Australian timber industry news

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) joined global leaders at the Global Landscape Forum’s Forests 2025, held in Bonn, Germany, from 24 to 25 April 2025. Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30, this event brought together a global community to explore the role of sustainable land management and forests as key solutions to climate change. Source: Timberbiz Forests serve as carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and sources of livelihood and food for millions of people around the world. Yet they are facing increasing challenges. The conference explored the path forward to shape the future of forests, including key themes of policy, climate finance, rights, just transition, and technology. FSC Director General Subhra Bhattacharjee participated in three key discussions during the event, highlighting the urgent need to involve all forest stakeholders to address the main challenges, enhance local leadership, and use technology resources to shape the future. Defining the next decade of actions In the closing plenary on the first day, Subhra Bhattacharjee joined policymakers, experts, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners to discuss actions to overcome major challenges facing forests and foster a resilient future. The plenary highlighted the urgent need to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. As the Director General noted, three core elements that define FSC’s consensus-building through dialogue, voluntary compliance, and inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement, are now more critical than ever in today’s increasingly polarised world. The climate crisis requires collaboration among governments, the private sector, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, and individual citizens. “FSC creates that platform,” she said, highlighting FSC’s unique role in bringing together multi-sector actors for dialogue. Ms Bhattacharjee finished with a strong message, amplifying the words of the panel’s two Indigenous speakers: “The voices of those who have skin in the game including those of local communities and Indigenous Peoples, must define the global agenda.” Building inclusive AI for forest policies On the second day, stakeholders gathered in person to continue the exchange. A roundtable discussion on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forest decision-making provided the opportunity to explore how to use these tools for equitable and just forest policies. For FSC, integrating artificial intelligence into global forest governance frameworks presents a powerful opportunity to enhance transparency and accelerate responses to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss. FSC’s Director General highlighted the potential of AI as a force multiplier to both deepen inequality or empower communities: “AI should be an open-sourced tool, providing democratised and accessible output in the local language to support governments and communities in decision-making to focus their resources to protect their forests”. Supporting compliance with EU Regulations for a forest-based bioeconomy Regarding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), FSC, as a voluntary certification system, helps stakeholders navigate and comply with these requirements. ”EUDR and FSC certification contribute to a common cause,” she said. “Both seek to fight deforestation and degradation in Europe and worldwide”. By streamlining the compliance process, FSC offers practical tools and guidance to companies, forest managers, forest owners, and communities to contribute to sustainable forest management. FSC certification can also help companies to meet EUDR requirements. “EUDR presents a unique opportunity to drive large-scale capacity building, incentivisation, and support—creating the conditions needed to earn smallholder trust and provide meaningful incentives to keep forests standing,” she added.

Understanding the value of an acre of timber is essential for anyone in the forest products supply chain, whether managing timberland, planning harvests, or securing raw materials. A complex interplay of market dynamics, harvest strategies, and emerging environmental trends shapes timber valuation. Source: Resource Wise In this updated analysis, Resource Wise explored the forces driving timber worth, diving into fresh 2022-2024 stumpage price data for US South plantation and natural pine and highlight key trends to watch in 2025. Before we can determine the value of an acre of timber, we need to understand the law of supply and demand, which ultimately drives the price of timber. Demand is heavily influenced by location, surrounding mill types, proximity to those mills, and the volume and type of timber products consumed in a given area. Therefore, the volume and type of products available on a tract of timber will determine the value per acre. Location and Proximity to Mills: Timber near sawmills or pulp mills fetches higher prices due to lower transportation costs. In the US South, sawtimber for lumber often commands a premium over pulpwood. Timber Type and Age: Managed pine plantations, typically clearcut at 25-35 years, yield 80-105 tons per acre, with sawtimber (12″+ DBH) driving the highest returns. Natural stands with mixed hardwoods can be even more valuable when high-grade logs are present. Harvest Method: Clearcuts maximize volume and revenue per acre, while thinnings provide earlier cash flow with lower yields. The choice depends on market timing and management goals. Market Trends: Demand for timber products like lumber, pulp, and bioenergy materials fluctuates with construction cycles, paper production, and sustainability initiatives. These factors create a wide range of per-acre values, making understanding historical trends and current market conditions essential. Using transaction-based data from 2022–2024, Resource Wise updated its analysis of stumpage prices for US South plantation and natural pine, focusing on clearcut and thinning harvests. Mature plantation stands, averaging 80-105 tons/acre, saw a dip in 2023 due to a temporary oversupply of sawtimber, followed by a recovery in 2024 as lumber demand strengthened. Thinnings, yielding 30-50 tons/acre of mostly pulpwood and chip-n-saw, showed lower values for younger stands (16-20 years) due to smaller log sizes. The 21-25-year stands fetched higher prices with more chip-n-saw and small sawtimber, though prices fluctuated with pulp market demand. Natural stands, often denser with 90–110 tons/acre and mixed with hardwoods, saw a gradual decline over the period. This reflects softening hardwood sawtimber prices and reduced pulpwood demand. Thinnings in natural stands, yielding 40-60 tons/acre, showed a steady price increase, driven by consistent pulpwood demand and higher removal volumes compared with plantations. Compared with 2017-2019, when plantation clearcuts averaged US$1,542-$1,694/acre and natural clearcuts peaked at US$2,055/acre, the 2022-2024 data show plantation values trending higher due to inflation and sawtimber demand, while natural clearcut values have softened slightly due to market saturation. Beyond traditional market forces, timber’s value is increasingly influenced by global decarbonization efforts, which are reshaping demand and creating new opportunities for landowners. The carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market, projected to grow US$100 billion annually between 2030 and 2035, is opening new revenue streams. Timberlands can generate income through carbon sequestration or by supplying biomass for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). For example, companies like Drax are planning wood-fired power plants in the US South, using biomass to produce renewable energy while capturing carbon emissions. Sustainability policies are also playing a role. The EU’s target is to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, and US investments in carbon capture (US$2.54 billion through 2025) are boosting demand for wood as a renewable alternative to fossil-based materials. This trend could support sawtimber prices, particularly in regions with strong sustainability mandates. However, innovations like biochar, which uses wood waste to lock carbon in soil, might divert low-grade timber from pulp markets, potentially softening pulpwood prices unless offset by carbon credit revenues. Additionally, policy uncertainty in biofuels, such as the expiration of US biodiesel tax credits, can impact biomass demand, adding another layer of complexity to timber markets. These decarbonization trends highlight timber’s evolving role, not just as a raw material but as a key player in climate mitigation. An acre’s value depends on your specific stand and market conditions. Based on 2022–2024 averages: A 100-acre plantation in the US South at 26+ years might yield US$211,100–US$227,500 from a clearcut. The same plantation, thinned at 21–25 years, could bring US$53,800–US$90,400. A 100-acre natural stand might be valued at US$196,000–US$216,800, with thinnings at US$66,400–US$75,700. These are starting points; site-specific factors like soil quality, accessibility, and mill proximity can significantly adjust these figures. The valuation of timberland is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including market dynamics, timber characteristics, and emerging environmental trends. Recent data from 2022 to 2024 indicate that while plantation pine clearcuts have seen a recovery in value due to increased lumber demand, natural pine stands have experienced a gradual decline. The expanding carbon dioxide removal (CDR) market offers new revenue streams through carbon sequestration initiatives. However, it also introduces complexities for traditional timber markets, highlighting the need for balanced strategies that support both carbon sequestration and traditional timber production. Staying informed about these evolving trends and integrating sustainable practices will be essential for maximizing the value of timber assets and contributing to broader climate mitigation efforts.

