Feed aggregator

After 22 intensive weeks of theoretical and practical work, it was finally time for graduation for the first batch of trainees who completed SCA’s forest machine operator training. Source: Timberbiz The group celebrated with a lunch and diploma ceremony. “We have successfully created a very good training program where we included all the planned educational modules,” said Björn Eriksson of SCA, one of those responsible for the training. Marcus Dahlstedt is one of the participants and he will now work as a forwarder driver in SCA’s felling team in Sundsvall. “I am very satisfied with the training. It has been very enjoyable and a good mix of theory and practical elements in the forest,” he said. I used to work at Valmet, but I like being in the forest, and for me, the training was an opportunity to switch careers. That the training was paid was crucial for being able to change professions. The setup that you are matched with an employer early in the training is very good. I did my internship with the Sundsvall team and now it feels completely natural to step in on a real basis.” The first training session was located in Sollefteå and out of over 210 applicants, four women and eight men were selected. Almost all are now moving on to jobs as forest machine operators, with SCA and SCA-contractors. “Changed conditions at a contractor have unfortunately affected the employment for one of the participants, but we are hopeful that it will be resolved soon. The goal of the training was that everyone would work with one of our skilled contractors or in SCA’s own forest machine teams when the training was complete,” said Magnus Eriksson, head of Operational Development Production, who is responsible for the training. On February 24, 2025, the second training session begins. It has also attracted many applicants for the 12 spots. “We look forward to meeting the next batch of forestry machine operators. A significant difference in the second training session is that it will be winter when the training starts, which means we need to make some adjustments to the schedule to make the various educational modules as good as possible,” Mr Eriksson said. For Mr Dahlstedt, full-time forest machine operation awaits. “I look forward to beautiful days in the forest and being able to manage my workday myself. I enjoy working alone. The plan is to keep working like this for a while, and then we’ll see what happens. Running my own business is a vision, but there are many other exciting jobs within SCA as well. We gained good insight into that through the training and all the different professional roles that contributed their knowledge to our education. It is inspiring for the future.”  

The forest products industries faced a year of significant change in 2024, marked by shifting market dynamics and unexpected challenges. From fluctuating demand and pricing to an increasing emphasis on biofuel innovations, the sector underwent remarkable transformations. Source: Timberbiz As part of its annual tradition, ResourceWise is sharing key insights and forecasts for the year ahead. Here are eight pivotal predictions that will shape the forest products industry in 2025. The Year of Supply Chain Transparency This year is poised to become a pivotal year for supply chain transparency, particularly for forest product companies and landowners. A wave of new regulations is on the horizon, coupled with the gradual rise of voluntary compliance requirements. What does this mean? Although the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was delayed until January 2026, it remains a priority, with the EU Parliament reaffirming its commitment to the initiative. While the industry has gained an additional year to comply, the pressure to adapt is building. Moreover, end users of forest products, especially consumer facing companies, are committing to increased transparency. Voluntary carbon markets continue to play a key role in corporate ESG strategies. While physical decarbonization is considered more effective and credible, there isn’t enough supply to meet the growing demand. As a result, the market for carbon credits and offsets often criticized for credibility issues, will require greater transparency to thrive. At the same time, the traditional timberland value model, centred on stumpage, is evolving (see Prediction 3). Landowners will increasingly need to adopt voluntary carbon standards to unlock new revenue streams from their forests. This shift will demand heightened transparency, marking a significant transformation in the industry. Eastern and Western Economies Drift Further Apart Amid Renewed Trade Tariffs The decoupling of Eastern and Western Hemisphere economies is set to continue, driven by a potential “second wave” of Trump-era trade tariffs targeting heavily subsidized economies. This is in addition to European trade actions banning or penalizing imports of Chinese made goods, most notable electric vehicles. This shift could have several key implications: China’s paper industry: Already facing overcapacity, China’s paper sector may experience further declines in demand if manufacturing offshoring accelerates. To prevent deflation, the country will need to address its existing excess production capacity. European investment in North America: European companies, grappling with the risks of deindustrialization due to stringent regulations and energy policies, are increasingly diversifying beyond the EU. For example, SAICA’s plans to establish a paper mill in Ohio, highlights this growing trend of investment in the North American market. Timberland Values Pivot to Carbon Amid Shifting Market Dynamics The value of timberland is increasingly shifting from traditional stumpage uses to carbon and environmental services. In many cases, new timberland investors are assigning substantial value to carbon as a key factor in underwriting timberland assets. This trend is largely driven by stagnant wood fibre markets and long-term forecasts showing that tree growth will far exceed