Australian timber industry news

Combilift has been having an award winning month with the company now on a trifecta after receiving an award as Ireland’s Best Managed Company by Deloitte. Combilift is a Platinum winner for the 6th time. Source: Timberbiz Combilift management prowess was rewarded at Deloitte’s awards ceremony in Dublin on the 19 September. The Deloitte Best Managed Company award acknowledges the achievements of management teams, and not just individuals. The accolade recognises overall business performance based on the criteria of strategy, capability and innovation, culture and commitment as well as governance and financial performance. Judges examine every company based on these four equally weighted pillars to select a winner. The Best Managed Companies Program originated in Canada in 1993, with Ireland’s program being the second longest running, introduced in 2008. In addition to Ireland and Canada, the program is currently run in a total of 48 countries across four continents. Combilift has grown from a small team of 10 to a total staff of more than 850 people, selling to 85 countries worldwide. When receiving the award, Martin McVicar said; “It’s a great honour for us as a company to be acknowledged once again by a global brand such as Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies. The credibility of this global award enhances our brand to scale internationally”.

Hobart’s Macquarie Point stadium has been hitting the news lately as a 265-page report was released – the Macquarie Point Stadium summary report which was submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The timber roof of the stadium is expected the cost around $160m. Source: Timberbiz It is likely that this will become the world’s largest timber roofed arena, and it will feature Tasmanian glulam, the report goes into detail on the materials and systems that will feature in its construction. Other Tasmanian timbers are expected to be used widely by lead architects Cox Architecture. German company Schlaich Bergermann Partners were the designers for the translucent roof. The roof level will accommodate the roof structure and an access gantry for services infrastructure, and it will support field lighting that would otherwise need to be provided with lighting towers. The roof area of the western section of the Multipurpose Stadium above the function rooms will also include solar photovoltaic panels. The defining feature is the roof shell which the report states is a feat of engineering, the 190-metre clear-span structure is believed to be the largest fixed roof over a natural grass oval anywhere in the world. The report states that the project will be an all-weather, roofed, uniquely multipurpose stadium that reflects the character and story of Tasmania with a 23,000 seated capacity and 1,500 structured standing area, offering a boutique and premium fan-experience, with a seating bowl designed to enable people to get close to the field of play, supported by a single continuous concourse that wraps around the stadium. The expansive shell roof over the field is intended to be a translucent skin that admits light, views and a sense of connection to the city, mountain and waterfront beyond. The timber in the structure is on the underside, and the volume created underneath will promote an awe-inspiring experience. The streamlined structure allows the maximum internal height above the centre of the pitch and an overall form that reduces in height and scale across all elevations, establishing a height at street interfaces that is comparable to and compatible with the scale of existing buildings. The development of the roof has undergone an extensive options evaluation process to assess various roof typologies against a range of design criteria. The transparent sections of the roof are comprised of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), which is a high-strength polymer material that has been used on several other roofed stadiums in Munich, Beijing, Dunedin and Las Vegas. According to the report the proposed Multipurpose Stadium construction works are intended to commence after approvals are received and the contract is awarded, enabling a commencement in late 2025. However, there’s been controversy over the fact that the stadium’s car park, a three-storey underground area, was not included in $775 million cost estimate and neither was the cost of relocating the heritage-listed Goods Shed nor was the building of an access road at the north part of the site. An amount of $715 million was the initial cost put forward in June this year. According to the Macquarie Point Development chief executive Anne Beach the car park was not included because it was not specific to the project. You can download the report here.

Known for its rich biodiversity and vast natural landscapes, Australia is a globally significant exporter of hardwood chips, which represent around 80% of its total woodchip exports. Source: Resource Wise However, the Australian forest products sector faces challenges in both its woodchip export markets and at home, where more working forests are needed to meet rising wood demand. One of the primary shifts in this market has been the decline in demand for hardwood chips from China, an important consumer of Australian wood products. For the past few years, China has been the top export market for Australian hardwood chips, accounting for more than 60% each year since 2018. But the tides started to change in 2023 as China’s hardwood chip volumes from Australia dipped to nearly half of what they were five years prior. This comes as China’s domestic paper industry transitions from relying on woodchips to importing wood pulp instead. However, it remains uncertain if this transition will be temporary, as it depends on the cost difference between wood chips and pulp. Several factors make importing wood pulp more attractive than chips. For China, cost is the primary consideration. Other secondary factors include the greater efficiency wood pulp offers in the production process. Being more refined than woodchips, wood pulp provides a more consistent and higher quality raw material that can be directly used in paper manufacturing, thereby reducing processing time and costs. China’s logistical considerations are mainly cantered on the delivered cost to their pulp manufacturers. If the cost remains more favourable than that of woodchips, it is likely they will continue to prefer pulp. Australia’s wood export industry is not exclusively reliant on China. Japan plays a major role, accounting for 35% of Australia’s hardwood chip exports in 2023. In fact, Japan has been consistently importing about one-third of Australia’s export volume since at least 2015. Looking closer to home, Australia’s forestry market is facing increasing environmental restrictions, even as the demand for wood fibre grows. The focus of conservation efforts is primarily on natural forests, with specific attention to at-risk and older forests. Commercial plantation forestry is being recognized as a much-needed solution. Industry organizations such as the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) argue that farm forestry could be vital to sustainably meeting Australia’s rising demand for timber and wood fiber, which is predicted to quadruple by 2050. The recent lifting of restrictions that limited plantation forestry’s participation in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme has been lauded as a significant step forward. As the Australian forestry market continues to evolve, industry players need to keep a close eye on these shifts to navigate through the uncertainties of the market. Having access to up-to-date insights and strategic market analysis can provide a crucial competitive advantage. For comprehensive insights into the shifting currents of the global forestry market, including those unique to Australia, download our Market Insight report on Australia’s hardwood chip exports in 1H 2024. This report provides an in-depth look at the evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the global forestry market today. Download the report here.  

