Australian timber industry news

When harvesting and forwarding in steep terrain, a traction aid winch is a useful complement to ensure a productive working day with low impact on the forest. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch is a high-quality system based on more than 20 years’ experience of winch use in the alpine regions of Europe. Source: Timberbiz The system has been complemented with anchor point monitoring to meet the requirements of the new ISO standard for traction aid winches. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch is available as an option on the Komatsu 875 and the Komatsu 931XC. Harvesting and forwarding timber in demanding conditions requires specially adapted technology, such as a traction aid winch. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch is a high-quality winch solution that provides extra tractive force and grip and enables the machine to navigate terrain that would otherwise prove inaccessible. The winch has a well-considered design that helps to simplify your working day, and, thanks to its compact dimensions, it impacts neither manoeuvrability nor visibility. The harvester winch is easily removed during servicing or when driving on flat terrain. It also has a hydraulic tilt that makes it easy to tilt the winch downwards when opening the hood or adjusting the rope angle. The forwarder winch is designed to be well integrated with the rear frame. The Komatsu 875 has an integrated crane tilt option, which helps to compensate for any lean of the machine up to 22 degrees and thereby better maintains the crane’s slewing torque in steep terrain. The winch is controlled with the aid of a remote control, and to optimise winch use it also offers several operating modes. The system is based on the well-proven capstan principle, which means that the winch has a separate drum for rope storage while the tractive force is provided by the capstan unit. This solution provides even traction regardless of how much rope is left on the drum. It also causes less wear on the rope, resulting in a longer service life. What’s more, the winch has a rope feeder unit that ensures that the rope is always tensioned inside the winch. One new feature is that the system has been complemented with anchor point monitoring, which meets the requirements of the new ISO standard for traction aid winches*. This system provides the operator with a warning if the anchor tree moves, so that the machine can be secured.

Janicki Industries, an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in advanced composite materials and assemblies for the aerospace, defence, and other high-tech industries, had landed an important contract and needed a new building. Their other nine manufacturing facilities had been built with steel and concrete, but when it was time for Building 10, pandemic supply issues had created a 12- to 14-month wait timefor steel bar joists. Source: Timberbiz The company’s president, John Janicki, a former architect told the project team he wanted to solve the problem using mass timber. “We wouldn’t have met our contract if we hadn’t switched to mass timber,” he said. “But even though speed was a big part of our decision, we’d been wanting to build using wood for some time. Forest health is important to me, and I’m a huge proponent of doing whatever we can to manage the resource so we have a forest products industry that can go on forever.” Originally slated to be just 60,000 square feet, the building tripled in size as Janicki’s contract grew. Jordan Janicki, Principal of structural engineering firm DCG/Watershed (John’s nephew) said that meant they needed to focus even more on value engineering the project for speed. The manufacturing portion of the facility includes concrete tilt-up walls with glue-laminated timber (glulam) columns supporting large glulam trusses spanning 80 to 102 feet. Glulam rails attached to the mass timber columns support huge overhead cranes needed for Janicki’s manufacturing processes. An attached two-story office was fully constructed with mass timber, including glulam beams and columns, cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls, and glue-laminated timber (GLT) floor and roof panels. Because of the demanding deadline, Vaagen Timbers began making the mass timber components while Carletti Architects and DCG/Watershed were still designing the building. Carletti Architects had a long-standing relationship with Janicki; they’d already designed Buildings 1 through 9, but those were steel and concrete. Building 10 was Carletti’s first experience with mass timber. Building 10 has several unique features: Fifty-nine mass timber trusses, each weighing about 16,000 pounds, support the roof over the manufacturing portion of the building. Spaced 16 feet on centre (OC), the trusses form bays 80 to 100 feet across. Ten-ton overhead cranes are supported by glulam rails attached to the glulam columns. The 8-3/4×48-inch columns are notched to support the horizontal rails. Janicki will be using specialized equipment to move materials within the facility, but they’ll also be running standard forklifts, so Jordan said they considered potential impacts when they chose glulam for the columns. “The column and baseplate connections are all integral,” he said. “We used vertical steel ‘L’ brackets on the corners of the baseplates, which provide both forklift protection at column corners and uplift connection, all tied into one piece.” Lateral loading was a challenge since the manufacturing portion of the facility has 55-foot-tall concrete tilt-up walls. One section of the building has an uninterrupted 432-foot-long high bay, and the crane rails run all the way through. The other side of the building is almost the same. “We couldn’t span the plywood diaphragm all the way to the ends, so we transferred the lateral loads to two drag trusses,” Mr Janicki said. The attached two-story, 20,000-square-foot office was constructed completely of mass timber. Wood walls, columns, and ceilings were all exposed on the interior.