harvest rates in the years to come. The US South Will Attract Global Attention with Competitive Pulp Mill Prospects The U.S. South boasts the lowest risk-adjusted softwood costs globally, making it a prime location for investment. Combined with low energy costs, growing markets for pulp mill byproducts such as carbon CDRs and e-fuels, and its proximity to the world’s largest consumer market, the region is set to attract significant investment in pulp mills, including an announcement for a greenfield pulp mill. Many domestic companies (Green Bay, Georgia Pacific) have announced significant investments — will a foreign company follow with the first North American greenfield pulp mill in 20 years? Lumber Market to Rebound in Late 2025 with New Mill Announcements on the Horizon The lumber market is projected to rebound in the latter half of 2025, driven by anticipated declines in interest rates and a resurgence in construction activity. Across North America, over 2 billion board feet of production capacity were shut down in 2023 and 2024. By the end of 2025, we expect announcements of new mill openings to signal a revival in the industry. Global Investors Will Eye the US Forest Products Market Due to Competitive Advantages The US forest product manufacturing sector is attracting significant interest, and we expect a major acquisition by a Latin American or European forest products company in 2025. The U.S. market remains highly appealing to investors, particularly those in the forest products industry, due to its abundant and competitively priced wood raw materials. With the economy growing at a steady 3%, the US provides a favourable environment for investment. Additionally, concerns over tariffs are encouraging companies to establish a foothold in the U.S. market to avoid being excluded. In contrast, Europe faces slower economic growth and a regulatory and business climate that shows little sign of improvement. High Fiber Costs in the Nordics Will Force Pulp Mill Closures Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis Persistently high wood fibre costs in the Nordics, driven by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, are expected to lead to the closure of pulp mills in the region. The industry will be compelled to adjust its operations to align with the limited availability of affordable fibre. AI Won’t Take Over the World While AI won’t completely take over the world, it does represent a transformative shift in productivity arguably even more significant than the personal computer revolution. This shift will further widen the valuation gap between industries that adopt AI and those that resist it. If our industry fails to embrace AI, we risk being left behind. The consequences will be clear: diminished investment, declining efficiency, and a resulting drop in both profits and growth.  

Investigators at UK-based non-profit, Earthsight, say they have uncovered a booming trade in illegal Russian timber stretching throughout Europe and breaching war sanctions. Source: Timberbiz The investigation ‘Blood-stained birch: exposing the EU trade in Russian conflict ply,’ claims to have caught firms on camera, in voice calls and through internal documents arranging a steady flow of Russian plywood into the EU. These companies are selling illegal wood across the continent, and customers include important manufacturers of climbing walls, toys, flooring, furniture and other products. Posing as buyers over a 9-month period, the investigative non-profit Earthsight recorded traders admitting the practice is illegal, calling it a “gold mine” and suggesting techniques to avoid detection. The UK-based NGO estimates that more than 500,000 cubic metres of blood timber, with a retail value of over 1.5 billion Euros, has flowed from Russia through third countries and into the EU since sanctions were imposed in July 2022. The imports are now at some of the highest levels ever seen. According to Earthsight more than 700 cubic metres are arriving at EU ports and borders every day, equivalent to 20 large lorries or shipping containers. All 27 EU member states receive likely illegal ply, Earthsight says the largest volumes are shipped to Poland, followed by Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Estonia. Long valued in construction for its physical properties, in recent years consumption of birch plywood in the US and Europe has skyrocketed. It is used in an increasing number of everyday products and has taken the interior design world by storm, with multiple social media influencers and design blogs recommending its use in kitchens and furniture. Earthsight says seven of the top 10 Russian birch ply exporters are still supplying the EU, the investigation found. Two of these firms are linked to billionaire oligarchs who met with Putin on the day of the invasion of Ukraine. One, Alexei Mordashov, is on the EU’s sanctions list while the other, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, is the main shareholder of Russia’s largest logging firm. Belarusian state-owned firms are helping facilitate the trade and also selling banned wood products to the EU, according to Earthsight’s investigation. Timber contributes significantly to Russian GDP and exports. All forests are state owned. The military even directly controls and profits from forests that cover more than one and a half times the size of Belgium. Earthsight did not investigate the precise origin of Russian timber entering Europe. To hide the trade, Russian firms told Earthsight they launder the ply via third countries, often Kazakhstan or Turkey. Most flows through China, where firms recorded by Earthsight were the most brazen about sanctions busting. Trade statistics and customs records examined by Earthsight show the business is booming. Several EU firms admitted buying illegal Russian plywood in covert recordings. Although these firms are traders, selling the ply on to others, the investigation also names several prominent EU customers of firms which admitted laundering Russian plywood.

