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The Professional Forester Apprenticeship program in the UK offers an exciting career pathway into the forestry sector for people from all backgrounds. Source: Timberbiz A new call for foresters of the future has gone out for the next cohort of the innovative Professional Forester Apprenticeship program. The forestry and timber sector plays a key role in ensuring woods and forests are healthy and continue to flourish for generations to come, helping the country meet its net zero and environment targets, supporting economic growth, and providing multiple social benefits. The three-year, paid development opportunity is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction and a rewarding job in the natural environment. In total, the scheme has already kickstarted 78 careers in forestry, and the reopening of the program will offer more people the chance to be part of a new cohort of foresters. The Forestry Commission kick-started the scheme in 2022, and an increasing number of other organisations and businesses have taken the opportunity to host apprentices over the subsequent years. “The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers people the chance to earn while they learn. Students have a mix of academic study and technical experience in the great outdoors and at the end of the programme can achieve a bachelor’s degree and chartered forester qualifications,” Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said. “The continued success of this unique program is heartening to see – people from all kinds of backgrounds and ages have been able to kickstart a new career. I urge anyone who is interested in finding a vocation looking after our trees, woods and forests, and who wants to work in a sector with lots of opportunities, to apply today.” Apprentice foresters from previous years have pointed to the variety of daily experiences, and the access to a wide range of expertise amongst the benefits provided by this apprenticeship program. Apprentices on the scheme enjoy a combination of hands-on experience with the Forestry Commission and academic studies in forestry management led by the University of Cumbria. There is also potential for wider sector placements to further develop their skills and experience and improve future employment prospects. Upon completion of the program, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and will be able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

The US paper and pulp industry is lobbying President Donald Trump’s administration to ask the EU to declare the United States deforestation-free, a step that could make it easier for exporters to meet the bloc’s new environmental rules. Source: Reuters From December, the European Union’s anti-deforestation policy will ban imports of commodities linked to forest destruction. Brussels already delayed the policy’s launch by a year following complaints from trade partners including Brazil, Indonesia and the Biden administration in the United States. “A delay does not solve our concerns with the regulation’s complex requirements and significant technical barriers,” Heidi Brock, CEO of the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), told Reuters, saying the EU law would impose “costly and unnecessary obligations” on US companies. “We are urging President Trump and his trade advisors to include this on the list of items to negotiate with the European Union to ensure the US is recognised as a country that wisely manages its forest resources and must be recognised as not contributing to deforestation,” Brock said in emailed comments. That goes beyond a call by Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, for the US to be classed as “low-risk” – the EU policy’s least-stringent level. That would still require US companies to conduct due diligence and face inspections. The Office of the US Trade Representative, US Commerce Department and European Commission did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team who has been handling media inquiries for Lutnick did not respond to a request for comment. The EU policy will categorise countries as high, standard or low risk with imports from “low risk” countries facing lighter compliance requirements. However, the law does not contain a category of countries deemed to be deforestation-free despite EU lawmakers attempting unsuccessfully to add a new “no risk” category of countries which would face even lighter rules. Any changes to the EU law would require a legal proposal from the Commission, and approval from EU lawmakers and member states.

CSIRO is calling for expressions of interest for ‘Innovate to Grow: Queensland’, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, aimed at helping Queensland small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transform innovative ideas into research-ready projects across a range of sectors. Source: Timberbiz This R&D training program, delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, guides businesses through developing and implementing R&D strategies with support from experienced researchers and industry mentors with a focus on collaborations with regional universities. Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, said this training will equip SMEs with the tools to build partnerships with regional universities to commercialise their innovative ideas and drive economic growth. More than one-third of the 650 participants from CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program have been from regional Australia, demonstrating strong engagement from businesses outside major metropolitan areas. RUIC Program Facilitator, Dr Brendan Kidd, said the program addresses a critical need in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem. “One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is knowing how to effectively engage with the research sector,” Dr Kidd said. “CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow bridges that gap by teaching businesses how to speak the language of R&D, identify the right research partners, and structure their projects in ways that attract both research interest and potential funding opportunities.” James Lister, whose company LP One develops sustainable bio-based alternatives to conventional materials, found the program’s structured approach invaluable. “The Innovate to Grow program was a great introduction at the early stages of our business,” Mr Lister said. “The staged process for deliverables and assistance from mentors has been great, helping us progress from initial concept to developing potential research collaborations.” Innovate to Grow is now open to Queensland-based SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions across a range of sectors, including: Agriculture and food Digital technology and AI Environmental sciences Health and biomedical sciences Indigenous science Manufacturing Mining and mining equipment, technology, and services Renewables and low emissions technologies Space and defence Transport The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO. Partner universities are James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast. The RUIC Program is designed exclusively for Queensland-based SMEs, providing support at every stage of their R&D journey. For more information visit https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow/I2G-QLD

