment program. The Senate to order the production […]

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The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has appointed Drew Freeman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Freeman has had executive leadership experience across several of Tasmania’s key industries, including retail, transport, logistics and forestry. Source: Timberbiz Most recently, Mr Freeman served as Chief Executive Officer of Tasmanian Independent Retailers, where he led statewide advocacy, policy engagement and industry representation on behalf of more than 150 retailers. TFPA Independent Chair Sarah Courtney said that Mr Freeman brings a wealth of experience in political engagement, policy development, stakeholder management, leadership and industry advocacy. “Drew is an experienced senior executive, industry advocate and regional leader with more than 25 years’ experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder organisations across Tasmania,” she said. “He has an unwavering commitment to evidence-based advocacy and long-term industry sustainability, together with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.” Ms Courtney said Mr Freman’s previous senior roles within the forestry sector provided him with a strong understanding of the forestry value chain, market dynamics and regulatory environment. “Drew has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build trusted relationships with government, industry, regional communities and peak bodies,” she said. “His experience and leadership make him exceptionally well placed to lead TFPA into its next chapter.” Mr Freeman will start with TFPA on 27 July, working alongside outgoing CEO Nick Steel during a planned one-month transition period. Mr Steel, who announced earlier this year he intended to leave TFPA, will finish his tenure with TFPA on 21 August, following a structured handover that will ensure continuity for members, stakeholders and the organisation. Ms Courtney thanked Mr Steel for his outstanding leadership and significant contribution to the Association. “Nick has played a pivotal role in strengthening TFPA’s position as the trusted voice of Tasmania’s forest industry,” she said. “Under his leadership, the Association has built strong relationships across government, industry and the broader community, creating a solid foundation for the future. We sincerely thank Nick for his dedication and wish him every success in his next chapter.” Mr Freeman said he was excited to return to the forestry sector and work alongside TFPA’s members. “I am looking forward to once again working across the forest industry alongside our members and the Tasmanian businesses and communities connected to it,” he said. “With the ever-increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality Tasmanian timber, I am committed to uniting the full forestry value chain as the industry continues to evolve and advance towards a bright and sustainable future.” Mr Freeman said he was committed to building on the strong legacy established by Mr Steel. “Nick has done a tremendous job developing deep and trusted relationships across industry, government and the community. I look forward to building on that work by continuing to strengthen member representation, enhancing collaboration with State and Federal Governments, and helping our members navigate the significant regulatory changes facing the sector,” he said.

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Low-carbon liquid fuels company HAMR Energy, which is planning to turn Green Triangle forestry residues into jet fuel, has received a $32 million investment boost from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Source: Timberbiz Under the scheme residue from plantation forestry residues in the Green Triangle will be turned into green methanol in Portland. The green methanol will then be processed into sustainable aviation fuel at a facility in Gillman in Adelaide. It plans to process 300,000 tons of biomass per year from the Green Triangle to produce 200,000 tonnes of green methanol per year. The methanol would be then shipped to Melbourne and bunkered at the Port of Melbourne for use as fuel by the international shipping industry. OneFortyOne and HAMR Energy have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the supply of sustainable biomass. ARENA’s funding is in two stages, with $12.5 million available for the early Front End Engineering Design phase, and a further $19.5 million subject to HAMR Energy securing the necessary co-funding to commence the detailed design phase. Liquid fuels make up around half of Australia’s national energy use, and replacing these fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives can deliver a significant climate and economic opportunity. Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the best ways of reducing emissions from aviation, particularly on long-haul flights where alternatives are limited. Crucially, this volume of SAF could displace approximately 140 million litres of fossil fuels, abate around 390,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum and also facilitate approximately 4.5 million economy passenger trips between Adelaide and Melbourne each year. Feasibility work has been completed and HAMR Energy is progressing into Front-End Engineering Design and further development activities across the supply chain. ARENA will provide $12.5 million for the initial phase, with a further $19.5 million to support detailed FEED once HAMR has secured required project co-funding. HAMR Energy expects to create hundreds of construction jobs and more than 200 ongoing roles, while supporting new opportunities across plantation forestry, renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing and regional supply chains. HAMR Energy estimates that SAF produced from plantation forestry residues through its projects could reduce emissions by approximately 85 per cent compared with fossil fuels, offering some of the best carbon abatement of any feedstock. “This funding is a significant milestone in Australia building globally competitive domestic SAF industry,” HAMR Energy’s Co-founder, David Stribley, said. “Our projects bring together plantation forestry residues from the Green Triangle, Australian renewable energy and hydrogen, and proven methanol and refining technologies to produce lower-emissions aviation fuel at commercial scale. “The projects have the potential to strengthen Australia’s fuel security, reduce aviation emissions and create skilled jobs across construction, engineering, manufacturing and regional supply chains,” he said “We thank ARENA and the Australian Government for supporting the next stage of engineering and development work required to bring this nationally significant and strategically critical project closer to delivery.” SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said many were familiar with the substantial investments the state government had made in the Green Triangle and across the South East to ensure “every last ounce” of fibre produced was used productively and efficiently. “Taking that bio mass and turning it into sustainable aviation fuel represents one of the front end peak opportunities that we have to see yet more economic value added not just in regional South Australia but across the state more broadly using our incredible renewable energy resource,” Mr Malinauskas said. “This is using our fibre from the South East, trees being grown in and around Mount Gambier combining with our renewable energy to produce sustainable aviation fuel here in South Australia fuelling long-term jobs and a better outcome for our environment so it ticks every box. “The idea that a pine tree in Mount Gambier can be transformed into jet fuel to power planes is amazing.” He said Australia could not afford to rely indefinitely on imported liquid fuels with developing sovereign and sustainable aviation fuel production about “building greater national resilience” while also supporting the aviation industry and ensuring more of the “economic benefits” from the energy transition which would be created here at home. Federal minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said Australia’s foresters have always been innovators. “That is why our government is backing new opportunities through significant investments in low-carbon liquid fuel,” Ms Collins said. “This will mean more opportunities taking flight for our proud forestry industry, backing jobs in regional communities. “Producing more low-carbon liquid fuels right here in Australia doesn’t just benefit our fuel security and emissions reduction, it supports Australian foresters and our regions.”