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has welcomed the Government’s proposed amendments to the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) as potentially beneficial, particularly with the introduction of a focus area on the bioeconomy. Source: Timberbiz These changes align with numerous recommendations outlined in the Chief Science Advisor’s recent report, although not all recommendations have been implemented. NZIF supports the removal of the ban on gene technology, provided it is implemented responsibly. This modification offers substantial potential to advance innovation in forestry and related sectors, ensuring New Zealand’s continued leadership in sustainable and cutting-edge practices. Furthermore, the proposal to retain intellectual property (IP) in commercialised outcomes has the potential to drive technological advancements and foster innovation. However, NZIF cautions this approach may also lead to the neglect or underfunding of long-term, critical research areas, such as environmental sustainability and climate resilience, which are essential for the forestry sector and the broader ecosystem. NZIF raised concerns last year regarding the inadequate funding for science, which has adversely affected forestry research. We support a merger approach which aims to address this issue. However, NZIF remains concerned about the absence of additional funding accompanying these structural modifications. Restructuring initiatives often require substantial resources, time, and staff attention, potentially diverting focus from critical research priorities. This is particularly concerning given the recent Long-Term Insights briefing prepared by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which highlights the risk of the forestry sector being overlooked in the short-term priorities of bioeconomy science. “While we perceive opportunities in these proposed alterations, particularly with the focus on the bioeconomy and advancements in gene technology, we must ensure critical areas such as environmental and climate research are not compromised. The forestry sector plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s future, and it is imperative its needs are adequately addressed in these strategies,” James Treadwell, President of NZIF said. The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) strongly advocates for the continued prioritisation of the forestry industry within the development of bioeconomy strategies. Long-term investments in forestry-related research are crucial to fortify the sector’s contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and climate objectives.” NZIF remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with the Government, Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) / Public Research Organisations (PROs), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the proposed changes deliver tangible benefits for the forestry sector and the nation as a whole.

Design and build professionals are invited to the first Timber Futures Seminar, hosted by WoodSolutions. The event will highlight the latest advancements in timber design and construction, offering solutions to global economic and environmental challenges in the built environment. Source: Timberbiz The seminar features a great line up of expert speakers, with keynote by Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects, a global pioneer in sustainable timber construction. Attendees will gain insights into how timber’s innovative applications are driving sustainable and economic solutions for the construction industry. Learn from renowned architect Andrew Waugh, who will discuss timber’s role in addressing economic and environmental challenges, alongside academics Dr Duncan Maxwell and Dr Richard Nero. Discover how advanced timber systems can shape the future of design and construction while connecting with industry professionals and peers. Understand timber’s potential to transform the built environment in response to global challenges like climate change and resource efficiency. This event is designed for architects, engineers, builders, and students, offering a platform to explore cutting-edge research, and stay at the forefront of sustainable building practices. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew Waugh to Australia for this seminar,” Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at WoodSolutions and Forest & Wood Products Australia, said. “His visionary work across the globe demonstrates how timber can address Australia’s economic and environmental challenges. This is a unique opportunity for our design and build professionals to learn from one of the leading minds in sustainable architecture and explore how timber can play a transformative role in the future of construction.” The event will be held on 10 February 2025, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, Room B02, Swanston St, Parkville, Victoria. You can register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/woodsolutions-timber-futures-seminar-tickets-1202833931669?aff=MediaRelease  

