Forest Products Industry

In a new report, Otago Regional Council (ORC) has released its Regional Threat Assessment for vascular plants – the third in a series of threat assessments for indigenous species in Otago. Source: Timberbiz For the first time, ORC has led an assessment of the threat status of vascular plants in Otago, alongside a panel of plant experts, including John Barkla, Brian Rance, Dr Geoff Rogers, Richard Ewans, and Dr Mike Thorsen. “Knowing what species we have, and where they can be found, is critical for their protection and also for ecological restoration,” says Dr Scott Jarvie, ORC’s Senior Terrestrial Ecologist, who led this work. While much is known about vascular plants in Aotearoa New Zealand, there are fewer details on the diversity of local species and where they occur. Vascular plants have a system of tubes which connect all parts of the plant – roots, shoots, and leaves – to transport water and nutrients from one part of the plant to another, much like the circulatory system in humans. The main groups of vascular plants are flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and club mosses. The report provides a comprehensive look at the population size and trends of indigenous vascular plants in Otago. A total of 1242 indigenous plant species were identified for Otago. This number of species makes Otago one of the most botanically diverse parts of New Zealand, containing a high proportion of the national indigenous flora. Some iconic Otago plants include narrow-leaved snow tussock, copper tussock, golden speargrass, matagouri, tōtara, rimu, southern rata, kōwhai, silver beech, among others. Otago has a major role to play in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s amazing and unique plant life. Around a quarter of Otago flora is nationally threatened or at risk. Using a methodology developed for regional councils, 227 species were regionally assessed as being “threatened”, 275 as “at risk”, 614 as “not threatened”, and one as non-resident native, and 115 as “data deficient”. A total of 10 species were identified as having become extinct in the region. Otago was identified as have at least 36 vascular plant species that are regional endemics, meaning they are not found elsewhere. Regional endemics include plants on Otago Peninsula such as Helichrysum simpsonii subsp. tumidum, Craspedia (y) (CHR 516260; Cape Saunders), and Melicytus aff. crassifolius (b) (CHR 616706; Cape Saunders), in the Catlins such as Celmisia lindsayi, in north-eastern Otago such as Gingidia grisea, and in Central Otago such as Myosotis hikuwai, Cardamine sciaphila and Carmichaelia compacta. Of these regional endemics, 28 have heightened risks of extinction (in either nationally threatened or at-risk categories). It is important for biodiversity agencies in Otago to be aware of these species if they are to be maintained and enhanced. While there was a good understanding of nationally threatened or at-risk plant species found in Otago, it was not known which species were regionally threatened in Otago. Dr Jarvie says this report remedies that. “We also discussed in the expert panel assessments how many of our threatened plants are found in non-forest locations, instead growing in habitats with high disturbance and open areas,” says Dr Jarvie. “Some of these areas are known as naturally uncommon ecosystems, of which to date 72 have been identified in Aotearoa New Zealand with Otago having at least 38. Such ecosystems contribute enormously to national biodiversity, typically come about due to unusual environmental conditions, and are often small in area (up to 1000 hectares). Their rarity means they often support unique biodiversity, are poorly understood, and due to where they are found many are threatened.” For example, Lepidium kirkii, also known as salt-pan cress or Kirk’s scurvy grass, occurs only in the inland saline type of ecosystem, a type of naturally uncommon ecosystem found only in Otago. Another example is Craspedia argentea, commonly known as the Pisa Flats woolyhead, found on the inland outwash gravels type of ecosystem. Both the inland saline and inland outwash gravel ecosystem types are Critically Endangered. Plants are essential to land and water-based ecosystems, as well as supporting the survival of humans on Earth. The assessment of indigenous vascular plants in Otago followed a standardised regional methodology that leveraged off the New Zealand Threat Classification System, administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) – Te Papa Atawhai on behalf of all New Zealanders. This includes informing how to manage threats to indigenous plants, such as from competition from weeds, browsing by animal pests, destruction or modification of habitats, and pathogens. Tom Dyer, ORC’s Science Manager, says “a knowledge of plant distributions is also critical for informing ecological restoration, to ensure the right choice of native and provenances.” The report will be presented at tomorrow’s Environmental Science and Policy Committee. New Zealand Threat Classification System The regional threat classification system leverages off the New Zealand Threat Classification System administered by DOC. While DOC is tasked with managing indigenous species nationally, regional and district councils have statutory obligations to maintain indigenous biodiversity under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), including to manage the habitats of threatened species. Threat classifications can play a key role in assessing status and trends in indigenous species and a key requirement of managing the habitats of threatened species is to understand population sizes.