Following the impact of the 2020 bushfires, the Batlow community has been gradually finding its feet, bringing new hope and purpose for the Snowy Valleys township. Source: Tumut & Adelong Times There is a strong sense of positivity at 4066 Batlow Road, where local tradespeople have been diligently working to construct the new Apple Thief Cider House. While there is still a lot of emotion surrounding the devastating events of 2019/20, Apple Thief proprietor David Purcell is determined for the Apple Thief Cider House to shine as a symbol of resilience and hope. “The emotional impact of the fires will stay with us forever, and we wanted to acknowledge this tragic piece of history by giving the reclaimed timber new life,” Mr Purcell said recently. “We hope to show through the Cider House that there is much to be positive about while highlighting what our region and community have to offer to those visiting from near and far,” he said. “The purpose of the project is to help us all move forward. “Batlow desperately needs a tourism attraction to draw more visitors, and we believe they will love the Cider House experience.” Mr Purcell explained that the initiative is partly supported by a grant from the jointly funded Australian and NSW government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. “We’re very grateful for that support, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see local trade and supply businesses benefiting from the project. We can’t wait to open the doors and share a glass of fresh, ice-cold cider with our friends this year.” The Apple Thief’s new cider house destination’s main structure is up, the floor is down, the glass is in, and over the past few weeks, layers of beautiful Alpine Ash timber have been carefully brought into the building. This stunning wood has been reclaimed from trees affected by the bushfires and milled by local craftsman Joe Burgess. Known for its durability and resistance to weathering, Alpine Ash is a hardwood native to the Snowy Mountains of NSW. It features a lovely grain and light colour that enhances its appeal. A great deal of care, dedication and skilful expertise went into the hand milling process. By carefully crafting each piece, Mr Burgess was able to preserve its unique characteristics while ensuring the highest quality, resulting in a striking and uplifting finish. Walking into the bright, open, and welcoming venue with its high ceilings and windows overlooking the orchard the feeling is one of optimism and warmth. The Alpine Ash beautifully links the indoor bar and restaurant with the open outdoor seating and cider garden area, through to what will be a similarly finished timber deck. Set for completion in the near future, the Apple Thief Cider House will provide an immersive experience that promises to be a feast for all the senses. Visitors will approach the Cider House through the orchard itself, enjoying the seasonal sights and aromas of the various apples and other fruits grown for the award-winning Apple Thief Ciders.

Scion is running experimental research burns near Christchurch from 3-14 March to test new theories on how wildfires spread under various conditions. This will help improve operational and community readiness for and response to future events and enhance firefighter and public safety. Source: Timberbiz The research will involve a series of stubble fires (harvested agricultural paddocks that still have standing dry barley and wheat crop stalks). Scientific instruments will be used to collect data on fuels, weather and fire behaviour. It is a collaboration between Scion’s wildfire researchers, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the University of Canterbury, the United States Forest Service and San José State University. Understanding how fire behaves helps improve the models used for predicting future wildfires in the NZ landscape and internationally. Better prediction means we can more effectively plan and prepare for future fires and more safely respond to existing ones to help keep people, property, animals, and the environment safe in the event of a wildfire. Scion fire ecologist Shana Gross says this is important as, globally, wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe, with fire behaviour in real-world conditions often defying existing models. The burn window is based on paddock harvest dates and the weather. A burn plan has been completed, and a permit will be obtained prior to the burns in accordance with the current fire season status and requirements. “Scion will implement rigorous safety measures for each experimental burn regardless of fire season status, in collaboration with Fire and Emergency,” Ms Gross says. Canterbury is currently in a restricted fire season. Safety measures for this research include having meteorologists and fire specialists on hand to assess weather conditions, having firefighters and equipment on site to suppress fire and creating fire breaks necessary for the conditions during the burns. Standard practice for stubble burns is 6m of fire break on all sides of the fire. Additionally, many of the New Zealand and international researchers involved are trained wildlife personnel. People are also asked to keep their distance from the fires. The burn window gives researchers flexibility to burn within suitable weather conditions. “We review weather constantly in the lead-up to this window,” Ms Gross said. “We will make a call about the first burn day 2-3 days before the window, confirm it the night prior, and make a final decision right before ignition. “We will burn when weather conditions align, and instrumentation has been set up.” Scion aims to burn on 5-6 days during the 12-day window. Stubble fires provide an opportunity to create continuous burns/flame fronts to allow researchers to analyse flame structure and fire behaviour. “The learnings and improved models and predictions gained from experimental research burns aim to enhance NZ’s resilience to wildfires, improve safety, enhance response strategies and tactics and reduce the impact and frequency of wildfires,” Ms Gross said. This research is funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and supported by the Rural Fire Research Advisory Committee.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has welcomed calls for Australia to adopt label of origin requirements for all imported timber. Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, threw his support behind the Australian Forest Products Association, echoing calls to make it easier for consumers to choose where their timber comes from. Source: Timberbiz The proposal is one of several put to both major parties ahead of the federal election by the timber industry’s peak body, which will roll out billboard and radio advertisements in marginal seats calling for industry-friendly policies. Country of origin labelling regulations, similar to those promised by Labor for seafood sales, would make it easier for consumers to choose where their timber comes from, the Australian Forest Products Association says. Under the proposal, the regulations would be backed by an enforcement regime that could use new technology to trace the provenance of timber. “We have a renewable and sustainable forestry industry in Tasmania, both plantation and native, that produces a high-quality product following global best-practice,” Mr Abetz said. “With the shutdown of native forestry in Victoria and Western Australia, we are seeing more and more timber imported into Australia from places such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands and South America. “Consumers simply can’t have confidence that these imported timbers are produced and harvested according to the same stringent environmental standards we have in Tasmania. “By purchasing Tasmania timber, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a renewable and sustainable product that supports local jobs and value-adding,” he said. “We make no apologies for backing Tasmania’s sustainable and job-rich timber industry through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future against questionable imported products.”