A group of University of Nebraska students learnt about sustainable forestry’s role in enhancing ecosystems and supporting private landowners at Fulham in Dunalley, Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz The visit in early January, was part of their study abroad program Managing Diverse Ecosystems in Australia and underscored broad-reaching benefits of Private Forests Tasmania’s work, from improving biodiversity and supporting carbon sequestration to providing sustainable economic opportunities for private landowners. The session showcased the collaborative efforts between PFT and Fulham landowners Tom and Alice Gray who shared their stories of resilience and innovation. The landowners showcased their property featuring a fascinating transformation from burnt plantation pines to an opportunity for reforestation and sustainable land use. Fulham is one of seven successful Integrated Farm Forestry Demonstration Sites receiving grant funding to develop landscape scale best practice forestry plantings establishing more than 20.2 hectares of commercial shelterbelts along established fence lines. There are 14 separate shelterbelt plantings consisting mainly of mixed shelterbelts. The Pinus radiata (radiata pine) and Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) were planted to allow for staggered harvesting to occur, allowing the Grays to maintain their shelter benefits while gaining some economic returns. The students learnt about Tasmania’s forestry story, which unfolded through discussions on its history and the challenges of sustainable forest management on private lands. PFT Operations Manager Jarrod Burn shared his expertise on the critical management issues associated with sustainable forest management on private land, sparking a con-versation that illuminated both barriers and opportunities in the sector. “Several barriers to farm forestry adoption by private landowners include a lack of forestry knowledge or experience, market uncertainty created by the complexity of long-term forestry investments, opportunity costs, historical distrust brought about by failed Managed Investment Schemes and social licence implications,” Mr Burn said. “However, there are plenty of positive benefits to planting trees beyond their commercial value at harvest. “Farm forestry provides improved shade and shelter for livestock, enhances water quality, reduces erosion, and improves soil health. “It supports biodiversity while creating wood products for both farm use, like fence posts and firewood, and broader markets. “This is becoming increasingly important for farmers looking to lower their net carbon emissions.” Mr Burn explained to the students the strengths, uses and challenges of the most commonly grown plantation species in Tasmania were Eucalyptus nitens (shining gum), Eucalyptus globulus, and Pinus radiata. “Although these species dominate, we’ve seen success with alternatives like black-wood, cypress, and redwood, offering opportunities for diversification,” he said. “Unfortunately, Tasmania is currently losing about 2,000–5,000 hectares of plantation forest annually due to land conversion, although there’s evidence this decline is slowing.” “Private landowners are deeply invested in their land. Many are generational farmers, taking immense pride in their stewardship. “I’ve noticed a shift in younger generations, they’re more environmentally conscious and aware of public perceptions.” Mr Burn emphasised the potential of sustainable forestry to contribute not just to Tasmania’s economy, but also to its ecological resilience. The session concluded with a Q&A session where students from farming backgrounds delved into the economic benefits of integrating timber as a secondary income source and the potential for forestry to diversify farm enterprises while contributing to landscape restoration. Dr Mark Burbach, Environmental Social Scientist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, praised the program for its depth and impact it had on the 20 students on tour. “While clearly of value to our agroforestry students, it is quite apparent what Private Forests Tasmania is doing has so many ecosystem benefits,” said Dr Burbach. “Our students studying wildlife management, entomology, environmental and agricultural policy, and others experienced first-hand the benefits of your work to private land-owners.” The day also featured contributions from PFT CEO Elizabeth Pietrzykowski and Forest Education Foundation manager Darcy Vickers, whose expertise and commitment shone through in their discussions on forestry’s environmental and economic potential. The collaboration between PFT and the University of Nebraska provided an invaluable educational experience, fostering global connections and a shared commitment to sustainability.

