Australian timber industry news

Researchers Guanqun Chen and Juli Wang engineered a strain of red yeast that can turn forestry waste into a high-value fatty acid for nutritional supplements and animal feed. Source: Timberbiz Forestry waste can be turned into a high-value fatty acid, thanks to a bright red yeast engineered by University of Alberta researchers. Using wood-derived sugar as a feedstock, the strain, developed from a yeast called Rhodosporidium toruloides, proved capable of producing punicic acid. The discovery offers potential economic wins for the forestry and food industries, says study co-author Guanqun Chen, associate professor in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences and Canada Research Chair in Plant Lipid Biotechnology. Derived mainly from the seed oil of pomegranate fruit, punicic acid offers healthy cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. However, with a very low seed-to-fruit ratio and oil yield, it’s currently not financially feasible to produce for large-scale use in the food industry. But being able to produce the fatty acid using sugar solution derived from low-value leftovers like wood chips provides both economic and environmental benefits, Chen says, noting that the yeast strain could also be used on agricultural byproducts like canola and wheat straw, after pre-treatment. “We’ve shown that this engineered strain can serve as an industrial platform for converting large volumes of biomass waste or byproducts into a valuable product, which may open up opportunities for creating high-value nutritional supplements, functional food and animal feed ingredients. “That creates additional revenue, improves resource efficiency and can help sustainability for these various industries.” The strain, which is now under a provisional patent application, could, for example, serve as an alternative to using baker’s yeast, the current approved choice for animal feed supplements, notes study co-author Juli Wang, who carried out the research as a part of his PhD thesis project in plant science. “It’s got high oil content and a quick growth rate that make it a better option for producing punicic acid using fermentation.” The research, conducted in collaboration with U of A professor David Bressler’s Biorefining Conversions and Fermentation Lab, marks the first time R. toruloides was engineered to produce punicic acid. In their experiments, the researchers genetically modified the red yeast by introducing two key enzymes from pomegranate fruit. When cultured with a sugar solution derived from the wood waste, the yeast strain produced 6.4%  of its total fatty acids as punicic acid. The discovery proves that the strain can produce a high amount of the fatty acid during fermentation, signalling potential for producing it at the commercial level. “We can now look at how to optimize and then scale up the fermentation process,” Wang says. The researchers plan to continue tweaking the yeast strain to boost its punicic acid content and exploring the use of other renewable feedstocks from Alberta’s forestry and agricultural industries, such as sugar beet molasses. It could also have wider-ranging uses, Chen adds. “Beyond producing punicic acid, red yeast could potentially be engineered to produce a variety of other specialty fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which have many nutraceutical applications.”

Polish scientists are working alongside an international team to create a forestry robot capable of inventorying trees, counting animals, collecting ticks and scouring the forest floor for archaeological nuggets. Source: TVP World The project, which is a world first, has been jointly undertaken by researchers at Poznań’s University of Life Sciences (UPP) and Adam Mickiewicz University as well as scientists from Italy and Cyprus. With the project still in its infant stages, scientists say that they will design various models and test different sets of sensors before settling on a final version. “For now, we have the idea that this will be a walking robot, with legs similar to an Alpine chamois [a species of goat-antelope found in southern Europe] to enable it to move over steep mountain slopes,” says UPP’s Anna Wierzbicka. Prototypes will be tested on a variety of terrains, including flat ground in central Poland’s Puszcza Zielonka National Park and steep ground in Cyprus. Their sternest test, however, awaits in Italy. “There [they will be tested] on surfaces of varying degrees of difficulty, some of it very bushy, some rocky, some steep,” Wierzbicka told the Polish Press Agency. According to scientists, the robot will relieve the workload of Europe’s dwindling number of foresters and will primarily be used to collect data in the EU’s network of Natura 2000 protected areas. “This requires specialists, and there are fewer and fewer of them,” says Wierzbicka. “Additionally, inventorying such areas is hard fieldwork that also demands knowledge of plants and animals. [The robot] is a response to the decreasing availability of competent staff and would also satisfy the need to reach hard-to-access areas.” Sensors mounted on the robots would allow them to verify the condition of trees and vegetation found in a national park and count and identify all the wild animals they encounter. The robot would also serve ulterior purposes, and the scientists are set to join forces with archaeologists to see how they can develop it to fulfill archaeological functions. “We’re looking forward to working with archaeologists as we still know very little about what or who lies beneath the surface of Poland’s forests,” says Wierzbicka. Furthermore, the team hopes to use the robot to collect ticks to allow for their further study. “Tick-borne diseases are our occupational hazard and a risk we take when entering a forest,” says Wierzbicka. “Ticks are also important for research reasons, so we decided that [enabling the robot to collect ticks] would be an interesting additional element that could contribute to improving our knowledge about them,” she adds. According to Wierzbicka, the first prototype robots will be ready in approximately one year, with the entire 1.5-million-euro project forecast to take three years.

