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A new review has found inconsistencies in the local government planning framework for tree farms, which may be hindering growth in the sector. Source: Timberbiz Commissioned by the South West Timber Hub in Western Australia, the Review of Local Government Planning Frameworks for Tree Farms was officially released on Wednesday, 18 September. It examined the planning framework of 25 local governments and provided a list of recommendations to help achieve clarity and consistency for local governments in considering tree farm proposals. South West Timber Hub Project Manager Wendy Perdon said the inconsistencies highlighted by the review undermined clear and consistent decision making to gain approval for new tree farms. “This is ultimately to the detriment of the State in fulfilling its intent to support and grow the timber sector to meet demand, as well as societies increasing expectation and obligation to reduce emissions and move towards renewables across the economy,” Ms Perdon said. “Historically there have been issues in this area and planning guidelines can vary greatly between local governments, even when they are located next to each other. The South West Timber Hub commissioned this review to examine these discrepancies and provide some clear recommendations going forward.” WA’s plantation sector, which consists of hardwood and softwood varieties, contributes more than 1.18 billion dollars of economic activity. Demand for timber products is anticipated to quadruple by 2050 and at least 50,000ha of additional softwood plantation is needed to help meet the demand. Plantation timber is used to make the timber frames for homes, engineered wood products used to build new multi-storey residential and commercial buildings, wood-based panels for kitchens, pallets, and wood fibre used to manufacture paper, packaging and bioproducts, replacing single use plastics. In addition, residues go into making potting mix, mulches, composts and landscaped products for gardens.

In the face of rising costs across industries, Wesbeam as Australia’s only LVL manufacturer is stepping up to support Australian businesses with a price freeze. Source: Timberbiz With the prices of energy, logistics, commercial leases, and materials increasing, many companies are passing these costs onto their customers. However, Wesbeam is taking a different approach, offering stability when it’s needed most. Effective immediately, Wesbeam announced a six-month price hold guarantee on all LVL and LVL I-joist products until March 2025. While others are increasing their prices, Wesbeam is committed to maintaining current pricing for the next six months to help customers plan and operate with certainty during these challenging times. “We recognize the pressures our customers are under, and we want to support them by offering price stability and supply security,” said James Malone, CEO of Wesbeam. “As Australia’s only manufacturer of LVL and LVL I-joist products, we are uniquely positioned to control what others cannot. This price hold reflects our commitment to Australian businesses and the residential housing market.” Wesbeam is more than just a manufacturer. With a state-of-the-art production facility in Western Australia, secure and guaranteed timber resources, and nationwide distribution, engineering, and sales centres, Wesbeam ensures consistent, uninterrupted supply across Australia. In addition to this, Wesbeam offers industry-leading technical support to both customers and their builder clients. “Our world-class manufacturing facility is equipped to meet demand, backed by a nationwide network of support. Supply security and price stability are at the core of what we offer, ensuring our customers succeed today and into the future,” Mr Malone said. The decision to hold prices for six months demonstrates the company’s commitment to helping businesses succeed despite the current economic challenges.

Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has asked the Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, to specify the locations of the job losses within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in East Gippsland. Source: Timberbiz The question in Parliament comes on the back of the media publishing Departmental documents stating 220 positions will be removed from DEECA, and staff at locations such as Orbost, Swifts Creek, Heyfield and Nowa Nowa were told of the reductions. “I have had family and community members contact my office from these areas, saying they’ve been told earlier this week there will be a reduction in positions,” said Mr Bull. “In addition, I have also been advised some of these jobs will become ‘regional’ rather than local, and in other cases, staff have been offered to reapply for jobs with less pay. “These are communities that have been hit by the timber industry closure and are townships the government said it would support. “Also of concern is that some of these positions are Forest Fire Management workers, whose job it is to protect our community. “We have a government that has slashed the CFA budget and has overseen a fuel reduction burning program that falls well short of keeping us safe – and now they cut our government fire positions. “The benefits of fuel reduction burning are well documented and when you don’t do it, there cannot be any other outcome than a devastating fire. But then cut the CFA Budget and remove jobs from fire protection only worsens the problem,” he said. “What I have asked the Minister is to specify how many jobs are going from East Gippsland, and from which offices.”