Australian timber industry news

Bell Equipment is releasing new products each designed to add value to an operation and make work easier whether you need precision grading, powerful haulage, or versatile material handling. Source: Timberbiz The much-anticipated Bell Motor Grader, which goes into full production in Q3, is the showstopper. The range offers three base models, available in four-wheel drive or six-wheel drive to suit a customer’s specific needs. These machines are powered by quiet and efficient Cummins engines paired with smooth ZF transmissions, ensuring reliability and fuel efficiency. Designed for longer roading, Bell Graders feature enhanced trunnion bearing life and integrated axle cooling, extending brake life. A precision-sealed circle bearing ensures exceptional grading accuracy while minimising wear and maintenance. The hydromechanical transmission with tandem axle creep provides superior control, while the cantilevered ripper ensures the most effective ripping angle. Additionally, an on-the-go automatic differential lock delivers traction precisely when needed. Bell Equipment is expanding its trusted Series 5 tractor range with a 4×4 200hp model, the Bell 2006AF. Offering more power for an improved power-to-weight ratio and increased fuel economy, this model is a game-changer for those requiring a robust and efficient agricultural workhorse. Powered by a robust and reliable John Deere engine that delivers 785Nm of torque through an Allison automatic transmission, the 2006AF achieves haul speeds of up to 40km/h and handles undulating terrain with ease, thanks to its automatic 4×4 feature, which detects wheelspin and engages 4×4 until full grip is restored. Rear disc brakes provide safe and effective braking performance. A prototype has already clocked more than 5,000 hours hauling 40-tonne loads of timber on haul cycles of up to 65km and had earned the title of “the best machine on site.”  

The European Commission has recently unveiled its new political agenda prioritizing simplification and reducing administrative burdens to boost competitiveness for businesses. At the same time, the Commission has reaffirmed that delivering on the EU Green Deal remains a priority. Source: Timberbiz The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is one of the landmark EU Green Deal initiatives – and it serves as a catalyst for action to fight deforestation in Europe and globally. At FSC, they believe that sustainability and competitiveness goals can and must go hand in hand. Calls for regulatory simplification should not undermine the ambitions to halt deforestation and forest degradation. Originally set to apply in December 2024, the EUDR is now scheduled to enter into force at the end of 2025. Alongside the delay, discussions on simplification measures have been gaining momentum as part of the broader EU omnibus simplification package. However, simplification and delays must not translate into inaction. Now is the time to test solutions, build partnerships, and remain committed to forests. Businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way, demonstrating that deforestation-free supply chains are not only possible but can also become a driver of long-term market resilience. Below is a selection of tools and actions to start making EUDR a reality: New EU Commission website The EU Commission has revamped its EUDR webpage. It offers updated information and tools for implementation. Staying informed is the first step for compliance preparation. EU guide on value chain scenarios by company type A new EU Commission document provides an overview of how obligations apply, depending on company type (operator/trader), size, and position in the supply chain within the EU. The guide illustrates 10 different supply chain scenarios to help companies identify their obligations. EUDR – myth vs reality guidance EUDR is often surrounded by misconceptions. For example, compliance does not necessarily mean excessive paperwork—due diligence can be managed online, with information submitted once in the EU Information System and later reused. The EU information system Due diligence statements must be submitted electronically in the EUDR Information System, where national authorities will verify compliance. The system will feature an Application Programming Interface (API) to ensure interoperability with emerging tech tools and existing business management systems. Videos and trainings explaining how the system works are available here. FSC is developing a new technology based on blockchain, FSC Trace, which will facilitate and simplify data collection and automatic uploads for compliance. EUDR Competent Authorities (CAs) EU Member States have designated almost all authorities responsible for enforcing EUDR. These authorities will verify information submitted by operators and traders, in and outside the EU, request clarifications, restrict non-compliant products, and impose penalties. EUDR guidance document & new FAQs The European Commission has tabled a non-binding guidance document to support harmonized EUDR implementation. It clarifies key aspects such as traceability, legality, and role of certification schemes, such as FSC, in supporting compliance. The document does not substitute the law and can be used a reference for operators, traders, and authorities. The Commission has also updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address stakeholders’ concerns. FAQs are regularly updated, make sure to review them. Businesses can already take proactive steps, such as improving supply chain transparency, conducting risk assessments, establishing due diligence processes, engaging with smallholders and suppliers, educating internal teams, and considering certification with an EUDR-aligned system relevant to their products. FSC is committed to fighting deforestation and supporting companies in their journey towards EUDR compliance. FSC’s rigorous certification already lays down a strong foundation, serving as a bridge between sustainability goals and regulatory needs. FSC’s tailored EUDR-aligned solutions provide a comprehensive, fully aligned approach that streamlines compliance, offering detailed risk assessments and traceability solutions beyond deforestation and helping businesses meet evolving environmental and social requirements. Next steps Monitor EU Commission updates – Stay informed about evolving EUDR tools and updates. Leverage FSC resources – Leverage FSC certifications and solutions to streamline compliance efforts whilst strengthening sustainability performance. Take action now – Test and implement solutions to demonstrate your commitment The EUDR delay offers more time to ensure effective implementation – not a reason to wait. By preparing early, building partnerships and leveraging new and existing tools to simplify processes, companies can turn compliance into an opportunity. The path to deforestation-free supply chains combines streamlined compliance without compromising sustainability ambitions. Despite uncertainties, we can all act today to make the EUDR a reality.

Lawmakers have moved forward a controversial logging bill that could open the state up to lawsuits if Oregon doesn’t log enough timber in a given year. Source: OPB Representatives in the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced House Bill 3103is. The bill would allow counties and the timber industry to sue the state forester if Oregon logs less than the Department of Forestry forecasts in its once-a-decade estimates. There are exceptions if a large mass of trees is destroyed by wildfires, diseases or storms. “Really, this is a timber industry way of creating more litigation against the state,” Cascadia Wildlands attorney Nick Cady said. The Oregon Department of Forestry manages 745,000 acres of forestlands across 15 counties. Back in the late 1930s, counties reclaimed ownership of these lands after they went into foreclosure, but these forested areas couldn’t generate property taxes under county ownership. So, state lawmakers reached deals with these counties, giving them the option to transfer these lands to the state in exchange for 64% of logging revenues in perpetuity. Every decade, the Oregon Department of Forestry estimates how much timber it could log from state land for the next 10 years. Timber industry representatives and county officials say the department tends to over-promise and under deliver, making it difficult for them to plan ahead. More than 1,160 people submitted written testimony in response to the bill, and of those, 80% opposed it. Most of these opponents, including many environmental nonprofits, said they were concerned the bill would undermine state environmental regulations meant to protect threatened and endangered species including the state’s Western Habitat Conservation Plan, which is awaiting federal approval. The bill’s five sponsors, all Republicans, added an amendment. The addition preserves the state’s ability to implement other environmental regulations, like the Habitat Conservation Plan. That placated the environmental nonprofit Wild Salmon Centre, which moved its stance to neutral with this amendment. That was enough to pull some Democrats in the committee to vote for the bill. “I am still uncomfortable with the judicial review that’s in the bill,” Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, said. “But I do appreciate the good-spirited efforts to bring the Wild Salmon Centre to neutral with changes in the bill, so I will support the bill.” Some other conservation groups remain against the bill as it stands, including Oregon Wild and Cascadia Wildlands. “This is just going to create a kind of an endless stream of litigation for the foreseeable future,” Mr Cady said. “I don’t think it’s in Oregonian’s interest to pay a bunch of timber industry lawyers and the state’s lawyers to fight a nonstop, continuous fight over state harvest levels.” It’s a strange time to approve new laws that would impact the state forester, a position that is currently vacant. Interim deputy state forester Kate Skinner took over as acting state forester when Cal Mukumoto abruptly resigned in January. HB 3103 now moves to the Ways and Means committee, which will decide whether to move it to the House floor for a full vote.

On 20 December 2021, Ashley Industrial Services Ltd – a family-owned sawmill/manufacturing plant in Oxford, New Zealand experienced a tragic accident. While operating a trim saw to trim wane from the ends of timber, an employee accidentally had his hand strike the saw’s blade. The result was devastating, the worker lost parts of two fingers and sustained a degloving injury to another. Source: Timberbiz The crushing incident has led the company to further evaluate what it considered were already robust health and safety procedures and to further invest in improved safety measures. Some of our key learnings include: The value of investing in safer machinery. In response to the incident, the company has heavily invested in new safer machinery, machinery housing and guarding upgrades that total up to NZ$1 million. Those upgrades included re-fitting the jump saw, installing a new emergency rope system on the conveyor, installing a pack saw and new optimizer and specialised machine housing. These investments not only replace our outdated equipment but also enhanced our overall health and safety measures, ensuring our operations meet the highest standards. Standards and Risk Assessment. Ashley Industrial also learned that relying solely on international safety benchmarks for machinery and guarding isn’t enough. New Zealand’s requirements differ, and it is vital to conduct your own risk assessments against New Zealand’s standard. The company employed an ongoing external health and safety consultant to assist in reviewing all existing and new machinery risk matrixes. They also helped to review and improve all written systems including auditing systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Training, Discipline, and Culture. The company’s approach to safety now includes further training opportunities, a more thorough assessment regime, regular licence checks and stricter disciplinary around employee personal protective equipment (PPE) breaches. More than anything, this experience has reinforced that it may not be reasonable to eliminate all risks entirely, you can aim to and work together to minimise risk. Ashley Industrial says that the lessons learned extend beyond the own sawmill. For everyone involved in the sawmilling sector or any business using heavy machinery the following points are crucial: Tailor safety measures. Conduct thorough risk assessments and align your safeguarding measures with New Zealand’s regulatory requirements. Prioritise your people over productivity, a culture where your staff feel safe and valued is the foundation of long-term productivity and safety. Ensure your teams know their safety and wellbeing comes first. They are mothers, fathers, partners and children and their safety is paramount. Continue investing in upgrades, training and external advice or audits, regular reviews of equipment, comprehensive training programs, and strict adherence to operational procedures. These can all prevent accidents before they occur. Consider every upgrade as an investment in your people. Collaborate and share your best practices. We are in an industry where the challenges are shared and collaborating and supporting each other creates a safer environment across the board. Be proactive about your health and safety; we can never predict when an accident may occur, but we can be prepared.

The International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) recently announced 12 new task forces for the 2025 to 2030 period. Scion will be involved in three of them. Source: Timberbiz Task Forces are interdisciplinary activities working on topics of global interest and importance with specific outputs and outcomes. Scion as New Zealand’s leading research institute for forestry, industrial biotech and advanced manufacturing has the unique perspective to create opportunity and growth in ‘end-to-end’ value chains that are at the heart of a prosperous bioeconomy. Stand complexity in planted forests Harnessing stand complexity to improve the resilience of single – and mixed-species plantations for nature climate and people’ – Christophe Orazio of IEFC is co-ordinator. Scion principal researcher Tim Payn is one of the deputy coordinators, and silviculture and forest carbon scientist Alan Jones is a member. This Task Force will act as a focal point for developing and communicating scientific evidence on complexity and resilience in planted forests – testing the hypothesis that increased complexity increases resilience while preserving performance. Building an integrated vision of the forest-based sector within a bioeconomy, Ivana Zivojinovic (BOKU) co-ordinator. Scion forest ecology and management scientist, Tim Barnard, and portfolio leader – distributed manufacturing, Marc Gaugler, are members. This task force will build an integrated vision of a forest-based sector within a bioeconomy, based on perceptions and views of IUFRO member institutions, researchers, scientists and related experts. This new vision would be supported by science-based frameworks that include metrics, methodologies, implementation guidelines and would include bridges to other sectors of the bioeconomy that interrelate with forests. Scaling-Up Science-based Forest Sector Innovation with Lyndall Bull (FAO) as co-ordinator. Scion’s general manager – forests to timber-based products, Henri Bailleres, is a member. This Task Force will create a Community of Practice focused on supporting the scaling up of science-based innovation in the forest sector by raising awareness, improving education and communication, fostering research, developing partnerships, and providing policy support to create a more conducive environment for forest sector innovation ecosystems. In addition, Scion principal researcher Peter Clinton is IUFRO’s New Zealand Country Representative. Scion staff have had long involvement in IUFRO over numerous Divisions and Working Parties and co-ordinating large IUFRO events. Involvement in these international initiatives is highly beneficial to New Zealand, allowing us to keep abreast of new science and technology thinking and also position Scion and New Zealand globally.

Members are invited to the Annual General Meeting of Responsible Forest Management Australia Limited (FSC Australia) and the associated Membership Networking Event in May. Source: Timberbiz The AGM will be held on Thursday 29 May at the Treetops Room at the Melbourne Museum (and online) and feature presentations and opportunities to connect with the FSC community. While the AGM is hybrid, attending in person will make the most of the networking opportunities and engaging discussions. Details including the agenda and RSVP information will be released in the coming weeks.

Dr Rob Beresford of PFR shared interim findings from his research into non-synthetic fungicide options for controlling myrtle rust. Source: Timberbiz The study involved glasshouse and field trials using a range of alternative products on the highly susceptible cultivar Lophomyrtus ‘Red Dragon’. Each treatment was assessed for both efficacy in preventing infection and any adverse effects on plant health (phytotoxicity). While synthetic fungicides remain the most effective option, some promising results emerged from alternatives: Copper-based fungicides (oxide, oxychloride, hydroxide) and sulphur offered moderate protection with minimal phytotoxic effects. Sodium bicarbonate (5%) was somewhat effective in preventing infection but caused severe plant damage, including shoot dieback and suppressed growth. Lower concentrations of sodium bicarbonate and potassium-based products (bicarbonate and silicate) were less effective and still showed moderate to high phytotoxicity. A full report is due soon, after which NZPPI will update the Myrtle Rust Prevention with Fungicides protocol to reflect the latest science. Dr Beresford’s webinar will be uploaded to the Beyond Myrtle Rust website. You can download the NZPI information sheet on Myrtle Rust Prevention with Fungicides here.

Timber Queensland and Colin MacKenzie’s family will honour his life and significant contributions to the forest and timber industry at a memorial event in Brisbane. All Timber Queensland members, along with Mr MacKenzie’s friends and colleagues from across the country, are invited to attend. Source: Timberbiz Mr MacKenzie passed away on the morning of 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his loving wife Christine and daughters Aleisha and Trina. A colleague, mentor, visionary and friend, Colin’s impact on the forest and timber industry was profound, with Timber Queensland, the broader timber and building industry and the community all owing him a great debt for his tireless efforts. Colin’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation, technical excellence, and unwavering support for colleagues and the sector. This gathering will provide an opportunity to share memories, reflect on his impact, and celebrate his life among friends and peers. Timber Queensland will contact you to confirm details and your attendance in due course. Date: Wednesday 21 May Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm Venue: To be confirmed based on number of EOIs. It will be within 15 minutes of the CBD. To assist with planning an appropriate venue please register your interest here by Friday 11 April to assist with arrangements.