Australia’s housing supply has fallen short of demand for over two decades, making affordability, accessibility, and construction timelines a real challenge. To provide insights into these challenges and help drive solutions, Forest & Wood Products Australia has undertaken the most comprehensive report into the housing crisis to date. Source: Timberbiz To launch the ‘More Houses Sooner’ report, FWPA is hosting an exclusive event on Wednesday 26 February at the State Library in Victoria, offering valuable insights for industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to understand and address Australia’s housing needs. The More Houses Sooner report takes a deep dive into Australia’s housing shortfall. Between 2001 and 2023, the country fell behind demand by around 470,000 dwellings, an average of 20,400 homes per year. Looking ahead, Australia will need 2.01 million new homes by 2034, or up to 2.48 million if factoring in the existing shortfall. Meeting this demand will require new ideas and a faster approach to construction. This event will highlight how the forest and wood products industry is stepping up to the challenge and how different sectors can collaborate to build a more sustainable and efficient housing market. Attendees will gain exclusive insights from industry experts, explore key data, and discuss innovative strategies for speeding up housing delivery. Speakers will include: Erick Hansnata – Lead Economist and Statistics and Economics Program Manager, FWPA Nerida Conisbee – Chief Economist, Ray White Panel Discussion: Kersten Gentle – CEO, Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) Tim Newman – General Manager, Timber Building Systems Australia Tim Woods – Managing Director, Industry Edge. This event is a must-attend for FWPA members, industry professionals, economists, and policymakers looking to engage with the latest research and practical solutions for Australia’s housing future. This is a free event, but places are limited. Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/more-houses-sooner-tickets-1218741952989 to get exclusive access to the More Houses Sooner report and expert discussions on shaping a more sustainable and affordable housing market in Australia. The event will be held on Wednesday 26 February from 10 am – 1 pm at the Isabella Fraser Room, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.  

Research in Fiji led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has developed new wood product engineering processes now being commercially trialled in both Fiji and Australia. Source: Timberbiz The engineering innovation has come from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) Forest Product Innovation team, which has been working with partners in Fiji and Australia on a process to create timber veneers from coconut palms. The new veneer process recovers double the amount of timber of traditional sawn timber processes. It also requires less investment in equipment and uses less energy than conventional veneer processes. Project leader Dr Rob McGavin at QDPI said while veneer technology is used for many different timbers, his team has refined the traditional process primarily in response to the challenges of turning coconut palms into timber. Fiji has about 40,000 hectares of senile coconut palms – trees that may be 50 years old or more and are no longer productive. Left in the ground, the trees are susceptible to pests and diseases that can infect productive palms. But there has been limited incentive to remove senile palms and replant with either new coconut palms or other crops. If the palms hold value as a timber resource, it may help subsidise replanting, bringing more land back into production and increasing income opportunities for local smallholders. With this objective in mind, ACIAR has supported coconut timber-related research in Fiji for more than a decade. Two previous projects first confirmed that coconut palms could be used as a source of wood and then developed a production process that has worked effectively in a laboratory and then at a semi-commercial level. Having overcome the technical challenges of production, the current ACIAR-supported project is focused on the commercial adoption of new engineered wood product manufacturing processes. The project team is working with partners in both Fiji and Australia to scale up the technology for commercial use and to develop marketable products. As the manufacture of engineered wood products from coconut palms potentially creates a new industry, the project is also identifying training and employment opportunities for both women and men in Fiji and is assessing likely social impacts. Dr McGavin said coconut palms are not actually trees, but a form of grass. ‘The outside of senile coconut palms is incredibly hard, similar to ironbark, while the inside core is as soft as balsawood. The palms themselves are usually smaller in diameter than trees selected for milling. These characteristics mean sawn timber is a challenging option for coconut palms.’ Peeling the palms to create veneers has proved an attractive alternative; however, the conventional veneer technique uses steel spindles in either end of the log to hold it in place while it is peeled. Spindles have trouble gripping the soft core of the palms, and the size of the spindles means not enough timber can be recovered from each palm to make the process economically viable. Undeterred, the QDPI research team has adopted an alternative drive system that turns the palms as they are peeled without the need for spindles, allowing almost all the palm to be recovered as veneer. Another step in the veneer process is the heat treatment of logs before peeling, usually done by steaming the logs or putting them in hot water baths. Both processes require investment in expensive infrastructure, while hot water baths and steam create potential safety risks for staff. The new process developed through the ACIAR-supported project uses a hot water shower, which is less expensive to set up, reduces the amount of water needed and al-lows that water to be recycled. It also reduces the energy required to heat the water and reduces safety risks. Dr McGavin said this new heating method is still being