Australian timber industry news

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has unveiled a new mascot to be the familiar and friendly face of FAO’s work supporting countries and communities to manage the growing threat of wildfires. Source: Timberbiz Launched following the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary at FAO headquarters, the mascot Pyra is a female tiger symbolising strength, courage and a strong protective instinct. The mascot, which was designed using AI, will be deployed by FAO to help spread the word about the best strategies for preventing wildfires and reducing the damage they can cause. The tiger’s name was chosen via a poll of the experts, practitioners, policymakers and community leaders attending the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary. FAO chose a female tiger as a symbol of strength but also a symbol of wildlife under threat and to address gender representation in fire management. Fire management has traditionally been a male-dominated field, and the new mascot also highlights the need to advance gender equality, fight discrimination in fire management, and encourage more participation by women and minorities in leadership, firefighting and policymaking roles. “We hope this mascot will serve as a symbol for strengthening global fire management efforts and might also inspire collaborative campaigns across countries and regions,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division. An exhibit during the Global Fire Management Hub Plenary also showed how mascots have long been used by countries to help engage diverse audiences, raise awareness about environmental issues and provide an instantly recognizable symbol for campaigns on wildfires. In Chile, Forestín, the beaver has helped raise awareness and encourage fire prevention. In South Africa an antelope called Bokkie played that role. In Brazil, Labareda, a giant anteater, represented the damage fires can do to native species and ecosystems. In the United States, Smokey bear, with his message, “Only you can prevent wildfires”, became a wartime symbol of care, caution and community action on fire prevention. And in Indonesia, SiPongi the orangutan stood for hope and action in the face of forest fires and, as a critically endangered species, for the urgent need to protect habitats as part of conservation work. FAO has a long history of supporting countries to adopt an integrated fire management approach to establish more effective systems for preventing wildfires, preparing for and responding to them and recovering and building resilience afterwards. In 2023, it launched the Global Fire Management Hub, a platform for supporting countries to implement the approach through adapting it to their specific environments.  

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Resource efficiency in construction is a rising aspect of sustainable development. By utilising materials that are efficient and require fewer resources for construction solutions, we can reduce the carbon footprint of building projects. Source: Timberbiz Resource efficiency benefits the entire construction value chain from material manufacturers and designers to construction companies, property owners and end users, as it reduces costs, improves competitiveness and can create new business opportunities in the construction sector. Effective planning is essential when creating low-emission and material-efficient buildings. Each construction material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications, and no single material is perfect for all scenarios. By evaluating the overall environmental impact of materials, including their production, use, and end-of-life disposal, we can make balanced and informed decisions. Prioritising materials that enable resource-efficient solutions and offer high performance with minimal environmental impact is crucial in construction projects. Using material-efficient construction materials offers remarkable advantages. The primary benefit lies in their ability to reduce the amount of raw materials needed, which in turn lowers the energy consumption and emissions associated with the specific construction solution. For instance, using lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratios can result in less material being required for the same structural performance, leading to substantial reductions in carbon emissions. For real-estate investors and developers, using resource-efficient material solutions reduces the need for raw materials, which may enable project cost savings and increased profit margins. Material efficiency can also lead to thinner wall structures meaning more square meters can be obtained for sale. Meeting environmental regulations and qualifying for green certifications can provide financial incentives and improve reputation. Sustainable projects may also attract more environmentally conscious customers and can lead to higher property values and faster sales. For construction companies, less material handling and transport streamline construction, reducing labour costs and project timelines. Less material on construction sites means also less waste management expenses. Sustainable practices can attract clients who value environmental responsibility, enhancing market position. Resource-efficient construction materials offer architects and engineers a powerful pathway to smarter, more sustainable design. By optimising structural performance with minimal material use, we can reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and support faster, more cost-effective project delivery. Resource-efficient materials enable lighter, more versatile structures that maintain safety and functionality while allowing for creative and distinctive architectural expression. Embracing material efficiency not only supports innovation but also enhances professional reputation. As real estate investors, developers and construction companies are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, the commitment to resource-efficient design positions architects and engineers as forward-thinking leaders in the construction sector. In this way, efficient materials are not just a practical choice; they can also be a strategic asset in modern construction. According to a new verified study, Kerto LVL brings over 70 % smaller fossil climate impact and over 80 % material savings by weight compared to steel reinforced concrete The new comparative study made by an international engineering, design and advisory company AFRY, highlights the significant climate benefits of Kerto LVL when compared to traditional steel reinforced concrete in certain applications. “In floor structures, using floor elements made of Kerto LVL instead of steel reinforced concrete, it can result in over 70% smaller fossil climate impact per square meter, with a fossil climate impact of 29 kg CO2e compared to 105 kg CO2e for steel reinforced concrete. Moreover, the material consumption per square meter for Kerto LVL is only 34 kg, whereas reinforced steel concrete requires 675 kg,” said Rosa Zabihian, Sustainability Manager from Metsä Wood. Location for the building site was assumed to be in Central-Europe, with local production for concrete and Kerto LVL’s production in Finland and transported to Central-Europe. The study was critically reviewed by Research institutes of Sweden, RISE and Ramboll. For the wall structure, two different load-bearing inner-core structures of external wall elements were compared: one was traditional steel reinforced concrete, and the other was Kerto LVL. The study reveals that Kerto LVL results in a fossil climate impact of 52 kg CO2e per square meter, while steel reinforced concrete has a fossil climate impact of 68 kg CO2e per m2. The overall fossil climate impact from the entire lifecycle of Kerto LVL is over 20% smaller compared to steel reinforced concrete. The material consumption per square meter of wall for Kerto LVL is 60 kg compared to 463 kg for reinforced steel concrete, meaning over 80% less usage of material in weight. This comparison illustrates the benefits of using resource-efficient materials in construction to minimize environmental impact. The results of the study show the climate advantages of building floor and wall structures with Kerto LVL compared to reinforced steel concrete. This can help identify opportunities for emission reduction in construction projects. By adopting material-efficient and low-carbon construction practices, all stakeholders within the construction industry can reduce the carbon footprint of building projects and contribute to more sustainable development.