The volume of new homes sold in February was relatively unchanged from the previous month’s increase in sale, according to the Housing Industry Association. Source: Timberbiz The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is a leading indicator of future detached home construction. “The RBA delivered its first rate cut in four years on the 19th of February. It may take a few more months to see the effects of this rate cut on the market,” HIA Economist, Maurice Tapang, said. “A pick-up in sales at the start of 2025 has been consistent with the stable economic conditions arising. “Australia’s economy continues to grow, while unemployment remains very low, inflation is easing, and wages are growing in real terms. “While Australia’s population growth is moderating, it is doing so off very high levels. This strong population growth will only ensure underlying demand for housing remains solid,” he said. “The strong economic and household factors will offset the challenges of the higher cost of materials, labour, land and taxes on new homes. “It will be state and local factors that will determine the pick-up in home building activity across the different regions. “Those that are able to help lower the cost of and increase the supply of shovel-ready land will see a stronger increase in activity. “On the other hand, in capital cities and regions where the tax and regulatory imposts on land and new home building is high, the volume of new home starts will remain constrained. “This has already been evident in the contrast between Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia where sales have been picking up, while New South Wales and Victoria remain weak,” Mr Tapang said. In the three months to February 2025, new home sales increased in New South Wales by 55.4% compared with the same period in the previous year, off a very low base. This was followed by South Australia (+18.9%) and Queensland (+14.6%). Victoria recorded a 4.3% decrease over the same period, while Western Australia saw a 20.3% decline, off a high base last year.

Forestry has long been part of the An Cala farming operations in Tasmania’s Central Midlands and fifth-generation farm manager Dougal Morrison is continuing the practice to aid the Oatlands enterprise’s business diversification into carbon farming. Source: Timberbiz An Cala is an 8,000-hectare property that spreads across both sides of the Midland Highway at St Peters Pass, with more than 18,000 ewes run for meat and wool and several hundred beef cattle as the main sources of income. Since finishing his education and returning to the farm in 2018, Dougal, who’s father’s family has owned part of St Peters Pass since the 1820s when land grants were distributed, has been on a mission to improve the landscape and the farm’s operations, with forestry playing a key role. “All of our forestry operations are on land that has previously been harvested or land that is unsuitable to return to pasture,” Mr Morrison said. “Our plans are about getting the best return on that land, and commercial timber and carbon plantations offer us a worthwhile reward for effort. “The area grows quite good trees, and forestry helps us diversify our risk through another income stream. “It also gives us the option to offset the carbon footprint of some of our other commodities by meeting certain environmental wool and meat market certification benchmarks.” Mr Morrison is part of a Private Forests Tasmania integrated farm forestry demonstration site and was one of three farmers last year to receive a share of the $450,000 Stems for CO2 co-investment program, supported by the State Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania initiative. Under Stems for CO2, about 268 hectares of commercial trees will be planted across the properties of Dougal, Alison Napier, and Julian Devery in Oatlands, St Marys, and Riana, respectively. Mr Morrison’s project will sequester 94,280 tonnes of CO2e across 27 years in the first rotation. That’s enough to offset annual emissions from 20,648 cars or 5,427 homes. The Tasmanian Government’s $10 million commitment in 2023 to maintaining the state’s net-zero emissions status has been pivotal, with $600,000 allocated to Private Forests Tasmania to co-invest with landowners in establishing plantations for forestry and carbon farming while helping communicate the benefits of growing trees to other farmers and landowners. Using the funds, Mr Morrison will plant a four-hectare shelterbelt in August 2025 and convert two eucalyptus nitens plantations into radiata pine plantations The plan is considered a schedule 2 project under the Australian carbon credit units’ scheme where an existing short rotation plantation forest is converted to a long rotation plantation forest for commercial harvesting of wood products. One 113-hectare site will be planted in 2025, while the 39-hectare site will be completed in late winter 2026, with Forest Practices Plans and Private Timber Reserves either in action or progressing. In total, more than 160,000 seedlings will be added to the property for carbon and timber benefits over the plantations’ 27-year lifespan. “We weighed up whether to convert the land back to agricultural grazing or put it back into trees,” Mr Morrison said. “At the time, the numbers were really close because wool, land, and cattle were all selling well, and timber was not fantastic. “But with the carbon project, the numbers came out in front, and it’s probably lucky we went that way because agricultural commodities have dropped in the past four or five years. “We also contemplated going back to nitens, but we believe there will be a better market for pine in the future.” Mr Morrison said site preparation would be carried out in autumn and that firebreaks, fencing, and browsing and weed control measures were in place. “This planting is part of a larger carbon project that will total 453 hectares, some of which we have planted recently,” he said. “We have learnt a lot about how to achieve the best results from plantation establishment from our experience in the last two years, with a greater focus on browsing management needed.” Mr Morrison said Climate Friendly was managing the carbon side of his forestry enterprise, while Cross Cut Forestry Consulting’s Chris Ringk was overseeing his plantation establishment. If you are interested in integrating and growing trees on your property, email Private Forests Tasmania at admin@pft.tas.gov.au or call our free helpline on 1300 661 009 for more information.