The 2023 PEFC Annual Review 2023 shows that the number of certified hectares of forest grew in all areas of the world, by a total of seven million hectares. Source: Timberbiz PEFC also welcomed the Croatian Union of Private Forest Owners Associations (CUPFOA) as a national member for Croatia, and Mayr-Melnhof Holz, Mercer International, Precious Woods and HS Timber Group as international stakeholder members. A highlight of the year was the launch of the PEFC Alliance 2030 Strategy during the SFI Annual Conference and PEFC Week in Vancouver, Canada. Developed by the entire PEFC Alliance through a series of reviews, discussions, and projections with members and stakeholders, the strategy sets the collective pace for the organisation. PEFC celebrated the endorsement of the first national Trees outside Forests systems in the Netherlands, India, and Portugal, opening the way to the first PEFC-certified trees growing outside of forests in the three countries. It also continued the development of a series of new standards for RED II, moved forward with EUDR alignment, and further explored carbon stock and emissions mapping. Collaboration with different market sectors, including construction, fashion, rubber, packaging, and furniture was also enhanced. The Annual Review gives an insight into the work and some of the key achievements of PEFC and its partners in 2023 – you can download a copy here.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is seeking the public’s help with an investigation into illegal dumping of asbestos roofing material in the Cherbourg Forest Reserve. Source: Timberbiz QPWS rangers found asbestos corrugated roof panels (commonly called “fibro” or “super six”), some with the wooden fascia trim still attached. Some of the wood and roof panels were painted green but most of the material was unpainted. It is believed the dumping occurred within the past six months. The material was removed by a specialist contractor on Saturday (May 18). “Dumping rubbish in any National Park, State Forest or Forest Reserve is illegal,” Mr Casey said. “In this instance the situation is more critical, as the material dumped contains hazardous asbestos. “It is also more costly to remove, with asbestos material requiring specialised handling, removal and disposal. “If anyone recognises the roof panels or knows of people who have recently undertaken renovations or demolitions and that may be able to provide further details, that information would assist us.” Illegally dumping material in Queensland’s protected areas can attract a fine of up to $3096 for individuals or $11,610 for corporations.

Emeritus Professor Dave Kelly, from the School of Biological Sciences at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha at the University of Canterbury (UC), is involved in a new discovery regarding mast seeding events (intermittent years of bumper seed production) in European Beech forests that could benefit conservation work in New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz He is co-author of a paper in the journal Nature Plants showing that the summer solstice, or longest day, acts as a “celestial cue” that prompts beech trees to begin registering changes in temperature. Those temperatures then determine the size of next year’s seed crop. This explains why beech forest mast events happen in the same year across the European continent, despite growing in areas with very different maximum daylight hours. Professor Kelly believes the research has important implications for New Zealand masting species, particularly the native southern beech, or Nothofagus, trees that make up nearly half of New Zealand’s remaining native forest. He says southern beech is of key interest for conservation as mast events in beech forests create perilous conditions for threatened native birds such as kākā, kākāriki, and mohua/yellowhead. Significantly higher numbers of seeds (mast) are produced during a mast season and this abundance also causes population explosions in introduced rodents. Stoat numbers boom as they feed on higher than usual numbers of mice and rats. Unfortunately, they also prey on native birds. Professor Kelly says it’s vital to know in advance when large mast years will occur so the Department of Conservation (DOC) can suppress the outbreaks of rodents associated with bumper seeding. Current mast predictions are based on a joint UC and DOC program that uses seed traps to collect and count beech seed. However, discovery of the summer solstice “starting gun” effect will enable scientists to hone these predictions more precisely. “Carrying out a predator control program over a million hectares of forest – you can imagine the logistics and cost,” Professor Kelly said. “Having these better indicators of timing will have massive flow-on effects.” Professor Kelly has studied another mast seeding species – the native snow tussock, or Chionochloa since the 1980s. When he analysed snow tussock data with his international collaborators, they found this species also appears to open its temperature-sensing window at the summer solstice. “We now know the plants start paying attention to temperatures on the longest day – 21 December,” Professor Kelly said. “We still have to find out by trial and error when they stop paying attention, but knowing the start date increases the accuracy for measuring the weather cue that sets off flowering. This gives better predictions 18 months out of when predator control will be needed. “When I started researching snow tussocks in the 1980s, we didn’t know these things would become crucial for understanding the impact of global warming on these systems. It started as a purely academic interest, and it’s turned into something with very direct application. I think that shows the importance of ‘blue skies’ research.”

