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OneFortyOne in collaboration with the City of Mount Gambier council will host a Spring Clean Weekend, a community-driven event aimed at tackling the issue of illegal rubbish dumping in the region’s beautiful forests and plantations. Source: Timberbiz This event, scheduled for 23 and 24 November offers residents the opportunity to dispose of a selection of items for free, promoting proper waste management and environmental stewardship. OneFortyOne Environmental Manager Belinda Williamson said illegal dumping has been a persistent problem in the forests around Mount Gambier, leading to environmental and safety hazards. “The Spring Clean Weekend is a trial initiative designed to address this issue by providing a convenient and cost-free way for residents to dispose of their rubbish,” Ms Williamson said. “We’re encouraging people to bring their unwanted items from the sponsored list to the Council Waste Transfer Station, keeping rubbish out of the forest.” City Of Mount Gambier Environment Officer Aaron Izzard said the Transfer Station will be open to take other items that are usually free to dump including tv’s, computers and computer products, liquid paint, motor oil, metals, and batteries. “Anything in good and usable condition can also be dropped off to be donated to the ReUse market,” Mr Izzard said. Ms Williamson emphasised the importance of community involvement in this initiative. “This event is a trial to build on our ongoing efforts to reduce illegal dumping and protect the forest for everyone,” she said. “While we recognize that this may not immediately solve the problem, it is a positive start.” Staff will be on hand to assist with sorting and provide information on proper disposal practices. Sponsorship of disposed items is for residents only, and does not include businesses. The Waste Transfer Station on Eucalypt Drive will be open for the Spring Clean Weekend on from 2 – 5pm each day. For more information about the Waste Transfer Station and what you can recycle, see the City of Mount Gambier website.

Increasing reports of imported timber products that could potentially mislead consumers into thinking they’re from sustainable Australian sources, along with recent revelations that up to a quarter of products failed Federal Government inspection shows the need for stronger protections to inform buyers of where their wood is from, including ‘country of origin’ labelling, according to Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam. Source: Timberbiz “When consumers go into their local hardware store or builders source timber products from wholesalers, they need clear information about what they’re buying, and whether it’s from a sustainable Australian source, or not,” Ms Hallam said. “We are receiving numerous reports of imported timber and engineered wood products that have been named, presented or marketed in very similar ways to long-standing, leading domestically manufactured products existing in the local Australian market, creating consumer confusion. “This added to the recent results of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) timber testing trial which found around a quarter of imported products tested had an inconsistency with the declared species, the origin, or both – is alarming. “Earlier this year the Albanese Government sought to strengthen Australian illegal logging laws that AFPA backed in. Given the recent ramped up reports of dubious products and the result of the DAFF trial, AFPA’s support for the enhanced legislation has been vindicated and we congratulate the Government on its efforts with this issue. “However, these developments also strengthen AFPA’s argument for timber and wood fibre ‘country of origin’ labelling reforms, similar to our food product labelling regime, that would inform consumers about the origin of the products they’re purchasing. “The ban on harvesting of Australian native timbers in Victoria and Western Australia has added to the problem with many local furniture and flooring manufacturers now forced to source timbers from overseas forests that aren’t bound by Australia’s sustainability standards, to continue their businesses. Ensuring these products are clearly labelled has now become urgent. “When consumers are informed, they make informed choices and it makes sense for timber and wood fibre products to be properly labelled. I look forward to working with the Federal Government on improving consumer information for timber and fibre, and fighting against products that, either intentionally or not, purport to be something they’re not,” Diana Hallam concluded.

A significant milestone was reached by Forico this year, as the company marked its 10th anniversary as Tasmania’s largest private forest management company. Source: Timberbiz Since the announcement of its formation in 2014, Forico has emerged as a leader in the Tasmanian forest industry, distinguishing itself for management of globally certified production plantation forests, conservation of extensive native vegetation areas across the north of the state, and for its people-centred employment culture. As well as celebrating on the day with barbecues and morning teas held across five workplaces, several members of staff who have been with Forico since its beginnings spoke of the milestones which stand out. Forico is Tasmania’s largest private forest manager, managing approximately 173,000 hectares across the state. Its globally certified forests consist of 89,000 hectares of plantation, managed for wood fibre production, and 77,000 hectares of natural forest managed for conservation, biodiversity and cultural values. Chief Commercial Officer Darren Davis noted the company’s ‘growth from commencement in 2014 to now being a leading asset manager and industry organisation, recognised in the communities we operate in and by other Tasmanian businesses, and by valued customers for reliability, quality and understanding that supports and responds to their business requirements.” Notable milestones for Mr Davis were: Securing an in-house workforce for production capability in two wood processing facilities. Surrey Hills Mill recommissioning of both log yard and log infeed handling. Surrey Hills Mill new 144” chipper disc installation. FSC forest management certification in 2015. Acquisition of significant assets including two L90S log stackers in 2015 and again in 2024 and essential machinery for mill and loading sites, refurbishment of the wharf loading facilities at Long Reach Mill in the East Tamar Valley and installation of a 96” chipper disc and electric motor in the company’s mill at that site. Securing of long-term access to both Burnie and Long Reach ports and collaboration with industry partner TasPorts on an increase to the declared depth at Burnie port. Partnership with Woodtech Measurement Systems, Santiago, Chile in the commissioning of the innovative LogMeter for volumetric log supply to Surrey Hills Mill. Harvesting and replanting of over 50% of the plantation forest estate and restoration to a world-class asset. Completion of the asset’s acquisition in September 2023 to a prestigious global and Australian investor group. General Manager of Plantation Performance Darren Herd spoke of the achievement of reinstating an established forest estate to best practice management, and of innovations introduced by Forico in both plantation management and additional initiatives by which the company has sought to distinguish itself. Re-establishing the business, supply chains and infrastructure through recapitalisation and good commercial management to grow into a significant contributing business for the Tasmanian economy. Growing a brand which distinguishes itself in Environmental, Social and Governance principles as a result of community engagement and certification credentials. Implementation of a log-drying strategy which was transformational for the business, reducing ‘wetness’ of the company’s woodchip product and making it more competitive compared to other suppliers in Australia and internationally. The strategy involved storing and drying logs in the field, and the installation of an innovative LogMeter system at the company’s Surrey Hills Mill, cost effectively measuring log deliveries in cubic metres at the mill. The system is the only hardwood supply chain in Australia to work on a cubic metre basis. Achievement of carbon registration for several projects under the Clean Energy Regulator’s plantation forestry method. Publication and enactment of two Reconciliation Action Plans. First Australian forest management company to publish a Natural Capital report demonstrating how a future-focused forestry business can add additional value to a wood production asset, and establishing a benchmark in nature-based reporting at global level. Forico continues to look for opportunities to grow revenue streams through an informed diversification agenda. The company regularly collaborates with industry peers on many initiatives, including the manufacture of wood fibre into engineered/solid wood products, unlocking estate value in natural capital, and capitalising on growing opportunities in the alternative energy and fuel sectors. “Forico has achieved something very unique and transformational in the forestry landscape of Australia,” said Mr Herd. “This is something that we can speak to with considerable pride when engaged with peers from across the forestry sector in Australia. “The continued interest and opportunity in the business continues to invoke in us a sense of pride and willingness to continue on the Forico journey.”

