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We are now over four months into Australia’s reformed illegal logging laws (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (Rules)) that came into effect early this year. Source: Timberbiz This is a reminder that the department offers a range of guidance and resources on its website to help you understand your due diligence obligations. As part of our continued education and guidance efforts during this early implementation period, outlined below are some common scenarios relating to non-compliance with the laws. We encourage all regulated entities to review their systems and practices against these points to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the reforms. Common contraventions Due Diligence System (DDS) issues Some entities are found to have either have no DDS in place, are relying upon a Chain of Custody manual or are using a DDS that is inadequate. You must have a DDS system in place before importing regulated timber products or processing a raw log that sets out how the due diligence requirements of the Rules will be met. Requirement for information and documents (RFID) notice issues Failure to respond to a RFID notice or to provide the information and documents requested in the notice. Please be aware that the department sends notices via registered post and email, using the contact details listed in the Australian Business Register. Information gathering issues Failure to collect all the required information before importing or processing their product/s, or reliance upon confirmation statements that information previously provided has not changed. If certain information cannot be obtained, the importer or processor must keep records that demonstrate that the information was not reasonably practicable to obtain. Information gathering is required to be undertaken upon each instance of importation/raw log processing. Risk assessment issues Failure to undertake adequate risk assessments. The department is finding that some risk assessments are being undertaken against a supplier and/or do not consider all of the prescribed risk factors. Risk assessments must be undertaken on the specific product/s being imported/raw logs processed, and written records must be kept that demonstrate the assessment occurred before import/raw log processing. Risk factor issues Failure to undertake adequate research to fully evaluate associated risk factors. You must consider all relevant risk factors and conduct additional research where necessary when determining the risk of your product/s being illegally logged. Your written risk assessment must demonstrate that all of the prescribed risk factors have been considered to a reasonable standard. Exception operation There is misunderstanding about the risk assessment exception. The exception does not apply to information gathering or determining that the product or raw log is certified. It also cannot be applied to part of or a component of a product. If any information about the product/raw log has changed, then the whole product/raw log is no longer eligible for the exception pathway. Certified products/logs When undertaking due diligence on certified product/s, common issues include: not downloading/using the PEFC/FSC database to obtain the timestamped record failing to assess certification in accordance with the CoC framework assuming supplier certification automatically means product/raw log certification relying on incomplete or out-of-scope sales/delivery records or nil certification claims. You must verify the certification per the Rules for each import/processing. Be mindful that you cannot use certification as the sole indicator of timber legality. Retrospectively created or altered documents Do not create or alter any documents (eg risk assessment records, DDS, database downloads with removed timestamps) after importing/processing or after receiving a RFID. This breaches the illegal logging legislation and may constitute providing false or misleading information under the Act and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (eg forgery). If you are unsure, please reach out to the department. For assistance or further information, visit the Illegal Logging Compliance webpage at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/policies/illegal-logging/illegal-logging-compliance or contact the department directly at illegallogging@aff.gov.au  

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FSC ANZ invites Promotional Licence Holders to the 2025 PLH Forum, an annual online event designed to strengthen understanding of the environmental, social, and economic outcomes your organisation supports through your commitment to FSC. Source: Timberbiz The PLH Forum is an opportunity for FSC ANZ to connect with the network of Promotional Licence Holders, share updates on work across the supply chain, and highlight key ways you can maximise the value of your FSC partnership. The event is a space to explore how your promotion of FSC-certified products contributes to responsible forest management both locally and globally. The 2025 program features a series of short presentations that reflect different areas of focus across the FSC system. Each speaker will offer insights into how FSC is creating real-world impact, and how Promotional Licence Holders are part of that journey. Presentations Welcome address from Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand The Indigenous Working Group Australia & New Zealand (IWG ANZ) Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the FSC ANZ Indigenous Working Group Driving Environmental Impact Across Landscapes through FSC Certification NFAM Sustainability Team for the Australia and New Zealand Forest Fund at New Forests Strengthening Our Social Agenda: Understanding Core Labour Requirements Stefan Jensen, Senior Policy Manager at FSC ANZ PLH Program Highlights 2024/25: Local Impact, Global Reach Jen Nicita, Trademarks and Partnerships Manager at FSC ANZ FSC Forest Week 2025: Do One Thing for Forests Sarah Day, Engagement and Communications Manager at FSC ANZ From Indigenous leadership to labour safeguards, from marketing tools to landscape-level outcomes, the Forum will explore how FSC and its partners are delivering value for people and the planet. The event is on 6 August from 10am to midday (AEST) or midday to 2pm (NZST) and is wholly online. If you are a Promotional Licence Holder and would like to attend, please contact info@au.fsc.org  

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Auckland Council has launched a new sustainable finance initiative, a sustainability-linked bond (SLB), with a clear purpose: to deliver real, long-term benefits to the Auckland region through accelerated native ngahere (forest) restoration in regional parks. Source: Timberbiz While the council has a well-established sustainable finance programme in place, this SLB is a new milestone with its focus firmly on people, place and planet. The bond links funding to the planting of one million native trees by the end of 2027, helping to grow a greener, healthier Tāmaki Makaurau for generations to come. However, what makes this bond particularly unique is its combined accountability and sustainability drive. If the council does not meet its planting target, it will make a donation to organisations supporting the restoration of native ngahere across the region. Unlike other SLB structures which often involve additional payments to investors for missed targets, the donation means whether the council meets the planting target or not, Aucklanders win. Auckland Council’s Manager Group Sustainable Finance Sophie Baillie says this innovative bond structure, which incorporates a donation, reflects Auckland’s leadership in the sustainable finance space while directly benefiting communities. “This bond enables us to align our funding with ambitious environmental outcomes.” “Its structure keeps us accountable and ensures the objective of ngahere restoration to support local biodiversity and climate resilience moves forward no matter what.” The one-million-tree planting target is part of the council’s ‘200 Hectare Programme’ – its 2021 Long-term Plan initiative to plant 200 hectares of new ngahere on park land. In doing so, it is transforming areas of marginal farmland into thriving native forests across the regional park network, while protecting sites of cultural significance. These ngahere offer more than just beauty: they provide habitat for native wildlife, improve air and water quality, support carbon sequestration, reduce flood risk and create meaningful green spaces for Aucklanders to enjoy. Auckland Council’s Ngahere Programme Manager Howell Davies, who co-authored the council’s 2019 Urban Ngahere Strategy, says the environmental and social impact of this work is immense. “Increasing our native ngahere across the Auckland region strengthens the natural fabric of our city. It is a key climate adaptation action, which improves the region’s resilience, enhances biodiversity and connects people to nature,” says Mr Davies. “Planting these trees now means Aucklanders, especially our tamariki, can grow up with cleaner air, cooler neighbourhoods and stronger connections to our land and cultural heritage.” Auckland Council‘s Ngahere Program Specialist Steve Burgess, who is coordinating the planting program, explains the tree seedlings and planting sites are carefully selected in consultation with mana whenua, ecologists, and parks specialists to ensure “the right tree is planted in the right place”. Locations span across Auckland’s regional parks, in areas that will benefit hugely from this ecological restoration. The initiative also supports the wider Auckland Climate Plan and the Auckland Plan 2050 goals of increasing canopy cover to help create a low-carbon, resilient city that values its natural taonga. This is not Auckland Council’s first foray into sustainable finance. Since 2018, the council has issued over NZ$3.7 billion in green bonds and has been a national leader in linking finance to environmental and social outcomes. “Our sustainable finance programme is a powerful tool for positive change,” says John Bishop, Group Treasurer at Auckland Council. “It helps us to deliver core services and infrastructure in a way that reflects our responsibility to future generations.” This latest bond is more than a financial transaction, it’s an investment in a thriving, resilient, and connected Auckland. Every tree planted will bring us closer to a future where nature and community thrive together.  

