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Western Australia’s Forest Products Commission recognises the important role of volunteer fire brigades, local government authorities, and community organisations in protecting local communities, forests, and State’s plantations from the threat of bushfire. Source: Timberbiz To support their efforts in planning, preparing, and responding to bushfire emergencies, the FPC launched the Community Fire Protection Grants Program last year to provide funding of up to $10,000 per entity for equipment and supplies, training activities, and professional development. The program selected applications aligned with the FPC’s priorities linked to its softwood plantation management, increased understanding about fire management in plantations, and delivered the greatest benefits to local communities. Following a competitive judging process, 12 successful applicants received grant funding under the 2023 program: Allanson Bushfire Brigade (1) – Radios Allanson Bushfire Brigade (2) – LED lights Argyle Irishtown Bushfire Brigade – Radios Beleerup Bushfire Brigade – Tanker equipment and supplies Donnybrook Town Volunteer Bushfire Brigade – Gazebos, chairs, and tables McAlinden Bushfire Brigade – Fast-fill trailer with high-volume pump and standpipe Mumballup-Noggerup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade – Submersible water pump and high-volume petrol pump Shire of Boyup Brook – Radios Shire of Cranbrook – Water tanks Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup – Radio twin packs Shire of Nannup – Radios Upper Capel Bushfire Brigade – Water tank and stand The program was beneficial to community volunteer bushfire brigades and local government authorities who have been able to use the funding to enhance their firefighting and fire protection needs. One of the recipients of the program, Allanson Volunteer Bushfire Brigade in the Shire of Collie, utilised the grant to purchase multi-frequency handheld radios and portable LED lighting systems. It is common to experience poor cellular signal in the bush, hampering effective communication during the critical first few hours of a bushfire where coordination of firefighting plans and teamwork amongst emergency services were crucial. The radios have the capability to communicate across a broad range of frequencies, enabling the brigade to communicate effectively with multiple emergency service agencies during operations. The new handheld radios enable not only high-quality communication between firefighting crews, but flexibility and mobility that allow efficient survey and reporting of bushfire in less accessible locations, which was not always possible with other hard mounted radios. “The FPC Grants program has been extremely beneficial to the Allanson Volunteer Bushfire Brigade,” Shire of Collie Community Emergency Services Manager Kohdy Flynn said. “Without this significant funding opportunity, the brigade could not purchase crucial equipment to fulfill its commitment in helping to protect the community against the threat of fire. The Allanson volunteer members and the Shire of Collie recognise and appreciate the funding that has been provided by the FPC.” Another recipient, McAlinden Bushfire Brigade in Boyup Brook, secured a fast-fill trailer with a high-volume pump and a standpipe. The trailer boosts response speed with quick refill of fire trucks, including private units, and firefighting aircrafts’ water bladders for aerial attack during bushfire emergency response. “We’re pleased that volunteer fire brigades, local government authorities, and community organisations are seeing real benefits from the program,” FPC General Manager Stuart West said. “It further strengthens our collaboration with regional communities to enhance bush fire management and protection in WA.” The 2024 FPC Community Fire Protection Grants Program applications have recently closed with an overwhelming response. The successful applicants will be announced soon.