Women in Forestry and FICA have been working on a payroll project to research the best payroll option for forestry contractors in New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz PaySauce has come out on top and is offering a special joining deal for FICA and WIF members. After trialling four different payroll systems, PaySauce stands out as the best option aligned to the needs of forestry contractors. “Forestry contractors generally have different needs to standard/typical business, especially around the complexities of different allowances we pay,” WIF General Manager Sarah Davis said. “Having had experience running other systems for a number of years, I understand the benefits to the simplicity they offer but there are also drawbacks with some not being cloud based and in real time, especially for pay day filing. Plus, some competitors are not known for their customer service, and it can be difficult to get through to a real person on the phone.” Key features and benefits of PaySauce include: Functionality suitable for complex allowances forestry contractors pay Cloud base/real time updates Local/real people in the customer service team App based system meaning you can process payroll from anywhere Competitive pricing with a special three month joining offer for FICA and WIF members No set up fees (some other competitors charge NZ$50pp) Pain-free set up – all they need is a payroll report. Dale Rutgers from Loggabull in Taupo completed a PaySauce pilot/trial as part of the research process WIF undertook. “I want to thank Dale from Loggabull for taking the time to demo this payroll. She was very diligent with her questions and feedback,” Ms Davis said. After trying out PaySauce Ms Rutgers has committed to switching Loggabull over to PaySauce. “It will be good to start using a web-based system that has a lot of different capabilities. It’s great that it is a NZ company, and you can speak to a real person in NZ if you need any support,” she said. Ms Davis acknowledges that switching payroll systems is not always simple and easy. “I understand the drama of having to change over a payroll system, so we have strived to find the best system that will make it as painless as possible,” she said. “The team at PaySauce have assured me that the switch is seamless and all they require is your payroll reports. Then they can load everything for you. “With the added benefits of PaySauce running through an app, you can process payroll anywhere in the world off your phone.” As a WIF or FICA Member, sign up for a PaySauce ‘Standard’ plan before 31 December 2024, and it’ll be free until the end of 2024. You’ll also get 10% off your monthly subscription until 31 December 2025. T&Cs apply.  

Swift parrots are back in Tasmania in search of forest areas with the richest food sources to forage and breed. Source: Timberbiz Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Swift Parrot Monitoring Program, now in its fourth year, is focused on effectively managing and supporting habitat for breeding swift parrots in Tasmania’s public production forest. Sustainable Timber Tasmania spent the past month surveying 1,238 trees across 129 sites to evaluate eucalypt bud levels. This is important because swift parrots are migratory, returning to Tasmania in the warmer months, and move into areas with the richest food sources to breed. Bud surveying is crucial to understanding where key foraging trees will flower this spring and summer. Findings from the survey show that Eucalyptus ovata and Eucalyptus brookeriana in the Eastern Tiers, East Coast, Bruny Island and southern coastal areas are set to provide foraging opportunities for this season. Eucalyptus globulus on the Tasman Peninsula and coastal areas will also be important food sources this season. Results from these bud surveys help Sustainable Timber Tasmania focus its Swift Parrot Monitoring Program during breeding season. General Manager Conservation and Land Management Suzette Weeding said that Sustainable Timber Tasmania is proactively monitoring and evaluating any potential nesting activity on public production forests which will inform our forest management and minimise risks to nesting birds. The research and operations team conducted reconnaissance this past week located in and around our forest coupes with potential foraging and nesting habitat. No swift parrots were heard or seen however, the team placed acoustic monitors out in the forest, which will be its ears to listen for any swift parrot activity in the area over the coming weeks.    

Time is running out to nominate a forest contracting legend to be recognised with an AFCA Hall of Fame, Service to Industry or Industry Excellence Award for 2024. Nominations close on Monday 30 September with the winners announced that the AFCA Gala Dinner in November. Source: Timberbiz “These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the amazing people and companies operating in the forest contracting sector, and the other businesses and organisations that are supported them,” AFCA General Manager Tim Lester said. “Every two years we induct up to 10 AFCA members into our Hall of Fame, and further recognise the significant contribution of one of our Hall of Fame members with an Industry Icon Award. “With our Service to Industry Awards we take the opportunity to recognise up to 5 individuals, businesses or organisations. It’s our way of saying thanks and acknowledging these important contributions. “We will also celebrate achievements in the fields of operational performance and safety practice. Contracting businesses and workers are innovating all the time, finding better, more efficient and safer ways to get the job done. “AFCA is also proudly continuing our other individual categories to highlight achievements of an incredible female leader and of the next generation. “Thanks also to our award sponsors – ForestFit, Forestworks, Forico, John Deere and the Forest Research Institute. Their support makes these Awards possible. “These Awards are a way to demonstrate the great work being done in and for forest contracting, so make sure you get your nominations in!” Mr Lester concluded. Nominations are being accepted online through the AFCA website at www.afca.asn.au The Gala Dinner and Awards night will be held on 14 November at the Tramsheds in Launceston, Tasmania.