Victoria’s Forestry Transition Fund has helped an East Gippsland timber worker to successfully transition from working in a mill to running his own small business. Source: Timberbiz John Alen was made redundant when Parkside Mill, in Bairnsdale, closed at the end of last year, leaving him to look for another job or follow a dream of running his own business. Having already built his own house and a lifetime of working in the timber industry behind him, he saw a gap in the local market after installing a kitchen for a family friend. Mr Alen successfully applied for and received a $16,240 grant from the Forestry Transition Fund, enabling him to purchase tools and a trailer for his new kitchen installation business Riverview Installations, so he could become self-employed. Riverview Installations installs flatpack kitchens, including those from Bunnings and Ikea, in Bairnsdale and the surrounding area. The business also helps homeowners to measure and design their own kitchen. “When the grant came through, I purchased all my tools and my trailer, which is pretty much my business. I’ve installed quite a few kitchens now and the demand is growing,” Mr Alen said. “I was lucky that I got the right help and support to enable me to pursue what I wanted to do.” Mr Alen is finding demand for his skills and time is growing, and he is considering employing another worker or apprentice later this year. The Forestry Transition Fund provides grants up to $1 million for businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Applicants that provide direct and ongoing employment to former native timber workers will receive a $20,000 wage subsidy per worker in addition to their grant. For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/forestry  

Driven by mechanisation, traditional career pathways in forestry crews are evolving. As part of New Zealand’s Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) program, ‘Te Mahi Ngahere i te Ao Hurihuri – Forestry Work in the Modern Age’, the Scion Human Factors research group is exploring ways to reshape these pathways to empower operators in their learning process and bolster well-being. Source: Timberbiz Video-based feedback can help improve operator performance by offering specific, timely, and content-rich instruction. To demonstrate this, experienced loader operators used video to identify beneficial work practices in various loading processes and these practices were structured into a performance framework. The importance of operator skill in enhancing productivity, safety, and overall efficiency of skid site activities was highlighted by the framework, as was the need for efficient, controlled machine movements. Now the research group is looking to test the performance framework in combination with video feedback to improve loader operator skills within the normal operations of a crew. To do that, the group wants to work with a loader operator who believes they have room to improve their skills, is willing to give the system a try and give us feedback on how useful it was. The group will use a sports video analysis app to stream footage of them loading trucks to their phone. They will be given feedback on their loading from two sources: The performance framework for loading operations that can be used to target areas of improvement; and Footage of a very accomplished loading operator that can be used as a comparison within the app. They will need: To be a full-time loader operator (tracked rather than wheeled). Access to a smartphone. A crew boss / foreman willing to capture footage of them loading at least one truck per week for four weeks. To review that video footage and respond to the feedback. A couple of hours at the start getting set up to review footage and to run through the process. An hour at the end of the process to review their experience of learning using video as a feedback tool. If you are interested, text Trevor Best (Researcher) on (+64) 27 432 3155.

After 16 years at Queen St Melbourne, Forest & Wood Products Australia have relocated its office to the new T3 mass timber building in Collingwood, effective May 20, 2024. This move marks an exciting transition for our organisation, aligning with our commitment to support wood products, sustainability and innovation. T3 Collingwood, developed by Hines, stands as the tallest mass timber office building in Melbourne, representing a significant milestone in architectural and environmental design. Situated at 36 Wellington Street, Collingwood, this modern facility embodies the T3 strategy – Timber, Transit, and Technology. T3 Collingwood uses Victorian Oak sourced from sustainable Australian forests. Our new address is Level 6, 36 Wellington St, Collingwood, VIC 3066. The office phone number remains the same, +61 3 9927 3200.