The Productivity Commission has recommended scaling back ‘unnecessary regulatory impediments’ to encourage greater uptake of modern housing construction methods, including prefabricated and modular construction in a new research paper released this week. Source: Timberbiz The Productivity Commission research paper – Housing construction productivity: Can we fix it? – explains numerous issues housing construction is facing including complex and slow approvals, lack of innovation and scale, and issues around workforce including the retention of skilled workers. According to the Commission, over the last 30 years, physical productivity has declined by 53% and labour productivity by 12%. Meanwhile construction costs have increased by 40% in the last five years and residential build times have increased by up to 80% over the last 15 years. The report focuses on four key challenges faced by the sector: complex and slow approvals, lack of innovation, lack of scale and workforce. It also outlines a number of reform directions including streamlining approvals processes, a review of building regulations, removing impediments to innovation and improving workforce mobility and flexibility. “This recommendation demonstrates what Australia’s forestry sector supply chain requires to ramp up innovation with timber and wood-fibre products that can contribute to easing Australia’s national housing crisis,” Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said. “Australia’s forestry and timber sector not only supplies traditional framing materials essential for new housing – but is also increasingly broadening into new housing material options, including timber and wood-fibre based prefabricated housing products. “Our sector is already innovating in this space – but government reform is needed to spur that innovation curve even further within our sector. Using different types of timber and wood-fibre building products to construct new homes doesn’t only support local jobs and communities, it helps fight climate change through carbon storage. “The Productivity Commission’s suggested solutions should be heeded by both sides of politics ahead of the Federal Election – so sectors like ours can get on with providing varied housing solutions for Australia.” Master Builders Australia said the report confirmed what builders and the broader industry had long called for: we aren’t going to build the homes Australians need without a focus on improving productivity. And while the report acknowledged it did not go into the impact of recent enterprise agreements, Master Builders would like to see further investigation into the impact of recent industrial relations reforms, particularly with independent contractors and enterprise agreements in the near future. “Productivity is more than an economic buzzword. Every day we drag our heels on tackling the challenges faced in the industry, the longer we drag out the housing crisis,” MBA CEO Denita Wawn said. “Just like the housing crisis, there is no silver bullet to solving woeful productivity in the industry, and it requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach by all levels of government. “The Commission has put forward sensible recommendations that should be strongly considered by governments. “Master Builders has made it a priority to do our part in addressing skills shortages and we urge all students, parents, schools and those looking for a career change to check out the guide.”