A centre of excellence for mass timber research, innovation and manufacturing has been launched by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) in Scotland. Source: Timberbiz Supported by Scottish Funding Council and host institution Edinburgh Napier University, the Innovation Campus at BE-ST will now house £1.5 million pounds of newly acquired, state-of-the-art mass timber post-processing equipment and SuperBlower extraction system. This will complement existing capabilities and further enhance precision finishing, production capacity, and health and safety processes. The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence will provide the UK construction and built environment sector with the facilities, knowledge, and connections to accelerate the adoption of UK-grown mass timber solutions and access the benefits these can bring, such as lowering carbon emissions associated with construction, strengthening local supply chains, creating jobs, and improving the efficiency of the delivery of the built environment. The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence offers access to advanced mass timber manufacturing equipment, including a CNC machine and offering full-scale production of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Nail Laminated Timber (NLT), and Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam). The factory is anticipated to have an annual manufacturing output capacity of approximately 8,000m³ once fully operational. The UK faces the dual challenge of a climate emergency and a housing emergency. By advancing the use of mass timber, the Centre has been established to position the construction industry as a key part of the solutions to both challenges. Mass timber is a category of engineered wood products made by compressing layers of timber to form large structural elements. Currently, the UK imports 73,000m3 of mass timber per year. By creating higher-value timber products in the UK, such as mass timber, and leveraging local supply chains, we can unlock significant economic and environmental benefits in the UK. The centre provides support to accelerate UK-grown mass timber adoption across the UK. As well as offering access to mass timber manufacturing equipment, the centre offers research, innovation, and systems design support through partnerships with industry and academic experts to develop timber solutions; consultancy services to assist with product approvals, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing processes; and timber processing through trusted partners for felling, grading, kilning, and planing. Hands-on training and skills development can also be provided via the Centre to upskill the workforce in the expertise required to deliver mass timber products. “The Mass Timber Centre of Excellence opens up huge opportunities for the construction sector. By investing in mass timber, we are not just advancing low carbon approaches to construction, we are also investing in economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing some of the UK’s key challenges,” Sam Hart, Associate Director of Manufacturing and Housing at BE-ST, said. Stephen Good, CEO of BE-ST added that the launch of the centre will support the wider adoption of mass timber, helping to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen supply chains, and deliver much-needed domestic, non-domestic, public, and private infrastructure where appropriate, in a more efficient, affordable, higher quality and sustainable way.  