FSC Forest Week is an annual campaign in which FSC and major global brands celebrate their collective sustainable forestry efforts and encourage consumers to take action for our forests. This year the event will be from 21-27 September. Source: Timberbiz Last year more than 1,270 companies and NGOs participated, highlighting the role forest stewards have in combating climate change and biodiversity loss by supporting sustainable forestry. If you would like to participate in FSC Forest Week 2024, fill in the registration form online or contact s.day@au.fsc.org

New data released from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research shows building and construction apprenticeship commencements have fallen 22% in the year to December 2023. Source: Timberbiz Only 41,935 people commenced a building and construction-related apprenticeship in 2023, down from 54,035. In response, Master Builders Australia is releasing the Future of the workforce: apprentices in building and construction report, which shows it will take a village to ensure Australia attracts and retains our next generation of trade apprentices. The report highlights some of the barriers impacting the industry’s ability to attract and retain apprentices and puts forward a holistic list of recommendations to reverse this trend. “Despite a sizeable workforce of over 1.35 million people, the industry is facing acute shortages with an annual exit rate of 8%, of which we are currently only replacing half of that rate,” CEO Denita Wawn said. “Prolonged construction labour shortages will lead to a $57 billion reduction in Australia’s GDP over the next five years. “The role of improving our domestic pipeline of workers is critical to overcoming the housing crisis. “For decades, we have seen the cultural erosion of trade apprenticeships with students being pushed towards the university system,” she said. “Apprentices are paid to learn, unlike their higher education counterparts who pay to learn. “VET and higher education are both integral parts of Australia’s education system and should be viewed as such. “It will take a concerted effort by governments, industry, schools and the broader community to turn this ship around. “The Federal Government made a range of positive announcements aimed at attracting more apprentices into the building and construction industry in the recent Budget. “We would like to see these measures expanded with stronger support from states and territories,” Ms Wawn said. Recommendations include: Promoting varied and rewarding pathways to school-aged students, their parents and careers advisers. Overhauling the funding for and quality of careers education in schools. Investing in programs that provide clear and practical information on what an apprenticeship and future career pathway in the industry could be. Supporting schools to adopt better integrated vocational education and training into the school curriculum especially in early high-school years. Encouraging secondary school students to undertake their White Card training. Expanding support for women in building and construction programs. Reintroducing an incentive system with commencement and completion bonuses to apprentices and employers. Introducing a tiered wage subsidy that better supports mature-aged apprentices and reflects existing skill levels. Funding the cost differential for Group Training Organisations to host an apprentice and provide vital pastoral care services. Introducing incentives to encourage industry upskilling from a Certificate III to a Certificate IV. Ensuring funding is proportionally distributed between TAFE and industry-led Registered Training Organisations. Reviewing the restrictive nature of Modern Awards and pattern Enterprise Bargaining Agreements on flexible work arrangements.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its monthly building approvals data for May 2024 for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories. Source: Timberbiz In seasonally adjusted terms, approvals in the three months to May 2024 saw an increase of 51.1%in Western Australia compared to the same time in the previous year. This was followed by Victoria (+10.0%). The other jurisdictions recorded declines over the same period, led by the New South Wales (-21.6%), followed by South Australia (-6.0%) and Queensland (-4.8%). In original terms, the Australian Capital Territory recorded a 33.4% increase in approvals in the three months to May 2024 compared with the previous year. Approvals over the same period fell in the Northern Territory (-34.3%) and in Tasmania (-16.3%). “This leaves approvals in the three months to May 2024 down by 1.5% compared with the same period in the previous year,” HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said. There were 14,180 residential building approvals in the month of May, with 9,260 detached house approvals and 4,920 multi-units. Detached house approvals increased by 1.3% in May 2024 and have been slowly strengthening in recent months. Detached approvals in the three months to May 2024 are up by 10.0% compared with the same period in the previous year. “Multi-unit approvals increased by 14.3% in May from very low levels in recent months. Over the three months to May 2024, multi-unit approvals remain 19.1% lower than in the same period in the previous year,” Mr Reardon said. “There have been 163,760 total dwelling approvals over the most recent 12 months to May 2024. “This is well below the 240,000 new homes needed each year from 1 July 2024 to achieve National Cabinet’s goal,” he said. “The low approvals numbers indicate a slow start to building 1.2 million homes over the next five years. “Increasing the number of homes built will be necessary to address longstanding housing shortages. “Addressing tax, planning, land and regulatory constraints will be necessary to increasing the supply of homes in Australia,” Mr Reardon said. Meanwhile CEO Denita Wawn said Monday marked the first day of the Housing Accord race to building 1.2 million homes, but we are not race ready. “Governments have had over 600 days to align all policy levers and help put the industry in the best possible position to build enough new homes. “While there’s been some progress at a state and federal level, particularly in the housing portfolios, it has simply not been fast enough or is being undermined by other policies. “Simply put, investment in new home building does not stack up without further reform. “Industrial relations laws, worker shortages, slow planning approvals, a lack of critical infrastructure, high developer taxes and charges, and licensing delays all add to the cost and time it takes to build. “We need to build a significant amount of higher-density homes, particularly to relieve the pressure on the rental market, but the builders who are relied upon to deliver these projects are now hamstrung by restrictive CFMEU pattern EBAs,” Ms Wawn said.

The following is taken from Nationals’ MP for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath’s Second Reading speech during debate on the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024 which abolished VicForests and removed the legal framework that previously made commercial logging possible in Victoria’s state forests. This is a sad day, a dark day in Victoria’s history. This is a disaster of a bill, and the Nationals and the Liberals will seek to amend and oppose this abomination. This government, the former Premier and the current Premier, have abandoned regional Victoria. They have wilfully neglected to listen to the science. They have listened to the chirpy ideologues and inner-city elites who want to see a sustainable and world-class industry closed. On the day the then Premier Daniel Andrews was choosing the beautiful, high-quality hardwood manufactured in Heyfield from world-class ash timber for our $42 million expansion of this Parliament – he was choosing that because it is the best in the world – he signed the death knell for this industry. It is an abomination, and they should all be ashamed of themselves. Killing off Victoria’s sustainable native industry is economically, environmentally, socially and morally wrong. I would like to pay homage to and thank the industry, the industry workers, the towns and the various people and entities associated. Over my time in this place, I have met some wonderful people in regional Victoria, not only in regional Victoria but in metropolitan Melbourne, who are part of the supply chain for our native timber industry. I would like to thank the haulage and harvest operators, the contractors and the sole traders, who are doing it so tough at the moment because the government is not honouring a commitment to fully pay them out as required and is putting blocks in the road. I would like to thank so much the machinery workers and those employed by the VicForests contractors. I also want to thank and pay homage to the civil contractors who are not associated with VicForests. So many of those do an amazing job, and some have moved between department contracts and VicForests contracts over the past 20 years as well. I want to pay homage to them. When the fires are burning and for various reasons have not been able to be put out, they drive towards those fires, putting their own life in peril to protect our regional communities and towns. I want to particularly thank the mill owners – and there have been many in the time, their workers and their administrations. I thank them for their ingenuity, for their integrity and for their grit and hard work on the floor – for value-adding this beautiful hardwood timber product which adorns our homes, our offices, our cultural centres, our GovHubs, our schools, our libraries and indeed the $42 million offices that we inhabit when we are here. To all of those, I thank them so much for their ingenuity and craftsmanship. I want to thank, in particular, the engineers as well. I thank the registered training organisations. I have spoken with so many training officers who upskill and educate haulage and harvest operators, who provide that safety. And I thank the TAFE teachers. I know many of them have been so frustrated with third-party litigation. I also thank the seed collectors and boy, haven’t they done it tough at the end of this, because the government has not been recognising them for their services. I want to thank the VicForests staff, the biodiversity experts, the forest scientists, the surveyors, the assessors, the forest managers and the regenerators. I also thank Monique Dawson for giving a damn. When the courts have said to VicForests ‘How high?’, they have attempted in many and various ways to perform those tasks: lidar data, forest surveys, middle-of-the-night and heat sensor surveys, and it goes on. On occasion VicForests has been in an uncomfortable position. They are not universally loved by the contractors, but they have been pulled and pushed and abandoned by this government. Twenty years ago, Steve Bracks in actual fact introduced VicForests, and like timber workers in our community, I think that VicForests has been collateral damage for the elites and the egos that inhabit this place. As I said earlier, it has been a passion of mine for all of my time in here to espouse and share the importance of this industry and the science behind it. In one of my first days in this place, when Federation Room was operational, there was a buzz in that place, and the minister then was Jaala Pulford. There was a buzz of forestry people. The room was full, and the future looked bright. Well, weren’t we conned indeed. We know that there have been improvements over the time for harvest practices. We know that in the past it was always evolving to better serve biodiversity and better serve outcomes, conservation and protection of zones. We have got special protection zones and we have got buffer zones. There have been five ministers in my time of the ag department of this government. It seems like a hot potato that nobody wants. All of the National Party would relish it, and I am sure many of the Liberals would relish being the minister for ag. There are various things. Let us look at this: 94% of the public land estate is not available for timber harvesting – 94% of roughly eight million hectares is excluded from harvest. In the last few years around 3000 trees per hectare were harvested every year and regrown. These are the facts: four in 10,000 trees are harvested and regrown. The national state of the forests 2018 report stated that there was a 95% success rate for VicForests for Victorian forest regeneration. There was a 95% success rate for that regeneration. We also know that there is no such thing as deforestation. What I do also know is that the wilderness groups – these Wilderness Society groups – peddle […]