Forest sustainability has taken on different meanings in Western Australia – changing depending on the audience. In one corner the Minister for Forestry, Jackie Jarvis, has repeatedly claimed the closure of the native forest industry was necessary because it was unsustainable. Source: Australian Rural & Regional News In the other corner is Stuart West, the General Manager of the Minister’s agency, the Forest Products Commission, overseeing harvesting operations in the jarrah and karri forests which have been independently certified as being sustainable. Both can’t be right, can they? Then Premier Mark McGowan announced an end to ‘commercial harvesting’ on 8 September 2021 under the smokescreen of climate change. Meanwhile, the Minister for the Environment has admitted there were no reports to demonstrate this link and the government’s alternative facts have been shown to be populist opinion. Despite this lack of scientific evidence, Jackie Jarvis continues to spout the same talking points. The FPC has followed suit and mouthed the government line. Their actions are however very different. Through all the anti-forestry propaganda the FPC’s operations in the native forest have maintained certification to the Sustainable Forest Management standard AS4708. FPC continues to hold this certification three years after we were told the operations weren’t sustainable. Responsible Wood oversee the implementation of this standard and ensures independent auditors check FPC’s performance. By maintaining certification Stuart West and the FPC are confirming the results of the certification that there is sound scientific evidence that WA forests are being sustainably managed. If the FPC didn’t believe that was the case, they should have handed the certificate back in 2021. Instead, the FPC has continued to have its forest harvesting audited in December 2021, February 2023 and August 2023 – confirming that they conform to AS 4708. This certification of sustainability continues until June 2025. Under Standard 4708 sustainability needs to be based on science and includes maintaining, enhancing or restoring ecological processes; carbon, nutrient and water cycles; and the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Forest Monitoring under the acclaimed Forestcheck program has shown this to be the case since the 1990’s. It is clear the left and right side of government don’t know what the other is doing. Independent Auditors for Responsible Wood say the forests have been sustainably managed for timber production based on systematic assessment against defined criteria. Jackie Jarvis says they aren’t based on the politics. In a bizarre twist Stuart West sits on the Board of Responsible Wood (surely a conflict of interest).  He is precariously astride a barbed wire fence. As a Board member he is bound to support and uphold the integrity of the Sustainable Forest Management standard. As a vassal of the Minister, he has to publicly support her position. This certification fiasco follows on Jackie Jarvis’s confession of being confused over the publication of forestry data, which she has subsequently confirmed will now remain hidden from public view. This lack of transparency and accountability is totally contrary to the requirements of AS 4708 and pledges of open government. As can been seen from the audit findings above the FPC does not deal with stakeholder complaints appropriately, another symptom of the secrecy surrounding the mismanagement of the forest industry. Gavin Butcher is a former director of the WA Forest Products Commission.

The Victorian State Government’s flawed forestry transition scheme is failing to provide promised funding to help businesses transition into plantation timber jobs, according to the Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath who has called for immediate state government intervention on behalf of Hodge Forestry in Latrobe Valley. Source: Timberbiz Due to government bureaucracy, Hodge Forestry cannot transition to the plantation industry and begin its new provisional contract. “Since 2014, Hodge Forestry has been providing specialised OH&S audit services as a VicForest contractor,” said Ms Bath. “Despite Labor’s claims of supporting workers and contractors, owner Trevor Hodge has not received any compensation or financial assistance following the closure of the native timber industry. “Without financial support, Mr Hodge cannot afford to purchase the specialist equipment to fulfill his contractual obligations for plantation work – it’s unacceptable.” Ms Bath said following advice from the Forestry Transition Team, Hodge Forestry applied for Round 3 of the Victorian Transition Innovation Fund but is yet to receive any news on whether his application has been successful. “It is unfair that Labor is leaving redundant forestry workers in limbo after its disastrous policy shut down Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry. “Labor has a history of turning its back on our forestry contractors. “After so much heartbreak, it is time for a good news story for contractors who have complied with the state government’s every requirement but are still facing uncertainty.” Ms Bath is calling on Labor to expedite the Round 3 application process so Mr Hodge can complete his transition and move forward.

Front-line law enforcement officers from across Vietnam have received specialised timber legality training, critical to Vietnam’s efforts to promote sustainable forest management and combat illegal timber trade. Source: Timberbiz Vietnam is a major importer and exporter of timber products. Much of the timber is sourced via cargo shipment from Africa, particularly from the Congo Basin, where uncontrolled deforestation is a major problem. This situation jeopardises Vietnam’s timber industry and challenges frontline officers who, due to limited capacity and knowledge, struggle to verify timber species, origins, and documentation in order to ensure legality. To address these challenges, TRAFFIC, the Department of Forestry, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) organised a series of training courses in Quang Tri, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Dong Nai, and Gia Lai, reaching 123 officials from Vietnam Customs, Forest Protection Department, and Environmental Police, across 21 provinces. The curriculum focused on enhancing skills in assessing and verifying legal compliance related to imported timber, covering the following topics: International and Vietnamese regulations on timber legality Due diligence in managing imported timber Controlling high-risk species and timber identification methods Traceability tools to verify timber species along the supply chain Use of a new wood identification tool in development by TRAFFIC. This training series came at a critical time, as Vietnam works to implement its commitments under the Vietnam-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA/FLEGT) signed in 2019, which requires robust systems to ensure the legality of all timber in Viet Nam’s supply chain, making the enhanced capabilities of front-line officers even more crucial. Linh Nguyen, Project Manager at TRAFFIC, expressed optimism about the program’s impacts. “The high pass rate and positive feedback from participants indicate that we have made substantial progress in equipping our officials with the necessary tools to combat illegal timber trade. It represents a crucial step in Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable forest management,” he said. This comprehensive training initiative marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s commitment to combating illegal timber trade and ensuring the sustainability of its timber industry. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of its front-line officers, Vietnam is taking proactive steps to protect its forests, support legal trade, and contribute to global efforts in forest conservation.