Bushfires pose a significant threat to Australia and New Zealand’s environment, economy, and communities, with traditional detection methods often failing to provide timely warnings. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bushfire detection systems are emerging as a vital tool to enhance early intervention, protect forests, and safeguard lives and infrastructure in response to this challenge. Source: Timberbiz These smart systems use advanced technology to identify fires at their initial smouldering stage, giving emergency services and communities crucial minutes that can significantly change the outcome of bushfire events, according to Dryad Networks. “AI-powered bushfire detection systems with ultra-early detection capabilities give emergency responders a decisive headstart in the event of a bushfire,” Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology, and Operations, Dryad Networks, said. “This lets them mobilise more rapidly and strategically to the precise location of the burn. This means that response teams can contain outbreaks at their nascent stage, preventing them from escalating into uncontrollable blazes that devastate large areas of wilderness and inhabited regions and directly contributes to the safety and preservation of Australia and New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems and communities.” AI-powered systems begin monitoring long before fires are visibly established, unlike conventional detection methods that rely on visible flames or satellite imagery. The core of this capability is distributed networks of solar-powered sensors placed across bushland, which detect the chemical signatures of fire during its earliest smouldering stage. This raises the alert well in advance of visible flames, giving emergency services more time to act. Smart sensor networks help land managers cover vast areas that would otherwise go unwatched by monitoring even remote and rugged landscapes continuously so that no region remains unprotected. This is crucial in areas where accessibility and visibility are limited. The result is faster, more localised intervention that can stop bushfires before they spread out of control. Smart sensor networks are strengthened by complementing autonomous drones equipped with advanced AI, which can respond rapidly to detected threats and further enhance the effectiveness of emergency operations. Drones arrive at the precise location of the fire swiftly once alerted, giving responders an accurate, real-time view of the situation. This immediate insight lets firefighting teams act decisively, preventing fires from spreading and causing widespread devastation. Future drone advancements will actively suppress fires through innovative methods such as foam dispersal or acoustic technology. This will further decrease the reliance on human crews in high-risk situations, improving the safety and effectiveness of bushfire management. “The environmental implications of adopting AI-powered bushfire detection systems are significant,” Mr Domingo said. “Early bushfire containment protects people and communities, preserves biodiversity and ecosystems, and curtails carbon emissions associated with widespread bushfires significantly. “Reducing emissions through effective fire management becomes increasingly critical as climate change continues to exacerbate fire conditions across Australia and New Zealand. AI-driven systems can play an instrumental role in both countries’ broader climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by preventing extensive environmental destruction.” These detection and response technologies also integrate seamlessly with existing emergency management frameworks. Data from AI sensors and drone surveillance systems feed directly into emergency response platforms and fire analytics tools, creating a cohesive operational picture for firefighting authorities. This seamless integration supports efficient coordination among multiple response units, including ground crews and aerial firefighting teams, enhancing the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts. The Australian and New Zealand Federal Governments have both recognised the need for greater disaster preparedness. The Australian Federal Government committed $28.8 million to disaster preparedness in the 2025-2026 Federal Budget, including $17.7 million for the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Program. (1) In New Zealand, the government has committed NZ$70 million over seven years (2024–2031) to the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform, an initiative designed to strengthen national resilience to natural disasters by supporting science across the four Rs: reduction, readiness, response, and recovery. (2) AI-powered bushfire detection technologies align closely with Australia and New Zealand’s commitment to proactive disaster resilience. Reducing reaction times and improving accuracy in identifying and locating fire threats gives communities a vital protective barrier against increasingly frequent and severe bushfire events. Businesses and critical infrastructure operators also benefit directly from improved asset protection, minimising the disruption and financial impact associated with large-scale bushfires. AI detection systems can be customised to accommodate specific regional conditions and management strategies, incorporating local expertise into broader technological solutions. Collaborating with local communities and Indigenous groups, especially those with traditional knowledge of land management and fire practices, can make the rollout of detection technologies more adaptive and effective in practice. “The integration of AI technology into bushfire detection and suppression systems represents a critical advancement toward a more resilient Australasia. Authorities and communities can reduce the destructive impacts of bushfires significantly by embracing these innovations to better protect lives, ecosystems, and economic assets,” Mr Domingo said. “Continued investment and development in these AI-driven solutions will remain essential in shaping a safer, more sustainable future for the forests and communities of Australia and New Zealand as climate challenges intensify.” References: (1): https://budget.gov.au/ (2): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/investment-funds/strategic-science-investment-fund/ssif-funded-programmes/natural-hazards-and-resilience-platform

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the newest tool in the arsenal to prevent the degradation and depletion of forests, with new research revealing how the technology can help protect the ecosystem. Source: Timberbiz Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers collaborated on an international study, led by the University of Sri Lanka, to develop an AI model which detects changes in forest cover, or the amount of land surface covered by trees. According to the United Nations, between 2000 and 2022 there was a net forest area loss of 100 million hectares. Researchers took U-Net architecture, which is used for image segmentation often in biomedical image analysis and adapted it to compare past and present pictures of the ecosystem and detect where forest loss has occurred. This custom model was fed a dataset of images from Google Earth and was able to detect forest cover changes with an accuracy of 94.37%. Researchers also tested the model on other datasets, which had an accuracy rate of 97.82% and 98.44% respectively. Co-author and CDU Associate Professor in Information Technology Bharanidharan Shanmugam said the model was ideal for real-world applications because it produced high accuracy rates despite needing fewer training samples. “Traditional methods for forest cover monitoring often struggle with accuracy and efficiency. Many rely on manual interpretation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors,” Associate Professor Shanmugam said. “Our research provides a powerful tool for governments, environmental agencies and conservationists to detect and monitor deforestation more effectively. “By leveraging deep-learning techniques, our model enables rapid analysis of satellite images, allowing authorities to identify high-risk areas and respond to deforestation before irreversible damage occurs. “Unlike traditional approaches that require extensive manual effort, our method automates the process, making large-scale monitoring more feasible and cost effective.” The study was a collaboration between the University of Sri Lanka, CDU, Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, and the University of Otago in New Zealand. Co-author and CDU Lecturer in Information Technology Dr Thuseethan Selvarajah said another advantage was the model can function with limited labelled data. “This makes it highly adaptable for use in regions where high-quality training datasets may not be available,” Dr Selvarajah said. “Whether deployed in tropical rainforests, boreal forests, or temperate woodlands, the model can provide valuable insights for conservation efforts. “By integrating this technology into existing environmental monitoring frameworks, governments and conservation organisations can enhance their ability to protect forests, enforce regulations, and mitigate the long-term impacts of deforestation. “In the broader context, this research contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.” Change Detection for Forest Ecosystems Using Remote Sensing Images with Siamese Attention U-Net was published in the international journal Technologies.

