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There are less than two weeks remaining to apply for the Round 10 of Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, a game-changing grants program supporting industry-driven projects that provide tangible improvements to heavy vehicle safety and reduce the risk of road trauma across Australia. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Government has committed $4.2 million in grants to Round 10 of the program, with any business or association involved in the heavy vehicle industry looking to address a safety gap or issue encouraged to apply. Submissions will close at 5pm AEST 17 February 2025. The application form and project guidelines, which detail eligibility and the submission process, are available at www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Interim CEO Janelle van de Velde said the HVSI program is an invaluable opportunity for organisations, businesses and innovators within the heavy vehicle industry and wider supply chain, to contribute to making Australia’s roads safer for all road users. “Tragically, we saw far too many lives lost on Australian roads last year, so it’s crucial we continue funding innovative projects that increase compliance and deliver safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and wider community,” Ms van de Velde said. “Through previous rounds of the HVSI, we’ve been able to get crucial road safety programs off the ground, including a program that will equip 50 heavy vehicles with new, high-quality Automated External Defibrillators and increase knowledge and confidence of truck drivers to provide bystander first aid.” Ms van de Velde said the NHVR is looking to support initiatives that address one of the key themes of safer drivers, safer vehicles or safer road user environment. “If you have a project, program, or campaign that will make a difference, I encourage you to submit an application. “Whether it’s cutting-edge technology, driver education, or evidence-based material development – this funding is set to help you make a real impact. “I look forward to seeing the meaningful change this next round brings to road safety across Australia.”  

Nine fire specialists from Forestry Corporation have deployed to Victorian fire fronts as part of an interstate NSW firefighting contingency. Source: Timberbiz Victoria is currently experiencing significant bushfire activity near Horsham with large fires burning in the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks. NSW fire agencies have assisted through the deployment of firefighters and Incident Management Team personnel. Four Forestry Corporation staff members responded on Saturday, 1 February and a further five Forestry Corporation fire specialists deployed on Thursday, 6 February. “While we have had fires in NSW and the threat especially in the south and the west is not over yet, it is important to share resources around the country when we can,” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said. “Our firefighters are highly skilled and experienced in Australian bushland firefighting and are always ready to lend a hand in regional NSW or further afield.” Group Leader Gary Miller from Wauchope deployed for seven days as an Operations Officer in the IMT at Ararat. “We were there to give the local Victorian IMT personnel some time off as they have been fighting fires and overseeing the fire management since December with major efforts involved in the containment of the fires in the Grampians,” Mr Miller said. “It was great to assist our colleagues in Victoria, a great learning experience in training on the Victorian fire systems and a good opportunity to share fire knowledge across the multi-agency IMT.” Mr Miller was deployed to Victoria alongside firefighters Hannah Mangnall and Bronson Lovett from Wauchope and Daniel Macaree and James Martin from Maitland. A second firefighting field crew has started their seven-day deployment. This deployment is made up of Aden Hitchcock from Dorrigo, David McLaughlin from Coffs Harbour, Paul Douglas from Wauchope and Daniel Carey from Taree. Forestry Corporation’s nine personnel have deployed as part of the 200-strong NSW deployment alongside NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife, Fire and Rescue NSW and State Emergency Services personnel.

The State Government in Victoria says it is helping to create more jobs in former forestry towns, increasing employment and delivering a boost to the local economy. Source: Timberbiz, photo Four Peaks Pastoral Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced $50,000 for Four Peaks Pastoral Pty Ltd to expand its business and employ former forestry workers as part of Round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund. The business utilises the local skilled workforce to provide farmers and producers around Omeo, Swifts Creek and surrounding district with agricultural services. Business owner Stewart Moroney started the business after seeing a need for workers with unique skill sets to supplement the agricultural workforce in peak periods. Four Peaks provides a range of agricultural services, including fencing, shearing, pest control and harvest support. The grant will enable Four Peaks to purchase equipment including tool kits, portable livestock handling equipment and a vehicle mounted spray system. The business will employ full time farm support workers with general skill sets for the initial start-up phase, with a preference to employ workers previously employed in the native timber industry. Round 2 of the Forestry Transition Fund is now open. Proposal must support job creation and business development in communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting. A $20,000 employment incentive payment for the employment of ex-native timber workers is also available. Applications for Round 2 will close on 31 October 2025. For more information visit www.deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182.

The Millari Group Australia is set to start producing LVL, plywood, and timber for the Australian Timber Industry after recently agreeing to acquire the 25-ha Juken Gisborne facilities in New Zealand, to be rebranded as Millari NZ. Settlement is currently expected to occur later this month. Source: Timberbiz The Gisborne manufacturing facility is located on the North Island of New Zealand and specialises in producing LVL, plywood and structural Radiata pine products. With a perfect mix of engineered products and solid pine framing, the mill will be an asset best suited to ease the burden on businesses in Australia, which have been forced to rely on imported products due to the lack of local manufacturing. True Blue Timber, which has been supplying high-quality and reliable imported products to Australia’s leading wholesalers, will now be driving local LVL and timber production for the Australian industry with the Millari NZ facilities. With a significant investment over the next three years to increase the current capacities, Millari NZ plans to establish direct LVL, plywood and sawmill production for the Australian industry, including LVL E14, E13, E10, and LVL Formwork; structural and non-structural plywood panels and MGP and F-graded Radiaita pine, and H2, H3 and H4-treated pine. Millari NZ will ship LVL, plywood and sawmill products with AS/NZS standards directly to Australia’s Eastern Coast, significantly decreasing Australia’s timber industry’s dependence on imports from Europe and Asia. “Our Millari NZ facility in Gisborne will be on track to increase the output capacity of LVL, plywood and timber production over the next few years as we invest in new machinery and technology for the 35,000m2 factory,” owner and CEO Ryan Yari said. “With these exciting facilities alongside our True Blue Timber operations, we will continue to offer the Australian industry a reputable and reliable ongoing source of high-quality EWP (engineered wood products) and timber products and deliver them directly with quick turnarounds.” The Millari NZ Gisborne facility was closed in March 2024 and will re-open in the coming months, providing jobs and opportunities to the Gisborne community of 38,000 people. “JNL Gisborne has been the cornerstone of the community for many years, and it will be Millari Group’s pleasure to restore it to its former glory,” Mr Yari said. “The Millari Group team is excited about the new challenge ahead and looks forward to being a part of the Gisborne community for many years to come.” Millari Group Australia includes True Blue Timber, True Blue LVL, and True Blue Plywood, and Millari NZ supplies FSC 100% timber products to Australia’s leading timber and hardware retailers. For more information visit https://truebluetimber.com.au/