Thanks to Tristram Branscombe-Kent’s invaluable inspiration, thousands of consumers worldwide have come across the friendly checkmark-and-tree logo along with the ‘Forests For All Forever’ tag line. This year, as FSC celebrates its 30th anniversary, it honours his memory and conveys our gratitude, on behalf of all the people who work hard contributing to the health of the world’s forests and a healthier planet. Source: Timberbiz The FSC logo is a statement that tells you that the product that you have purchased has been produced using wood from a responsibly managed forest, ensuring that its biodiversity is respected while providing social benefits to the communities that depend on it. Behind the FSC checkmark and tree, there’s a story of commitment by a group of people that came together 30 years ago. That group of people had a vision, and the creativity of a uniquely talented graphic designer. It all started in 1994 when the first FSC members saw the need to have a logo that consumers and producers alike could easily identify with the mission for global forestry that was just dawning: to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. These members were presented with an initial design that represented a cluster of trees casting a shadow in the form of a world map. Although the idea was adequate, “a number of stakeholders saw it difficult to recognize. Also, due to its size, the map left out some parts of the world, which was criticized by some members for obvious reasons,” said Tim Synnott, an FSC founding member and its first Executive Director. Therefore, a much simpler and efficient version was needed. “The Board and I quickly realized that the first logo was quite unsuitable for labels due to its complexity, so we commissioned Tristram Branscombe-Kent to design a new one in 1995, a process that took several months of refining and agreeing,” he said. Branscombe-Kent began his early career as a graphic designer in a variety of agencies and locations including London, Athens and New York before creating Tristram Kent Associates (TKA) first in Canterbury and then in Broadstairs. Branscombe-Kent arrived at FSC’s first headquarters in Oaxaca, Mexico, in June 1994 to meet with the Board members at their third meeting and to gather their impressions. The commission was clear: the concept had to immediately tell consumers that the product they were about to purchase represented the FSC mission and came from well-managed forests. The challenge was not easy, as this commitment was at an infant stage at the time and some of the green claims on labels that began to appear on products in the early 1990s were downright misleading. “Consumers were simply not as knowledgeable about ethical choices back then and they had no way of knowing whom to trust or believe. It was a novelty, and we had to convey a very simple and effective message to reassure them,” said Mr Synnott. After gathering the Board’s input, Branscombe-Kent hopped back on a plane and flew back to England, where he began to work on what came to symbolize the world’s first choice of responsibly sourced forest products. Early sketches show a variety of options as he toyed with the idea that responsible forestry had to include imagery that would be immediately recognizable with the obvious – trees. These included a dual-shaped tree that was meant to symbolize a broadleaf and a conifer with the abbreviation FSC beneath it. Other options were bolder and documented an interest in conveying more abstract symbolism, such as a photograph of a tree that had been digitally reduced to a minimal amount of bitmap information and meant to identify with the dawning digital age. The final drafts were presented to the FSC Board of Directors, and the option of the checkmark-and-tree logo was accepted at the beginning of 1996. For the Board members, this was the perfect choice as it conveyed a tree with a universally recognized sign of approval – a checkmark. Twenty-five years on, it proved to be the right choice. The logo was officially launched at an event in London on 21 February 1996, and the first product bearing it – the now legendary Sainsbury’s cooking spatula – was available soon after, beginning a journey that keeps telling us today just how important it is to buy products that help preserve the world’s forests for future generations.  

Caterpillar has eight new next generation Cat Skid Steer Loader (SSL) and Compact Track Loader (CTL) models. Four new Cat SSLs – the Cat 250, 260, 270, and 270 XE – mark the introduction of the next generation design to the SSL line. Source: Timberbiz Meanwhile, the new Cat 275, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE mark the expansion of the next generation design for the CTL line, joining the 255 and 265 announced in late 2023. The largest CTLs ever produced by Caterpillar, the new Cat 285 and 285 XE compete in a new class size with greater lift height and lift and tilt breakout forces. Maintaining the DNA of what made the Cat D3 series a leader, the next generation SSL and CTL models are a ground-up redesign that improves on the features that made the previous series popular. High performance is the standard for these next generation machines, elevating Caterpillar’s loader reputation through upgrades in engine power and torque, lift and tilt breakout forces, stability, operator comfort, and technology. The new SSL and CTL models carry on Caterpillar’s new machine nomenclature with the elimination of the series letter designation. All next generation Cat SSLs are now identified by an ending model number of 0, while all CTLs have a model number ending in 5. Simplifying nomenclature, the middle number represents machine size with a larger number All next generation Cat SSL and CTL models feature a redesigned engine compartment that places the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability, giving the operator confidence in handling heavy loads throughout all aspects of the work cycles. Meeting US EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards, the four new CTL models are powered by the Cat C3.6TA engine, while the 250 and 260 SSLs are powered by the Cat C2.8T and the 270 and 270 XE by the Cat 3.6TA. These new engines maintain horsepower across a wider RPM range compared to the previous engines powering the D3 series and boast significant torque increases 13% for the 250 and 260, 35% for the 270, and 50% for the 275 and 285 for improved working performance. With a vertical lift design, these new next generation machines feature significant increases in lift height, breakout forces and ROC to elevate loader flexibility and performance. The Cat 250 features a lift height of 124 in (3150 mm), 3 in (76.2 mm) more than the 242D3, a 36% increase in tilt and 26% increase in lift breakout forces, and 21% increase in ROC. Offering a maximum lift height of 132 in (3353 mm), the 260 has 7 in (193 mm) more lift height than the 262D3 and 27% increase in tilt and 24% increase in lift breakout forces, and a 17% increase in ROC. With 6.4 in (162 mm) more lift height than the 272D3, the 270 and 270 XE deliver a maximum lift height of 133.5 in (3391 mm) plus 11% and 5% increases in tilt and lift breakout forces, respectively. The 275 and 275 XE CTLs have a lift height of 134.4 in (3415 mm), 8 in (203.2 mm) higher than the 299D3, plus a 37% increase in tilt breakout force and 19% increase in ROC. Expanding the Cat SSL and CTL line into the biggest size class, the 285 and the 285 XE deliver a lift height of 146 in (3708 mm) and tilt breakout force of 13,920 lbs (6314 kg). The 285 has an ROC of 4,719 lbs (2141 kg) with counterweight while the 285 XE has an ROC of 4,816 lbs (2185 kg) with counterweight. Their new closed-centre auxiliary hydraulic system allows these machines to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard hydraulics provided. Standard hydraulic system pressure increases 5% to 3,500 psi (24130 kPa) in the next generation models. Cat 250, 260, 270 and 275 machines equipped with standard hydraulic flow are shipped from the factory outfitted as “High Flow ready.” High Flow functionality is activated simply via a new software enabled attachment (SEA), permitting on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow to 30 gal/min (113 l/min) for the 250, 260, and 270 models and 34 gal/min (129 l/min) for the 275 at standard hydraulic system pressure. Also available, the High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi (28000 kPa) for the 250, 260, 270, 275 and 285 next generation models. Along with this, hydraulic flow is increased to 30 gal/min (113 l/min) on the 250, while flow increases to 34 gal/min (129 l/min) for the 260, 270, 275 and 285 models. Equipping the 250 with the High Flow XPS option gives customers auxiliary hydraulic performance not available before in a mid-size chassis SSL. Equipped for maximum hydraulic capability, the High Flow option for 270 XE, 275 XE and 285 XE loaders increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,496 psi (31000 kPa) and hydraulic flow to 40 gal/min (150 l/min). The four next generation CTL models feature a new E-bar (equalizer bar) undercarriage that provides increased stability for grading and handling heavier loads. The E-bar undercarriage harnesses Caterpillar’s heritage and leadership with track type tractors to provide a hybrid undercarriage solution. It delivers the benefits of a rigid-style undercarriage design when lifting heavy loads or using heavy attachments like mulchers and dozer and grader blades, while simultaneously providing the benefits of an oscillating undercarriage when encountering uneven terrain or obstacles. All next generation Cat SSLs and CTLs feature a larger cab design with 22% more overall volume and 26% additional foot space. With a 2.75-in (70-mm) increase in interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 in (46 mm) and allows for an additional 1.5 in (40 mm) of hip room and 1.1 in (28 mm) more width between the joysticks to improve operator comfort. Next generation loaders are equipped with either a 5-in (127-mm) standard LCD monitor or an 8-in (203-mm) advanced touchscreen monitor, depending on the selected technology package. Like the advanced display […]