With the formal closure of VicForests on Sunday (30 June) symbolising the final destruction of Victoria’s native forest industry, thoughts turn to an essay by a revered Australian forester, Dr Alf Leslie: Stupidity Nearly Always Wins. Source: Phillip Hopkins, Latrobe Valley Express Issues surrounding forestry are proof of that proposition. Dr Leslie, who died aged 88 in 2009, had an outstanding career in Australian forestry before soaring to new heights internationally. A sceptic and teacher who urged critical and independent thought, he combined his knowledge of ecology with economics and business management. He was variously a director of the forestry division of the of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a project officer at the University of Nigeria during the Nigerian civil war, the Forest Economist with the FAO in Rome, and later Director of Forest Industries with the FAO. In his essay, published in September 1999, Dr Leslie said Man, we are told, is a rational animal. “But rationalism does more than imply that man has and uses this capacity; it accepts, without question, that he does. Yet the evidence hardly supports that belief.” Dr Leslie said the historian Barbara Tuchman used the word “folly” to describe a major war, but that was really just a harsher way of saying “stupidity”. “The idea of stupidity more than reason ruling man’s decisions and actions has a long history,” he said. However, as a contender for the title of the most outstanding example of the invincibility of stupidity, “the environmental conflict affecting forestry over the last two to three decades must be a firm favourite”. “For stupidity is the most consistent and repeated common attribute found on both sides of the argument. Neither side has shown much respect for the facts of for rational argument from them, although this failing is much less marked on the forestry side,” he said. “Forestry’s credibility was fatally undone by its initial denial of the indisputable evidence of the damage done by conventional logging, the problem which lies at the core of the dispute, and then by its justification of the damage as an unavoidable economic necessity before finally recognising there was a need for some (relatively modest and not too costly) modification.” However, on the environmental side, Dr Leslie said the damage done by logging was exaggerated, misrepresented and blamed for all forms of deforestation so as to make a visually dramatic and appalling case. “No exceptions were allowed, although there were more than a few, while scientific evidence of beneficial environmental effects of logging, of which there were some, was denigrated and denied,” he said. “Both sides thus forced themselves into extreme positions from which they were unable to withdraw, even slightly, without loss of face, so they did not.” Dr Leslie said that forests can be conserved while simultaneously being used for multiple purposes including timber production and conservation. “The evidence for this, although not numerically great, is enough to be scientifically irrefutable. That they rarely are under conventional logging has been allowed to dominate the conflict so that the real possibilities have not even been explored,” he said. “And since to recognise this would breach the edicts of political correctness (incidentally another monumental load of stupidity) they are likely to stay that way. Society, as usually happens when stupidity prevails, is the loser, but this hardly matters.” Dr Leslie said another example was the way the environmental movements had been allowed to transform the term “clear felling”. “A technical term for an ecologically correct type of treatment for regeneration, it has become a public term of abuse and for shame. However, instead of educating the public as to its true ecological meaning, the responses have tended to emphasise its economic necessity and thus applying areas of clear cut much greater than the ecologically necessary minimum. Anything less likely to win public support would be hard to imagine.” Dr Leslie said the fact that stupidity nearly always wins out against rationality was a very important one for forestry and especially for forestry education. “One stupidity is the myth that a forestry education is not needed to practice forestry. Anybody, it seems, who has a modicum of practical experience, or of biology or of ecology or of sociology or of almost anything is apparently as well, if not better qualified,” he said. “It is nonsense, but it is widely propagated and accepted, nonsense. And foresters have played along with it. To recognise that other disciplines have a place in forestry is sensible enough. To accept they are substitutes for it is stupid, unless the idea of forestry is a separate discipline is itself a myth.” Dr Leslie said to some extent, both misinformation and disinformation originated in stupid decisions reached either within forestry or coming from outside affecting it. “Rather than becoming an expert in information technology and the techniques and mathematics of rational decision theory what is, therefore, first needed is a theory of stupid decision making,” he said. “Not so that foresters can learn how to make stupid decisions – the record shows that they are already fairly capable of that – but, in order to anticipate the sort of stupid decisions which are likely to be reached in the governing political and social environmental outside and thus to recognise the nonsense, masquerading as information, with which they will, as a result, be fed. “Only then will they be in a position to counterattack with their own rationally-based decisions before they are defeated or constrained by the stupidities imposed on them.” Dr Leslie said the trouble is that the fiction of man as a rational animal was so ingrained in education, research and thinking, that no theory of stupid decision making had yet emerged from which to learn or even the elements of one. “Yet foresters are so exposed by the long-term nature of the forestry production process that they probably have a more urgent need for one than most. By default, therefore, they will have to start the development by […]