President Trump has threatened to impose larger tariffs on the European Union and Canada if they team up against the US, as an escalating trade war with the two allies continues. Source: The Hill “If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large scale tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both in order to protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had!” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Thursday morning. The threat comes after Trump announced that he will impose a 25 percent tariff on foreign-made vehicle imports, which will hit countries like Germany particularly hard. European automakers criticized the move, arguing it will hurt US manufacturing while the nations are already impacted by Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs on trading partners. The president has also teased reciprocal tariffs set to take effect 2 April, which the president has called “liberation day”, which will hit trading partners with the same tariffs they levy on the US. Earlier this month, Trump announced broad tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and a one-month delay for auto parts covered under the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which is set to expire next week.

Built by Nature has launched its 2025 global prize called the Built by Nature Prize, recognising exemplary real-world applications of the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction in predominantly timber buildings. Source: Timberbiz On 7 April, the grant-funding network will open applications for completed and in-use projects, including new builds, renovations, and the significant prize will highlight excellence in demonstration of the Principles, with winners announced at the annual Built by Nature Summit in October. Winning buildings will be showcased at high-profile events and a documentary film premiered at COP, included in an international study tour, and presented as examples of responsible timber construction on the Built by Nature Knowledge Hub. A panel of international experts from across the construction value chain will judge submissions based on alignment with the Principles. Developed by Built by Nature and in collaboration with the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP), Bauhaus Earth and other stakeholders, the Principles establish a common framework of requirements to ensure the timber building industry can thrive sustainably. Promoting and leveraging projects that exemplify the Principles, the Prize campaign demonstrates to policymakers and the construction industry the relationship between responsible timber construction and positive outcomes for forests, biodiversity, climate, and communities across the globe. “We are proud to launch our 2025 Prize to recognise the best timber construction projects from around the world. Entrants will be asked to show how their projects align with the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction, using existing project information. The sector is already delivering great timber buildings, now it’s time to celebrate success and accelerate its replication,” Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature said. Prize judge Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Global Leader of Climate & Energy at WWF and Interim Chair of the IUCN Climate Crisis Commission said that the Principles provide consensus-based guidance for policymakers and governments, to inform regulation and support incentives for investment. They can, and should, become the global standard for timber buildings, framed under sustainability rules. The judging panel also sees a return for Ana Belizário, Sales and Business Development Director of Brazilian mass timber manufacturer Urbem, who judged the first BbN Prize in 2024. “COP30, in my native Brazil, is a huge moment for timber buildings. Ten years after the Paris Agreement, an Amazon COP must focus on timber supply chains so we can build more effectively for people, planet, and nature. This Prize will showcase the very best examples to the world,” she said. The Prize is open to all timber-based buildings that align with the Principles, with the application window opening on 7 April. English is the preferred language for applications, with translation provided if required on request. Full details of the application criteria and process can be found on the Built by Nature website. https://builtbn.org/prize/

More than 62 million tree seedlings. That is the number of seedlings Stora Enso planted or delivered to its customers in 2024. The seedlings are planted to regenerate forests after final felling across the Nordics and the Baltics. Source: Timberbiz In its annual report, Stora Enso reported that the seedlings planted in its own forests or delivered to other forest owners: a little over 20 million of the seedlings end up in its own forests in Sweden, and more than 19 million were planted on private forest owners’ lands in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Baltics. In addition, the company delivered approximately 23 million seedlings to other external customers, such as other forestry companies. Forest regeneration is a crucial part of even-aged forestry – the most common forest management method in Northern Europe. When new trees are planted after final fellings, Stora Enso makes sure there will be new forest growing to replace the felled trees. This is required by law. Planted seedlings are grown in nurseries both in Store Enso’s own nurseries in Sweden as well as by suppliers in Finland and the Baltics. The seedlings are grown from seeds produced in tree breeding programs to enhance growth and other characteristics over time. These programs are set up to ensure that the tree seedlings will be fit to the environmental conditions in the forest, now and over the decades to come. In practice, this is done by selecting trees with characteristics that are valuable for nature, productivity and resilience and crossing them with each other to produce seeds. Some important characteristics taken into account are: Tree growth: well-growing trees form forests that not only have high productivity value but also help to mitigate climate change by binding carbon dioxide more efficiently from the atmosphere Genetic diversity: healthy forests require diverse tree species but also genetically diverse tree individuals, which is why all breeding is set up to ensure sufficient genetic variability Health and strength: breeding is also set up to increase trees’ natural robustness to withstand different weather conditions as well as pests and pathogens Resilience and climate adaptation: the above-mentioned characteristic also contribute to climate change mitigation as well as to the trees’ resilience and adaptation towards the changing climate, such as extreme weather and warmer forest environments Combination of planted and natural seedlings enhance diversity. Over time, the seedlings planted in a regeneration area get mixed with naturally regenerated seedlings that grow from seeds in the soil. The company tends the forest for the first time when trees are approximately two meters in height, and at that point they leave some of the naturally regenerated seedlings. This results in a mixture of species and trees of various genetic origin. The focus remains on fostering healthy, thriving forests that will stand the test of time and the changing climate. By planting and nurturing over 62 million tree seedlings in 2024, Stora Enso ensures the regeneration of forests and works towards resilient and diverse forest ecosystems.