An international collaboration exploring using a robot from Finland, to improve productivity and consistency in propagation for forestry is being formalised. A key tool to help achieve those outcomes has been officially blessed. Source: Timberbiz Forest Growers Research (FGR) and Scion will sign a formal partnership agreement with the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) as part of an FGR-funded research program. Tissue Culture Techniques for 21st Century Forests aims to expand and automate the use of somatic embryogenesis of radiata pine for the commercial forestry industry. Somatic embryogenesis is a process that induces immature embryos to produce masses of cells containing many tiny somatic embryos. These are encouraged to form mature embryos to develop into seedlings. Scion is the science lead on the research program which involves other international partners and aims to create a reliable and cost-effective propagation method to boost productivity and ensure consistent results. Sorting mature somatic embryos before germination is time-consuming and subjective so Scion and FGR are exploring using a robotics system from Finland for the task. Luke and Xamk jointly developed a robot prototype and software to automatically pick mature somatic embryos for germination. It uses automated image capture using machine learning and artificial intelligence to determine if the embryo should be germinated or rejected. The robot was initially programmed for use on Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and the tissue culture program is exploring its suitability for radiata pine. In September 2023, Scion staff including scientist Associate professor Jana Krajňáková visited Luke and Xamk to explore if the machine could be used for radiata pine embryos and successful trials led to its purchase in October 2023 by Forest Growers Research. In May the robot arrived at Scion. Xamk engineer Elmar Bernhardt assembled it, and Luke scientist Sakari Valimaki has been hosted by Scion while he trains the team in Scion’s Tissue Culture laboratory to work with the robot and the robot to work with radiata pine. The four parties are exploring integrating AI into the robot to achieve a working prototype for automated picking of radiata pine embryos. Commercialising the robot and expanding its use to other species is under preparation. They are also looking at the commercial potential of somatic embryogenesis for radiata pine. This month, the four-way collaboration is being formalised with the signing of a partnership agreement. The robot has been officially blessed. Dr Paul Adams from FGR says the Partnership is an exemplar of the benefits of international collaboration and a cross-disciplinary approach, learning from each other, gaining different experiences with different species, and finding a more efficient way of making faster progress. The ability to apply the learnings across other important forestry species will be a gamechanger into the future, he says. Krajňáková says there has been significant interest in the robot from industry partners and the first germination experiments have been undertaken. The robot aligns with one of the goals of the FGR tissue culture project which is to streamline propagation to make it more cost effective and efficient, she says. “The propagation process is time consuming and tiring and humans are not consistent. The robot’s algorithm uses the same criteria to select embryos around the clock.”= Having the machine also opens more commercial work opportunities and can increase efficiency. Dr Tuija Aronen and Dr Mikko Tikkinen from Luke say it is important to have experience using the robot with different species and the partnership will deepen the research collaboration with Scion and the New Zealand forestry industry. The green tech robotics partnership with Scion and FGR represents a key milestone in the internationalisation of Xamk’s research, development and innovation activities within the forest bioeconomy sector. “This technology promotes the green transition in an important research area for us”, says Hannu Leinonen, Head of Electronics 3K Factory at Xamk.  

There are many ways the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) could have responded to Ewan McGregor’s opinion piece about the threat of pines to our rural landscape. Mr McGregor is a Central Hawke’s Bay farm forester, former deputy chairman of the HBRC, and a former president of HB Federated Farmers. Source: Timberbiz NZFFA said that one way would be to point out that we have been experiencing rural depopulation for decades as markets, costs and farming practices have changed. When farming is unprofitable, land is sold, and people leave. Forestry is often the next best option. Secondly, we have all seen photographs of devastated hill sides after storm events. Every year, millions of tonnes of farmland flow into the sea. Trees help control erosion, and pines are usually the most economical to use. Of course, deeper rooting species such as redwoods, poplars, and cypress would offer more protection, but it’s harder to justify the costs of planting and managing trees with long rotations. If there was an easy way to fund a mixture of conservation forests with high production values, everyone would do it. Thirdly, this Government has already largely halted the wide scale conversion of farms to pines by promising to restrict the amount of class 1 to 6 land that can be registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme. Projected new planting for the 2025 season is currently estimated to be less than 10,000 hectares. Finally, as Mr McGregor notes, one of the best ways for farmers to secure the future of their farming operation is to incorporate mosaic planting of the less productive parts of their farm in a mixture of high value timber species. This will protect waterways and erodible faces, make stock management easier, and provide another income stream for the farm. The Emissions Trading Scheme can help finance that establishment work. Mr McGregor’s original story is at: https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/column/land-use-change-could-be-permanent-if-we-let-it  