More than 150 giant Tingle and Karri trees have collapsed after a prescribed burn next door to the famed Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. The ‘Giants East’ forest block was ignited in late December by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Source: Timberbiz A statement released a month later reported that just one giant Tingle tree had collapsed and 300 other Tingle and Karri trees on the burn perimeter had been protected and described the burn as a success. Local researchers are disputing these claims, having spent the last month documenting recently fallen trees that are more than one meter in diameter. “I surveyed the area for fire-felled trees after the Giants prescribed burn and estimated 180 mature red tingle, yellow tingle, karri and marri trees were felled by the burn in an area less than 100 hectares,” Local resident and ANU environmental science student, Uralla Luscombe-Pedro said. “Fallen branches and entire tree canopies that were burned off their trunks are scattered across the forest floor. In some places, trees have collapsed in groups. From any standpoint in the forest, it’s clear this was a severe and damaging fire.” Features of the Tingle tree; its shallow roots, fibrous bark, burls and gnarls, make them susceptible to frequent and severe fire. Each burn sets up more trees to fall in the next fire event because of the cumulative damage that burning does to their structure and stability. Recent studies show that Tingle forests have naturally low flammability when they are left unburnt for long periods. “The WNNPA was incredibly shocked and disappointed on seeing the outcomes from the recent prescribed burn in Giants East block,” The Walpole-Nornalup National Park Association (WNNPA)’s Dr David Edmonds said. “The WNNPA first raised concerns about the burning of the Tingle forest over 30 years ago. In 1997 a trial burn was conducted in the very same forest leading to the collapse of at least 30 trees. This was viewed by both the WNNPA and the government department of the time as an unacceptable result and recommendations were made to avoid this level of collapse in the future.” The WNNPA is calling for a halt to another burn planned in nearby Tingle forest later this season and they support a call for an increase in pre and post-fire monitoring programs, robust and meaningful ecological outcomes to be built into burn prescriptions and an independent review into prescribed burning. “Western Australians overwhelmingly support the protection of SW Forests. The government has recognised that in the ban on native forest logging, now they need to take the next step and overhaul the prescribed burning program to prevent this unnecessary destruction. Urgent changes are required to ensure fire-sensitive species and communities like tingles are not burnt in this manner,” WA Forest Alliance (WAFA) Senior Campaigner Jason Fowler, said. Scientists, Conservation groups and South coast residents are seeking answers from the government on the failures of this burn and how they will ensure this does not happen again.

Norske Skog is selling its Boyer mill in Tasmania for approximately $27 million to Boyer Capital, a company led by developer David Marriner. The mill produces 150,000 tonnes of newsprint and 135,000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper annually. It employs around 300 people. Source: Timberbiz Norske Skog CEO Geir Drangsland said the sale will allow the company to focus on its four European mills, including Golbey in France and Saugbrugs in Norway. “We are very pleased to conclude our orderly exit from Australasia with the divestment of the Boyer mill,” he said. “The discussions with David Marriner and Boyer Capital have been ongoing for some time and we believe they represent the ideal owner to both continue the production of publication paper and develop the industrial site for future activities. “Norske Skog will now focus fully on the successful ramp-up of containerboard production at the Golbey mill and completing the BCTMP study at the Saugbrugs mill.” Patrick Dooley, Managing Director of Norske Skog Boyer said the Boyer mill had been part of the Norske Skog group for 25 years. “We wish to thank everyone for their support and contribution to the mill during this time. We now look forward to continuing our operations under new ownership, and to work closely with our new owners to explore future opportunities at the mill site,” he said. The Norske Skog Boyer mill is situated in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley and has a production capacity of 150 000 tonnes of newsprint and 135 000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper. The site has a total area of 565 hectares, offering significant opportunities for future developments, and good access to raw materials and logistics infrastructure. The mill has approximately 300 skilled and experienced employees. “We see significant potential to expand and diversify the industrial activities at the Boyer mill for the benefit of its employees and the local community,” David Marriner, Director of Boyer Capital Pty Ltd, said. “In dialogue with mill management and representatives of the Boyer workforce we have been very impressed with their knowledge and commitment to the business. We are therefore excited to start a new chapter for the mill.” The sale follows a broad and structured process over a period of more than two years. The sale strengthens Norske Skog’s balance sheet and liquidity position towards ongoing strategic projects. Resources Minister Eric Abetz said the sale secures its long-term future as Australia’s only paper manufacturing plant. “This is a massive vote of confidence in Tasmania’s manufacturing sector and the broader economy,” he said. “We look forward to seeing Boyer Capital Pty Ltd build on the mill’s strong foundations, exploring opportunities for diversification and expansion that will bring even more jobs and investment to Tasmania.” The transaction is a sale of 100% of the share capital in Norske Skog Industries Australia Limited which is the holding company for all of Norske Skog’s Australasian activities. Norske Skog will discontinue the reporting segment publication paper Australasia in its results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The purchase price is based on an enterprise value of approximately NOK 190 million and is subject to customary adjustments for cash, debt and working capital. Completion of the sale is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, and no gain or loss is expected to be recognised in the first quarter of 2025 as a result of the transaction. Following the sale, Norske Skog will have four mills, all situated in Europe, with a total combined capacity of 760 000 tonnes of containerboard, 840 000 tonnes of newsprint, 200 000 tonnes of SC magazine paper, and 265 000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper.