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AI-driven hazard detection is coming to timber manufacturing, thanks to a new agreement worth nearly half a million dollars between WorkSafe New Zealand and a major player in the wood processing industry. Source: Timberbiz Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products, is putting NZ$481,000 into a range of initiatives. It comes after a worker had two fingers amputated in a machine at Claymark’s Rotorua factory in February 2023. WorkSafe’s investigation found the machine was unguarded and there was an ineffective system for maintenance. Training and supervision of workers also fell short. WorkSafe has now accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Claymark. An EU is a binding commitment to fund and resource comprehensive health and safety improvements. Claymark’s EU includes: CCTV systems incorporating AI technology to indicate risks to workers’ health and safety in real time. Offering up to 15 trials of the technology to other businesses in the wood manufacturing sector. Microlearning and interactive displays in break rooms to upskill workers on health and safety. Reparation to the victim. “We are looking forward to seeing Claymark pioneer its AI innovation to benefit the timber processing sector more broadly. Agreements like this are all about enacting positive improvements from an adverse event,” said WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon. “The initiatives align with WorkSafe’s priority plan for manufacturing, which is one of the most high-risk sectors for workers in Aotearoa. Unsafe machinery is a persistent problem in the sector, which businesses cannot overlook.” EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if they are not upheld. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. “Through our enforceable undertaking, we see a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful, people-focused change both within Claymark and across the wood manufacturing sector,” Claymark’s executive director Paul Pedersen said. Mr Pedersen said the company’s key initiatives include: Engaging with local communities and schools in the towns where we operate to promote safe wood manufacturing practices and support safe, informed pathways into the industry. Working alongside the Central North Island Wood Council (CNIWC) and other industry bodies to share our learnings and help build a stronger health and safety culture sector-wide. Investing in our people through modern, online and interactive training modules, with flexible learning tailored to roles and responsibilities. We are also exploring the potential of AI to support smarter, more responsive safety systems and personalised learning experiences. “This is about more than compliance – it’s about creating a workplace where our people feel informed, supported, and safe,” Mr Pedersen said. “Claymark is committed to continuous improvement and collaboration as we work towards a safer, stronger future for our people, our industry, and our communities.”

New Forests’ Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 continues to expand its portfolio in Southeast Asia through investment in Burapha Agro-Forestry. New Forests, announced its Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 (TAFF2) has acquired a majority interest in Burapha Agro-Forestry (Burapha), a timber plantation forestry company in Laos. Source: Timberbiz The investment was led by New Forests, with co-investment from Mirova through its Sustainable Land Use strategy. This marks the third acquisition for New Forests’ TAFF2 strategy. Burapha comprises 6,000 hectares (ha) of planted forest combined with conservation areas, a plywood mill, and a voluntary carbon project focused on plantation afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) issuing carbon credits compliant with Verra standards since 2023. The Burapha acquisition is part of New Forests’ strategy to develop an integrated and scaled investment allocation in Laos which currently includes two companies: Burapha and Mekong Timber Plantations. As a result of the acquisition, TAFF2 now has access to close to 85,000 ha, with approximately 15,000 ha of planted area. New Forests sees significant scope for expansion of Burapha’s plantation forest areas, as well as the ability to build out the voluntary carbon project that has already been developed and implemented. New Forests will work with Burapha to enhance the socio-economic benefits for local communities. “We are delighted to be growing our allocation to Laos through this investment in Burapha Agro-Forestry, which is already highly regarded for its agroforestry and wood processing processes and local community engagement work,” Geoffrey Seeto, Senior Managing Director, New Forests Asia said. “Laos’ availability of land, combined with possessing highly conducive biological growth conditions, and being strategically located in near proximity to areas of significant wood deficit, makes it an attractive investment destination.” Przemyslaw Pruszynski, CEO, Burapha Agro-Forestry said that it was an exciting development for Burapha. “New Forests is a leading forestry and natural capital focused investment manager, with in-depth, specialist knowledge of the landscape for forestry in Laos, including forestry management and local community engagement. “We are extremely pleased to be partnering up with New Forests to continue on our mission to create a plantation base large enough for Laos to develop as a leading forest industry nation. Our objective is to support the long-term protection and reforestation and management of our land that can benefit current and future generations.”

Australian Bluegum Plantations has officially opened a dedicated seed orchard at Unima, near Heywood, to secure long-term seed supply and enhance genetic material to grow the next generation of Green Triangle hardwood fibre. Source: Timberbiz The five-hectare orchard will provide long-term access to genetically diverse and locally adapted planting material, capable of dealing with future climatic conditions. It complements ABP’s existing seed orchard assets in Albany, which support its west Australian estate. ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the investment reflected the company’s strategic shift towards full autonomy of seed production, an essential move as demand grows for high quality Eucalyptus Globulus fibre in Asian paper markets and emerging engineered wood products, including glue laminated structural beams. He said the orchard would support up to 10 seasonal employees, in addition to 1.5 permanent roles. “This seed orchard is more than just a seed source – it’s a strategic asset for the entire region, securing the future needs of the hardwood plantation sector,” Mr Hughes said. “By investing in seed production at Unima, we are enhancing the resilience of our plantations, future proofing our operations through an integrated localised management approach.” ABP research and development manager Dr Ben Bradshaw said the site would play an important role in broadening and conserving genetic diversity and provide for future breeding requirements, including the deployment of high-performing seed suited to the Green Triangle environment. “ABP is shifting from being just users of elite genetics to custodians, managing every aspect from orchard to estate to provide long-term control and confidence in the future fibre it produces,” Dr Bradshaw said. “Undertaking breeding, selection, production and deployment in-house provides tighter control over genetic performance, supporting increased productivity and climate resilience of future plantations.” The orchard is designed for Mass Supplementary Pollination (MSP) which is a form of controlled pollination that provides greater flexibility and control over the genetic quality of the seed produced, for current and future environments. Dr Bradshaw said the site had already planted high-value genetic material. He said the team would collaborate with local contractors and apply learnings from its Albany operations to ensure efficient and effective orchard management. Local seedling supplier, Gildera Forestry Services Director Tim Scanlon praised ABP’s investment in the local seed orchard, describing it as a vital step forward in seed security. “This important investment secures a reliable, local source of seed, which is especially important given the potential challenges around quarantine and interstate supply,” Mr Scanlon said. “Having access to locally grown seed not only mitigates risk but also supports the long-term success of ABP’s growing program and the wider industry.”

Timber Queensland, Timber NSW, and the North East NSW Forestry Hub are hosting a premier networking event celebrating the past, present, and future of the forestry and timber sectors in Casino on Thursday, 15 May 2025. Source: Timberbiz Timber Queensland’s CEO Mick Stephens said the networking dinner has been scheduled to coincide with the renowned Primex Expo. “Primex is emerging as one of the largest forestry expos on the east coast and an important opportunity for suppliers, growers and timber producers to network nationally and particularly across Queensland and NSW,” Mick Stephens said. “To that end we are very pleased to be co-hosting a side-event dinner in Casino with Timber NSW to provide additional value and networking for the industry. “The dinner offers an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and discuss the evolving landscape of forestry and timber in Australia. We appreciate the support of AE Gibson and Hurford’s, their sponsorship has ensured the event is affordable for all to attend. “The dinner ticket price also includes a three-day Primex Expo entry where will be a comprehensive array of trade exhibits, industry presentations and working demonstrations,” he said Highlighting the evening will be guest speaker Garan Hale, founder of Designer Woodworks. A master woodworker, Mr Hale is renowned for his craftsmanship in fine furniture, wooden boat restoration, and guitar making. His commitment to sustainability is evident through his efforts in reforesting his Northern NSW property with endemic species, creating a seed bank for future generations. Mr Hale also emphasizes the use of ethically sourced Australian timbers and salvaged logs, which he band mills and solar kiln dries for his bespoke creations. The event will be held on 15 May from 6-9 pm at the Casino RSM Club and will cost $35 per person.

An Australian Forest Products Association analysis of the major parties’ forest industry policy and funding commitments has found the Coalition provides the better future for the sector rather than Labor this federal election, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said. Source: Timberbiz Ms Hallam said that following record commitments from Federal Labor and the Coalition in 2022 – the 2025 Federal Election campaign has delivered a more subdued policy and funding suite from the major parties, and we recognise that neither the Coalition, nor Labor, has committed in full to AFPA’s election platform – Australian Timber. Australia’s Future. “However, we do thank all the sides of politics which have offered constructive policies for our sector at this Election. “AFPA has scored the Coalition three and a half stars out of five* because of the leadership it provided on key areas of forest industry policy. “Labor has been awarded two and a half stars out of five*, despite not having released a specific policy for our sector as a whole, with the star score based on other announcements and existing policies,” she said. Under the leadership of Shadow Minister Jonno Duniam and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the Coalition has been vocal about its support for native forestry, stating: “A Dutton Government will not support any further bans on native forestry”, while also committing to establish new Permanent Timber Production Zones to support ongoing access to both native and plantation timber. The Coalition has also committed to delivering a key AFPA policy request – country of origin labelling for timber and wood products. This is a much-needed reform so consumers can clearly understand where the timber they’re buying comes from, whether its Australian or from overseas. Labor has not committed to country of origin labelling to allow people to buy Australian which is disappointing given their strong focus on ‘Buy Australian’ in the recent Budget and during the campaign. A Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program with $40 million in grants for mills to utilise wood from their own region has also been committed by the Coalition along with the removal of public funding from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) – whose business model is to destroy honest businesses through continual disruptive lawfare. Federal Labor has committed $24 million for upgrades at Tasmania’s Boyer Mill, which AFPA welcomes, but stresses that, sector-wide manufacturing facilities are struggling with higher input costs, including energy. Labor has also committed to a new ReMade in Australia brand that will benefit our manufacturing facilities. Ms Hallam acknowledged the Albanese Government and Minister Julie Collins are in the process of continuing to deliver some of Labor’s 2022 Federal Election commitments, including funding for Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), development of the National Timber Fibre Strategy, funding through the Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP), skills and training funding and support for Regional Forest Industry Hubs. Federal Labor has also committed to ongoing support for native forestry, stating: “We remain committed to providing a framework that allows a sustainable native forest industry to continue”. AFPA has assessed both major parties as level pegging on housing. Both sides are offering incentives for first home buyers that will boost the market for new housing, including Labor’s 5% first home buyer deposit cap and guaranteeing of loans. The Coalition policy has first home buyers able to deduct home interest repayments from their tax, as well as allowing access to superannuation for a home deposit. Both Parties have large infrastructure investments to facilitate new housing and to boost the workforce. The Coalition has a technical college policy while Labor will provide a significant boost to TAFE. Unfortunately, there are a number of policy and funding requests contained within AFPA’s Election Platform that neither major side of politics has committed to, including, the delivery of a Prefabricated and Innovative Housing Summit, a Wood First Policy, a Timber in the Built Environment ACCU method, an extension to the SPEP, along with funding for a public education campaign, among others. The fact that no national debate on forestry policy between the Minister and Shadow Minister could be organised is also very disappointing. AFPA must also make a special mention of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party that put forward a suite of measures for our sector including, support for country of origin labelling, ongoing support for native forestry and plantation establishment grants, development of a National Fire Response Plan for Australia’s forests, a local wood policy, tax incentives to promote timber and National Electricity Market changes to reduce costs for timber manufacturing businesses. “AFPA will judge the next Federal Government on its delivery of policy and funding for forestry and the forest products supply chain,” Ms Hallam said. “Our sector requires a strong licence to operate and in-principle backing from the government of the day. That applies whether it’s plantation or native forestry, or the manufacture of different types of essential, climate friendly products. “We intend to work closely with all members of the 48th Australian Parliament to ensure government will continue to support one of the nation’s greatest industries.” *To achieve a five-star rating, a full commitment to AFPA’s Election Platform would be required. One star recognises broad and in-principle support for forestry and forest products, while for two stars some policy initiatives to help the sector are necessary. Three stars requires additional policy and funding initiatives while four stars can be achieved through commitment to new, innovative and broad industry focused policy and funding.