  Stepping from the classroom into a nature-based career, staying in the local area and earning a great wage with career advancement. That’s been the success story behind recent careers expos on the Mid North Coast where Forestry Corporation has informed students of the pathway to employment through an Environmental Science and Management degree at the Port Macquarie campus of Charles Sturt University. Source: Timberbiz “Two of those students now have roles in Forestry Corporation’s Wauchope-based ecology team and they are proving to be valuable additions to the team,” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Field Ecologist Mark Drury said. Ecologist Levi Brett is one of the local university students who has recently graduated from CSU in Port Macquarie and obtained employment with Forestry Corporation. “The hands-on experience I get with animals with firefighting and mapping has been great, it’s a flexible workplace and there are lots of career paths in forestry – all of these positions are based in different regional locations,” Mr Brett said. “I was first introduced to forestry when Senior Ecologist Chris Slade gave some lectures while I was studying at university, so I followed that with some work experience and later on I applied as a forestry officer undertaking surveys in the field. “I really enjoyed that, so I applied for a field ecologist position, and I have been in that role now for almost a year. “Now forestry has given me my opportunity to study my Honours hosting me out in the field where I am studying threatened Golden Tipped bats and how their recovery post bushfires.” Ecologists in Forestry Corporation undertake broad habitat monitoring programs recording interactions with flora and fauna along with various preharvest surveys. For many in the team, the appeal of the career is working outdoors with wildlife in a role that’s focused on protecting endangered species. “Students have participated in tree marking, recreation area maintenance, road maintenance, ecology surveys for threatened plants and animals, wildlife habitat clump field reviews, cultural heritage work, all amongst some of the most scenic locations on the coast,” Mr Drury said. “When Levi first started with us, I told him he mightn’t not know it yet, but he has landed himself one of the best and most sought-after jobs on the coast – I think he appreciates what I said now,” he said. A recent Port Macquarie Careers Day co-ordinated by Mid Coast Connect was attended by more than 1200 high school students. Forestry Corporation had five local staff present with a good display of tools of the trade, both old and new, a category nine firefighting unit, ecology monitoring equipment, Forest E learning virtual reality headsets and even a display of preserved local forest animals. A similar careers day was also held at Taree organised by the Taree Universities Campus. “Around 2,000 students from all over the district attended and five staff were kept busy all day explaining what a day in the life of a forestry worker is and how diverse and exciting a career in the industry could be,” Mr Drury said. “The forest office at Wauchope has also hosted around 10 work experience students from both local high schools as well as students from the environmental science and management degree at the Port Macquarie Campus of Charles Sturt University,” he said.  

New Zealand’s pulp and paper industry has lost a pulp mill and could lose another to an energy crisis that shows little signs of abating. Source: IndustryEdge The Winstone Pulp International (WPI) pulp mill on the Central North Island will close permanently and cease manufacturing Bleached Chemi Thermo-Mechanical Pulp (BCTMP) immediately. A second pulp mill, the recycling mill owned by Oji Fibre Solutions at Penrose in the Auckland region, has been proposed for closure by the end of the year, citing energy costs as fundamental to the expected decision. The Penrose mill employs around 75 people and is the sole fibre recycling facility in New Zealand. Oji was quick to point out that its extensive collections would continue, the fibre being shipped to other Oji recycling mills, including most likely the Malaysian operation. IndustryEdge’s long experience in the pulp and paper industry reminds us no manufacturer likes closing facilities, including because of the impact on the workforce and their families and livelihoods. That means the situation is serious, so, how did it come to pass? Pulp, paper and energy At a facility level, and also at a national level, there is no escaping the fact that manufacturing the world’s paper, paperboard and fibre packaging products is energy intensive. Though energy is used throughout the process of manufacturing pulp and paper, some operations can be self-sufficient for thermal (heat) and electrical energy. These are mainly the chemical pulp mills, where one of the by-products of circular manufacturing and the recovery of chemicals, is abundant energy. Other facilities are however less self-sufficient, but still energy intensive. This is the case for the WPI mill, which uses energy to produce a ‘mechanical’ pulp and has limited thermal and even less electrical energy outputs. The situation is even more severe for Oji’s Penrose recycling mill, which has little to no capacity to recover or create energy. These facilities are essentially stand-alone energy-sinks and are far more vulnerable to energy price rises than other pulp and paper mills. Couple that with the vulnerabilities created from selling into global commodity markets where ‘the price is the price’ and we can easily see there is also no opportunity to recover higher energy costs. Especially when those costs have increased 600% over three years! Energy prices exploded in NZ – whats going on? New Zealand’s energy prices have increased a widely reported 600% over the last three years, from around NZD100/MWh to NZD700/MWh in early August. How could that possibly happen? There is no easy answer to this question, but its enough to say it’s a complex mix of too much reliance on a single source of electricity (hydro), insufficient gas to supply domestic industry and a zealous approach to create electricity markets that in their design appear to have been short on what should have been the real objective: supply sufficient electricity to meet the nation’s needs! We’ll take these in turn. Over-reliance on hydro It is important at the outset to note that the forestry and wood products industries, including the pulp and paper manufacturing sector, are among the fiercest advocates for renewable energies, whether biomass, wind, geo-thermal, chemical, solar, hydro or other. That said, we think it reasonable to say that perhaps New Zealand has been overweight hydro-electricity for a VERY long time. The chart below shows the last fifty years of New Zealand’s energy generation and the dominance and importance of hydro over all time periods. From an astounding peak of 83.7% of total electricity production in the DQ75 (that’s the oil crisis), through to a low of 45.6% in JQ08 (due to a drought), hydro has ruled in New Zealand. NZ Electricity Production by Type: MQ74 – MQ24 (Proportion) In many respects, hydro has been the cornerstone of the New Zealand economy, and has led it to be a country in which renewables have averaged more than 80% of all electricity supply, delivering 85.7% of total electricity in MQ24, for instance. The long run advantages of that difference to countries like Australia are not insignificant, but they also do not come without risks. As was evidenced in 2008 when there was an extended drought, the reliance on one energy source alone, left New Zealand’s domestic economy vulnerable. Since then, a concerted effort has been deployed to introduce new forms of electricity generation. Geothermal has expanded dramatically, as has wind, while gas by contrast, has contracted its share of total electricity supply. Changes in the energy mix focussed on more renewables because gas, coal and oil place a heavy carbon burden onto an economy which has operated without them for so long. It seems it is not the reliance on renewables that has caught New Zealand out so sharply most recently but it is in part, the reliance on hydro that has left it vulnerable and seen prices rise very sharply. Despite the current drought, hydro contributed more than 55% of New Zealand’s electricity in MQ24. Gas is in retreat The second chart shows the growth rates, over the last 40 years of the four major electricity sources. It is remarkable for some important reasons. First, because no sooner was it introduced and wind energy exploded, literally, off the chart (see the arrow). Second, because geothermal has grown four-fold in the last twenty years. Third, because hydro has consistent, seasonal ups and downs but has been relatively stable over the full period. Fourth, because gas fuelled electricity supply has halved over the last decade, compared with the average of the previous decade. NZ Electricity Production by Main Type: MQ84 – MQ24 (INDEX) Wholesale energy prices in New Zealand increased by 600% from September 2021 to August 2024, hitting NZD700/MWh in early August, albeit falling back to NZD450/MWh as this analysis was being prepared. In a balanced supply, as the renewables drop off for natural occurrences (droughts, for instance), we could anticipate a shift to gas, as peaking or replacement capacity. That cannot occur in New Zealand because it does not have sufficient gas, and […]