Melbourne-based startup CLT Toolbox has raised $1 million in a bridge funding round to expand its mass timber design software, less than 12 months after it raised an initial $1.5 million seed round in October 2023. Source: SmartCompany SmartCompany has reported that the fresh cash injection includes contributions from climate-focused VC firm Giant Leap as well as Archangel Ventures, Adrian Hondros, Ecotone Ventures and angel investor Harrison Rose. CLT Toolbox offers a design software platform specifically tailored for mass timber construction. The platform provides structural engineers with tools to design complex timber structures. The platform also includes robust supply chain functionalities, enabling users to source materials and components efficiently and sustainably. The funding will be used primarily to support CLT Toolbox’s expansion into the European and US markets and bolster the company’s efforts to make mass timber a mainstream material in construction projects worldwide. According to CLT Toolbox, there is a significant shortage of timber engineering specialists worldwide – a problem that starts at a university level. “University curriculums often struggle to keep pace with rapid innovation. Currently, undergraduate degrees are primarily focused on concrete and steel, with only a small portion dedicated to timber design,” Adam Jones, co-founder and CEO of CLT Toolbox told SmartCompany. “As a result, most universities are not fully equipping the next generation of structural engineers and other professions to design structures using sustainable building materials like mass timber.” According to Jones, this is why the company was founded: to provide a digital infrastructure for designers and the supply chain to adopt mass timber solutions effectively. The global construction industry is also under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions. CLT Toolbox says its platform makes sustainable building materials more accessible. “The world is striving towards zero embodied carbon and is looking for alternative options than concrete or steel,” Jones told SmartCompany. “Concrete alone is more than 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, more than the cars on our roads. So the status quo is a well-forged path. Change happens when new pathways are created and made easy.” Jones cites the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), which states that some hybrid buildings that have included mass timber have seen a reduction up to 75% in their embodied carbon. Jones told SmartCompany that CLT Toolbox measures its impact in reducing emissions through the use of low embodied carbon timber and the biogenic carbon sequestration benefits — and the cost savings from eradicating concrete alternatives. “It’s actually mind-blowing when you crunch the numbers on the impact that choosing mass timber over concrete can have,” Jones said. “Sometimes, it all boils down to the willingness and proactivity of one individual in a design meeting who decides to be an enabler rather than a blocker.” Addressing concerns about sustainability in the timber industry, Jones stated that all the suppliers on the CLT Toolbox platform have certified products from forests accredited by either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). “This certification ensures that the trees are harvested sustainably, with a commitment to replanting, balancing environmental, economic, and social needs,” he said. Jones also argues that timber products, when managed sustainably, are one of the few renewable source of structural material that can be utilised at scale. “We can grow our buildings just like we grow our food. The chemical process of timber production sequesters CO2 rather than emitting it, making our buildings akin to natural carbon sequestration facilities,” Jones said. CLT Toolbox confirmed with SmartCompany that it will be expanding into the European and US markets later this year. Jones said there aren’t a great deal of challenges with this, outside of unit conversion, due to the startup’s platform being globally translatable. “Our software architecture is designed to adapt flexibly to different geographies, with the availability of design methods and suppliers depending on the user’s location,” Jones said. “One of our core values is to solve a problem once and reuse the solution many times. From the outset, our software has been built to leverage design methods from around the world, making them accessible to everyone.”

Gippsland forestry workers displaced by the Labor government’s forced closure of the native timber industry have had their compensation payments frozen. Source: Timberbiz The Allan Government agreed to pay native timber worker and Heyfield resident Jeff Coster due compensation in February. The deal has been stalled, and no payment has been made despite the government issuing a test payment of 20 cents into Mr Coster’s bank account. Seeking a resolution, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath called on Labor in state parliament to honour its commitment and pay the due compensation without delay. “After working in the industry for 30 years Jeff lost his livelihood as a direct result of Labor’s appalling decision to close the timber industry – a solution must be found,” Ms Bath said. “Over the past month I and The Nationals, along with the Costers have had discussions in good faith with the Minister for Agriculture and her Forestry Adviser, despite sympathetic noises, no payment is forthcoming. Ms Bath said that the Costers were not alone, forestry workers operating under a subcontracting arrangement face the same unacceptable predicament. “The Allan Government is morally obliged to recognise time, toil and investment in the industry by subcontractors,” said Ms Bath. “Labor’s hastily designed forestry compensation scheme failed to consider the federal tax implications, resulting in many workers being either rejected or left to pay huge tax bills. “Some subcontractors who received a payment have now shockingly been asked to repay their compensation back to the state government. “The Labor Government was so fixated on fast tracking the closure of the industry it hasn’t considered the ramifications of applying the redundancy payments to subcontractors.” Ms Bath said the stalled payment is a bitter pill for Jeff to swallow given he has used his expertise to fight every major bushfire over the past 30 years. “Jeff spent decades protecting forests, properties, and lives from the ravages of bushfire– it’s time the Labor Government delivered support to him and his family. “The Allan Labor Government agreed in writing to pay due compensation to all forestry workers – it must end the stalling and create a pathway to provide the money owed to impacted subcontractors. “Labor’s bungling of the forestry workers compensation scheme is evidence it has abandoned workers and can’t manage money.”