The Australian Forest Contractors Association is leading the Optimising RTO Training and Assessment Methods for Harvesting Operators project, one of 22 projects under the Forest Workforce Training Program being managed by ForestWorks with funding from the Australian Government. Source: Timberbiz The project is focusing on workplace-integrated training solutions to improve the delivery of training and assessment, to contribute to a sustainable and skilled workforce. Through pilot projects with three training organisations the project will aim to develop a scalable model to streamline the training and assessment process for harvesting operators, improving safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in workforce development. The first step in the project is to seek views of the forestry services businesses owners and workers about how training and assessment is currently delivered, and where improvements could be made. You can complete the survey here. This will provide important baseline data to inform the project. The Forest Worker Training Program also is also looking at diversity in the forestry sector workshop, and particularly how to attract more women into the industry. Forestry Australia is also conducting a survey on behalf of the organisations leading and delivering the women-focused projects. Insights from this survey will be used to inform the development of initiatives to promote gender equity to support increased participation and advancement of women in our industry. If you would like to be added to a mailing list to be kept up to date with developments of the Forest Worker Training program, or if you have questions about our project or the program, call 0437 524 933 or email tim@afca.asn.au

Since its major upgrade in 2024, Forest and Wood Products Australia’s Data Dashboard has set a new benchmark in how the forest and wood products sector accesses reliable market intelligence. Discover the New Forecasting Tool on FWPA’s Data Dashboard in a live webinar on Monday 12 May with Erick Hansnata, Statistics & Economics Program Manager at FWPA. Source: Timberbiz Designed to support evidence-based decision-making, and managed by FWPA’s Statistics and Economics team, the FWPA Data Dashboard brings together a comprehensive suite of datasets that are essential for business planning and market forecasting. The current version of the Data Dashboard includes: The FWPA Softwood Data Series Monthly timber trade data and forward projections ABARES Australian Forest and Wood Product Statistics Building activity trends and forecasts Macroeconomic indicators impacting the sector International forest production and sustainability data Regular research and insights from FWPA’s Statistics and Economics team Now, the platform has expanded further with the release of the FWPA Australian Dwelling Forecast Dataset, a new feature offering deep insights into Australia’s residential construction sector. What’s Included in the Australian New Dwelling Forecast Dataset: Forecasts of dwelling approvals, commencements, and completions through to 2035 Projections for the value of Alterations & Additions (A&A) in private dwellings Monthly and quarterly data, including trend and seasonally adjusted figures Coverage at both the national and state levels This dataset is powered by an econometric model that integrates FWPA softwood sales data to deliver a clear, reliable outlook on future residential building activity. It is updated monthly and includes full documentation of the methodology to ensure transparency and confidence in the results. The FWPA is offering an exclusive walkthrough of the latest enhancement to the FWPA Data Dashboard, the Australian Dwelling Forecast Dataset. This powerful new tool delivers monthly projections of residential building activity out to 2035, designed to support better planning and forecasting across Australia’s forest and wood products industry. In this session, you’ll learn: What’s included in the new dwelling forecast dataset The robust econometric model sitting behind it How to access and use the dashboard effectively The broader benefits of FWPA’s Data Dashboard for your business Hear directly from Erick Hansnata, FWPA’s Statistics and Economics Program Manager, and get your questions answered live. The event is on Monday 12 May from 12:30 to1:00pm you can register for this Zoom meeting here. To access the dashboard click here.

Following significant engagement over the last month, the first in-person round of negotiations towards a comprehensive India New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will take place in India this week. Source: Timberbiz This follows the successful visit to India last year by Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters and the formal launch of negotiations by Minster for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal during the Prime Minister’s large trade mission to New Delhi in April. “This is an important step in our trade relationship with India and signals the two Governments’ intent to deliver a high-quality outcome that benefits both countries,” Mr McClay said. “With a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP estimated to grow to US$5.2 trillion by 2030, India offers significant opportunity for New Zealand exporters. “Strengthening ties with India across the board is a key part of the Government’s broader strategy to diversify and grow New Zealand’s export markets and double trade by value in 10 years. In March New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon kickstarted free trade negotiations with India after talks in earlier years had stalled.  Mr Luxon had promised that New Zealand would sign a free trade agreement with India during its first term in office. The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation and Export NZ made submissions to support the proposed trade deal.