The Softwoods Working Group welcomes the recognition by the NSW Government in the need for a ‘step change’ in approach and better cohesion in responding to invasive weeds and pests.  Source: Timberbiz The Minns Labor Government’s commitment to addressing biosecurity threats is evident in the release of the Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) preliminary report, ‘Reducing Risk, Securing the Future – NSW Invasive Species Management Review.’ The Group appreciates the focus on invasive species management and recognises that continued research and funding are essential to safeguarding the state’s landscapes and industries. Invasive species, including the persistent issue of blackberries, present significant challenges to the region, limiting economic growth and impacting local jobs, Gross Regional Product (GRP), and household incomes. The softwoods industry is a major contributor to the region’s prosperity, and addressing these biosecurity threats is vital to unlocking the area’s full potential. “The Softwoods Working Group and its members are absolutely dedicated in finding a solution to the Blackberry challenge as well as other invasive species and pests for our region as it affects not only the plantations, but all forms of land management activities.” Chair of the SWG Peter Crowe said. The Group is encouraged by the Minns Government’s funding allocation in this year’s budget for biosecurity, as well as the additional funds to rebuild essential research infrastructure. The Softwoods Working Group looks forward to continuing collaboration with the government, industry experts, and stakeholders during the consultation phase, and anticipates further progress on addressing the impacts of invasive species across the state. “We extend our thanks to the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, for her commitment to combating invasive species and ensuring that biosecurity remains a top priority,” SWG executive Carlie Porteous said. Key highlights from the NRC preliminary report include: The escalating cost of invasive species, which has surged from $661.2 million in the 2000s to $1.9 billion in 2022-23. The potential for biosecurity threats to cost the state $29.7 billion annually by 2030 if immediate action is not taken. Initiatives such as the Feral Pig Program, the Good Neighbour Program, and updated pest and weed management strategies aimed at reducing the impact of invasive species. The Softwoods Working Group is committed to working alongside the NSW Government to protect the region’s environment, economy, and future prosperity. You can download the report here.

The timber and forest industry has celebrated the life of well-known career forester Peter Hopkinson, who passed away recently, aged 94. ‘Hoppy’ as he was affectionately known served for almost four decades with the NSW Forestry Commission. Source: Timberbiz Hoppy was well-known in the industry for his service to forestry on the Mid North Coast and in the Northern Rivers and Central West. Continuing the family legacy, Peter’s son Glenn Hopkinson followed in his father’s footsteps. Glenn, who has worked for Forestry Corporation for the past 28 years, said the family wished to thank Peter’s many friends, who have passed on their thoughts and well wishes. “Dad was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire and came out to Australia with a mate in 1950 as a Ten Pound Pom,” Glenn said. “He kept the original newspaper clipping that he saw in England advertising the need for manual labourers to emigrate from the UK to Australia to help the nation grow. “After working on a sheep station near Warwick, Queensland, Dad settled into a career in forestry with the NSW Forestry Commission,” he said. Peter was appointed to the position of temporary forester and after he finished his studies became a forester with the NSW Forestry Commission in 1964 where he was placed in charge of surveys at Wauchope. In 1970, Peter transferred to Oberon and then to Casino in 1972. He later returned to Wauchope in 1975 where he remained with the Commission until his retirement in 1988. Testament to the mark that Peter made in forestry, a landmark was named in his honour – Hoppys Lookout, near Yarrowitch. “Dad came across the vantage point a few years before he retired from forestry,” Glenn said. “They were putting in a road between Hastings Forest Way and Spokes Mountain Trail, which runs off Racecourse Trail about an hour and half drive from Wauchope when they discovered this spot. “It is such a scenic vista, looking back to Walcha, taking in the Macleay Valley with views right back to Kempsey. “It was virgin forest back then and Dad did the preliminary survey work constructing a trail to the area around the lookout. “His boss John Mills put forward a request to name the lookout after Dad. “The site was later transferred over to National Parks and Wildlife and the decision was made to keep the name Hoppys Lookout. “Nowadays there is a good, fixed track up there where you can walk up the hill to enjoy the view. “We took Dad back to the lookout a few years ago, which was special, and I think we might head up as a family and celebrate Dad’s life. “It was a place that Dad loved to visit, sitting and taking in the view,” Glenn said  