Trees for Survival Charitable Trust is calling on New Zealanders to play their part in helping to ‘reforest Aotearoa’ by donating a native tree to their nationwide school program. Source: Timberbiz The charity’s inaugural ‘Donate a Native Tree’ appeal kicks off on 27 May and will run until 31 May 2024, aiming to raise as much as possible to help them bring the program to the schools on their waiting list. National Manager Phil Lyons said people can decide to donate a tree for NZ$7, give a monetary donation or join the Trees for Survival community by becoming a regular donor. “Trees for Survival has been blessed with an incredibly passionate team of talented and knowledgeable facilitators, enthusiastic principals, teachers and students, motivated landowners, and incredibly supportive partners and community groups over the years,” Mr Lyons said. “We often get approached by the community asking how they can participate in the program and the answer is simple – just donate. “It only costs NZ$7 to donate a native tree, and the more trees we have, the more students we can provide a hands-on environmental education experience and make a bigger impact across New Zealand.” As an added incentive, every donation made during the Donate a Native Tree appeal will go in the draw to win one of three NZ$50 Mitre 10 gift cards. Every native tree donated to Trees for Survival goes to a local school to be nurtured and grown in their custom-built shade house before being planted by school students on land that will benefit from restoration. “Students develop an understanding that they can have a positive impact through their actions, by helping to improve waterways and increase biodiversity. It’s a powerful thing,” Mr Lyons said. What began with three schools in Auckland has now grown into a nationwide program involving 230 schools in 2024. In 2023 alone, 5,500 students planted 146,280 native plants through the school program, with a total of more than two million native plants and trees planted since the program started in 1991. Having a local focus that can be replicated nationwide is paramount to the program’s success, said Mr Lyons. “When we can connect a school with local landowners and local partners, they’re able to see year-on-year the impact they can make on their local environment. Lyons added that donations and partnership discussions are welcome at any time, not just during their Donate a Native Tree appeal period. “Without more donations, our roots are bound, and we simply can’t grow so please give generously.” The Rotarian initiated charity, Trees for Survival first began in 1991 with a shade house and a plan to inspire New Zealand students how to grow and nurture NZ native seedlings and plant them on erosion-prone and at-risk land across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Fisher-Price unveiled its all-new wooden toy line, Fisher-Price Wood, for children ages 6 months to 5 years. The products are made with wood from FSC-certified sources and designed to last, allowing families to pass them down from generation to generation. Source: Timberbiz With early childhood development at the forefront of Fisher-Price’s purpose, these wooden toys offer a wide range of fun play patterns from colourful puzzles and blocks to role play, music-making and more that help spark creativity, develop fine motor skills, and stimulate problem-solving. “For 94 years, Fisher-Price has been dedicated to helping children have the best possible start in life through innovative, trusted toys that provide hours of fun and enrichment,” Brian Fitzharris, SVP and General Manager, Fisher-Price, said. “With the debut of Fisher-Price Wood – a line that harkens back to the brand’s very roots, we’re bringing a fresh perspective to the timeless appeal of wooden toys that are affordably priced, made from FSC-certified wood, and designed to nourish a child’s creativity and development.”  

In this new book by Aaron Williams, this third-generation British Columbia logger returns to the forests of Haida Gwaii, to witness a way of life in the grip of change. Source: Timberbiz By the time Williams began learning how to fall a tree, his family had been making clear cuts on BC hillsides for nearly a century. During his father’s generation, the industry started to crumble, and by the time Williams arrived, he knew his future lay elsewhere. But his father continued in the trade, his work taking him into the forests of Haida Gwaii. There, Williams follows him into a season at Collison Point, where the loggers are increasingly unwelcome visitors to the ancient forests. The Last Logging Show captures the spectacular setting of Haida Gwaii and the people who call it home. It unravels the lives and dreams of those who log the forests for a living, who have toiled alongside their Haida co-workers for generations but while old approaches to forestry come to an end, new ways come into being. Thoughtful and compelling, this is a story of connection, community, and the force of fundamental change. Aaron Williams’ first book, Chasing Smoke (2017), was based on his experience fighting forest fires in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Idaho.  

Stora Enso’s Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO, Seppo Parvi, has decided to leave Stora Enso to assume a role with a company outside of the forest industry. He will leave Stora Enso during the fourth quarter of 2024. Source: Timberbiz “Since joining in 2014, Seppo Parvi has, in his role as CFO and member of Stora Enso’s Group Leadership Team, been integral in transforming Stora Enso to ‘The renewable materials company’,” Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso said. “He has also played an important role as Stora Enso’s country manager Finland, and in developing the forest industry more broadly. On behalf of Stora Enso, I want to express our sincere gratitude for Seppo’s significant contributions to Stora Enso and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” Stora Enso will immediately begin the search for Seppo Parvi’s successor.

Conversations around trees on farms are often centred on tall trees, but the importance of the vegetation layers below the canopy can’t be understated in supporting biodiversity. Source: Timberbiz Due to grazing pressure or the presence of exotic pasture grasses, many patches of remnant vegetation do not have ongoing tree recruitment, grass tussocks or shrubs. Infill planting that includes native grasses, herbs, shrubs and small trees is vital to provide healthy habitats for bird and insect life. Jon Finch, Entomologist at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, notes the importance of creating and protecting diverse understory for wildlife. “We really need to think about adding multiple layers to our plantings and allowing that to be undisturbed and not grazed, sprayed or managed,” he said. “Everything from grasses, which are important for holding soil together and providing food, to native herbs and flowering plants that produce nectar and pollen, to shrubs providing structure, shelter and food, then above that small and large trees that slow wind speed and provide shade. “Having these diverse plantings brings structural complexity back into the landscape, which wildlife needs to survive and prosper.” Both insects and birds play significant roles on agricultural land, providing services for pest control, pollination and soil health. Like insects, birds play a vitally important role in healthy ecosystems. Despite their importance to healthy ecosystems, there are signs that birds and insect populations are struggling, largely due to loss of habitat. For birds, loss of habitat is paired with an increase in introduced species that are over-abundant. Establishing or maintaining a healthy understory is an important part of supporting bird and insect communities. The first step is to protect areas of remnant vegetation, which often contains vegetation of mixed ages, including dead trees and tree hollows, which are extremely rare on farms yet a vital habitat providing shelter and resources for threatened species. In areas where tall trees require infill planting, caging individual tree seedlings for protection against browsing or damage from deer is an effective approach embraced on many farms.

Regular electricity shortages over New Zealand’s colder months could be a thing of the past if New Zealand diversified its heating sources to include biomass as a fuel. Brian Cox, executive officer of Bioenergy Association said New Zealanders were getting too familiar with this message from the energy sector at the same time every year. Source: Timberbiz “The announcement from Transpower that there may be insufficient generation to meet demand on the morning of 10 May is a situation which will become more common if there is too much reliance on electricity for energy supply. This is compounded by the announcement last week by the gas industry about looming gas shortages. “This is a situation of putting too much focus on a single form of energy.” With continuing strong population growth, a focus on decarbonising industry, and greater electrification of the vehicle fleet, Mr Cox said New Zealand risks being caught seriously short in electricity generation capacity for years to come. “And of course uncertainty over the future of the Lake Onslow hydro battery project has been hanging over the market for almost a decade. It has meant while those demand factors have been growing, generators have been hanging back from making any generation commitment, lest they be left with stranded assets if Onslow went ahead,” he said. While a decision on Onslow has been made for it to not go ahead, long lead times to create more generation capacity create a real squeeze on New Zealand’s electricity generation supply for several more years yet until those new generation assets come on stream. “If ever there was a time to have a joined-up national energy strategy, that time is now. And if we did, it would be very timely to include the use of biomass alongside electricity as an energy source for industrial processes, like heating and steam generation,” Mr Cox said. Mr Cox pointed to forestry firm OneFortyOne that recently signed an agreement with Canterbury Woodchip Supplies to take forest slash and turn it into biofuel to replace coal for heating horticulture crops in Nelson. “That company aims to reduce its slash and forest waste from its forests by 75,000 tonne over the next five years. That is the equivalent of 2000 logging trucks’ worth of timber.” With almost a third of New Zealand’s household waste comprising greenhouse gas emitting food scraps, there is also an ample feedstock source to enable the supply of biofuel for heating,” he said. The food waste sources for biogas production are diverse, including byproducts of food processing in the vegetable, meat, and dairy sectors, along with the methane gas emissions from landfills largely generated through waste food and organic matter within them. “A recent PowerCo report on renewable biogas highlights the potential this sector has to contribute to NZ’s climate change goals and energy sources.” Released in March the report identified the potential for an additional 18PJ of renewable biogas that could be sourced from waste processes, half from the North Island and half from the South Island. If tapped it means NZ could produce 23PJ a year, representing a reduction of 3.7 million tonnes of CO2 and equating to as much as 27% of NZ’s lower end of targeted gas reduction of 14m tonnes of CO2. Piped through the gas supply network, it represents about a 9% increase in NZ’s source of renewable energy. For companies needing gas for food processing, the use of onsite anaerobic digestors to produce biogas for their own use, also represents the next level in energy awareness. “Between forestry and food waste there is a very deep resource of biofuels that would go a long way to not only help remove this seasonal squeeze on electricity, but also make a major contribution to New Zealand’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions profile for the industrial sector.”