Australia’s forest products industries have congratulated the re-elected Albanese Government and all members and senators of the new 48th Parliament who they will work with to achieve improved sector-wide outcomes. Source: Timberbiz “We congratulate Prime Minister Albanese on Labor’s election victory and increased majority, and we’ll now get down to business working with the new Government on a range of issues impacting forestry and the supply chain,” Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said. “We also welcome all the new and re-elected MPs and senators of the new 48th Parliament and will continue our tradition of advocacy with them. “We are eager to get straight to business with the new Government on policies announced during the campaign including the new ReMade in Australia brand and housing sector initiatives, and the soon-to-be-released Timber Fibre Strategy developed during the first term of Government by the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership. “Our sector faces many challenges, from long-term timber and wood-fibre supply to immediate construction market issues, ensuring we have a skilled workforce geared to needs, illegal imports, social licence to operate and making sure Australians understand the importance of what the sector does. AFPA will continue lead advocacy for the supply chain, addressing these issues in Canberra,” Ms Hallam said. “We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Julie Collins, along with Shadow Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Jonno Duniam, for their ongoing support and all other parliamentarians who represent our industries across the Parliament. “Forestry and the supply chain directly employs 80,000 Australians, indirectly another 100,000 and creates essential products for our everyday lives, while fighting climate change. AFPA will ensure it gets the attention the sector deserves in Canberra,” she said. The Australian Forest Contractor’s Association also congratulated the Australian Labor Party led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for winning the Federal Election. “Congratulations to Prime Minister Albanese and his team for this election result,” AFCA CEO Tim Lester said. “During the campaign we welcomed a commitment from Forestry Minister Julie Collins who wrote to us stating that the Prime Minister and the Minister were strong advocates for plantation and native forestry sectors. “She confirmed that the Government’s position on native forestry is unchanged and that ‘An Albanese Government will never walk away from timber workers and communities’,” Mr Lester said. “Forestry services businesses are generally small, multi-generational family businesses providing specialist equipment and skills to ensure the supply of timber and wood fibre to processing and export facilities. Security of contracts, viability of arrangements and surety for resource availability are all critical for long term business success. “These businesses are the employers of an essential workforce who have high quality jobs in rural and regional Australia. The World Bank says forestry industries have an economic impact two and a half times the amount of money directly generated. A strong forestry sector means more local economic activity, which means stronger communities. “The alternative is exporting our jobs, importing more timber and Australian taxpayers spending more to manage our forests. “There is a lot of misinformation circulating so we would like to extend an invitation to all Parliamentarians to come and see how our forests are managed particularly through harvesting and regeneration. “We look forward to working with the Labor government to promote certainty and security for forestry services businesses who are providing the foundation for Australia’s $24 billion forest products sector,” Mr Lester said.  

The Hyne Group has announced as expansion of its Pallets division with the acquisition of Pallet & Bin Pty Ltd located in Shepparton, Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Pallet & Bin manufactures a range of products for some of Australia’s largest food producers, including a significant amount for the export markets. Hyne Group CEO Jim Bindon said Pallet & Bin was a well-regarded, local business that had been operating for more than 20 years and was a significant supplier for freighting food, “Clients include five of Australia’s largest food producers and this offers further diversity opportunities for our national pallet customer base,” he said. “Shepparton is also strategically located between Hyne Timber’s Tumbarumba sawmill and key Melbourne metropolitan markets, offering some solid locational synergies for both raw material timber supply and freight efficiencies.” This announcement follows the Group’s expansion in 2024 of its pallet manufacturing divisions through the acquisition of Rodpak Pallets & Packaging (VIC), Express Pallets & Crates (QLD) and Pinetec Pty (WA). The Group also expanded its Australian Garden Care division last year with the acquisition, through its Rocky Point Pty Ltd subsidiary, of Bassett Barks on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. In parallel, the Hyne Group’s majority owners in the UK, James Jones and Sons Ltd, has announced the acquisition of United Box Ltd. United Box Ltd was originally formed as a joint venture in 2003 by James Jones & Sons Ltd and Scott Group Ltd. United Box manufactures and distributes agricultural boxes and is a valued supplier to the food industry across the UK and Ireland. “Our recent acquisitions, combined with a progressive investment philosophy, are part of our disciplined global strategy and these two additions to our Group demonstrates our strong support of the rural and farming communities in the UK and Australia,” Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Group, said. “This broadens our product portfolio and provides confidence to all our end users of our vertically integrated local supply chains, particularly given the current global trade war.”  

Tigercat has released its L857 feller buncher and LH857 harvester, both built on the new sloping tail platform for steep terrain logging. Source: Timberbiz Tigercat has released two new track carrier models based on the new sloping tail platform for steep terrain harvesting operations. Both the L857 feller buncher and LH857 harvester are powered by the efficient Tigercat FPT N67 engine. Power is delivered to the track drives via a refined, efficient open loop hydraulic system, providing high tractive effort and excellent performance on steep slopes. The sloping tail platform takes ground based steep terrain logging to the next level. Optimized weight distribution and low centre of mass, along with Tigercat’s patented super duty leveling undercarriage provide the operator with comfort, stability and confidence on steep terrain. The sloped tail profile provides increased leveling capability to 26 degrees, and better cable clearance in winch assisted applications. For roadside processing applications, the sloping tail with its ability to clear obstacles allows the LH857 to work more effectively on smaller, congested landings. Other enhancements include further improvements to service access, and in-tank hydraulic filtration for extended service intervals. The side opening engine enclosure completely exposes the engine and most hydraulic components. When open, the enclosure roof serves as a safe, spacious and convenient work platform. The harvester can be equipped with several Tigercat boom and harvesting head options including the 573 and 575. The feller buncher is well suited to the 5702 and 5702-26 felling saws and 5185 fixed felling saw.

Metsä Group is constructing a research and development laboratory in Äänekoski, Finland, dedicated to developing veneer-based wood products. Source: Timberbiz The new facility will be located alongside the new Kerto LVL mill currently under construction in Äänekoski. The laboratory is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and the investment value is approximately EUR 6 million. The laboratory will be a test environment for researching and developing new high-value veneer-based wood products in collaboration with Metsä Group’s partner network. The investment will establish the conditions for testing material-efficient load-bearing structures and enable product research based on a broader raw material base. “We are enhancing the production process of our products to improve material efficiency and reduce environmental impact. “We aim to utilise our raw materials precisely and generate the highest possible added value. With the new research and development laboratory, the lead time of our research and development projects will be significantly shortened, accelerating the development of our product portfolio in the long term,” said Jaakko Anttila, Executive Vice President, Metsä Wood. The Äänekoski mill area in Finland is the largest of Metsä Group, housing the company’s cartonboard, veneer, and bioproduct mills. A new Kerto LVL mill is currently under construction in the mill area, with production expected to start by the end of 2026. Metsä Group’s Kuura textile fibre and Muoto fibre product pilot plants are also located in Äänekoski. A demo plant for lignin products is also under construction in the mill area, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

In 2023, the global glue laminated timber market size was valued at approximately $US 5.3 billion and is expected to reach around $US 8.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. Source: Timberbiz The primary growth factor driving this market is the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials, coupled with advancements in adhesive technologies and rising awareness about the long-term benefits of timber structures. Glue laminated timber, being a renewable resource, fits perfectly into this paradigm. It not only reduces the reliance on steel and concrete but also offers superior strength and versatility, making it an attractive option for modern construction projects. Additionally, it contributes to better indoor air quality and provides excellent insulation properties, which further enhances its desirability. Sustainability and Environmental Benefits: Glulam is recognized for its eco-friendly attributes, including a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials like steel and concrete. Its production from renewable wood resources aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable building practices Design Flexibility and Structural Performance: The material offers superior strength, design flexibility, and aesthetic appeal, making it an attractive choice for architects and builders. Its ability to span large distances without intermediate supports allows for innovative architectural designs. Technological Advancements: Innovations in adhesive technologies and manufacturing processes have enhanced the durability and reliability of glulam, expanding its application scope in various structural applications. The glue laminated timber market is set to experience robust growth, propelled by the increasing demand for sustainable construction materials, technological advancements, and supportive government initiatives. As the construction industry continues to prioritize eco-friendly practices, glulam is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable building solutions. The glue laminated timber market is characterized by a high level of competition, with several key players operating in the industry. Most prominent key players are: Stora Enso Binderholz GmbH Mayr-Melnhof Holz Holding AG B&K Structures Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation Boise Cascade Company Pfeifer Group Hasslacher Norica Timber KLH Massivholz GmbH Schilliger Holz AG Eugen Decker Holzindustrie KG

Dion McKenzie has joined Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) as its new Forestry Specialist and Jenna Hammond has joined PFT as Engagement and Innovation Specialist. Source: Timberbiz Ms Hammond is a committed and passionate communications and stakeholder engagement professional with continually growing knowledge of the forest industry in Tasmania and strong established relationships and networks. Most recently, she has worked for Sustainable Timber Tasmania as its Senior Engagement Advisor, working collaboratively with regional operations teams to navigate and engage a variety of stakeholders and to develop communications approaches that supported sustainable forest management practices and outcomes across Tasmania’s public production forests. In 2023, Ms Hammond’s enthusiasm, authenticity, highly engaging approach and work was recognised with Forestry Australia’s Princes of Wales Award for outstanding achievement as a young professional in forestry. Ms Hammond started with PFT on 14 April and will be leading Private Forests Tasmania’s engagement, communications and innovation activities. Her work will include delivering stakeholder engagement, marketing campaigns, partnerships and collaborations, communications and media management. She is excited to bring creativity and meaningful engagement to support facilitating and expanding the development of Tasmania’s forest resource on private land. Mr McKenzie has a background in farming and agricultural science; however, he is a career forester with more than 25 years’ experience working in a variety of roles for Tasmania’s public forest sector. In his extensive career following an agricultural science degree at the University of Tasmania, Mr McKenzie has worked as a soil surveyor, research technician, silvicultural technician, operational systems manager, technical analyst, forest manager, stakeholder engagement coordinator and engagement and land management manager. Across these roles, he notably enjoyed his experience working in plantations research and promoting best practice establishment and growing. Mr McKenzie thrives on helping people develop and improve their on-ground practice by sharing science-based knowledge in a style which is simple and meaningful and can be translated into effective operations. Mr McKenzie started with PFT on April 14 and will be providing information and resources to a range of stakeholders to support the implementation of programs and activities to facilitate and expand the development of sound forest and land management practice in private forests. He is based in the Hobart office and is looking forward to getting out and about across the state, visiting landowners and understanding their properties and questions.  

New Zealand’s Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed that restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on LUC 1-6 farmland will be in place this year, and reaffirmed that they will take effect from 4 December 2024, the date of the original announcement. Source: Timberbiz Enabling legislation will be introduced to Parliament during Q2 of this year. “The Government is focused on maintaining strong food and fibre production while supporting sustainable land use. We remain concerned about the effect that farm conversions are having on highly productive land, particularly sheep and beef farms in Northland, the East Coast and parts of Otago and Southland,” Mr McClay says. The new rules, now progressing through Cabinet, will ensure balance and recognise the value of both forestry and farming, while providing certainty for our food producers according to Mr McClay. Key changes include: A moratorium on full farm to forest conversions from entering the ETS for Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-5 actively farmed land. An annual registration cap of 15,000 hectares for forestry entering the ETS for LUC 6 farmland. Up to 25% of a farm’s LUC 1-6 land to be planted in forestry for the ETS, ensuring farmers retain flexibility and choice. Excluding specific categories of Māori-owned land from the restrictions, in line with Treaty obligations, while ensuring pathways for economic development. Mr McClay says that transitional measures for landowners who were in the process of afforestation prior to the 4 December 2024 announcement would be available where they could demonstrate qualifying evidence of a forestry investment “These sensible rules will give certainty to rural communities, while providing clarity for foresters,” he said. For more information visit https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/68436-Update-on-proposed-changes-to-limit-farm-conversions-to-exotic-forestry-in-the-Emissions-Trading-Scheme-ETS