trialled. One Australian company will launch the new shower-based system this year, while a partner mill in Fiji is trialling a hybrid system, as it already has steaming capacity in place. “In Fiji, most of the mills are operating under capacity, with reduced access to timber, as a result of changes to government forestry policy that incorporate additional sustainability and environmental considerations. To generate commercial interest, we need to demonstrate profitability, so we’re doing a lot of financial modelling that considers the cost of harvesting, transport and production locations, and potential products,” Dr Rob McGavin, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, said. ‘We are closely partnering with the Fiji industry, across the supply chain, from the farmers or organisations that own and manage coconut plantations through to harvesting and haulage contractors, the existing veneering industry in Fiji, and potential end users as well – builders and furniture manufacturers, the people who fit out buildings such as hotel resorts.’ Dr McGavin said there has been a considerable exchange of expertise between Fijian and Australian partners who are interested in engineered wood products, rather than coco-nut palms specifically. In Fiji, partners include the Pacific Community (SPC), the Fiji Ministry of Forestry, Fiji National University, University of the South Pacific, as well as industry members including the Fiji Hardwood Board, and veneer import industry and local timber mills. Australian partners with ACIAR include QDPI, the Australian Government’s Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus Program, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and industry members the Big River Group, Jowat Adhesives, Robertson Bros Sawmills and Eco Cottages. Mr Tevita Bulai, Executive Director of Research and Development at the Ministry of Forestry Fiji, said giving the palms some value at the end of their productive life may encourage more landholders to replant with coconut palms, rather than other crops such as kava. And this will be essential if Fiji is to establish a long-term timber industry supported by palms as a timber resource. “It will be good to explore expanding this technology to other Pacific countries such as Tonga and Samoa, so that we can join forces to create a larger resource,” the Executive Director of Research and Development in the Ministry of Forestry Fiji Mr Tevita Bulai said. “We also have options with […]

A significant freshwater marsh called Wirey Swamp will soon be reinstated to provide habitat for the threatened brolga, thanks to a partnership between Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT), Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP) and OneFortyOne (OFO). Source: Timberbiz NGT is collaborating with the Green Triangle plantation forestry companies to lead a ‘matching fund’ campaign valued at up to $300,000, to fast track the purchase and ultimate restoration of the 180-acre Strathdownie property, in Western Victoria near the South Australian border, revitalising the farmland into habitat for vulnerable wetland dependent species. “Thanks to a new partnership we have entered into with Australian Bluegum Plantations and OneFortyOne, every donation made by the public will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, essentially doubling the community’s impact towards our fundraising target,” Nature Glenelg Trust founder and managing director Mark Bachmann said. “These two plantation forestry companies have stepped up and are willing to become financial partners in the project, alongside the community, to help make the exciting vision we have for the site a reality.” Wirey Swamp is adjacent to ABP’s hardwood bluegum (Eucalyptus Globulus) plantation forests, and within the wider OFO softwood (Pinus Radiata) growing region. The site is located east of the SA/Victoria border, neighbouring Kaladbro Bushland Reserve – close to a key annual gathering zone for the threatened local population of Brolga. The site has been artificially drained for several decades to support cattle grazing, resulting in seasonal dehydration of the once permanently saturated peat soil. The restoration plan proposes to regulate flows at the artificial outlet, to hold back a greater depth of water and restore the wetland. This will enhance habitat for the Brolga, which urgently require additional choice of wetlands in the landscape for breeding to sustain their numbers. The nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog, Australasian Bittern and fresh-water Little Galaxias fish, among other wetland dependent species whose habitats has been lost across south-eastern Australia, will also benefit from the restoration. If the remaining fundraising target of $600,000 is successful, building on other existing NGT financial contributions, the land purchase is scheduled to occur in June 2025 with restoration work to follow thereafter. ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the financial pledge built on NGT’s decade-long relationship with local plantation companies, delivering projects which had played an instrumental role protecting biodiversity across the Green Triangle. “We are proud to partner with NGT who have led many important environmental projects, enhancing and restoring a diversity of species to our landscape. Wirey Swamp is a unique opportunity to continue this great legacy, partnering with our community to re-store, monitor and manage the site for future generations,” Mr Hughes said. OFO CEO Wendy Norris said the project mirrored the foundations of their existing successful partnership with NGT at Mount Burr Swamp, which was restored in 2016 and now supports the recovery of the same threatened species earmarked for the Strathdownie site. “OneFortyOne and other Green Triangle forest growers have partnered with NGT on many projects including rebuilding swamp habitat, quarry restoration and threatened species conservation. We greatly value the ecological expertise of NGT and are proud to make this contribution,” she said. For further details, or to make a tax-deductible donation visit www.ngt.org.au or email donations@ngt.org.au or call Toni at the NGT regional office on 0438 268 114.