  A two-year research project has shed light on the promising opportunities for regional New Zealand to adopt short rotation forestry (SRF) for bioenergy production. The findings show that leveraging short rotation forestry will not only diversify regional economies, but also contribute to sustainable land management and generate environmental benefits as New Zealand looks for ways to transition to a circular bioeconomy and meet its net-zero emissions targets by 2050. Source: Timberbiz Silviculture and forest carbon scientist Alan Jones says Scion’s modelling shows that short rotation forestry as a feedstock for bioenergy has the potential to replace 6% of New Zealand’s annual fossil fuel demand from less than 1% of the land area. “We’ve built on research from a decade ago and assessed the feasibility of rapidly upscaling bioenergy production from forests. We’ve found there are particular regions well-suited to short rotation forestry which provides a real opportunity for communities to transform their economic base and reshape New Zealand’s energy future,” he said. A key outcome from Scion’s research is a ‘how to’ guide for short rotation forestry targeting landowners, forest investors, and government agencies. It not only outlines the feasibility of SRF but also identifies specific regions most suitable for it in New Zealand. Scion’s research recommends that short rotation forestry should be established on lower value land (Land Use Capability Class 5-7) in locations where transport distances to processing locations can be minimised. Regions highlighted include the Central North Island, Northland, the East Coast and Otago. The ideal species for short rotation forestry is Pinus radiata, owing to its rapid growth rates and high degree of adaptability and disease resistance in a range of growing locations. Other options include Eucalyptus fastigata and Eucalyptus regnans for their potential to rapidly yield large volumes of woody biomass from young age trees. Trees are generally planted in dense stands and managed to intensify rates of wood production for renewable energy, such as wood pellets, torrefied briquettes or liquid biofuels for marine and aviation sectors. SRF is a forestry practice that involves growing and harvesting trees on a short rotation cycle which, according to Scion’s modelling, would ideally be between 12 and 18 years for the production of wood biomass. This is considerably shorter than the conventional 28-year harvesting cycle. One of the key advantages of SRF is its ability to provide a steady supply of biomass for energy production on relatively economically marginal land, with plantations harvested multiple times. Additionally, SRF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuels and promoting carbon sequestration in the form of sustainably harvested living trees. Scion’s research responds to signals from the Climate Change Commission that indicate the rising importance of bioenergy from forests in the coming decade. It also presents owners of low production grazing land on steeper hill country with alternative options to maximise productive capacity and increase economic viability. Several challenges could impede the future widespread adoption of SRF in New Zealand – primarily low value of bioenergy feedstock under present market conditions. Considerations such as land costs and transportation distances further complicate the potential adoption of SRF bioenergy nationally. To address these challenges, Scion’s analysis proposes integrating the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) carbon value of standing trees in SRF plantations into their economic assessment, which provides additional incentives for investment. Mr Jones says the guide provides a glimpse of what could be possible in the future for short rotation forestry as a vehicle to scale up bioenergy production. But the benefits would go much further if decentralised processing of harvested material was promoted to stimulate regional economies and fast-track bioenergy availability. “It’s about developing forest systems that are optimised for bioenergy. But in more economically disadvantaged regions, it also makes sense to build and establish processing facilities there because the energy itself is a lot cheaper to transport once it’s chipped and dried or transformed into liquid biofuels. To validate theoretical findings, Scion is collaborating with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on developing designs for forest bioenergy trials. These trials will involve rigorous testing of growth rates, optimal density, and tree health for different species, including Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus varieties. The collaboration represents a critical step in moving from theoretical models to practical implementation, addressing the complexities and uncertainties associated with on-the-ground application. Scion researchers are also looking at optimising tree genetics and ways to optimise tree genetics by re-evaluating past stock for its compatibility with bioenergy. Conventional tree breeding over the past 50 years has focused on timber quality, minimal branching and straightness. As a feedstock for bioenergy, Mr Jones says optimal trees have very different traits. “We want high levels of branching, and we don’t mind growing bendy stems because we also want high resin production and high wood density. So, some of the traits that would have been conventionally bred out of that breeding stock in the past, we’re looking to bring back in for bioenergy.” By 2035, one scenario suggests 150,000 hectares of dedicated bioenergy forest could contribute to at least 5% of domestic fossil energy demand, displacing the equivalent of 3 Mt of CO2 emissions from oil combustion per year, or 4 Mt CO2 from coal.