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UK’s waste wood market processed more than 96% of material, annual statistics published by the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) showed. Source: Let’s Recycle The association said that there was “strong demand” for material in 2024. According to the statistics, 4.5 million tonnes of waste wood arose in the UK last year. Of this, 4.33 million tonnes (96%) were sent for reuse, recycling or recovery, the figures showed. The organisation compiled the 2024 figures through its annual survey of members who handle approximately 90% of the market, combining the findings with latest industry data. The figures are somewhat similar to 2023 which saw 97% of the material processed. The statistics highlighted that large-scale biomass continued to be the largest end user of waste wood during 2024, accounting for 2.8 million tonnes (65%) of material. This has seen no increase from 2023. The data also showed that the panel board industry remained the second largest user of waste wood, using over 920,000 tonnes (21% of processed material). This represented a small decrease of 4.5% compared to 2023, which the WRA explained was due to the depressed housing market and the closure of the West Fraser South Molton manufacturing plant. The amount of waste wood used for animal bedding, equine surfacing and other recycling and reuse is said to have decreased 11% year-on-year to 310,000 tonnes. The association linked this to reduced demand for poultry bedding due to avian flu, alongside reduced construction activity impacting reuse. Exports/imports netted off rose 2.8% year-on-year to approximately 211,000 tonnes (5% of the market), the reason for this being high demand for biomass feedstock in Europe, the WRA said. Usage in small scale biomass remained static at 90,000 tonnes which accounted for 2% of the market. Julia Turner, executive director of the WRA, said: “These figures show the UK waste wood market remains balanced and in great shape with well-developed and environmentally compliant markets for all domestic material. “For our industry to maintain this performance in 2025, it is important that sites are able to store material over the summer months for when it is most needed. This is why we are calling for the Environment Agency to ensure that its recently announced Regulatory Position Statement 352 is not too restrictive and allows waste wood to be stored safely and compliantly for long enough that it can be used through the coming winter.”

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Parks Victoria is on the hunt for new rangers, with 12 roles based at work centres across the state available. Parks Victoria rangers spend every day working with communities and delivering essential work to make Victoria’s parks the great places they are. Source: Timberbiz, photo courtesy Parks Victoria They support a huge range of outdoor recreation opportunities on more than four million hectares of public lands and waters, and protect native landscapes, plants and animals. Rangers boost local economies, build stronger communities and help forge lifelong memories of our great outdoors. From the banks of the Murray to the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and from the beaches of Portland to Bendoc in the East Gippsland mountains, the 12 roles are spread across regional centres, focused on frontline field work. There are also opportunities in Greater Melbourne, including at Albert Park in central Melbourne, Brimbank Park in the west and Braeside Park in the east. Urban parks offer an array of outdoor opportunities for communities, alongside fascinating natural and cultural heritage. A ranger’s role is as broad and as varied as the facilities and environments they manage. Building community relationships and working with volunteers are essential parts of the role. “Parks Victoria is full of passionate, committed people who move mountains to keep parks open, safe and clean, and protect our environment – this is your chance to join them and help protect our state’s great outdoors,” Parks Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said. “Our rangers are so important to Victoria – whether it’s in one of our urban parks, a marine sanctuary, a campground or a wilderness area, everyone benefits from the work they do.” Parks Victoria is also seeking two ranger team leaders, one based at Serendip and the other a horticultural expert at Albert Park, along with an area chief ranger based at Alexandra. These more senior roles manage teams of rangers and oversee maintenance programs. For details on becoming a ranger, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/careers  

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Techlam has secured a significant contract to supply gluelaminated timber for the redevelopment of Palmerston North Airport‘s new terminal building. Source: Timberbiz Working with LT McGuinness Limited as the main contractor, Techlam will be providing structural glulam for this ambitious $43 million project. The new terminal, designed by Studio Pacific Architecture with engineering by Beca, represents a major upgrade for this important regional gateway and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027. “We are delighted to contribute our glulam expertise to such a vital infrastructure project for the Manawatū region,” said Brett Hamilton, Techlam’s Managing Director. “The design for the new Palmerston North Airport terminal highlights the increasing recognition of engineered timber as a preferred structural material, particularly for large-scale, high-performance public buildings.” Techlam’s glulam will feature prominently throughout the terminal’s main structure, creating both functional strength and visual appeal. The design incorporates a mono-pitch roof structure supported by glulam columns and main rafters, with distinctive X-frame beams forming the front and back walls. These elements will create a stunning double-height central area that maximises natural light, improving both energy efficiency and the passenger experience. What makes this project particularly exciting is the airport’s commitment to sustainability through material choice. By selecting glulam as the preferred structural material, the project shows how modern infrastructure can prioritise environmental responsibility without compromising on performance. Techlam’s glulam, manufactured from sustainably harvested New Zealand radiata pine, delivers substantial environmental benefits through multiple pathways. The carbon sequestration aspect is particularly speaking – trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, keeping it locked in the timber for decades, essentially for the lifespan of the building. This natural carbon storage significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint compared to more traditional materials like steel or concrete. From a manufacturing perspective, engineered timber requires substantially less energy than steel and concrete production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire project lifecycle. Being sourced from New Zealand’s sustainably managed forests, our glulam ensures long-term material supply while maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. The precision manufacturing process inherent to glulam also maximises timber use, while construction teams generate less on-site waste compared to traditional building methods. Beyond sustainability, our glulam offers exceptional structural performance perfectly suited to this demanding airport environment. The material provides excellent strength-to-weight performance, dimensional stability, natural fire resistance and excellent seismic performance, which is a major consideration for any major public building in our country. This project builds on Techlam’s growing reputation for delivering advanced and environmentally conscious engineered timber solutions across major developments throughout New Zealand. Much like the Wellington International Airport South Terminal expansion Techlam worked on around 10 ago, the new Palmerston North Airport terminal will serve as a great showcase of how engineered timber performs in modern, high-performance public buildings. The project is expected to be completed 2027.