The world is running out of time to halt deforestation and forest degradation. Yet instead of stepping up, the United States is dismantling forest protections and undermining global progress – highlighting the dangers of global forest policy that fails to hold the wealthiest, most powerful countries accountable. Source: The Guardian Unsustainable logging is one of the global north’s best-kept secrets. Each year, millions of acres of old-growth and primary forests across North America, Europe and Australia are clearcut under the guise of “sustainable forest management”. International policy, by design, looks the other way, focusing attention instead on deforestation in the tropics. This double standard allows the world’s wealthiest nations to evade accountability for industrial logging’s catastrophic consequences. It is a system built on the false assumption that the global north behaves responsibly, while scrutiny is reserved for tropical countries. But the latest actions by the US highlight just how dangerous and unbalanced this paradigm is. Donald Trump has taken an axe to forest protections in the US, announcing two executive orders that aim to strip away foundational checks on destructive logging. Under the pretence of national security, the president’s orders aim to gut environmental safeguards and fast-track industrial clearcutting in some of the US’s most precious and climate-critical forests. This aggressive expansion will degrade irreplaceable forests like Alaska’s Tongass national forest – one of the world’s largest intact temperate rainforests. It will also increase carbon emissions and make communities more vulnerable to climate disasters. Meanwhile, as Europe strengthens forest accountability, US state officials are pushing to exempt the country from new deforestation protections. These officials, echoing industry talking points, are urging the EU to exclude US wood products from a law requiring due diligence to prevent imports or exports tied to deforestation or forest degradation. Their argument? That the US doesn’t need oversight. The global north has long dictated the terms of international forest policy, supporting stricter environmental standards on tropical nations while sidestepping accountability at home. Canada, for example, clearcuts over 1.3m acres of forest every year yet claims near zero deforestation through regulatory loopholes. Sweden has marketed its forestry sector as a climate leader while logging threatens its last remaining old-growth forests. But Trump’s latest action clearly shows the current model needs to change. The world needs a more equitable, partnership-driven model of forest protection. In August 2023, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment called for the creation of a framework to drive more equitable global forest policy. More than 100 environmental organizations echoed this call ahead of last year’s UN climate conference in Dubai. With the next UN climate meeting taking place this year in Belém, Brazil – the gateway to the Amazon rainforest – Brazil has an opportunity to work with other countries to create this new reality. There are some signs of change. The EU is strengthening trade policies to exclude deforestation-linked products. Investors and corporations are aligning with international commitments to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. In Illinois, legislators have introduced a bill to eliminate state procurement tied to deforestation and forest degradation. United Kingdom policymakers recently acknowledged the need to avoid incentives for logging primary and old-growth forests. A fragmented system that arbitrarily evaluates risk differently in the global south and global north is bad for the climate and bad for business. Markets need consistency, and environmental policies should apply universally. For decades, the global north has moulded international forest policy to benefit its logging sector. After marking the International Day of Forests, on 21 March, in this critical year, the global community must seize this moment to shape a new, more equitable, form of global forest governance. The world needs unified standards for all forests that hold all countries, including – especially – the most powerful, accountable.

Timber Queensland has launched a new website and released the annual partner magazine Grounded amplifying the association’s powerful voice on political, technical, market development, industrial and environmental issues. Source: Timberbiz Strategic Relations & Communications Manager Clarissa Brandt said as the public face for Timber Queensland the new website echoes the organisation’s mission to represent the State’s forest and timber products industry to government, specifiers, timber traders and the wider community. “The website provides up-to-date facts and resources to inform the community about the role forestry and timber plays in tackling climate change and the environmental benefits of well-managed forests and timber products,” said Ms Brandt. “From posting a new role on the free industry job board, accessing research and development reports to registering for an upcoming event and contacting us for technical advice the new website makes it easier to interact with the services we provide. “We’re always working on projects to build a proud, self-sufficient and expanding industry, a refreshed website makes it easier for members and other stakeholders to access the outputs of these initiatives.” Ms Brandt said that Timber Queensland’s its annual partner magazine, Grounded, is another communications channel that highlights the association undertakes to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and advocate for the interests of our members and the broader industry. Available to read online in an interactive flipbook format, the magazine explores some of the behind-the-scenes details of the people and projects working to help Queensland’s forest and timber industry thrive. “This publication is a great read, either online or print out and leave in your lunchroom to learn more opportunity and directions for our industry, available scholarships and meet the companies that support our industry,” Ms Brandt said. Access the Grounded magazine at https://online.flippingbook.com/view/942466550/ Access Timber Queensland’s new website at https://www.timberqueensland.com.au/

New home building approvals fell by 0.3% in February, following a 6.3% increase in January. The Australian Bureau of Statistics this week released its monthly building approvals data for February 2025 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. Source: Timberbiz Master Builders Australia Chief Economist Shane Garrett said new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed a 0.2% gain for detached houses, but higher density approvals fell 0.9%. “We are starting to see a recovery in the market. Over the year to February 2025, new home building approvals are up 8.4%,” Mr Garrett said. “Higher density home building approvals did most of the heavy lifting, which is great news for renters and first home buyers. “But there’s still a long way to go if we are going to meet the 1.2 million new homes target under the Housing Accord. “Over the year to February, 177,400 new homes were approved, well below the 240,000 annual target,” he said. Tom Devitt, a Senior Economist with the Housing Industry Association, said that confidence has been improving on the back of strong population growth, near-record low unemployment, and recovering real incomes. “Low rental vacancy rates and rising rents were bringing investors back to the market. And even before the RBA’s February rate cut, interest rates had been relatively stable since mid-2023,” he said. “The RBA’s February rate cut will provide a welcome extra boost, but structural reforms are needed to properly address Australia’s housing affordability crisis. “Medium-to-high density housing activity, in particular, has been around just half its required volumes over the last year, constrained by labour shortages, finance costs and punitive government taxes and regulations. “This has funnelled improving market conditions back into the detached housing sector, but housing of all types needs to contribute to the Australian government’s target of 1.2 million new homes over five years. “Reforms are required across multiple policy fronts, including skilled migration, tax, regulation, planning, approvals, land supply and infrastructure provision. “Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia have been driving the improvement in home building volumes over the last year, while New South Wales and Victoria have been held back by prohibitively high land costs.” The HIA is calling on the Australian Government in the lead-up to the Federal Election 2025 to help remove barriers to new housing supply. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn that that more investment in housing supply and action on reducing supply barriers was needed. “We have long called for better co-ordination across departments when it comes to investment in building and construction projects,” she said. “Master Builders supports the Coalition’s Investment Australia announcement today to reduce regulatory costs and red tape, with a specific working group focused on construction. “Both major parties are starting to send the right signals as the election campaign unfolds, which reflect policies in our election platform,” Ms Wawn said. Home building approvals in the three months to February 2025, in seasonally adjusted terms, were up by 48.4% in South Australia, followed by +30.2% in Western Australia, +28.1% in New South Wales, and +24.1%in Victoria, while Queensland was flat (+0.2%) and Tasmania declined (-3.8%). In original terms, the Northern Territory was more than double (+121.0%) the equivalent quarter last year, while the Australian Capital Territory was down by 25.9%.

Plans by the Federal Greens to stamp out misleading and ambiguous environmental claims has been welcomed by the Australian Forest Products Association. The Greens said this week they would push to “stamp out misleading and ambiguous environmental claims”. Source: Timberbiz AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said that this pledge came as activists continued to spread lies about Australia’s sustainable forest industries. “While we disagree with a number of aspects of the minor party’s Green Australia policy, including its outdated and longstanding plans to cease sustainable native forest harvesting, the announcement that the Greens want to crack-down on misleading and ambiguous environmental claims is very much welcomed and refreshing,” Ms Hallam said. “Radical activists consistently create and promote disinformation about Australia’s forest industries and particularly the sustainable native forest harvesting segment of the sector – and we’d welcome action on that.” The AFPA said that common disinformation pedalled about Australia’s sustainable forest industries included: That native forestry is ‘deforestation’. This was completely untrue. The United Nations and the Australian Government defined deforestation as permanent land use change. Every tree in Australia’s native forests harvested for timber and wood-fibre in Australia was regenerated and regrown for the future. That native forestry is a key reason for the extinction of native flora and fauna. Again, this was completely untrue. The Federal Government had listed forestry as having the least impact of 11 categories on forest dwelling flora and fauna. That plantations can replace native forestry. Not true. Native forestry was essential for flooring, decking, power poles and other appearance grade products. Without it, Australia’s would have to rely more on imports and carbon-intense non-renewable substitutes. Australia’s plantations were predominantly softwood, geared towards producing construction timber. Australia’s smaller amount of hardwood plantations were predominantly for the pulp market. That Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) are a ‘loophole’ to national environmental laws. Again, not true. An RFA was an alternative mechanism to achieve the objectives of the EPBC Act through a federal-state intergovernmental agreement and the creation of millions of hectares of national parks. They were not a bypass of the EPBC Act and this had been confirmed by the Federal Court of Australia. “There are many more examples about the myths and disinformation surrounding Australia’s sustainable forest industries which is a primary reason that as part of AFPA’s election campaign, we’ve launched www.forestfacts.com.au – a new website dedicated at countering exactly what the Greens want to address,” Ms Hallam said. “I look forward to working with the Greens on cracking down on activists pedalling ‘misleading’ and ‘ambiguous’ environmental claims and call on the other parties to support the initiative,” she said.

All political parties are being urged to throw their support behind the Tasmania’s sustainable forestry industry, ahead of the upcoming federal election. Speaking at the launch of the Tasmanian Forest Products Association’s Election Priorities, TFPA Independent Chair, Sarah Courtney said the forest industry was vital for the state’s economic, social and environmental success. Source: Timberbiz “Over 5,500 Tasmanians are employed directly and indirectly by the Tasmanian forestry industry,” Ms Courtney said. “The Tasmanian forestry industry is vital to secure our rural communities, for our economic prosperity and to help meet the state’s ambitious climate change targets. “In the coming weeks, the TFPA will be reviewing the promises made by all parties and candidates and assessing them against the election policy platform that we’ve launched today. “Our priorities list outlines the key election policies needed to ensure that our sustainable industry can continue to thrive in years to come,” Ms Courtney said. The TFPA election policy platform focuses on three key priorities. They are: An ongoing commitment to the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA); The modernisation of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES); and A $4 million public awareness campaign outlining the value of Tasmanian timber (as part of AFPA’s $20 million public education campaign policy request). “We’re pleased that both major parties have already committed in this campaign to supporting the TFES in the coming years, and we will continue to work with both to ensure that the scheme offers the best outcomes for Tasmanian forestry businesses,” Ms Courtney said. “We look forward to working with all political parties to ensure that their commitments will guarantee the Tasmanian forestry industry can continue being successful and sustainable for many years to come.” The TFPA federal election priorities sit under the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) 2025 Policy Platform, which can be seen at https://www.timberbiz.com.au/afpas-three-pronged-federal-election-policy-platform/  

The temporary exemption of tariffs on timber and lumber imported into the United States provides some relief to New Zealand exporters. Though this exemption could be short lived based on the outcome of the Section 232 investigation aimed at determining the effects imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products have on the United Sates supply chain according to the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. Source: Timberbiz Exports of radiata pine products from New Zealand to the United States were estimated at $358 million, making the United States the third largest export market for forest products behind China and Australia. New Zealand’s timber and lumber products are highly valued in the United States for their quality and appearance within the domestic DIY and home building market. The exemption comes about through internal United States lobbying, by the likes of the American Building Materials Alliance and National Association of Home Builders, who have been speaking with White House advisors and providing formal letters to the President urging him to rethink placing a tariff that would weaken a critical supply chain. As a response, the administration has recognised that raising costs on timber and lumber would hurt housing affordability, disrupt construction, and weaken an important supply chain. An on-going challenge facing home builders in the United States is the cost and availability of building materials such as lumber, with price increases of just over 30 percent over the last few months. Further supply chain disruptions from increased tariffs coupled with increased demand for materials could also hinder rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, which the administration has pledged to rebuild as quickly as possible. Given this temporary tariff exemption, the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (NZ) would like to thank its kindred associations in the United States for making this happen as it now waits for completion of the s. 232 investigation.