FSC Australia will hold its 17th Annual General Meeting of Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited (FSC Australia) and Membership Networking Event, scheduled for Thursday, 30 May at the Terrace Room, National Arboretum in Canberra. Source: Timberbiz This event promises informative presentations from the FSC ANZ team, presenting comprehensive updates on its accomplishments over the past year and outlining ongoing initiatives for 2024 and beyond. The proceedings will commence with the Annual General Meeting, followed by networking opportunities over refreshments. The AGM will start at 10.30am and finish at 4.00pm with networking from 4pm until 5pm. For those unable to attend in person, you can register for virtual attendance and a viewing link will be provided for access to the presentations. This link is solely for viewing – interaction, queries, or voting will not be facilitated. You can vote using a proxy form but it must be submitted by 10am 28 May 2024. Upon registration, you will receive comprehensive details about the day’s program, including directions to the venue, parking instructions, and more. For any inquiries email info@au.fsc.org  

Applications have opened for research projects that will advance research and innovation in Australian forest and wood products. Source: Timberbiz The first of four $5 million national open calls for forestry research projects have opened, aimed at establishing new high-value wood products, developed in Australia. The funding is part of the Albanese Government’s grant agreement with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to establish and manage the $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI). The annual national open calls are open to applications from all Australian-based researchers supporting the forest and wood product industries and is not limited to the AFWI research centres. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said the open call will allow industry and researchers to undertake projects that will make a positive impact on Australia’s forest and wood product industries. “We’ve cast the net wide to ensure a broad range of Australians get the chance to share their ideas on how to propel the industry forward,” Minister Watt said. “Establishing AFWI was an election commitment which we are proud to deliver and forms part of our record $300 million investment in the industry. “This program will help to deliver a sustainable future for the industry, by helping to unlock the full potential of wood as the ultimate renewable material, while also supporting a future made in Australia.” University of Tasmania Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anthony Koutoulis said this funding presents an opportunity for researchers to develop novel and impactful ideas that support the sustainable production of wood products. “AFWI is committed to fostering innovation and empowering researchers to enhance the research capacity and capability in the forest and wood products sector now and into the future,” Professor Koutoulis said. “Encouraging collaboration between researchers and industry is vital for impactful projects. “With robust industry support and anchoring research on what really matters, research outcomes become readily applicable, ensuring lasting benefits for Australian communities.” Project applications close on 12 July 2024. For further details on this funding scheme, including eligibility requirements, refer to the relevant Grant Guidelines and Application form template on the AFWI website https://www.afwi.au/

In the heart of Paris, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Forest Forum 2024 convened the 56 PEFC national governing bodies to confront the pressing challenges of climate change in forest management. Source: Timberbiz Against the backdrop of a warming world, forests have emerged as crucial allies, offering both resilience and solutions to combat the climate crisis. The forum spotlighted the role that forests play in adaptation, mitigation, and decarbonisation strategies and discussed the role of forest certification in international efforts to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Responsible Wood, the Australian and New Zealand national governing body for PEFC, took centre stage, advocating for enhanced recognition of sustainable forestry practices through forest certification and ensuring that Australian and New Zealand circumstances are taken into account during the evolving nature of forest certification. Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood, emphasised the pivotal role of responsible forest stewardship in mitigating the impacts of climate change. “Forests are indispensable carbon sinks and ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and livelihoods,” he said. “Responsible Wood is dedicated to ensuring that we can demonstrate that our forests are managed sustainably, safeguarding their resilience and ecological integrity, especially in the face of evolving regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation.” Dr Tony Bartlett, Chair of Responsible Wood, stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts to address global forest challenges. “As stewards of the land, it’s our responsibility to implement practices that balance environmental conservation with economic viability and social responsibility,” Tony noted. “Through initiatives like the PEFC Forest Forum, we exchange knowledge and best practices to ensure a sustainable future for our forests amidst regulatory shifts,” Mr Bartlett said. Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, highlighted the significance of forest certification schemes in promoting responsible forestry. “Certification offers consumers assurance that wood products originate from well-managed forests,” Matt described. “Supporting certified products empowers consumers to contribute to forest preservation and climate change mitigation, aligning with evolving regulations and industry standards,” Mr de Jongh said. Jonathan Tibbits, Marketing and Communications Manager at Responsible Wood emphasised the importance of raising awareness about sustainable forestry practices saying that effective communication is vital to foster a culture of responsible consumption. Through targeted campaigns and educational initiatives, Responsible Wood aims to empower individuals to make informed choices that support forest conservation, in line with regulatory requirements such as the EU Deforestation Regulation. Suzette Weeding, Vice Chair of PEFC, commended Responsible Wood’s commitment to sustainability and collaboration. “Responsible Wood exemplifies the principles of responsible forest management endorsed by PEFC,” Weeding praised. “Their dedication to promoting sustainable practices not only serves as a model for the industry but also aligns with regulatory frameworks, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation, ensuring forests remain resilient ecosystems for future generations,” she said. At the PEFC Forest Forum 2024, stakeholders shared insights and innovations, addressing the pivotal role of responsible forestry in tackling climate change and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. As the discourse continues, Responsible Wood remains steadfast in its mission to champion sustainability, ensuring forests thrive amidst global challenges.