Forest Products Industry

The Australian Forest Products Association is backing a new two-year saw doctor and wood machinist pilot training trial aimed at boosting these much-needed forestry sector skills. Source: Timberbiz “There is a national shortage of saw technicians and wood machinists and it’s critical that we have efficient, accessible and fit for purpose training to support these important specialised skills across both softwood and hardwood processing and manufacturing,” AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said. “Saw makers and repairers are not currently listed on the Core Skills and Occupation List.” This pilot training trial will be delivered in conjunction with Timber Training Creswick and TAFE NSW with support from employers and the Australian Government’s $10 million Forestry Workforce Training Program being administered by ForestWorks. “Attracting new people into the industry begins at school and we hope that this pilot training trial can go some way to encouraging more young people to consider fulfilling careers in these specialised areas that are critical for timber manufacturing,” Ms Hallam said. ForestWorks CEO, Mike Radda said saw doctors and wood machinists were professions that are experiencing shortages of qualified personnel. “We’re proud to be involved in this pilot training trial,” he said. “It’s important that we provide the required training here in Australia for people who want to undertake it – as a dual option with importing these skills from overseas.” Ms Hallam said Australia’s forestry and timber sector was Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing sector, drove the housing sector, and the need for product would only get more important as the country and different industries look to decarbonise by using timber and wood-fibre. “We need to attract more people to our growing sector to fill the variety of important vocations we need to function,” she said. “This trial aims to make it easier for regional businesses to employ, train and retain skilled tradespeople. We are working to carefully identify industry needs, and to test a practical and pragmatic training solution including exploring the advantages of on-site employee training. AFPA will work with expert RTOs and businesses, in different states to make sure training is tailored and fit for purpose. “We are proud to be working in this space with trusted industry education partners and look forward to positive training outcomes and reduced skills shortages across the forestry and the timber sector.”

AKD has purchased Pentarch Forestry’s 50% shareholding of Highland Pine Products Pty Ltd in Oberon. HPP is currently a 50/50 joint venture business owned by AKD and Pentarch Forestry, with the primary asset being the Oberon sawmill. Source: Timberbiz The sawmill processes over 500,000 m3 of plantation grown sawlogs and produces a range of structural, landscape and packaging products. Post this acquisition, AKD will process nearly 2,000,000 m3 of sawlog per annum, producing over 1,000,000 m3 of timber from the Colac, Caboolture, Oberon, Tumut and Yarram sawmills. “The Oberon acquisition is consistent with AKD’s focus on operating high quality, strategically located sawmills, and represents an opportunity to provide an improved supply and product range for customers and the broader timber supply chain,” AKD’s Chief Executive Officer, Shane Vicary said. “As a joint venture partner in the business since 2018, AKD has had an opportunity to work with the talented team in Oberon and see the opportunities that exist on the site and in the region and we are excited about the future. “We are looking forward to working directly with the Oberon team as we welcome them to the broader AKD business of over 1000 employees. “The acquisition enhances our ability to service both existing and new customers and we look forward to strengthening relationships with suppliers and continuing to provide a positive contribution to the Oberon community”. AKD acknowledged and thanked Pentarch for its positive and constructive contribution to the HPP partnership and wishes it success for the future. The acquisition is consistent with AKD’s approach of growth through a mix of strategic acquisition and capital investment and further highlights its 70-year commitment to the Australian timber and building industries by investing for the future. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur on 1 July 2025.