Hyne Timber has officially marked the completion of its new 4700m2 storage facility with a ribbon cutting celebration held at the Tumbarumba Sawmill. Source: Timberbiz Joined by the Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, the new Mayor of the Snowy Valleys Council Councillor Julia Ham, and several other key stakeholders, the event marked a new era in the protection of timber from the weather while also reflecting on the devastating impact of the 2019/20 bushfires. Jim Bindon, CEO of the Hyne Group, addressed the gathering, congratulating those involved on this successful milestone. “Many team members and contractors have been involved in the delivery of this storage facility including local companies, Joss Constructions and Wagga Fire,” he said. “You should all be proud of the smooth project management and successful completion. “This facility is a critical asset to protect our products from adverse weather exposure to extract the maximum value from our pine log feedstock since the bushfires. “Operational efficiency for this Mill has never been more important and I thank both the Australian Government and NSW Government for their support with bushfire recovery funding which contributed towards the delivery costs. This support made our investment viable. “I also thank the Snowy Valleys Council for expediating the development approval at the start of the year and the Tumbarumba community for their ongoing support.” Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the Tumbarumba Mill Optimisation project is an example of the Australian and NSW Government’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient regional economies. “The increased storage capacity at Tumbarumba Mill will ensure this important timber processor can maintain its production of timber supplies for the building sector while securing those local jobs the community relies on,” Ms Moriarty said. “The Australian and NSW Governments are backing projects in the Snowy Valleys region that will boost preparedness for future disasters, encourage economic recovery, aid tourism and bring people together.” Now complete, the new storage facility can store 4000m3 of timber known in the process as ‘Rough Sawn, Kiln Dried’ (RSKD) material. Albury based Joss Construction was appointed to undertake the build with official occupancy granted in October 2024. The project prioritised utilising local trades and suppliers and injected over $5,000,000 directly into the regional economy. The project is jointly funded through the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and the Australian Government Forestry Recovery Development Fund.

WA’s forest industries have released a document outlining steps to make WA self-reliant in timber production. The document, 5 Key Industry Asks, has been prepared by the Forest Industries Federation WA (FIFWA) in the lead up to the 2025 State Election. Source: Timberbiz According to FIFWA Chief Executive Officer Adele Farina, the document details five simple but key steps for government to bolster the industry and secure local timber supply for the future. “Our Key Industry Asks document has been carefully thought out to act as a guide for both government and opposition members,” Ms Farina said. “The goal is to strengthen our homegrown timber production and processing capabilities, avoiding reliance on timber imports. There are many other benefits associated with reaching that goal, including helping fight climate change, providing employment, underpinning regional communities and creating renewable and sustainable products.” The Key Industry Asks document calls for a real commitment by government to encouraging the use of building with local timber through the implementation of the Wood Encouragement Policy. “We would like to see government also take the initiative to set a target of 50% use of sustainably sourced and locally produced timbers in its infrastructure projects,” Ms Farina said. Ms Farina said a State Plantations Policy, developed in consultation with FIFWA, was needed to facilitate and streamline the development and expansion of plantations in WA. Further to that, she said action was needed to “rewind the decline” of the state’s plantation estate. “We need to encourage investment and growth in this sector including expanding the industry softwood plantation estate to a minimum of 100,000 hectares,” Ms Farina said. “This is absolutely possible if we foster the right investment environment.” Ecological thinning is endorsed in the Key Asks document, with FIFWA calling for removal of barriers in the process to encourage active sustainable management of all forests, to ensure long-term health. Fire management is critical to industry success and the safety and security of WA communities, subsequently, Ms Farina said improvements in fire mitigation and insurance were needed. “These include committing to expanding the prescribed burning program, embracing forest thinning and mechanical fuel reduction techniques, and using artificial intelligence systems for fire detection,” she said. “As an industry, we are looking forward to working with the State Government to grow a sustainable future for local timber.”