Australia’s forestry and forest products sector is warning the Federal Government the consequences of the United States tariff decisions could result in more foreign timber and wood-fibre products being diverted to the Australian market, while our low margin paper and paperboard exporters will face material impacts. Source: Timberbiz These tariffs strengthen the Australian Forest Products Association’s (AFPA’s) case ahead of the Federal Election for stronger border vigilance of the timber trade as well as country of origin labelling for timber and wood-fibre products. “Aside from obvious and very real impact on our direct exporters to the US, we’re concerned the ricochet effect of the tariffs will mean some countries could resort to dumping their large export volumes intended for the US, to markets like Australia,” AFPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said. “There is the real prospect that Australia could experience an influx of dubious, imported timber and wood-fibre products – impacting a local industry already under pressure from the depressed housing market. “It’s difficult to forecast the full impact of these tariffs but it signals that we’ll need to be more vigilant at our borders. Two key requests in AFPA’s Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Election Platform are country of origin labelling so consumers know where the timber product they’re buying comes from, Australia or otherwise, and ongoing Commonwealth funding to crack-down on illegally logged timber. “We know the illegal trade is an increasing problem for Australia because a Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) testing trial last year found a quarter of tested imported products were found to be inconsistent with declared species, origin, or both. “Ahead of the Federal Election, we call on all sides of politics to commit to our Election Platform in full, but in light of today’s tariff announcement, especially the country of origin labelling measure and increased support to crack-down on the illegal timber trade at our borders. “While waiting to see how global trade will shift in reaction to today’s US tariff decision, the Federal Government can act to help inform consumers of timber and wood-fibre through country of origin labelling and making sure there’s as much vigilance at our borders as possible to catch illegal product.”  

I have written this opinion piece after attending a Forestry Australia webinar from ABARES on 12 March 2025 from the latest State of the Forests Report – Synthesis 2023. The information provided gives a strong impetus for Australia to review its National Forest Policy 1992 to address the looming shortages of structural timber and what options are advisable to address these issues. The cyclic nature of timber demand, particularly during a slump, as reported currently, can dampen thoughts of addressing the long-term position for plantations, which have a long period between investment and return. This is a long view issue. Forestry and timber production is a great industry for Australia with major centres in all states except NT. Softwood forestry plantation areas have been relatively static since 2011-12 despite the increasing demand for timber and Government programs to stimulate investment and plantings. Total area from State of the Forest’s Report Synthesis 2023, is around 1 million hectares of softwood plantation and around 0.7 million hectares of hardwood plantation. Hardwood plantation areas have declined from a high of 1 million hectares in 2011-12 mainly due to transfer of land back to agriculture following harvesting of the tree crop. Timber production from softwood plantations, which are long rotation 25 years plus, is predominantly sawlogs 8 million m3 and pulpwood 6 million m3 for a total of 14 million m3. Softwood pulpwood is sold from first thinnings and is a by-product of later harvesting operations. Timber production from hardwood plantations is predominantly pulpwood, currently at 8.5 million m3 largely from plantations established during the MIS programs up until 2011-12. Hardwood plantations producing pulpwood are predominantly short rotation around 12-15 years. Despite the small areas of additional new plantations since 2011-12 there will be a static future domestic timber supply with increasing shortages, according to published articles from the Housing Industry Association, ABARES and other authoritative bodies. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) forecasts that Australia’s timber demand will continue to rise, driven by population growth and housing construction, potentially leading to increased reliance on imported timber if domestic production doesn’t expand. The HIA, along with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), predicts that demand for sawn softwood will continue to grow, primarily due to housing commencements and GDP growth. The HIA’s housing forecasts are consistent with the predicted timber demand, estimating that there is demand for the construction of around 200,000 new dwellings per year on average in Australia. Imports of sawn timber in 2022 were around 700,000 m3 representing 30% of total timber demand. The main timber product needed in future is sawn timber for residential and commercial buildings. This timber is sourced from softwood sawlogs produced from long rotation plantations. The main impediment to developing new long rotation plantations is economics where the cost of establishing plantations, particularly on purchased land and managing those plantations until timber harvesting of the major crop at generally 25 years plus, is very sensitive to the rate of return and assessed as too long, with the natural risk factors including fire, for most investors. Insurance for forestry plantations is now very difficult and costly. Investors and State Government forestry agencies have been happy to purchase existing long rotation plantations generally 10 years and older, but have infrequently established new plantations from year zero since 2012. For softwood plantations there is replanting of harvested areas. Victoria and WA have announced programs to develop new plantations to attempt to counter the closure of Government native forestry businesses in those states. These programs will take years to result in additional plantation resources, assuming they proceed as planned. The Commonwealth and State governments grants, and loan schemes have resulted in modest areas of plantation development over the past 2 years. The DAFF program to support plantation establishment over 4 years 2023-24 to 2026-27 has resulted so far in approvals for establishment of around 11,000 ha of long rotation softwood plantations and 2,500 ha of hardwood plantation. This program is welcome, despite its impediments, but will not reach anything like the levels of new plantation development to satisfy forecast domestic demand. There has been a reduction in the area of hardwood plantations following the demise of the Managed Investment Scheme plantations 15 years ago due to a transfer of some plantation land back to agriculture after harvesting the tree crop. Unless there is a circuit breaker in the basic economics, Australia will import increasing supplies of timber from overseas, which could otherwise be grown locally. The Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative does include developing forestry plantations with potential sale of carbon credits. Forests, and timber in buildings have embodied carbon which is part of Australia’s push to achieve net zero emissions in 2050 and is part of United Nations strategies. This is a positive, but the policy is not yet resulting in a significant uptake of plantations as shown in the 2023 Report. There are some impediments in the detail of the CFI including the “7-year rule” which are counterproductive and in need of review. For residential homes the main product is sawn softwood with some hardwood for strength in frames and trusses. Sawn softwood timber is usually grown for 25 years and more, requiring long rotation plantations. For multi-story and commercial buildings the main product is engineered timber including Cross Laminated Timber. While the timber used may be from younger trees the factories producing this product are high tech with supporting design services and a significant proportion of the engineered timber is imported. The Australian factories producing such engineered timbers are a valuable asset. The current Commonwealth policy of “Made In Australia” has a focus of developing industries which will support Australia in the decades ahead, where Australia has economic advantages in an emissions restrictive economy, compared to the densely populated areas of Asia and Europe. This should apply to forestry in general but will need serious promotion in the current climate. In such a scenario short rotation plantations could supply basic fibre for chemicals and essential liquid fuels instead […]