Two Nelson-Tasman transport companies, Stuart Drummond Transport Limited and Borlase Transport, have achieved the prestigious five-star rating in the Log Transport Safety Council Health and Safety Contractor Audit, placing them among only 14 companies nationwide to receive this elite recognition. Source: Timberbiz This achievement represents the highest level of safety excellence in the log transport industry and reflects both companies’ unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards in their operations. “We are incredibly proud to have achieved a 5-Star rating in the Health and Safety Contractor Audit. Safety has always been a top priority for our company, reflected in both our resources and the commitment and dedication of our entire team. It’s rewarding to see that when tested against a rigorous industry audit, we have achieved the highest result,” said Harry Llewellyn, General Manager of Stuart Drummond Transport. “This achievement is truly a team effort – from our workshop team to our drivers and office staff. High standards must be demonstrated across all areas of the business, and this result is a testament to the collective dedication of our team.” Steve Borlase, Business Manager for Borlase Transport Reaching said that reaching this five-star benchmark reflects years of continuous improvement and the team’s daily commitment to safety. “We’re proud to be part of this exclusive group of transport operators who set the standard for safety in New Zealand,” he said. Both companies serve as key transport partners for OneFortyOne’s New Zealand Forests business, handling the critical task of safely transporting logs from forest to market. “Working with partners who prioritise safety at this level is fundamental to our operations,” said Shaun Truelock, General Manager of OneFortyOne’s New Zealand Forests business. “Their achievement of this five-star rating reinforces our confidence in their operations and aligns perfectly with our values of safety, excellence, and responsibility. When you see these trucks on the road, you can be confident they’re meeting the highest safety standards.” The Log Transport Safety Council Certified Contractor Audit is a rigorous assessment that evaluates transport operators’ health and safety systems, operational procedures, and compliance standards. The five-star rating represents exceptional performance across all measured criteria. This recognition comes at a time when safety standards in the transport industry are increasingly important, with customers and communities alike expecting the highest levels of responsibility from operators handling large loads on public roads. Both transport companies look forward to maintaining these elite standards and continuing their successful partnerships with clients who value safety excellence.

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has welcomed a $181.9 million ongoing commitment to the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme announced in this week’s Federal Budget, describing it as a good start for Tasmanian businesses. Source: Timberbiz However, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the Federal Government must do more to assist Tasmanian businesses, including those in our sustainable forest industry. “Our industry is pleased to see the Federal Government responding to last year’s Senate Inquiry into the TFES, but to ensure the scheme remains fit for purpose the government needs to commit to ongoing review and modernisation of the program,” Mr Steel said. “This scheme was set up almost 50 years ago and it’s clear that, in its current state, it’s no longer working for Tasmanian businesses. “Being an island, Tasmania is at a distinct disadvantage compared to other states when shipping goods to their markets. The Whitlam Government introduced the TFES in the 1970s to go some way to level the playing field between mainland and Tasmanian businesses. “While we welcome to Federal Government’s commitment to rebalance the weighting for the different classes within the scheme, to arrest the class shift that has occurred over the past fifty-years, ongoing review and modernisation needs to continue – otherwise we will see the same issues occur moving forward.” Mr Steel said the TFES remains a key pillar of the TFPA’s Federal Election priorities, and the association will be working with all sides of politics to ensure the program continues to work to improve opportunities for Tasmanian forestry businesses. “We will be urging all parties to back the modernisation of the scheme to ensure it restores some cost parity and ensures an adequate indexation rate to enable businesses to participate in interstate and international trade on a more level playing field,” Mr Steel said. “Australia is currently in a cost-of-living crisis. It’s being particularly felt here in Tasmania, not only by consumers but also by businesses trying to sell to the other states. “That’s why all political parties must commit to doing everything they can to ensure Tasmanian businesses can compete fairly with their mainland competitors.”

Publication of the Wood Volumes Analysis indicates Australia has reliable access to structural forest and wood products to meet future demand. The report provides an analysis of the long-run supply of and domestic demand for wood products in Australia, particularly those used in construction. Source: Timberbiz Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said that the findings reflect the diverse timber supply available to Australians and that demand is likely to continue to increase. “Timber is a valuable resource, widely used in Australia’s construction sector,” Dr Greenville said. “Demand for construction related timber is expected to grow by about 50% by 2050 as the population increases, but the final volume will vary depending on our future preferences for housing types, with some houses using more timber than others. “On the supply side, the report indicates that Australia’s domestic log availability is projected to increase by approximately 70% through to 2055 with a record availability of 16.8 million cubic metres per year of softwood sawlogs for residential construction in 2050-2054. “Australian plantation managers are working hard to maintain and optimise log availability, and they are working alongside mills to increase the output and variety of timber products available to the domestic market.” International markets have been crucial to meet wood demand, particularly in times of short-run growth. “The long-term nature of forestry production can mean that pressure is placed on supply if there is a short-run surge in demand. In those times, access to international markets has provided access to key wood product supplies, helping maintain the momentum in domestic construction,” Dr Greenville said. “Global markets are expected to continue to be a reliable source in the future, despite the disruptions seen through COVID, when global freight was delayed. With strong global log availability and advances in technology and innovation we are expecting global trade in forest and wood products to continue.” More information or to download the report visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/forests/forest-economics/forest-economic-research/australian-wood-volumes

New Forests has entered into a partnership with Oji Holdings to establish the Future Forest Innovations Fund, a corporate forest investment fund to help it achieve its 2030 environmental goals. The partnership sees an almost US$300 million investment from Oji Holdings, along with a co-investment from New Forests. Source: Timberbiz Through the fund, Oji will seek to invest in productive plantation forestry assets in Southeast Asia, North America, Latin America and Africa, that both generate a financial return and provide considerable climate benefits. Oji will seek to target an additional 1.5m tCO2e per annum of net sequestration by 2030 from the forestry assets it acquires. Oji Holdings is already a significant investor in plantation forests globally with 635,000 hectares and through this partnership, seeks to invest in an additional 70,000 hectares of plantation forests, across greenfield and brownfield assets in the four main regions. New Forests will draw upon its 20-year history managing forests sustainably for financial, environmental and community impacts, while focusing on an improvement in genetics, implementation of leading information and analytics systems, and advanced application of geo-spatial data across forestry assets. “We are excited to partner with Oji, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pulp and paper, to establish the Future Forest Innovations Fund as a new initiative that leverages our 20 years of experience managing forest investment funds,” Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of New Forests said. “We are continuing to see momentum and interest from corporates looking to invest in forestry and the natural capital asset class. By investing in sustainable forest plantations in four major regions of the world, we will be assisting Oji to achieve their 2030 mission of growing their sustainable forestry assets and reducing overall carbon emissions.” Oji said that through the operation of this fund, we will combine the diverse expertise of New Forests, an expert in forest management, with our own forest management technologies. The aim is to develop products that use wood resources and contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society. The Future Forest Innovations Fund has been established as an open-ended, Variable Capital Company (VCC) registered in Singapore.

Australia’s forestry and forest products sector will turn its attention to the Federal Election campaign following this week’s 2025-26 Budget which the sector believes did not deliver any meaningful new investment to help forestry industries realise their potential for the climate, economy and communities. Source: Timberbiz “The Australian Forest Products Association does, however, welcome a number of small Budget measures and we thank the Albanese Government for that support,” AFPA CEO Diana Hallam said. “We will now shift our focus squarely to the Federal Election campaign to secure what our sector needs as outlined in our Platform – Australian Timber. Australia’s Future, to help fix the national housing crisis, strengthen our sovereign capability in timber and wood-fibre and ensure a healthy and well promoted and understood sector,” she said. “We welcome the additional $20 million for the Buy Australian campaign, but to really drive Australian product in the marketplace, we need the introduction of country of origin labelling to allow consumers to readily choose locally grown timber and wood-fibre. It is currently far too difficult for Australian consumers to discern where timber products come from and we will be campaigning hard for this policy in coming weeks. “The Budget’s $181.9 million in funding for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) over the forward estimates is acknowledged, but reform and more work is needed to optimise the transport of timber and wood resources across Bass Strait.” Ms Hallam said it was also disappointing that the forest products supply chain, as one of Australia’s largest manufacturing sectors, wasn’t included in the Government’s Budget announcements around green production credits which went to aluminium and iron. She said that as a sector that was truly carbon positive with innovation potential across a range of nation building products including bioenergy options from woodchip and timber residues, the sector really should be at the forefront of the Government’s planning in this policy space. “We also reiterate our support for the $54 million announced over the weekend for prefabricated and modular housing and to assist in certification for this type of manufacturing that timber and wood-fibre businesses are leading the charge on. It is timely that the Government has acknowledged pre-fabrication has expanded from just the old donga to include innovative timber panel systems which are more modern, attractive, affordable and a climate-friendly solution to building,” she said. “So, following the Budget, we will focus on the Federal Election campaign to secure what Australia’s forest products sector needs to realise its potential for the nation and the world and we’ll work with all sides of politics to achieve our goals.”

With the (New South Wales) State Government poised to announce the creation of a Great Koala National Park, a unique opportunity emerges to balance the establishment of protected koala habitats and the preservation of state forests, offering a win for positive environmental, social, cultural, and economic outcomes. Whether managed as national park or state forest, science-based active forest management – the thoughtful and deliberate tending of forests – will be crucial to maintaining and enhancing Australia’s forests, responding to climate change and conserving koala habitat. Simply creating a national park does not guarantee biodiversity conservation. There is no doubt when managed well, national parks benefit the environment and communities by conserving biodiversity, providing for recreational opportunities and cultural wellbeing, storing carbon and providing clean water. State forests, also provide all of these values, along with recreation and eco-tourism opportunities, timber and non-timber forest products. The effective conservation benefit provided by state forests has been demonstrated by recent research that shows koala numbers remain high and stable in NSW state forest. However, this is not a guarantee, for example, in Booderee National Park, severe declines in native animal species have occurred. Potoroos and bandicoots have had to be re-introduced from nearby state forest after becoming locally extinct within the national park. In the Pilliga Forest the thriving population of koala declined following conversion of state forest areas to conservation reserves. This decline is attributed to changes in management that previously encouraged the growth of eucalypt species favoured by koalas. Given this, it is critical that these lessons be learned and applied if the Great Koala National Park is to truly conserve koala. Equally, it is important to understand the consequences of removing sustainable, renewable, modest and highly regulated native forest timber supply from state forests when creating the new Great Koala National Park. Research has shown that when Australian hardwood timber from native forests becomes unavailable, it is mostly replaced by imported timber, concrete, steel or fibre cement – only in relatively few cases is it replaced by Australian plantation products. The products that predominantly replace native forest timber products have high carbon cost, are less environmentally friendly and represent a much greater sovereign risk. Some groups advocate for Australia to rely solely on plantations for its timber supply. However, claims that such a transition can be done easily are false and oversimplistic. For now, we simply do not have sufficient plantations to replace the wood products sourced from native forests. Increasing the plantation estate needs to start today, however even then it will take decades to meet Australia’s growing timber needs. Addressing this is an important task given that every recent global climate-change mitigation strategy highlights the increased use of wood as a substitute for materials with high carbon emissions. Managing the threat of bushfires is another key consideration. Effective conservation recognises and embraces the role of year-round fire management in maintaining healthy forests. The reality is that converting state forest to national park causes a loss of capacity that seriously undermines efforts to prepare for, and respond to, future bushfires. Lessons from Victoria show the difficulty and high costs of maintaining the skill and capacity of expert fire contractors following closure of the state forest industry that provides their core work. Deciding which areas become a Great Koala National Park presents the NSW Government with a significant opportunity. Through striking the right mix of national parks and state forests we can meet the many and varying needs of society and the environment. By adopting holistic and science-based approaches, the NSW Government can demonstrate that it is possible to simultaneously achieve all the benefits flowing from well managed forests. This opinion piece was originally submitted to the Sydney Morning Herald. Dr Michelle Freeman, Science Policy Officer Forestry Australia

The good steady run of reasonable pricing across export log sales over the last five months is now facing some head winds as a number of factors line up to potentially see some downward pressure on wharf gate log prices in Q2. A weakness in demand in China is being primarily driven by a combination of tariff concerns, domestic prices dropping and manufacturers lacking confidence. This is having a broader cumulative impact with most export agents experiencing buyers starting to refuse to issue contracts and Letters of Credit. Most are saying they believe prices will drop and they are waiting to see where the bottom is. Whilst we might otherwise have a sense of history repeating, this time any movements being quoted appear to be suggesting a few dollars only. All are quoting the Trump factor as causing as much nervousness amongst hina manufacturers as any single element. Increases in shipping costs are starting to be the order of the day with up to US$10 per cubic lifts for some voyages. The Red Sea Conflict is not helping. With Houthis rebels attacking commercial shipping, hundreds of vessels are diverting to the longer route around Cape Horn to get to the UK and Europe. Some commentators have suggested shipping costs are returning to slightly above where they were pre COVID. This is not good news for those with an expectation the new levels could be short lived. Erstwhile back in China, the total softwood log inventory has remained unchanged at about 3.9mil m3 and off port sales have been running along at around 60,000 per day. Again. the market fundamentals are not entirely unfavourable, so we do not expect the market to crash as it did in Q1 2024. Recent stimulus packages announced by the China government are not thus far adding economic revival to the extent of fixing a massively over stocked housing market. Some commentary has suggested there will be better times ahead as a consequence of the Government targeted spend. In India the signs are more promising. February log vessel arrivals totalled 7 with the same number predicted in March. This is about the right number with inventory falling and some of the distressed cargo held in bond also starting to move. Whist we can expect to see better price stability in India, shipping remains the most significant challenge, both in terms of cost and availability. The net impact of the current tariff on NZ logs is being quoted as the largest ticket item currently preventing us from growing our market share. At present NZ logs sold to India customers attract effectively a US$7 per cubic metre tariff. Thus, many forestry eyes are focussed on our Prime Minister and Trade Minister Todd McClay as they attempt a Free Trade Agreement. The removal of the tariff could add NZ$50 mil + per year to export earnings through a combination of tariff removal and the additional market share that would be created. In a scale context this does not sound like a big number. In reality, the total wood product sales from NZ to India in 2024 was $76mil. Clearly there is much to be done to develop this market. Kiwi Leaders have started by treating this as a front and centre issue. This has the forest industries wide support with clear evidence India has much to offer NZ forest owners. Our domestic sawmill owners seem mostly happy with sales levels just so so. Most seem to believe the impending winter could present scale challenges but there is a consensus new house starts are back on the rise and new sales enquiries at reasonable volumes increasing As with the log grade, the current firming of the NZ$/US$ exchange rate is not helping the bottom line. The perverse is if the illustrious President Trump succeeds with the current tariff impositions, this should help strengthen the US$ thus bring the Kiwi back down. The next two months could be interesting. If China domestic prices swing back up due to demand, we will be Ok. If they do not, it will be batten down the hatches and slow the number of log vessels leaving NZ. Kiwi loggers taking a good long week off at Easter would help. As always, please remember the thoroughly important message, “despite the challenges, it remains, as always, fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees”! Allan Laurie, Managing Director, Laurie Forestry.