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Forestry Corporation firefighters from Tumut and Deniliquin will deploy to Canada this week to reinforce local and international crews battling ongoing wildfires, where close to five million hectares have been burnt, approximately 150 wildfires remain active, and multiple communities have been evacuated.  Source: Timberbiz Forestry Corporation’s Linda Cotterill of Tumut will deploy to the position of Divisional Supervisor in Alberta and Peter O’Toole of Deniliquin will deploy as an Incident Management Team Safety Officer in Manitoba. The firefighters will be based in Canada for four weeks, working in challenging conditions. Ms Cotterill has been involved in fire management throughout Australia for 28 years but this is her first international deployment. “I have been fortunate to work all over Australia on fire management and suppression across 28 seasons as both a volunteer and professional forest firefighter,” Ms Cotterill said. “There are tens of thousands of people who have been evacuated in Canada. Family is very important to me, and I know what it means when people are managing fires and also wanting to be home assisting their loved ones and communities. “I’m grateful to have the support of my partner and three sons, as well as my manager and colleagues picking up the additional load back home, to be able to provide that assistance and relief to the Canadian firefighters. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to seeing how things are done differently and what I can bring back to share for Forestry Corporation and for our region. There are a lot of lessons that I have gained when firefighting interstate and international firefighting is another dimension that can help us improve forest firefighting in Tumut.” Mr O’Toole has been a forestry firefighter for nearly nine years, and this is his first international deployment. “I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to repay the Canadian services for their help in the 2019-20 fire season. During the 2019-20 season I worked alongside Canadian and Kiwi firefighters who came in to support us and I have worked with a lot of Canadians as seasonal staff over many years. I am looking forward to being able to help them out in return,” he said. The deployment follows a formal request for assistance through international firefighting agreements and highlights the strong collaboration between Australia and Canada in emergency response. It is the third Forestry Corporation deployment to Canada this winter, with eight Forestry Corporation staff from Bathurst, Bombala, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope and Eden deployed in June and currently completing month-long deployments. Forestry Corporation continues to support bushfire preparedness and response efforts both at home and abroad, ensuring its fire specialists are ready to assist wherever they are needed most.

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The New Zealand Government is increasing its financial contribution to support rural communities in the Nelson Tasman Region, with additional funding to help farmers, foresters, growers and rural contractors recover from recent severe weather events. Source: Timberbiz Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay speaking during a visit to the Tasman District today announced an additional NZ$600,000 in Government and industry support, bringing the total Government financial contribution for the affected primary sector to NZ$500,000. “These regions have experienced significant damage to forests, farms and rural infrastructure. This funding will help meet immediate recovery needs and help rural businesses get back on their feet,” Mr McClay says. The support package includes: A NZ$300,000 Government contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund tagged to the rural sector. NZ $100,000 contribution by the Government and Federated Farmers to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support with the immediate recovery needs for the most impacted pastoral farmers in the Nelson Tasman region. NZ $100,000 contribution by the Government and Horticulture New Zealand, to help the horticulture sector across the Top of the South. NZ $100,000 announced by Government in June to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including NZ $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust. “We continue to work with New Zealand Winegrowers to ensure appropriate support for affected vineyards, including the potential use of Enhanced Taskforce Green,” Mr McClay said. “Many farmers and growers are facing their second clean-up in a fortnight from floods and storm damage. Rural communities are resilient, but the relentless wet weather conditions have taken a toll. This support is designed to provide meaningful and direct assistance quickly.” MPI staff are on the ground working with the Rural Support Trust and industry groups assessing damage and coordinating assistance. “Farmers, foresters and growers will face many, many months of work to repair damage to their land and get their businesses back on track. We will continue to assess what further assistance might be required. “Farmers and growers who need help or assistance should in the first instance contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254,” Mr McClay said.