Bell Equipment is releasing new products each designed to add value to an operation and make work easier whether you need precision grading, powerful haulage, or versatile material handling. Source: Timberbiz The much-anticipated Bell Motor Grader, which goes into full production in Q3, is the showstopper. The range offers three base models, available in four-wheel drive or six-wheel drive to suit a customer’s specific needs. These machines are powered by quiet and efficient Cummins engines paired with smooth ZF transmissions, ensuring reliability and fuel efficiency. Designed for longer roading, Bell Graders feature enhanced trunnion bearing life and integrated axle cooling, extending brake life. A precision-sealed circle bearing ensures exceptional grading accuracy while minimising wear and maintenance. The hydromechanical transmission with tandem axle creep provides superior control, while the cantilevered ripper ensures the most effective ripping angle. Additionally, an on-the-go automatic differential lock delivers traction precisely when needed. Bell Equipment is expanding its trusted Series 5 tractor range with a 4×4 200hp model, the Bell 2006AF. Offering more power for an improved power-to-weight ratio and increased fuel economy, this model is a game-changer for those requiring a robust and efficient agricultural workhorse. Powered by a robust and reliable John Deere engine that delivers 785Nm of torque through an Allison automatic transmission, the 2006AF achieves haul speeds of up to 40km/h and handles undulating terrain with ease, thanks to its automatic 4×4 feature, which detects wheelspin and engages 4×4 until full grip is restored. Rear disc brakes provide safe and effective braking performance. A prototype has already clocked more than 5,000 hours hauling 40-tonne loads of timber on haul cycles of up to 65km and had earned the title of “the best machine on site.”  

The European Commission has recently unveiled its new political agenda prioritizing simplification and reducing administrative burdens to boost competitiveness for businesses. At the same time, the Commission has reaffirmed that delivering on the EU Green Deal remains a priority. Source: Timberbiz The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is one of the landmark EU Green Deal initiatives – and it serves as a catalyst for action to fight deforestation in Europe and globally. At FSC, they believe that sustainability and competitiveness goals can and must go hand in hand. Calls for regulatory simplification should not undermine the ambitions to halt deforestation and forest degradation. Originally set to apply in December 2024, the EUDR is now scheduled to enter into force at the end of 2025. Alongside the delay, discussions on simplification measures have been gaining momentum as part of the broader EU omnibus simplification package. However, simplification and delays must not translate into inaction. Now is the time to test solutions, build partnerships, and remain committed to forests. Businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way, demonstrating that deforestation-free supply chains are not only possible but can also become a driver of long-term market resilience. Below is a selection of tools and actions to start making EUDR a reality: New EU Commission website The EU Commission has revamped its EUDR webpage. It offers updated information and tools for implementation. Staying informed is the first step for compliance preparation. EU guide on value chain scenarios by company type A new EU Commission document provides an overview of how obligations apply, depending on company type (operator/trader), size, and position in the supply chain within the EU. The guide illustrates 10 different supply chain scenarios to help companies identify their obligations. EUDR – myth vs reality guidance EUDR is often surrounded by misconceptions. For example, compliance does not necessarily mean excessive paperwork—due diligence can be managed online, with information submitted once in the EU Information System and later reused. The EU information system Due diligence statements must be submitted electronically in the EUDR Information System, where national authorities will verify compliance. The system will feature an Application Programming Interface (API) to ensure interoperability with emerging tech tools and existing business management systems. Videos and trainings explaining how the system works are available here. FSC is developing a new technology based on blockchain, FSC Trace, which will facilitate and simplify data collection and automatic uploads for compliance. EUDR Competent Authorities (CAs) EU Member States have designated almost all authorities responsible for enforcing EUDR. These authorities will verify information submitted by operators and traders, in and outside the EU, request clarifications, restrict non-compliant products, and impose penalties. EUDR guidance document & new FAQs The European Commission has tabled a non-binding guidance document to support harmonized EUDR implementation. It clarifies key aspects such as traceability, legality, and role of certification schemes, such as FSC, in supporting compliance. The document does not substitute the law and can be used a reference for operators, traders, and authorities. The Commission has also updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address stakeholders’ concerns. FAQs are regularly updated, make sure to review them. Businesses can already take proactive steps, such as improving supply chain transparency, conducting risk assessments, establishing due diligence processes, engaging with smallholders and suppliers, educating internal teams, and considering certification with an EUDR-aligned system relevant to their products. FSC is committed to fighting deforestation and supporting companies in their journey towards EUDR compliance. FSC’s rigorous certification already lays down a strong foundation, serving as a bridge between sustainability goals and regulatory needs. FSC’s tailored EUDR-aligned solutions provide a comprehensive, fully aligned approach that streamlines compliance, offering detailed risk assessments and traceability solutions beyond deforestation and helping businesses meet evolving environmental and social requirements. Next steps Monitor EU Commission updates – Stay informed about evolving EUDR tools and updates. Leverage FSC resources – Leverage FSC certifications and solutions to streamline compliance efforts whilst strengthening sustainability performance. Take action now – Test and implement solutions to demonstrate your commitment The EUDR delay offers more time to ensure effective implementation – not a reason to wait. By preparing early, building partnerships and leveraging new and existing tools to simplify processes, companies can turn compliance into an opportunity. The path to deforestation-free supply chains combines streamlined compliance without compromising sustainability ambitions. Despite uncertainties, we can all act today to make the EUDR a reality.