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The South Australian parliamentary committee inquiring into the State’s timber industry officially ended its seven years of deliberations last week with concluding speeches by two of its members. Source: The SE Voice Opposition Leader in the Upper House Nicola Centofanti said the committee’s work reflects the significance of the forestry sector to South Australia “The unanimous support across party lines reinforces, I think, the shared understanding of its economic, environmental and regional importance,” Ms Centofanti said. “It has now been four months since the report was tabled, and we are keenly awaiting the formal response from Forestry Minister Clare Scriven to the committee’s recommendations. “The industry is looking for clear direction and leadership, and we urge the government to give these recommendations the consideration, and indeed the action, they deserve. “The ball is now firmly in the government’s court.”

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Western Australia’s Cook Government has passed the Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill that aims to end large scale commercial timber harvesting in native forests. Source: Timberbiz More than 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests will be reserved by 2033. The Bill gives legal effect to the government’s decision to end large-scale commercial timber harvesting in native forests, a landmark policy first announced by Labor in September 2021. Since 1 January 2024, under the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, timber taken from native forests has been limited to forest management activities that improve forest health and clearing for approved mining. The Bill also includes administrative amendments, such as allowing the Conservation and Parks Commission to meet remotely rather than only in person. The Cook Labor Government remains committed to managing our South West native forests for their health and resilience in the fight against climate change. By 2033 more than 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests will be reserved as national parks, conservation parks and nature reserves. “This is a landmark moment for WA Labor and a major step forward for the protection of our native forests,” Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said. “We are proud to build on the legacy of the McGowan Labor Government’s 2021 decision to end commercial-scale timber harvesting, and the Gallop Labor Government’s decision to end old growth logging in 2001. “This Bill locks in that progress, ensuring our South West native forests are protected from large-scale harvesting and managed for their long-term health in the face of climate change. “These are exceptional places, and they deserved to be protected for future generations to enjoy.”

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The 2025 World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE) concluded last night with a spirited celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student ingenuity. At the much- anticipated Gala dinner, WoodSolutions was proud to announce the winners of the Australian Timber Design Competition (ATDC). Source: Timberbiz This year’s competition brief invited students across Australia to design adaptable timber housing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Village. Under the theme “Designing for Legacy”, participants were asked to imagine dwellings that could serve athletes during the Games and evolve into enduring, liveable neighbourhoods in the years to follow. “The competition provided an opportunity for students to showcase their ability to solve real-world sustainability challenges,” Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at Forest & Wood Products Australia said. “We’re excited to see this level of creativity on a global stage and at WoodSolutions, we’re proud to foster upcoming talent and help secure the future of timber design and construction.” Following a competitive shortlisting and review process, Team 3 was announced as the winning entry for their adaptable, sensitive, and sustainable project proposal. Judges commended the team’s thorough and thoughtful approach to both design and delivery, noting the high level of collaboration and structural resolution. “[There’s] lots of detail there which we scored excellent for that balance of cultural, structural, and environmental considerations” said one of the jurors. Congratulations to the winning team members: Charlie Bradley-Tasser Tamara Birtasevic Ruiyan L The 2025 judging panel comprised a cross-section of design and build industry experts spanning urban planning, architecture, engineering, and timber processing and supply: Grant Maher, Founder and Director of Jabin Group (engineering consultancy) Jonathan Evans, Specialist Timber Architect and Founder of Arbortect Steph Wyeth, Professional Planner in Residence at University of Queensland Katie Fowden, General Manager of Hyne Group (Hyne/XLam) Sam Charles-Ginn, architectural advisor for the Queensland Government. Their expertise, thoughtful feedback, and generous time helped shape this competition into a valuable learning experience for all involved. All judges were impressed by the depth and quality of submissions across the board, especially given the tight timeframes. The competition not only showcased the capability of Australia’s emerging design talent but also highlighted the evolving role of timber as a climate-conscious, culturally adaptive material. The ATDC was part of a broader WCTE 2025 program, which welcomed close to 1,000 delegates from around the world, including architects, engineers, researchers, builders, and product innovators. This year marked the first time the global conference was held in Australia since 1994.  

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Up to 1,000 of the world’s top timber engineers attended the World Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE 2025) gala dinner last night in Brisbane. These delegates attended the five-day WCTE 2025, making Brisbane one of the largest conferences on record. Source: Timberbiz, Photo Credits: Supplied by Wood Central/Image Consult, the host photographer and videographer for WCTE Of those delegates, 250 were from Australia, with Japan (127), Canada (68), the United States (60), New Zealand (52), and Germany being the countries with the most representatives at the conference. In wrapping the conference, Jan Willem van de Kuilen – the WCTE secretariat – revealed that Edmonton, Canada and Coimbra, Portugal, will host the 2027 and 2029 conferences. At the gala dinner a rousing rendition of “I am Australian” and “My Island Home” was performed by the Australian Girls Choir, Tim Ross – a well-known Australian comedian, presenter and architect – entertained delegates from 44 countries as master of ceremonies. “On behalf of the WCTE organising committee, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the Gala Dinner of the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025,” Mr Tim Ross told a bustling room that included academics and practitioners. “We’re so pleased to have you all here tonight to celebrate what has already been a remarkable few days of innovation, collaboration, and global connection. We hope this evening allows you to relax, connect with colleagues, and enjoy some wonderful food, entertainment, and company.” At the gala were 250 or more students – a sign that the next generation of engineers, architects and designers is ready to advance timber in the future built environment, with three students, Charlie Bradley-Tasser, Tamara Birtasevic and Ruiyan Li recognised on stage as winners of the WoodSolutions supported Australian Timber Design Competition – a competition that saw students from across Australia design adaptive timber housing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Village. According to Kylan Low, who helped with the competition, “I got my start in timber design thanks to meeting with industry at WoodSolutions events when I was a student. It’s wonderful to see this connection expanded with opportunities to learn in a practical way through this competition”.

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Over the last month export log prices have remained stable but at lower levels than preferred. This continuance of same old is good news in the context of prices in the market have stopped falling. Across the mix of supply and demand there are signs both India and China have bottomed out and now showing signs of recovery with talk of lifts in selling prices for August settlements. Importantly, this time of year is a time of normal cyclical lows. By comparison the export market price indicator A grade, is at the highest is has been compared to the last four years. This then suggests there are likely to be better times ahead, ignoring of course the many current abnormal world factors that might impact the softwood fibre supply chain. An unhinged Donald Trump being of course one of them. There are some exciting things happening in the market as well as some useful statistics emerging about forests on the planet and just how well poised NZ is to capture the upside. NZ is on the cusp of a Free Trade Agreement with India. This would have two net impacts. Firstly, the dropping of the current tariff would add US$6 – 7 per m3 to the value of our Radiata pine logs. Secondly, a current supply source from Uruguay would not compete with NZ logs without tariffs, immediately adding two additional shipments per month of sales to this rapidly growing trade destination. Canada’s harvest, predominantly Lodgepole pine has shrunk from 90mil m3 pa to 35 mil in five years as a consequence of bark beetle infestation. Many sawmilling companies are relocating to the Pacific Northwest, harvesting and producing for the US market. This has seen PNW log exports to China slow to a trickle. European Spruce exports to China have slowed to less than 100,000 m3 of logs per month from 600,000m3. Commentary suggests even the current volumes will eventually cease as Germany primarily, runs out of forest to harvest due to the same bark beetle that is eating its way through Canada forests. Spain, including the Basque Country has lost in excess of 50,000 hectares of their softwood forest since 2018 due to pathogens, primarily Lecanosticata acicola. This pathogen poses a very real threat to NZ softwood forests, with our biosecurity settings undergoing a major review as a consequence. China has faced major challenges but is emerging as a much stronger economy than some of its critics have suggested. Indeed, China has just reported a Q1 trade surplus of $US165bil. Compare this with the US trade deficit Q1 – $US425.5bil. Sorry Donald, it isn’t working! China has been consistently using about 60,000 m3 per day of our wonderful Radiata pine logs when things were supposed to be dire. This then tells us there is a very real everyday usage requirement with its foundation being the China middle class population. This in turn tells me China need NZ to harvest about 100 hectares of our forests every day just to satisfy ongoing usage. This is an extraordinary story of two trading partners needing to continue to work collaboratively. India log trade expansion is limited by infrastructure, with one only port currently receiving break bulk logs (Kandla). The Logs in container trade is growing quickly. We are currently supplying enough logs to fill about 10 x 40ft containers per week, the current demand is for 100 per week. Vietnam has become a significant importer of NZ logs in containers. This mostly relates China companies manufacturing in Vietnam to dodge tariffs. But Vietnam has also become one of the strongest economies in the world with ample demand from consumers and producers for export. We (LFL) are currently supplying up to 6 containers per week to Vietnam, their demand is also in excess of 100 per week. And to conclude with the most disturbing information recently published by Global Forest Watch suggesting 6.7mil hectares of Tropical primary forest were lost on the planet to YE 2024 due to fires, pests and land use change. It is becoming abundantly clear NZ sits in a highly favourable position with fast growing, healthy softwood forest that comprise wood fibre that is becoming more highly regarded by an increasing number of countries. As always, please remember the thoroughly important message; “despite the challenges, it remains, as always, fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees”. Allan Laurie, Managing Director, Laurie Forestry. Laurie Forestry is a leading Australasian forestry company that provides consultancy, management and marketing services to forest owners, farmers, sawmills and manufacturers.  