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Portland looks set to be home to Australia’s first Blue Gum glue-laminated timber. Grown in sustainable plantations across the Portland region, Blue Gum is currently processed into woodchips for wood pulp and paper markets internationally. Source: Timberbiz The Future Portland Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study shows that Blue Gum could be used in-higher value construction products. Portland could create up to 74 full-time ongoing jobs and 150 construction jobs through this type of timber. Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora on Thursday announced the completion of the Future Portland Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study and the Future Portland dashboard. This was made possible by more than $500,000 from the Portland Diversification Fund. The findings will help the next stage of Portland’s Precinct development, backed by $1.75 million from the Victorian State Government, as well as funding from the Federal Labor Government. Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Karen Stephens said the completion of the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study, alongside Council’s Future Portland Project, demonstrated a proactive approach to understanding and preparing for future opportunities across Glenelg Shire. Portland is at the heart of the Green Triangle – Australia’s largest sustainable plantation forestry region, which stretches across the Victoria South Australia border. The new study will explore what could become Australia’s largest plantation hardwood and softwood processing precinct, with a hardwood peeling trial already underway. More than $50 billion has been delivered through the Allan Labor Government over the past decade to make our regions even better places to live, work, visit and study. Precinct Chair Russ Hughes said the project represented a “once-in-a-genera on opportunity for regional Victoria”. “This feasibility study demonstrates that the Green Triangle has a high-quality planta on resource available, industry capability and strategic location to become a leading centre for engineered timber manufacturing,” he said “Phase one of The Precinct has built a compelling investment case that creates greater value from our sustainably grown hardwood planta on resource while delivering long-term economic and manufacturing benefits for Victoria, and indeed the nation.” The project builds on more than five years of research managed by the GTFIH and supported by the Federal Government, focused on deriving more local value from traditionally exported wood fibre resources, both softwood and hardwood. Mr Hughes said the Victorian Government’s commitment had been instrumental in progressing the project from concept to investment readiness. “The Victorian Government has been a key partner throughout this journey, helping transform an ambitious idea into an investment-ready project that strengthens regional manufacturing, creating skilled local jobs for future generations,” Mr Hughes said. The next stage of The Precinct – supported by major Australian industry partners, funding from Australian Forest & Wood Innovations and additional funding support from the Victorian Government – will focus on the development of Laminated Veneer Lumber product, with production trials due to begin in August. Work is also ongoing to attract investment and advance detailed development planning for the site. “Portland has everything needed to become a major hub for advanced timber manufacturing – a skilled workforce, a strong forestry industry and a community ready to grow,” Regional Development and Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle said. “Victoria’s plantation forestry industry has enormous potential, and this study is an important step towards unlocking new markets for locally grown timber and creating jobs.” Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Independent Chair Dr Ruth Schubert said the completion of the Advanced Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study was an important milestone for both the Green Triangle and its communities.

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