Lawmakers have moved forward a controversial logging bill that could open the state up to lawsuits if Oregon doesn’t log enough timber in a given year. Source: OPB Representatives in the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced House Bill 3103is. The bill would allow counties and the timber industry to sue the state forester if Oregon logs less than the Department of Forestry forecasts in its once-a-decade estimates. There are exceptions if a large mass of trees is destroyed by wildfires, diseases or storms. “Really, this is a timber industry way of creating more litigation against the state,” Cascadia Wildlands attorney Nick Cady said. The Oregon Department of Forestry manages 745,000 acres of forestlands across 15 counties. Back in the late 1930s, counties reclaimed ownership of these lands after they went into foreclosure, but these forested areas couldn’t generate property taxes under county ownership. So, state lawmakers reached deals with these counties, giving them the option to transfer these lands to the state in exchange for 64% of logging revenues in perpetuity. Every decade, the Oregon Department of Forestry estimates how much timber it could log from state land for the next 10 years. Timber industry representatives and county officials say the department tends to over-promise and under deliver, making it difficult for them to plan ahead. More than 1,160 people submitted written testimony in response to the bill, and of those, 80% opposed it. Most of these opponents, including many environmental nonprofits, said they were concerned the bill would undermine state environmental regulations meant to protect threatened and endangered species including the state’s Western Habitat Conservation Plan, which is awaiting federal approval. The bill’s five sponsors, all Republicans, added an amendment. The addition preserves the state’s ability to implement other environmental regulations, like the Habitat Conservation Plan. That placated the environmental nonprofit Wild Salmon Centre, which moved its stance to neutral with this amendment. That was enough to pull some Democrats in the committee to vote for the bill. “I am still uncomfortable with the judicial review that’s in the bill,” Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, said. “But I do appreciate the good-spirited efforts to bring the Wild Salmon Centre to neutral with changes in the bill, so I will support the bill.” Some other conservation groups remain against the bill as it stands, including Oregon Wild and Cascadia Wildlands. “This is just going to create a kind of an endless stream of litigation for the foreseeable future,” Mr Cady said. “I don’t think it’s in Oregonian’s interest to pay a bunch of timber industry lawyers and the state’s lawyers to fight a nonstop, continuous fight over state harvest levels.” It’s a strange time to approve new laws that would impact the state forester, a position that is currently vacant. Interim deputy state forester Kate Skinner took over as acting state forester when Cal Mukumoto abruptly resigned in January. HB 3103 now moves to the Ways and Means committee, which will decide whether to move it to the House floor for a full vote.

On 20 December 2021, Ashley Industrial Services Ltd – a family-owned sawmill/manufacturing plant in Oxford, New Zealand experienced a tragic accident. While operating a trim saw to trim wane from the ends of timber, an employee accidentally had his hand strike the saw’s blade. The result was devastating, the worker lost parts of two fingers and sustained a degloving injury to another. Source: Timberbiz The crushing incident has led the company to further evaluate what it considered were already robust health and safety procedures and to further invest in improved safety measures. Some of our key learnings include: The value of investing in safer machinery. In response to the incident, the company has heavily invested in new safer machinery, machinery housing and guarding upgrades that total up to NZ$1 million. Those upgrades included re-fitting the jump saw, installing a new emergency rope system on the conveyor, installing a pack saw and new optimizer and specialised machine housing. These investments not only replace our outdated equipment but also enhanced our overall health and safety measures, ensuring our operations meet the highest standards. Standards and Risk Assessment. Ashley Industrial also learned that relying solely on international safety benchmarks for machinery and guarding isn’t enough. New Zealand’s requirements differ, and it is vital to conduct your own risk assessments against New Zealand’s standard. The company employed an ongoing external health and safety consultant to assist in reviewing all existing and new machinery risk matrixes. They also helped to review and improve all written systems including auditing systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Training, Discipline, and Culture. The company’s approach to safety now includes further training opportunities, a more thorough assessment regime, regular licence checks and stricter disciplinary around employee personal protective equipment (PPE) breaches. More than anything, this experience has reinforced that it may not be reasonable to eliminate all risks entirely, you can aim to and work together to minimise risk. Ashley Industrial says that the lessons learned extend beyond the own sawmill. For everyone involved in the sawmilling sector or any business using heavy machinery the following points are crucial: Tailor safety measures. Conduct thorough risk assessments and align your safeguarding measures with New Zealand’s regulatory requirements. Prioritise your people over productivity, a culture where your staff feel safe and valued is the foundation of long-term productivity and safety. Ensure your teams know their safety and wellbeing comes first. They are mothers, fathers, partners and children and their safety is paramount. Continue investing in upgrades, training and external advice or audits, regular reviews of equipment, comprehensive training programs, and strict adherence to operational procedures. These can all prevent accidents before they occur. Consider every upgrade as an investment in your people. Collaborate and share your best practices. We are in an industry where the challenges are shared and collaborating and supporting each other creates a safer environment across the board. Be proactive about your health and safety; we can never predict when an accident may occur, but we can be prepared.