Trans-Tasman forestry and sawmilling company OneFortyOne has released its Annual Review for 2024 highlighting progress, resilience and continuous investment, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and operational excellence. Source: Timberbiz “Since 2019, OneFortyOne’s Annual Review has been an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and the path forward,” OneFortyOne CEO Wendy Norris said. “Our journey towards a better tomorrow is not just a strategic priority but a core part of our identity and ambition.” Now in its 12th year of operation OneFortyOne has continued to build on its strong foundation, delivering sustainable growth and value to stakeholders. Ms Norris expressed her pride in the company’s achievements. “Our team members and partners have been the driving force behind our performance this year,” she said. “Their efforts have supported each other, our customers, and our communities, demonstrating the resilience and commitment that define OneFortyOne.” OneFortyOne’s commitment to safety remains paramount. Significant capital investments have been made at the Jubilee and Kaituna Sawmills to enhance safety measures. The company has also focused on strengthening a culture of safety leadership and care, ensuring that every individual feels safe to raise concerns and address wellbeing matters promptly. “Our primary objective is to ensure that every person comes to work and goes home safe and well every day,” Ms Norris said. “We have made substantial investments in safety and are continuously working to build positive cultural conditions that support this goal.” The company’s dedication to community is exemplified through its Pine Community Grants Program and long-term partnerships supporting diverse projects in science, education, and nature. Surveys conducted with recent grant recipients have provided valuable insights into the impact of these grants, helping organizations achieve both short-term and long-term project goals. Despite challenging market conditions, OneFortyOne remains committed to its investment program, focusing on long-term growth and sustainability. “We are here for the long term,” Ms Norris said. “I extend my gratitude to our people, our Board, contractors, partners, and customers for their exceptional dedication and support. Together, we are making a significant impact and paving the way for a better tomorrow.” Download the Annual Review here.

Metsä Group’s production units annually generate around 12 million tonnes of wood-based carbon dioxide, and the company is increasingly focusing on promoting its large-scale capture. Source: Timberbiz Now Kaija Pehu-Lehtonen has been appointed project director of Metsä Group’s carbon capture project. “Bio-based carbon dioxide is an important but still untapped side stream that could be har-nessed more effectively as the technology and markets develop,” he said. If carbon capture proves viable, it will provide the forest industry with a new high-volume wood-based raw material that can be used to replace fossil-based materials. “We aim to use Nordic wood in a resource-efficient way and make ever greater use of our production side streams to convert wood into increasingly valuable products,” said Sari Pajari-Sederholm, EVP, Strategy at Metsä Group. The first survey exploring what the large-scale carbon capture from the bioproduct mill’s flue gases would mean for Metsä Group as a technology and in terms of energy will be completed this year. Next year, Metsä Group will carry out pioneering work by piloting carbon capture at the Rauma pulp mill with ANDRITZ, a technology company. If implemented, carbon capture would open up opportunities for a significant new chemical industry in Finland and boost the Finnish hydrogen economy. “For example, renewable hydrogen and wood-based carbon dioxide could be used to produce synthetic methane or methanol for further processing,” Pajari-Sederholm said.

Combilift has secured two more awards – Design Team of the Year and The Industry Leader of the Year this time at the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024. Source: Timberbiz The ‘Design Team of the Year’ award was presented to Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Team for their exceptional work on the groundbreaking 12-Wheel “Combi-LC Blade.” This cutting-edge machine has been specifically engineered to handle offshore wind turbine blades, which can reach up to 115 meters in length and weigh as much as 70 tonnes. Heavy Equipment Design Team drew upon their extensive experience in engineering complex transport systems, previously creating the renowned Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry ranges. In addition to this remarkable team achievement, Combilift’s co-founder and CEO, Martin McVicar, received the coveted ‘Industry Leader Award’, sponsored by Menzies. This accolade honours McVicar’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, which have played a pivotal role in transforming Combilift from a small Irish manufacturer into a global leader in the material handling sector. Mr McVicar’s leadership has been instrumental in Combilift’s success. Since co-founding the company, he has overseen its rapid growth, transforming it into one of Ireland’s top exporters, with a projected turnover of €500 million this year. His approach to leadership combines technical expertise with a hands-on, inclusive management style. Known for his engineering prowess, Mr McVicar has a background as Chief Engineer at Moffett Engineering, a role he held at the young age of 19. Under his guidance, Combilift has become synonymous with innovative problem-solving in material handling, consistently delivering tailored solutions for complex logistical challenges. The judges highlighted Mr McVicar’s ability to navigate the company through a range of external challenges, from the impacts of the pandemic to global supply chain disruptions, while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that identifies opportunities for growth and transformation. Beyond business success, Mr McVicar is deeply committed to fostering a strong corporate culture. Combilift’s headquarters, the largest factory under one roof in Ireland, serves not only as a manufacturing hub but also as ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. The company regularly hosts apprenticeship schemes, charity events, family days, and educa-tional visits, further solidifying its role within the local community. Combilift also sponsors the local Ladies GAA team, demonstrating McVicar’s commitment to supporting gender equality in sports. Combilift’s double win at the UK Engineering & Manufacturing Awards 2024 is a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and visionary leadership, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the material handling industry.