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With the Komatsu 898, Komatsu Forest is taking the next step in the development of large forwarders adapted for plantation forestry in South America as well as final felling in Australia, North America, and Europe. Source: Timberbiz A new powerful engine, robust transmission, and a large load space with a wide range of customisation options for different needs are just a few of the advantages that make the Komatsu 898 meet the market’s demands in the largest segment. Komatsu 898 is a further development of the popular final felling forwarder Komatsu 895, adapted to handle even larger loads. The model is available in a standard version with 8 wheels, but for forwarding in plantations on flat terrain, the 6-wheel version can be a cost-effective alternative. The 898 has a robust load space with many possibilities for adjustments. The gate can be telescopically adjusted, and the foldable widening wings can be locked in the retracted or extended position. There is also an option to make the gate slide along the direction of the rear frame. The bunks have telescopic widening and can be equipped with hydraulically height-adjustable stakes. This increases productivity during loading and unloading by reducing the height that the timber must be lifted over the supports – something that also contributes to reduced fuel consumption. The Komatsu 898 has a new generation diesel engine. It is a powerful 7.5-litre AGCO engine with high performance and good fuel economy, with the new CORE platform. Maximum power is 250 kW and maximum torque is 1450 Nm. The engine has a large radiator and hydraulically driven cooling fan, which allows the speed to be adjusted dynamically depending on the cooling needs. As an option, the cooling fan can be made reversible, making it easy to reverse the airflow and blow away debris. The AdBlue system has a robust design, and a new feature is that the AdBlue filter is now located outside the tank, making it easy to access when the filter needs to be changed. The 898 has two strong crane configurations, 165F (standard) and 205F (optional). The Komatsu 205F crane has a lifting torque of 205 kNm and a swing torque of 51.9 kNm. It’s developed with an emphasis on increased productivity in final felling and plantation forestry. The crane has a robust, welded pillar that, together with the main boom and outer boom, provides both good lifting height and lifting geometry. It can be selected with a reach of 7.5/8.5 m with single telescope or 10 m with double telescope. For the 205F, the largest grapple model, G88H, is available as an option, with a tip-to-tip area of 0.55 m2, and a powerful rotator. Komatsu 898 has a strong powertrain with a large bogie axle and the wheels are well dimensioned for the task – the rear wheels measuring 30.5” and the front wheels 28.5”. Together with the 345 kN max tractive effort (8WD), this enables the machine to move effortlessly in the terrain, even with heavy loads. The 898 8WD is equipped with a new generation hydrostatic transmission with a large hydrostatic pump and dual hydraulic motors. This provides similar characteristics to the 895 with XT transmission, but with even higher traction force. The new hydrostatic motors are designed to handle higher pressure and higher speeds, which allows more power to be delivered to the wheels. This, combined with the powerful diesel engine, makes the machine even more powerful. The dual hydraulic motors provide high speed in the first gear, which also contributes to high productivity. The Komatsu 898 has a new generation diesel engine. It is a powerful 7.5-litre AGCO engine with high performance and good fuel economy, with the new CORE platform. Maximum power is 250 kW and maximum torque is 1450 Nm. The engine has a large radiator and hydraulically driven cooling fan, which allows the speed to be adjusted dynamically depending on the cooling needs. As an option, the cooling fan can be made reversible, making it easy to reverse the airflow and blow away debris. The AdBlue system has a robust design, and a new feature is that the AdBlue filter is now located outside the tank, making it easy to access when the filter needs to be changed. The 898 has two strong crane configurations, 165F (standard) and 205F (optional). The Komatsu 205F crane has a lifting torque of 205 kNm and a swing torque of 51.9 kNm. It’s developed with an emphasis on increased productivity in final felling and plantation forestry. The crane has a robust, welded pillar that, together with the main boom and outer boom, provides both good lifting height and lifting geometry. It can be selected with a reach of 7.5/8.5 m with single telescope or 10 m with double telescope. For the 205F, the largest grapple model, G88H, is available as an option, with a tip-to-tip area of 0.55 m2, and a powerful rotator. Komatsu 898 has a strong powertrain with a large bogie axle and the wheels are well dimensioned for the task – the rear wheels measuring 30.5” and the front wheels 28.5”. Together with the 345 kN max tractive effort (8WD), this enables the machine to move effortlessly in the terrain, even with heavy loads. The 898 8WD is equipped with a new generation hydrostatic transmission with a large hydrostatic pump and dual hydraulic motors. This provides similar characteristics to the 895 with XT transmission, but with even higher traction force. The new hydrostatic motors are designed to handle higher pressure and higher speeds, which allows more power to be delivered to the wheels. This, combined with the powerful diesel engine, makes the machine even more powerful. The dual hydraulic motors provide high speed in the first gear, which also contributes to high productivity.  

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In collaboration with the AI company Terra Labs, Södra is now launching an initiative to ensure that members have continuous access to regularly updated insights about their forests. Source: Timberbiz Broad knowledge of forest owners’ needs is being combined with AI, automated data, and new working methods to provide members with the best possible decision-making support regarding their forest. The forest management plan, a central tool in a forest owner’s planning and decision-making, has remained largely unchanged for decades. Södra is now leading a major project to develop planners’ tools using remote sensing and next-generation AI technology. “We are now on the brink of a technological leap that will give us access to automated forestry data in a new way. Empowering our members in their forest ownership and decision-making is a key part of our mission, and we aim to create even better decision support for forest owners,” said Peter Karlsson, Head of Södra Skog. There is significant potential to streamline work through automated forestry data, which, among other benefits, reduces the need for field measurements. To achieve this, Södra is developing its own Planner App, used on a tablet in conjunction with new remote sensing data. Södra has now entered into a long-term partnership with Terra Labs to ensure stable access to highly accurate and frequently updated data. The joint development work to adapt and train the AI model has been ongoing for several months. “We’ve contributed various perspectives to the development process and have now found solutions that provide us with very high-quality forest information. We are leading the market here and will soon be able to offer Södra’s members the best possible information about their forests, which we hope will enhance the member experience,” says Peter Karlsson. The app for forest planners will be launched this autumn, and in parallel, the forest management plan is being developed as a product. The aim is to make more information available via the member portal Min skogsgård, thereby transforming the forest management plan into a more dynamic decision-making tool where members have greater opportunities to actively engage with their plans. Terra Labs is a new AI-based platform that inventories and analyses forests in real time using satellite data, with the goal of enabling the next major technological shift in the industry.

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The US’ Agriculture secretary will scrap the ‘roadless rule’ that protects lands including the largest old growth forest in the country. The Trump administration will rescind protections that prevent logging on nearly a third of national forest lands, including the largest old growth forest in the country, the agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, announced on Monday. Sources: The Guardian, Associated Press The announcement will be followed by a formal notice rescinding the “roadless rule”, a nickname for the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, in coming weeks, the Associated Press reports. The rule prohibits road building and logging on all national forest land without roads, accounting for about 59m acres (24m hectares) of US national forest land. Rollins shared the news at a gathering of the Western Governors’ Association in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where hundreds had gathered outside to protest against congressional efforts to sell off large swaths of public lands. There, the interior secretary, Doug Burgum, spoke of a new “era of abundance” on public lands, describing Donald Trump’s efforts to extract more natural resources for domestic manufacturing. “President Trump is removing absurd obstacles to commonsense management of our natural resources by rescinding the overly restrictive roadless rule,” said Rollins. “This move opens a new era of consistency and sustainability for our nation’s forests. It is abundantly clear that properly managing our forests preserves them from devastating fires and allows future generations of Americans to enjoy and reap the benefits of this great land.” Republican lawmakers from western states celebrated the announcement while environmental groups expressed dismay. On social media, the Republican representative for Alaska, Nick Begich, said: “Alaska’s forests are one of our state’s greatest natural assets and the ‘Roadless Rule’ has long stifled responsible forest management, blocked access to critical resources, and halted economic opportunity.” The Republican congresswoman Harriet Hageman of Wyoming also posted on social media, writing: “This outdated policy has long hindered effective forest management.” Meanwhile, the Sierra Club’s forest campaign manager, Alex Craven, said in a statement: “Once again, the Trump administration is ignoring the voices of millions of Americans to pursue a corporate giveaway for his billionaire buddies. Stripping our national forests of roadless rule protections will put close to 60m acres of wildlands across the country on the chopping block. That means polluting our clean air and drinking water sources to pad the bottom lines of timber and mining companies – all while pursuing the same kind of mismanagement that increases wildfire severity.” In its announcement, the US Department of Agriculture cited concerns about increasing wildfire risk as reasoning for constructing roads through national forest land: “Nearly 60% of forest service land in Utah is restricted from road development and is unable to be properly managed for fire risk. In Montana, it is 58%, and in Alaska’s Tongass national forest, the largest in the country, 92% is impacted.” Journalist Ben Goldfarb, author of the book Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, questioned that logic on social media, writing: the “vast majority of fires occur near roads. They’re worsening risk”. The decision also aligns with Trump’s executive order “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation”, the USDA said, to “get rid of overcomplicated, burdensome barriers that hamper American business and innovation”. During the latter part of Trump’s first term, the federal government lifted restrictions on logging and road-building in the Tongass, something the Biden administration later reversed.

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Forestry Corporation is reminding residents to purchase firewood authorisations before collecting wood from State forests. Recent updates have been made to Forestry Corporation’s online firewood permit page improving the user experience. Source: Timberbiz The conditions for firewood collection have also been updated and should be understood prior to entering State forests. The system now distinguishes some locations between pine and native hardwood forests, making firewood collection easier for authorisation holders. “State forests in NSW continue to offer the public an affordable way of collecting firewood, with authorisations ranging from $8 to $30 per tonne depending on location, with pensioner discounts also available,” Forestry Corporation’s Governance Officer – Forests and Land, Melanie Klootwijk said. “These prices have remained stable for many years, which is important for regional communities in cooler climates where firewood is essential for heating.” Authorisations allow the public to collect between one and three tonnes of firewood per visit, depending on the location. Each selected forest collection area is clearly mapped when applying for an authorisation. The areas available for firewood collection change each year and are generally areas where timber harvesting has taken place. Firewood can only be collected from the ground — felling standing trees is strictly prohibited. Authorisation holders must print maps of the collection areas and carry the map when collecting firewood to avoid confusion and penalty notices up to $200 if found not to be adhering to the permit conditions Forestry Corporation urges authorisation holders to practice safe chainsaw use and wear protective equipment. Firewood collection is prohibited during Solid Fuel Fire bans — authorisations cannot be used when a ban is active, even if purchased beforehand. For more information visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au  

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Two Scion programs have received a second round of government funding for collaborative research with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aimed at increasing water flow and wildfire knowledge and preparedness in New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz The NZ$2.35 million (excluding GST) from the government’s Catalyst fund will enable Scion to undertake three-year research programs into observing water flows through forests and investigating wildfire and drought risks. Both programs are based on feasibility studies completed thanks to the first stage of Catalyst funding. The water flows research builds on results from Scion’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-funded Forest Flows program, which researched forest hydrology in study sites around New Zealand, including an 1800ha catchment in Northland’s Te Hiku Forest. The new program, a collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, will focus on the Aupōuri Peninsula’s Te Hiku region (Northland). It will use data from multiple NASA satellite missions to generate a new way to accurately measure water use for different land uses and how it varies across the region. The program will also monitor how water moves across the region above and below ground. Scion research lead Dean Meason says this research could provide new insights for freshwater management at scales previously not thought possible. “This gives us the opportunity to address concerns about water use and availability and increase understanding of water use and water flow throughout Te Hiku.” The wildfire and drought risk study aims to build a publicly accessible near-real-time fuel moisture and fuel type system. Program lead and Scion fire ecologist Shana Gross says accurate data on the moisture content within living vegetation can provide information on how fire could spread through vegetation and identify areas where insects and disease pose a risk to drought-stressed vegetation. “This can lead to more accurate wildfire predictions improving warning systems and reducing economic and environmental loss due to wildfire and drought.” Scion is partnering with NASA’s Ames Research Centre, the Australian National University, the US Forest Service, Fire and Emergency NZ and the University of Canterbury on this program. Both research programs will now collect field and remotely sensed data to build models for development of the near-real-time systems. The partnership with NASA on both programs gives Scion’s teams access to state-of-the art technology and expertise to develop their research and build partnerships with a world leader in space research – and to help with solutions to climate change-driven challenges.  

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Erben’s 35-storey timber tower on the fringe of Perth’s CBD has been greenlit by the City of Perth’s Metro Inner Development Panel. Source: Australian Property Markets News Designed by Rothelowman, with planning and landscape by Urbis, the project will be one of the world’s tallest hybrid timber towers and deliver 351 build-to-rent apartments, including studios, 1- and 2-bed apartments, and 64 short-stay accommodation units. This innovative development is thoughtfully designed to foster a strong sense of community, introducing a new residential model to Perth that sets a new standard for high-quality rental living – designed with a generous eye for life. The project prioritises an aspirational lifestyle, encouraging greater interaction among residents through carefully curated communal spaces and uniquely crafted apartments. 108 Stirling Street embraces hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, reinforced by a concrete core and mass timber columns. This pioneering system minimises carbon footprint, enhances structural efficiency, and injects natural warmth and character into interior spaces. The design prioritises buildability, carefully considering material production, transportation, and modularity to optimise its sustainable impact and construction. A defining feature of 108 Stirling Street is its generous ground-plane urban bushland, introducing native trees and landscaped pedestrian linkages that promote a walkable and vibrant precinct. The scheme protects the existing mature street trees along Stirling and Aberdeen Streets, enhancing Perth’s urban canopy and creating a cooler, more inviting public realm. “At 108 Stirling Street, accessible green space isn’t just a feature, it’s fundamental,” said Kylee Schoonens, Principal at Rothelowman. “It’s our way of stitching this precinct into the fabric of the city, creating a natural pause point that invites people in, encourages movement, and supports a more connected, walkable Perth. “We’re proud to be partnering with Erben on this landmark project. It’s a meaningful contribution to Perth’s Urban Greening Strategy, expanding inner-city bushland and using low-impact materials to ensure the project treads lightly while giving back to the city.” At street level, the tower’s Urban Room forecourt gives back to the public realm creating a harmonious interface between nature and the city. Designed to foster community interaction, the development features physically and visually connected rooftop and podium gardens, ensuring a sense of connectivity for residents from street level to skyline. Committed to achieving a Five-Star Green Star sustainability rating, 108 Stirling Street integrates rooftop PV panels, strategic landscaping to combat the urban heat island effect, and smart access to public transport, walkways, and bike paths to encourage eco-friendly mobility. Erben Managing Director Luke Reinecke said he is pleased to receive development approval on 108 Stirling Street. “This is as an exciting project for us and will offer the Perth market something unique through its innovative and sustainable design, extensive use of timber, and strong community focused offering, expanding the range of housing options available. It comes at an important time for Perth, when increasing housing supply is of utmost focus,” he said. Expected to reach completion in 2028, 108 Stirling Street will deliver 3,000 square metres of communal amenities, 900 square metres of resident storage, and 35 new trees furthering Perth’s urban regeneration while setting a new benchmark in sustainable residential design.

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Controlling gorse on private land is never as simple as it sounds and in a forestry context, its aggressive nature and environmental impacts mean landowners need more than good intentions. Source: Timberbiz Successful management of Tasmania’s highly invasive woody weed, Gorse (Ulex europaeus), in private forests demands adherence to regulations, coupled with a strategic, ecologically informed approach and a clear vision for future land use. Private Forests Tasmania Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie said landowners need to be aware of regulatory requirements when undertaking gorse control in forested or woodland environments. Mr McKenzie said no gorse program should begin without consulting the Forest Practices Act 1985. Any operation that clears, pushes over or otherwise destroys trees capable of reaching five metres is a forest practice and usually needs a certified Forest Practices Plan (FPP). “If gorse control will remove, damage or kill native vegetation – even indirectly – it may be deemed tree‑clearing,” Mr McKenzie said. “Undertaking forest practices without an approved FPP can trigger compliance action by the Forest Practices Authority (FPA), including fines and remediation orders. “A phone call to a Forest Practices Officer before you start can save you money and grief.” Resources such as the Gorse Management Leaflet [add hyperlink] are available via the Forest Practices Authority and offer practical advice and regulatory guidance. A simple flow chart on the FPA website helps landowners decide whether their job is exempt. Mr McKenzie said gorse is highly flammable, aggressive in its spread, and tenacious in seed survival, it can choke out native vegetation, hinder forest operations, and elevate fire risks. “Firstly, it’s a prolific flowerer that can produce seed even when young – and older plants generate enormous seed banks,” Mr McKenzie said. “Secondly, those seeds have a hard coat and can survive in the soil for decades. “In a forestry context, gorse can limit access for any monitoring or active management such as pruning, and it can also increase the fire hazard significantly as it is highly flammable.” He said these traits mean any control method – whether mechanical, chemical, or fire – must be supported by an extended follow-up plan. Mr McKenzie said fire can in fact promote seed germination, meaning it may need to be used cautiously and only at the right time in the control process. Forestry consultant Alex Tabor said successful gorse control comes down to having a long-term management plan. Ms Tabor works with private landowners across Tasmania, helping them avoid unintended damage to native ecosystems when tackling weeds. “Getting rid of gorse is not actually the end goal. You need to have a clear vision for what you want that land to look like when the gorse is gone,” she said. “Woodland environments where gorse is present are often already under threat, and overly aggressive removal of gorse particularly using fire, can worsen the situation. “If you burn it too early, the gorse burns so hot you can kill all your trees, make the infestation worse, and possibly breach the Forest Practices Code.” From a practical forestry perspective, gorse also presents logistical and operational problems. “Selecting tree species that grow rapidly and are suited to the site can give them a competitive advantage,” Mr McKenzie said. “Good weed control during establishment and rapid early growth is essential. “A species with a dense canopy will shade out the understorey and reduce gorse germination over time. “Active managed planted forests can be a good option for assisting with gorse management and making land productive again.” The Gorse National Best Practice Manual is a science‑based guide to helping manage gorse and key actions in developing a control plan include: Define problem areas through property or control area mapping using aerial photos, existing maps, or hand-drawn visuals. Determine and map control priorities – rank infestations by priority, assess legal and ethical responsibilities, align with regional plans, and use overlays or GIS to map priorities and ecological considerations over a minimum five-year control plan. Determine integrated gorse management options by assessing available resources, legal requirements, potential impacts on neighbours, and planning for initial control, follow-up, and ongoing monitoring. Develop a financial plan by estimating management and labour costs for each infestation, budgeting for both short- and long-term control, considering available financial support, and including future follow-up actions. Develop a long-term, flexible gorse control schedule that enables annual follow-up, considers seasonal effectiveness and labour availability, and integrates with broader land management activities. Monitor and document gorse control efforts by mapping progress, recording methods and costs, checking for regrowth or new outbreaks annually, and taking repeat photos to assess effectiveness over time. Conduct annual follow-up of treated infestations using the most suitable method, as regrowth and new germination are likely to occur. Alex said many landowners underestimate the time and cost involved in gorse control, which she labelled and “open-ended problem”. “For major infestations, landowners should plan for a five-to-10-year control program, followed by ongoing maintenance to prevent re-establishment,” Ms Tabor said. “Budget on at least five to ten years of staged control, then lifelong surveillance. “Follow-up maintenance isn’t just once or twice – it’s ongoing, and it must be tailored to what’s coming back each time. “People often let gorse infestations go on for decades. Once you lose the diversity in these ecosystems, it’s hard to restore it. “The earlier you get in, the less intensive and expensive it will be.”