Australia’s chances of hitting nationally agreed housing targets and bringing down the prices of new homes are being hurt by challenges to the timber industry. Source: Australian Associated Press Thousands of regional jobs are facing the axe unless a new national forest policy is delivered, including an expansion of plantations, a report provided to AAP has found. Native forest logging is in terminal decline after contracting 80% across two decades, with plantations not expanding quickly enough to cover the losses. That will become a problem as Australia aims to build 1.2 million well-located homes by 2029, a target vowed by the federal government. Plantation forestry provides 42,000 jobs, 30,000 of which are in manufacturing. The industry was at a “tipping point,” said the chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, which commissioned the report. “This report shows that failure to support the plantation timber industry can drive up housing costs and undermine regional employment,” Ken Henry said. “Investing in plantation expansion, mill capacity, and workforce transition will be critical to securing Australia’s timber supply and meeting climate and biodiversity goals.” Australia is already at risk of missing the nationally agreed housing arget. Industry groups including the Property Council of Australia and Master Builders Australia estimate current rates could leave the nation hundreds of thousands of homes short. The foundation’s report found existing plantations and sawmills were unlikely to meet short-term demand peaks, and long-term challenges in attempting to build the requisite homes. Dr Henry said national forest policy had not been updated in more than 30 years. “The next federal government needs to facilitate plantation expansion, support local industries creating engineered wood products, and develop carbon methods and environmental laws that transform the new management of native forests to create regional jobs and protect areas from hazards like fires,” he said. He has consistently called for native forest logging to end, citing environmental factors and an expected manufacturing boost. Industry group Australian Forest Products Association said the government should be incentivising investment in sustainable wood, and pressed back against ideas that would increase duties on plantations. “We don’t need further cost imposts on construction, let alone on the most carbon-friendly building material we have in Aussie-grown timber,” chief executive Diana Hallam said. “Not only will this tax drive up the cost of construction by taxing carbon-friendly timber production, it will also disincentivise new production tree plantings that are desperately needed to ensure Australia’s future sovereign capability in timber and wood fibre.” Victoria and Western Australia ended native forest logging in 2024, while the sector in NSW has struggled with deficits and fines in recent years.

There were 168,050 new homes that commenced construction in 2024, which remains at its lowest levels in over a decade. The ABS released its building activity data for the December quarter 2024. This data provides estimates of the value of building work and number of dwellings commenced, completed and under construction across Australia and its states and territories. Source: Timberbiz “Home building is currently at the bottom of a cycle and is losing skilled workers to other industry sectors, which impedes future building capacity,” HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said. “Australia has consistently built more than 200,000 homes each year and will need to exceed 250,000 annually to meet the Australian Government’s 1.2 million homes target. “Despite the low volume of new homes commencing construction, demand for skilled tradespeople remains high, just not in the new home building sector. The exceptionally low rate of unemployment, and their rare skills, see them in high demand from other industry sectors,” Mr Reardon said. “The more workers that are lost from the home building sector in this cycle, the harder and more expensive it will be to increase that capacity, as interest rates fall and activity picks up. “The exceptionally low level of unemployment in Australia is a double-edged sword for the industry as it creates demand for new homes and at the same time, leads to higher labour costs to build a new home. “This week the major parties have announced measures aimed at building more new homes. “In the short term, the only measure that an incoming Australian Government can do to increase the supply of new homes is to offset the cost of taxes fees and charges, by providing financial support for those that build a new home. “Whether this is done through removing the imposts, such as Lenders Mortgage Insurance or removing first home buyers from the established market and incentivising them to build a new home, can increase the supply of new homes. “These are the ‘easy-good’ solutions to the housing shortage. “This doesn’t negate the need for the ‘hard-smart’ policies tackling land supply, infrastructure costs, planning regimes and delays to home building and reform of taxes on new homes. “An investment in infrastructure, or tax reform or reducing delays, wont impact on the price or supply of housing within an election cycle, but if they are sustained over a decade, they will begin to ease the cost of a new home. “This should not be an excuse for politicians to renege on their responsibility to address housing affordability by arresting the high cost of delivering new land and rising taxes on housing. “HIA forecasts that only 983,530 new homes will commence construction over that five-year period, unless meaningful changes to remove the barriers to supply are made,” Mr Reardon said.

The soon-to-be-established Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union has claimed Liberal leader Peter Dutton’s plan to cut key nation-building programs essential to securing the timber industry’s future would be disastrous for timber communities across Australia. Source: Timberbiz The TFTU – created after members of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division voted overwhelmingly to leave the CFMEU and establish an independent union – says the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF), the Future Made in Australia (FMIA) fund, and the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) are all on the chopping block at this weekend’s Federal election. These programs were identified as critical by a Forestry Industry Roundtable attended by over 80 industry leaders and experts in December in Hobart, hosted by the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership to inform the development of the soon-to-be-released Timber Fibre Strategy. “If Peter Dutton cuts these programs, it’s not just jobs at risk — it’s the future of our industry,” said Mr Michael O’Connor, TFTU National Secretary and Co-Chair of the Strategic Partnership. “Slashing these programs against the advice of industry experts would slam the brakes on investment in our industry.” “These are exactly the programs that industry leaders and experts have identified as highly suitable for leveraging future growth.” The NRF and FMIA have been earmarked as vital sources of investment for manufacturing, innovation, new product development, and lower-emissions intensive production (such as green production credits). Meanwhile, the HAFF has been recognised as a key driver to underpin demand for structural framing timber used extensively in residential construction and investment in timber prefab component manufacturing to service the expansion of high-quality prefabricated and modular housing. “While Peter Dutton claims to support regional industries, his cuts would drag the timber industry backwards,” said Mr O’Connor. “At a time when we should be expanding processing and value-adding onshore, Dutton’s cuts would leave workers and regional communities isolated.” “Timber workers, their families and communities cannot afford to pay the price for Peter Dutton’s cuts.” “We need a government that invests in regional industries — not one that abandons them, as a Peter Dutton-led Government would.”