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Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), Australia’s national institute for timber fibre, will host a panel session at this year’s Forestry Australia Conference, inviting leading voices to explore how the forest and wood products sector might evolve by 2035, and what it will take to support that change. Source: Timberbiz The session, Path to 2035: How might we enable transformation in the Australian forest sector?, will be moderated by AFWI Executive Director Dr Joseph Lawrence. It will feature a diverse panel of experts from across Australia and internationally, offering global and local perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Dr Lawrence said the discussion would be grounded in the realities the sector is already facing. “Our industry is operating in a fast-changing environment. Emerging technologies, shifting markets, climate impacts and the increasing importance of social licence all play a role in shaping what’s next,” he said. “Transformation doesn’t come easily. It takes long-term thinking, collaboration across sectors and supply chains, and a willingness to explore new approaches.” The session will feature a panel of speakers exploring the socioeconomics and technological dimensions of transformation: Professor John Warner (Warner-Babcock Institute, USA), a global leader in green chemistry, will discuss innovation in forest-derived bioproducts. Andrew Morgan (SFM) on new approaches to forest management, carbon and investment. Nicola Pero (Iberdrola Australia) will reflect on social licence to enable innovation, drawing on lessons from energy and agrifood industries. Tim Woods (IndustryEdge) will share insights into global market trends and resource availability for future housing demand in Australia. Dr Lawrence said the session would be an opportunity to consider the future of the sector in a broader context. “We want to encourage discussion about what the industry might look like in 2035, and what is needed to get there,” he said. AFWI’s Path to 2035 session will take place as part of the 2025 Forestry Australia Conference from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 October 2025 in Adelaide.  

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The 2025 Doing Timber Business in Queensland Conference, themed From Paddock to Pre-Fab, invites landholders, producers and the forest and timber industry to explore how timber, carbon and cattle can work better together to boost resilience, productivity and profitability on Queensland farms, while delivering wood supply for our future building needs. Source: Timberbiz With day one co-hosted by Timber Queensland and AgForce Queensland, the conference brings together practical insights, new market signals and emerging investment models that promise to unlock fresh value and opportunities for farmers and forest managers alike. The two-day event covers everything from silvopastoral systems to modern construction innovations driving demand for local timber supply. “Our Doing Timber Business in Queensland conferences have earned a prestigious reputation for quality and 2025 raises the bar again,” said Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens. “We are very pleased to welcome Australian Retirement Trust, a long-term supporter of both Timber Queensland and AgForce, as Gold Sponsor of the event. “This is a rare chance for all of our partners to engage with the full timber value chain, from the paddock through to prefabricated innovation.” The conference will examine Timber Queensland and AgForce Queensland’s shared vision for sustainable land use, industry resilience and long-term investment in regional Queensland. Firmly focused on building farm resilience, day one explores how integrating trees and grazing enterprises can benefit land, stock and the bottom line. Sessions cover opportunities under the Queensland Future Timber Plan, the impacts of new EU deforestation and illegal logging rules, and findings from MLA’s “Steak n Wood” silvopastoral trials. Financial modelling, certification and tools like AgCarE, a tool that provides an evaluation of agriculture and natural capital on a property, will also be presented. The day concludes with the Carving out Connections: Steaks and Stumps Industry Dinner, proudly sponsored by Rivers Insurance, this is a relaxed opportunity to connect with peers and carve out ideas over great local fare. The evening will include remarks from The Hon Tony Perrett MP, Minister for Primary Industries. Day two shifts to timber innovation and construction markets, showing how the demand for sustainable materials is expanding timber’s role in Australia’s building sector. Sessions highlight timber’s role in addressing housing supply, modern methods of construction, and updates on mid-rise timber building codes and design standards. Case studies include a leading-edge social housing project using engineered timber. In the afternoon, delegates will take part in a guided site tour program, proudly sponsored by Hyne Timber, including visits to a mass timber building, a hybrid prefab construction facility and a development showcasing traditional truss and frame construction. “This event brings together growers, producers, processors, builders, investors and innovators to shape the future of Queensland’s forest and timber industries,” said Mr Stephens. “It’s a rare opportunity to see the full picture of where the industry is heading and take part in two days of discussion, insight and action.” Explore the full program and register at www.timberqueensland.com.au/event-details/from-paddock-to-pre-fab-doing-timber-business-in-queensland-2025-conference

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