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OneFortyOne has launched a community survey in the Green Triangle region covering Southeast SA and Western Victoria. Source: Timberbiz The survey aims to gauge community awareness and perception of OneFortyOne, including recognition of the brand, understanding of the forestry and sawmilling company’s activities, and sentiment. OneFortyOne Corporate Affairs Manager Charlene Riley said the insights gathered will inform future engagement strategies and help strengthen community relationships. “We value the opinions of our community and want to hear from you,” she said. “Your feedback, positive or negative, will help improve how we engage and communicate.” The survey questions are mostly multiple choice, and designed to be simple, taking only about 10 minutes to complete. “This survey is your chance to have input into how OneFortyOne connects with the community,” Ms Riley said. The survey is anonymous; however, participants have the option of entering the draw to win one of 5 $250 VISA gift cards if they share their name and contact. The survey is open now, available online via www.surveymonkey.com/r/OneFortyOne it closes on 27th July 2025.

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The New Zealand Government has taken a major step towards protecting food production by ending the large-scale conversion of productive farmland into pine plantations, with the first reading of the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme — Forestry Conversion) Amendment Bill receiving unanimous support in Parliament last night. Source: Timberbiz “This Bill is about protecting our most valuable land that grows food for export and sustains rural communities,” Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay said. “For too long, ETS incentives have driven the wrong outcomes for our rural sector.” “Once farms are planted in trees as a result of carbon credits we lose the ability to produce the high-quality safe food that consumers demand – and we lose rural jobs, export earnings, and the families that go with them. Today we are putting a stop to the harm that this has done to rural New Zealand.” The Bill will: Prevent exotic forests from entering the ETS on LUC 1–5 land (New Zealand’s most productive soil); Limit new ETS registrations on LUC 6 land to 15,000 hectares per year, allocated by ballot; Allow up to 25 per cent of a farm to go into the ETS, preserving landowner choice while ending full-farm conversions; Protect eligible Māori-owned land, and provide time-limited exemptions for pre-announced investments. The Bill includes temporary exemptions where an investor can provide evidence of a qualifying forestry investment between 1 January 2021 and 4 December 2024. For instance, the purchase of land and ordering of trees prior to 4 December 2024 would be an example of proof of a qualifying investment, whilst each of these actions alone would not. “The last Government sat back while 300,000 hectares of farmland were sold off for carbon credits. That short-sighted policy puts ideology ahead of long-term food security. We’re reversing that damage.” The new settings will take effect from 4 December 2024, with the law coming fully into force in October 2025.

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Forest & Wood Products Australia has released its Standard G01: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Structural Purposes, the first national guideline designed specifically for the visual grading of recycled hardwood timber for structural applications. Source: Timberbiz Through close engagement with industry, recyclers, engineers, and government, this Standard supports the use of more wood products in construction and lays the groundwork to assist with Australia’s transition to circular construction by ensuring the safe and reliable use of structural recycled timber. It complements existing standards for new sawn timber, while addressing the unique characteristics of reclaimed materials — such as signs of previous use ( bolt holes, notches), ageing, features, and variations in appearance and performance. This standard provides clear, nationally consistent grading criteria tailored to recycled structural timber. It promotes detailed communication between suppliers and purchasers, encourages sample inspections, and enables market confidence in recycled products through a quality assurance framework. The grades defined under this Standard are unique to recycled timber and should be used independently of existing standards (AS 2082 and AS 3818 series). “This standard reflects FWPA’s commitment to supporting circularity and environmental responsibility across the timber industry,” said Boris Iskra, National Codes & Standards Manager at FWPA. “By providing a consistent approach to grading recycled hardwood, we’re giving industry the confidence to produce recycled structural timber and specifier’s confidence to use this material in structural applications.  It’s a milestone in the broader effort to unlock the full potential of timber reuse in Australia.” The launch of FWPA Standard G01 follows the earlier publication of FWPA Standard G02: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded Decorative Products, which provides visual grading guidance for recycled hardwood used in non-structural and decorative applications. Like G01, the G02 standard was developed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders and includes both mandatory and advisory provisions to account for the distinct characteristics of recycled timber. Together, Standards G01 and G02 form a coordinated framework for the responsible reuse of hardwood timber, addressing both structural and aesthetic applications. They empower industry participants to make informed decisions that reduce waste, support sustainability, and build confidence in using recycled timber products. “This Standard fills a critical gap for builders and engineers seeking to incorporate recycled hardwood in structural projects,” said Michael Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy’s Timber. “It offers the clarity and confidence we need to promote more sustainable building choices.” To learn more and download the FWPA G01 Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Structural Purposes click on https://fwpa.com.au/codes-standards/fwpa-standard-g01-recycled-timber-visually-graded-for-structural-purposes/

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