Forest owners say a new report is a promising step towards addressing complex land use management issues in New Zealand but needs to recognise the value of forestry in building a more resilient environment. Source: Timberbiz The report, Going with the Grain: Changing land uses to fit a changing landscape, was released this week by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE). It acknowledges the longstanding complexities of land use management in New Zealand and the need to shift to a more granular, mosaic approach in the face of a changing climate. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive, Dr Elizabeth Heeg, says forest owners are supporters of an integrated land use conversation but says forestry must first be recognised as a valued part of that land use mosaic. “Unfortunately, the report paints forests as part of the land use problem when the opposite is true,” she said. “It is time for the government to acknowledge the pivotal role New Zealand’s production forests have in creating a resilient landscape and for the sector to be supported in driving change.” New Zealand’s 1.75-million-hectare production forest estate currently sequesters more than half the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions each year and is arguably one of the most effective tools at the nation’s disposal to mitigate the effects of climate change. Forest owners are concerned that the report’s suggestions to alter the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and phase forestry out of the ETS, could jeopardise meeting our 2050 climate change target. Dr Heeg says confidence in the ETS is vital for forest owners to continue to invest. “The addition of a biogenic methane-based ETS could disincentivise emissions reductions further, affecting supply and demand at a time where we need a greater commitment to offsetting emissions. “A new scheme may add to the volatility of that market, not to mention the unnecessary complexity and overheads.” Elizabeth says more trees are needed to build New Zealand’s resilience to climate change, not less as the report suggests. “The area of new planting has not exceeded more than 70,000 hectares per year in more than three years,” she says. “Forestry would need to multiply that planting area by at least 11, according to a 2022 report from the PCE, to make inroads to reaching that 2050 emissions target. “It makes no sense for the report to suggest that reducing production forestry is a positive way forward.” Dr Heeg says the report’s view that forestry offers fewer benefits and removes land use options from future generations is fuelling misconceptions about the sector. “Production forests are four times more productive than sheep and beef farming per hectare. They generate significant economic activity for rural communities, including employment for more than 40,000 New Zealanders.” They’re also crucial for supporting our ecosystems, she says. “Pine forests provide a valuable, safe habitat for many of our indigenous species. The strong pest management regimes of these forests outweighs that of native forests and they are increasingly used as an environment for re-establishing at risk or declining species such as the Kiwi. “They help in stabilising erodible land and are home to more than 24,000 kilometres of streams that provide high-quality water to downstream users,” Dr Heeg said. “It’s clear that production forests offer just as many, if not more, ecosystem benefits as other land uses do.” Forest owners are keen to be part of the land use solution and will continue to engage with communities to improve climate, biodiversity and water management outcomes as part of their forest management practices. However, proposed land use solutions and policies must be evidence-based, cost-effective and not value one land use over another. “Like other rural sectors, forestry holds an important role in maintaining a healthy mosaic of land use,” Dr Heeg said. “Forest owners want to help build climate and environmental resilience but need the support of the community and recognition of the sector’s value, to do so.”  

The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) says the new report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) raises important land use change issues that farm foresters have been active in for decades. Source: Timberbiz The report, Going with the Grain: Changing land uses to fit a changing landscape, was released this week, acknowledging longstanding land use complexities in New Zealand and the need to shift to a more nuanced approach in the face of climate change. NZFFA Council Chairman Graham West says many of NZFFA’s 24 regional branches already have a high level of engagement with the rural community on land use management issues, including collaboration with local catchment groups. “Farm foresters are seeking a more holistic solution to land use,” Mr West said. “We provide the practical and technical advice on where plantations fit in the property and wider landscape, what species provides most benefit, and what the economic limitations may be.” While greater effort can come from the roles of government and regional councils, farm forestry says it is the direct facilitation of on-farm operations that are vital. NZFFA President Neil Cullen says integration of small-scale forestry into hill country farming will be a key factor in ensuring its survival. “Land use change is not a priority when farmers are in survival mode,” Mr Cullen said. “Practical assistance with on farm facilitation is often needed to get things done like tree planting, that appears to be nonessential to a busy farm routine.” Farm foresters would have liked to have seen more of how they can build their knowledge of what is meant by “resilience” in the landscape, and how that translates into actionable change or decisions on-farm. “Little is known of the mechanical limits of landscapes when disasters occur,” Mr West said. “If land use change is needed, do we have the empirical evidence that suggested alternatives will stand the stressors of the new environment? “Not all land use metrics are biological. Soil physics, root mechanics, overland water flows, wind dynamics all need to be better understood before we can design a resilient land use category. “The existing expected limits for these risk variables are also changing each year as climate change accelerates. “Farm foresters need the support from Government and the Levy to adapt and grow more resilient woodlots that withstand those variables.” A collaborative, integrated approach to planning tools, spatial data, environmental and economic models will be important. “Funding the collaboration between property owners, catchment groups, regional councils, science providers, and rural professionals, will improve knowledge sharing and drive better research,” Mr Cullen said. “Meeting and working collectively to discuss and address these issues has and will continue to be the most constructive approach for finding a way forward.” More information about Going with the Grain here.  

Community members are invited to review and provide feedback on updated forest management plans for the Cypress and inland hardwood forests managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW and Cumberland State Forest in Sydney. Source: Timberbiz Morgan Roche, Information System and Framework Manager for Forestry Corporation, said the forest management plans would be on public display until Friday 17 May 2024 and welcomed community feedback. “Forest management plans summarise our activities as well as the systems, processes and procedures we maintain that ensure we continue to manage forests sustainably,” Mr Roche said. “The State forests in Western NSW cover a vast area of different forest types, from the Cypress forests in the Pilliga region to the River Red Gum forests along the Murray River, while Cumberland State Forest is nestled in the suburbs of Sydney and is Australia’s only metropolitan State forest. “All of these forests are managed for multiple uses, and the forest management plans summarise what these uses are and set out our commitment to planning, monitoring and adapting our activities in response to new information so that we continually improve our practices, processes and outcomes in these forests. “We review these forest management plans every five years and provide an opportunity for public feedback and input every time they are reviewed. In this review, an important change is that we will incorporate the plans into the broader forest management plan for State forests, which was updated in 2022 and covers general forest management as well as specific management of softwood plantations and coastal native forests. “We welcome the community’s input and feedback and invite people to visit our website to find out more about the plans and provide their feedback.”

New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTF) president Bruce Larsen outlines his views on how the change of Government will impact the forestry and timber manufacturing sector… The new Government is bedding in its position and has started with some significant cost reductions — gone are the new ferries for Cook Strait, light rail for Auckland and Industry Transformation Plan. The Labour Government’s RMA 2.0 laws and Fair Pay Agreements have been or will be repealed; legislation is imminent to re-establish 90-day employment trials and disestablish the Maori Health Authority. So, what does this reset mean for the forestry and timber manufacturing sector? As a major export earner, employer, and deliverer of solutions for meeting New Zealand’s carbon emissions reduction targets, it is vitally important that our wood products and forestry sectors remain supported by government to enable future growth — especially in timber manufacturing. Market volatility (domestic and export), inflation, high interest rates and staff shortages have been plaguing the industry over the past few years. Does this government have solutions? Respondents to a study of 200 senior business leaders carried out by Curia Market Research for Datacom (and published in the NZ Herald) seem to think so: “Off the back of both the change in government and after a challenging few years with Covid, businesses are getting back into a growth mindset.” Respondents rated the top business priorities as growth (35%), staff retention and recruitment (24%), and workplace productivity (19%). I’m not sure how many timber manufacturers are looking at “growth” as a major priority, but certainly staff management and productivity are common themes I hear frequently. Often, the answer to the second and third issues is to implement mechanisation and technology projects to reduce the reliance on people, drive down production costs and increase productivity. All very fine, but it becomes problematic in a “down” domestic market with limited export opportunities. There was also some good news recently in the form of a further slowdown for the CPI, which eased from 5.6% in Q3/23 to 4.7% in Q4/23 — still above the Reserve Bank’s target range of 1% to 3% but moving in the right direction. However, house building activity is currently very slow, and has been for over a year. New Zealand structural timber manufacturers have had a very difficult 12 to 18 months with an oversupply of timber, resulting in a sluggish market and significant price reductions. While many mills have been looking offshore, export markets are also under pressure, and the cost of shipping bulk materials such as timber, especially to Australia (our closest and natural market), remains high. So, what is the outlook for housing and, therefore, timber? Although I don’t anticipate a flood of investor activity in 2024, things might look a little more tempting for rental house investors, with rising rents, easing deposit rates, and mortgage interest deductibility likely to go back to 80% during 2024. Timber manufacturers I have spoken with expect 2024 will be an improvement on last year, but it is likely to be at least next spring before the industry sees any real benefits. Pan Sector Accord Subsequently, in response to the poor market conditions right throughout the forest industry supply chain — from silviculture to harvesting to cartage and shipping and on to timber manufacturing — the industry recently signed a Pan Sector Accord, establishing a new body called the NZ Forest & Wood Sector Forum (NZFWSF, see page 22). The Forum’s collective advocacy will be for policies that are socially responsible, environmentally and ecologically sustainable, internationally