New polling commissioned by the Australian Forest Products Association in the NSW Mid-North Coast based federal electorate of Cowper shows voters are strongly supportive of the region’s sustainable native forestry and recognise the importance of the industry for local communities, the economy and environment in the area. Source: Timberbiz Importantly, more than half of those surveyed who said they’d vote for Teal-Independent Caz Heise said they wanted the industry maintained in the region – despite the candidate’s public commitment that she wants to shut the industry down. It follows UComms polling in the NSW Federal seat of Gilmore that found voters overwhelmingly backed the electorate’s critical native forestry industries, while also expressing strong support for the sector’s contribution to the economy and environment, and polling in the Tasmanian federal electorate of Lyons which showed voters in that seat want all sides of politics to back in Tasmania’s native, plantation and downstream forest industries. Other key results from the UComms commissioned poll of 726 residents in Cowper over the 14-15 April, include: More than 70% of respondents either ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that the NSW Mid-North Coast should maintain a sustainable native forestry industry 3 in 4 respondents believe state forests in the region should be maintained for recreational uses, like camping, horse riding and dog walking, over conversion to national park 95% of respondents either ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ that timber and timber products should be labelled with their country of origin Almost 60% of respondents disagreed that forestry plantations should be subject to any special new taxes Teal-Independent Caz Heise is ahead in the seat over the Nationals’ Pat Conaghan, with a 53-47 two-party preferred result returned in the poll Almost 8% of voters are still undecided as to which candidate or party will receive their first preference vote. “Voters in Cowper need to be aware, if they vote for Caz Heise, they’re voting for a candidate that wants to shut native forestry down, a decision that would devastate the Mid-North Coast of NSW,” AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said. “Furthermore, according to our polling, Caz Heise’s position on native forestry is the opposite of what the majority of her own voters want.” The NSW native forest industry is responsible for almost 9000 full-time local jobs, many of which are located in Cowper. It also delivers almost $3 billion in gross revenue and adds more than $1 billion to NSW’s gross value add. “This polling is also a message to other Teals and industry opponents contesting the Federal Election that native forestry cannot just be crossed out with the flick of a pen,” Ms Hallam said. “You’re dealing with people’s lives here and without native forestry, the economic and community devastation would be far reaching in places that have built themselves on the sector over decades, some places longer than that,” she said.

For Tasmanian farmers, native forestry is similar to any other crop, but with a longer rotation period and greater utility, it’s a land type which also includes multiple enterprises such as grazing, cropping, wood production, carbon production and animal husbandry. We see the majority of forestry today as contributing to ecosystem services and enhancing biodiversity through contemporary forest management practices such as selective harvesting, thinning as well as being a profit centre in long-term financial planning. But what is native forest? The term is used almost as a weapon in some circles where calls for an end to native forest logging are made almost on an hourly basis. But native forest logging is not clear fell logging – far from it. For farmers, logging native forest is all about the manner in which farmers manage their native forest estate to further develop the health of the overall forest. We’re talking about fuel reduction burns that protect the broader environment and community and with it the production of high-quality timber and value-added timber products. This process stimulates new tree growth that absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, generating high-value wood products that can sequester carbon for up to 200 years and serve as sustainable building materials, as demonstrated in the recent construction of the new St Luke’s building in Launceston It’s time to shift the conversation about forestry on farms and look at it through a lens of credible science – the mainstream narrative should be all about responsible land stewardship, delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits, improving biodiversity, reducing fire risks and generating income for farming families. Ultimately, stopping native logging in state forests is a government decision. But there’s no rational science-based argument to stop private landowners and custodians of large private forests in Tasmania from managing native forest resources proactively and sustainably. Private forests are there for the use and benefit of everyone – it’s hypocritical for some to say stop all logging. We all know that if we stop well-managed practices here, there’s still timber being logged out of rainforests throughout Southeast Asia. The bulk of Tasmania is dry sclerophyll forest, and for it to regenerate it needs active management, weed control and fuel reduction. This is a way to biodiversity in our forests without clear felling as the only form of harvest. The work of farmers on private forests is increasing the biodiversity, and sequestering more carbon as a consequence, providing both public and private benefits. Private native forest management must be driven by contemporary science that will unlock a whole range of economic and social benefits. In a bigger sense, it all about food security and ensuring the amount of farmland isn’t decreasing in Australia, where urban encroachment driven by an increasing population creates more demand for more food. The community trusts farmers to produce the food, fibre and pharmaceuticals needed by all of us – why wouldn’t we do the same with our native forest estate? Ian Sauer is the president of TasFarmers. He has been actively involved in agriculture, natural resource management, policy formulation, project development, management and community development over the past 30 years.