The International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) recently announced 12 new task forces for the 2025 to 2030 period. Scion will be involved in three of them. Source: Timberbiz Task Forces are interdisciplinary activities working on topics of global interest and importance with specific outputs and outcomes. Scion as New Zealand’s leading research institute for forestry, industrial biotech and advanced manufacturing has the unique perspective to create opportunity and growth in ‘end-to-end’ value chains that are at the heart of a prosperous bioeconomy. Stand complexity in planted forests Harnessing stand complexity to improve the resilience of single – and mixed-species plantations for nature climate and people’ – Christophe Orazio of IEFC is co-ordinator. Scion principal researcher Tim Payn is one of the deputy coordinators, and silviculture and forest carbon scientist Alan Jones is a member. This Task Force will act as a focal point for developing and communicating scientific evidence on complexity and resilience in planted forests – testing the hypothesis that increased complexity increases resilience while preserving performance. Building an integrated vision of the forest-based sector within a bioeconomy, Ivana Zivojinovic (BOKU) co-ordinator. Scion forest ecology and management scientist, Tim Barnard, and portfolio leader – distributed manufacturing, Marc Gaugler, are members. This task force will build an integrated vision of a forest-based sector within a bioeconomy, based on perceptions and views of IUFRO member institutions, researchers, scientists and related experts. This new vision would be supported by science-based frameworks that include metrics, methodologies, implementation guidelines and would include bridges to other sectors of the bioeconomy that interrelate with forests. Scaling-Up Science-based Forest Sector Innovation with Lyndall Bull (FAO) as co-ordinator. Scion’s general manager – forests to timber-based products, Henri Bailleres, is a member. This Task Force will create a Community of Practice focused on supporting the scaling up of science-based innovation in the forest sector by raising awareness, improving education and communication, fostering research, developing partnerships, and providing policy support to create a more conducive environment for forest sector innovation ecosystems. In addition, Scion principal researcher Peter Clinton is IUFRO’s New Zealand Country Representative. Scion staff have had long involvement in IUFRO over numerous Divisions and Working Parties and co-ordinating large IUFRO events. Involvement in these international initiatives is highly beneficial to New Zealand, allowing us to keep abreast of new science and technology thinking and also position Scion and New Zealand globally.

Members are invited to the Annual General Meeting of Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited (FSC Australia) and the associated Membership Networking Event in May. Source: Timberbiz The AGM will be held on Thursday 29 May at the Treetops Room at the Melbourne Museum (and online) and feature presentations and opportunities to connect with the FSC community. While the AGM is hybrid, attending in person will make the most of the networking opportunities and engaging discussions. Details including the agenda and RSVP information will be released in the coming weeks.

Dr Rob Beresford of PFR shared interim findings from his research into non-synthetic fungicide options for controlling myrtle rust. Source: Timberbiz The study involved glasshouse and field trials using a range of alternative products on the highly susceptible cultivar Lophomyrtus ‘Red Dragon’. Each treatment was assessed for both efficacy in preventing infection and any adverse effects on plant health (phytotoxicity). While synthetic fungicides remain the most effective option, some promising results emerged from alternatives: Copper-based fungicides (oxide, oxychloride, hydroxide) and sulphur offered moderate protection with minimal phytotoxic effects. Sodium bicarbonate (5%) was somewhat effective in preventing infection but caused severe plant damage, including shoot dieback and suppressed growth. Lower concentrations of sodium bicarbonate and potassium-based products (bicarbonate and silicate) were less effective and still showed moderate to high phytotoxicity. A full report is due soon, after which NZPPI will update the Myrtle Rust Prevention with Fungicides protocol to reflect the latest science. Dr Beresford’s webinar will be uploaded to the Beyond Myrtle Rust website. You can download the NZPI information sheet on Myrtle Rust Prevention with Fungicides here.

Timber Queensland and Colin MacKenzie’s family will honour his life and significant contributions to the forest and timber industry at a memorial event in Brisbane. All Timber Queensland members, along with Mr MacKenzie’s friends and colleagues from across the country, are invited to attend. Source: Timberbiz Mr MacKenzie passed away on the morning of 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his loving wife Christine and daughters Aleisha and Trina. A colleague, mentor, visionary and friend, Colin’s impact on the forest and timber industry was profound, with Timber Queensland, the broader timber and building industry and the community all owing him a great debt for his tireless efforts. Colin’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation, technical excellence, and unwavering support for colleagues and the sector. This gathering will provide an opportunity to share memories, reflect on his impact, and celebrate his life among friends and peers. Timber Queensland will contact you to confirm details and your attendance in due course. Date: Wednesday 21 May Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Venue: To be confirmed based on number of EOIs. It will be within 15 minutes of the CBD. To assist with planning an appropriate venue please register your interest here by Friday 11 April to assist with arrangements.

