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A Parliamentary Intern Report into the state of biodiversity in Victoria’s National Parks has found that urgent reform is needed. Source: Timberbiz The research topic was commissioned by Nationals’ MP and Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath through the Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program, and was completed by University of Melbourne student Anastasia Scarpaci. Following the report’s release, Ms Bath called for urgent reform to address the declining biodiversity in Victoria’s national parks. “This compelling report lays bare the reality that our national parks are struggling to protect the very biodiversity they were created to conserve,” said Ms Bath. “Underfunding, a stretched frontline workforce, and the retention of volunteers have left our parks vulnerable. “The report identified invasive pests and weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, and habitat fragmentation as major threats to native species, warning that without proper fire management and ecological monitoring, our wildlife will face even greater risk. “Monitoring must be more than a tick-box exercise, we need active frameworks that trigger real action. “Our frontline ranger workforce is stretched too thin after successive cuts to Parks Victoria. “Expanding Victoria’s ranger force and ensuring their permanent presence in our parks is an essential mechanism to protect biodiversity. “Community and volunteer groups do incredible work, but they need more support.” Ms Bath congratulated Anastasia Scarpaci on her report “Biodiversity in the National Parks Estate: The Effectiveness of Current Systems in Protecting Victoria’s Biodiversity” which saw her awarded with first class honours. “This report is well-researched, drawing from academic, government, and community sources – its rigorous methodology brings credibility to its findings. “The practical, evidence-based recommendations must be taken seriously by the Allan Labor Government.” A copy of the report can be downloaded at https://www.melinabath.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Final-Report-Biodiversity-in-the-National-Parks-Estate-The-Effectiveness-of-Current-Systems-in-Protecting-Victorias-Biodiversity.pdf

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The Australian Forest Products Association’s National Forestry Day is now just one week away. National Forestry Day on Tuesday the 19 August is a day worth celebrating according to AFPA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett. Source: Timberbiz “It’s a day to recognise our forestry and forest products sector that contributes so much in terms of jobs, essential products, economic activity, enhancing our environment and fighting climate change,” Mr Hyett said. The National Forestry Day concept was developed by AFPA in 2022 to celebrate all that’s great about Australia’s forest industries and to help raise the profile of the sector among Australia’s governments, elected representatives, consumers and the broader community. “Think about all of the forestry products you love and need to use. The timber house-frame inside the walls of your home, the cardboard boxes your latest delivery arrived in, the hardwood dining table in your living area and of course the toilet paper in your bathroom! Without Australia’s sustainable and renewable forest products sector, we wouldn’t have these locally made products,” Mr Hyett said. “Furthermore, Australia’s forest products sector supports approximately 180,000 direct and indirect jobs. Our people are highly experienced professionals who understand the science behind growing productive and healthy forest ecosystems with multi-value benefits. “Our sector contributes $24 billion to the national economy annually. Many of our sector’s operations are naturally located in regional Australia, underpinning hundreds of communities, many for generations on end. We are also critical for the environment and fighting climate change. “As production trees grow they absorb carbon, which then continues to be stored in timber and wood-fibre products and the built environment, long after the trees are sustainably harvested. We are a big part of the answer to Australia reaching its net zero goals. “We encourage all Australians to stop and reflect on the importance of our forestry and forest products sector and what it provides for the country this coming National Forestry Day next Tuesday the 19th of August.”

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A new firefighting unit designed and built by Bombala-based Rodwell Logging will be put through its paces in the Green Triangle next week. Source: Timberbiz The unit, which has been designed around a Komatsu 895 Forwarder, will go on display at Rennick, east of Mount Gambier on the Victorian border on 21 August. Following the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires Peter Rodwell, MD of Rodwell Logging, saw a need to mobilise existing forestry equipment to aid in firefighting with the obvious resource being a forestry forwarder. They had recently purchased a Komatsu 895 Forwarder for timber salvage operations after the fires, and this new purchase prompted Mr Rodwell to proceed with his concept of a fire tanker. “The 2020 fires were that serious we had to change the way we were going about things. The best thing for us was to use the existing industry,” Mr Rodwell said. Rodwell Logging applied for a grant under the Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program, securing $1.25 million in funding. Combined with the company investment, this enabled the design and construction of four specialised firefighting tanker units, specifically engineered to be mounted on Komatsu 895 Forwarders. These powerful forwarders can access fires and hotspots in rugged terrain inaccessible by conventional firefighting equipment. Mr Rodwell’s design features a custom 20,000-litre water tank fitted within the forwarder’s log bunk, equipped with a high-pressure pump to supply dual water cannons fitted on either side of the headgate. The cannons are capable of delivering up to 450 litres per minute, with up to 40-metre range. For emergency situations, an additional 3000-litre reserve tank can be operated by the driver to aim the canons on the engine compartment and cabin. “This means if the operator gets in a tricky spot, he has the ability to protect himself and reach a safe distance.” Mr Rodwell said. Peter and Mark Rodwell as well as the tank manufacturer Garry Kennedy will attend the demonstration at Rennick which will start at 10:30am EST. To RSVP go to http://forms.office.com/e/Nb5k2SF5KJ

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After 17 years of dedicated service to the construction industry and Snowy Monaro community, the team at High Country Truss and Frames has made the difficult decision to close its doors. Source: Monaro Post The move comes as the economic downturn gripping the building and construction sector worsens, along with the increased use of steel in the ACT building sector. The decision to close the factory marks the end of an era for a company highly regarded for its craftsmanship, local employment and community support. High Country Truss and Frames was started nearly two decades ago. It quickly became a cornerstone of the local building and supply landscape. The factory specialised in the design and manufacturing of timber roof trusses, wall frames and floor systems. This provided support for residential and commercial construction projects throughout the Snowy Monaro, South Coast and ACT. Over the years, the company run by David, Elizabeth and Jannene Van der Plaat developed a reputation for its reliability, technical expertise and strong commitment to customer satisfaction. For many local builders and tradespeople, High Country Truss and Frames has been more than a supplier, it was a partner, and the builders would head into the office and work through the job together. The company will still offer frames, trusses and floor systems to local builders through Cooma H Hardware, using a third party the owners have a strong relationship with. The decision to close the factory did not come lightly, the owners said. The construction industry has faced significant headwinds in recent years, with the rising cost of materials, labour shortages and building times blowing out. The ripple effects of increased interest rates, and uncertain times have added to the difficulties faced by many companies. High Country Truss and Frames has weathered previous uncertain times, adapting its business model and finding innovative ways to serve its customers. The prolonged downturn has proven insurmountable. The management of High Country Truss and Frames has expressed gratitude to the current staff, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. High Country Truss and Frames has been more than just a company. It has been an important part of the community. The company has provided stable employment for dozens of locals, offered work to day release prisoners and fostered the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The company has long sponsored community events, groups and sporting organisations, including the Cooma and Adaminaby Races, and Cooma Stallions. The loss will be felt beyond the factory gates.

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