competitive, and profitable. Foundation signatories include: New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF), New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA), Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA), New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA), Wood Processing and Manufacturers Association (WPMA), Nga Pou a Tane (NPOT), Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC), New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF), Forestry Industry Safety Council (FISC) and Bioenergy Association. On a darker note, we are increasingly hearing of the financial stress city and district councils are under, leading to a significant and rapid reduction in project commitment, many of which use timber. Councils are critically short of money. This disturbing trend comes on top of some major projects being cancelled or paused. While there may be a case for optimism in the medium term because of the sheer amount of work that needs to be done, the immediate situation is very difficult for many businesses in the construction industry. The forest growing sector is also facing extremely difficult times, dealing with market issues and proposed new rules. While no one likes to see the devastation caused on the East Coast, we should remember that while these events are likely to occur more frequently, similar issues have arisen in the past. Destroyed infrastructure Much of the forest land was established after Cyclone Bola (1988) in an attempt to reduce land erosion and, undoubtedly, forest land holds together better than farmland. However, the sea of logs, forest residue and other plant material along with soil and silt that swamped large areas of farmland and destroyed infrastructure has significantly damaged the forest industry’s public credibility. In response, councils are now bringing in new rules around Highly Erodible Land (HEL). While there is no doubt the causes of the damage need to be identified and rules changed to improve safety and resilience, some knee-jerk reactions will significantly impact the forest industry and the whole sector. One example I am aware of is in Northland, where the regional council is proposing to significantly limit the area that can be harvested from HEL on any property. A theoretical case study on one significant forest with about a third of its productive area classed as HEL will now take around 36 years to harvest the existing crop — i.e., if they started logging at age 25 the crop would be aged 61 before it was completed. Normally a forest is harvested between the ages of 26 and 32 to ensure economic viability. This proposed rule would therefore […]

Forestry Corporation has reached an important milestone to explore the potential for windfarms within public pine plantations to contribute to the NSW transition to renewable energy. Source: Timberbiz Chief Executive Officer Anshul Chaudhary has announced that Neoen, Iberdrola Australia, TagEnergy and Mainstream Renewables Power and Someva Renewables joint venture have been awarded permits to investigate wind farm opportunities in some pine plantations in the Central West and Southern Inland regions. Mr Chaudhary said the permits will enable the proponents to investigate windfarm opportunities in pine plantations in the State Forests around Bondo, Orange, Black Springs and Sunny Corner. “Today’s announcement marks the start of the investigation phase under what will be a comprehensive and considered planning process,” he said. “A permit is not a consent to proceed with a project, but it will allow the proponent to start the detailed studies to see if a project is viable within each investigation permit area. Each company will need to conduct detailed wind farm feasibility studies, which will commence with the installation of wind and weather monitoring equipment on meteorological masts. “Each company will also undertake extensive community consultation and work with local communities to consider and address potential concerns around environmental impact, noise, landscape and visual impacts, traffic and transport issues, hazard and risks, heritage, water and soil impacts and waste management.” Once this work is completed the companies would submit the projects for consideration by the State Government and if approved, Forestry Corporation will issue a Construction and Operations permit. The combined investigation, consultation, planning and approval stages could be expected to take between three and six years. Any approved development would be unlikely to be in operation until the early 2030s. “The proponents have demonstrated a strong commitment to build long-term relationships with the local communities and stakeholders, First Nations groups and the Local Government,” Mr Chaudhary said. In 2021 NSW parliament passed changes to the Forestry Act 2012 which allowed renewable energy projects to be considered in softwood plantations. As public land managers Forestry Corporation has a role to play in the transition to renewable energy in NSW. “Wind farms can co-exist with plantation forests without having any long-term impact on tree growth or plantation operations, as the wind turbines are situated well above the top of the trees. Pine plantations are large areas often in windy locations, with access to powerlines, and a good existing road network,” Mr Chaudhary said. “Each project will have a Community Benefit Fund equivalent to a value per megawatt of installed capacity, delivering direct benefit back to impacted residents and the broader community.”