The volume of new homes sold in February was relatively unchanged from the previous month’s increase in sale, according to the Housing Industry Association. Source: Timberbiz The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is a leading indicator of future detached home construction. “The RBA delivered its first rate cut in four years on the 19th of February. It may take a few more months to see the effects of this rate cut on the market,” HIA Economist, Maurice Tapang, said. “A pick-up in sales at the start of 2025 has been consistent with the stable economic conditions arising. “Australia’s economy continues to grow, while unemployment remains very low, inflation is easing, and wages are growing in real terms. “While Australia’s population growth is moderating, it is doing so off very high levels. This strong population growth will only ensure underlying demand for housing remains solid,” he said. “The strong economic and household factors will offset the challenges of the higher cost of materials, labour, land and taxes on new homes. “It will be state and local factors that will determine the pick-up in home building activity across the different regions. “Those that are able to help lower the cost of and increase the supply of shovel-ready land will see a stronger increase in activity. “On the other hand, in capital cities and regions where the tax and regulatory imposts on land and new home building is high, the volume of new home starts will remain constrained. “This has already been evident in the contrast between Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia where sales have been picking up, while New South Wales and Victoria remain weak,” Mr Tapang said. In the three months to February 2025, new home sales increased in New South Wales by 55.4% compared with the same period in the previous year, off a very low base. This was followed by South Australia (+18.9%) and Queensland (+14.6%). Victoria recorded a 4.3% decrease over the same period, while Western Australia saw a 20.3% decline, off a high base last year.

Forestry has long been part of the An Cala farming operations in Tasmania’s Central Midlands and fifth-generation farm manager Dougal Morrison is continuing the practice to aid the Oatlands enterprise’s business diversification into carbon farming. Source: Timberbiz An Cala is an 8,000-hectare property that spreads across both sides of the Midland Highway at St Peters Pass, with more than 18,000 ewes run for meat and wool and several hundred beef cattle as the main sources of income. Since finishing his education and returning to the farm in 2018, Dougal, who’s father’s family has owned part of St Peters Pass since the 1820s when land grants were distributed, has been on a mission to improve the landscape and the farm’s operations, with forestry playing a key role. “All of our forestry operations are on land that has previously been harvested or land that is unsuitable to return to pasture,” Mr Morrison said. “Our plans are about getting the best return on that land, and commercial timber and carbon plantations offer us a worthwhile reward for effort. “The area grows quite good trees, and forestry helps us diversify our risk through another income stream. “It also gives us the option to offset the carbon footprint of some of our other commodities by meeting certain environmental wool and meat market certification benchmarks.” Mr Morrison is part of a Private Forests Tasmania integrated farm forestry demonstration site and was one of three farmers last year to receive a share of the $450,000 Stems for CO2 co-investment program, supported by the State Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania initiative. Under Stems for CO2, about 268 hectares of commercial trees will be planted across the properties of Dougal, Alison Napier, and Julian Devery in Oatlands, St Marys, and Riana, respectively. Mr Morrison’s project will sequester 94,280 tonnes of CO2e across 27 years in the first rotation. That’s enough to offset annual emissions from 20,648 cars or 5,427 homes. The Tasmanian Government’s $10 million commitment in 2023 to maintaining the state’s net-zero emissions status has been pivotal, with $600,000 allocated to Private Forests Tasmania to co-invest with landowners in establishing plantations for forestry and carbon farming while helping communicate the benefits of growing trees to other farmers and landowners. Using the funds, Mr Morrison will plant a four-hectare shelterbelt in August 2025 and convert two eucalyptus nitens plantations into radiata pine plantations The plan is considered a schedule 2 project under the Australian carbon credit units’ scheme where an existing short rotation plantation forest is converted to a long rotation plantation forest for commercial harvesting of wood products. One 113-hectare site will be planted in 2025, while the 39-hectare site will be completed in late winter 2026, with Forest Practices Plans and Private Timber Reserves either in action or progressing. In total, more than 160,000 seedlings will be added to the property for carbon and timber benefits over the plantations’ 27-year lifespan. “We weighed up whether to convert the land back to agricultural grazing or put it back into trees,” Mr Morrison said. “At the time, the numbers were really close because wool, land, and cattle were all selling well, and timber was not fantastic. “But with the carbon project, the numbers came out in front, and it’s probably lucky we went that way because agricultural commodities have dropped in the past four or five years. “We also contemplated going back to nitens, but we believe there will be a better market for pine in the future.” Mr Morrison said site preparation would be carried out in autumn and that firebreaks, fencing, and browsing and weed control measures were in place. “This planting is part of a larger carbon project that will total 453 hectares, some of which we have planted recently,” he said. “We have learnt a lot about how to achieve the best results from plantation establishment from our experience in the last two years, with a greater focus on browsing management needed.” Mr Morrison said Climate Friendly was managing the carbon side of his forestry enterprise, while Cross Cut Forestry Consulting’s Chris Ringk was overseeing his plantation establishment. If you are interested in integrating and growing trees on your property, email Private Forests Tasmania at admin@pft.tas.gov.au or call our free helpline on 1300 661 009 for more information.