Australian timber industry news

The Commonwealth Bank has become the first major bank to make financing easier for prefabricated houses. The bank has agreed to sponsor the development of a standard form contract for the modern methods of construction (MMC) sector to help support home buyers and manufacturers. Source: Timberbiz Standard-form contracts for traditional on-site construction are widely available and accepted by banks, allowing home buyers to enter into an agreement and commence dwelling construction on-site with bank finance. However, this streamlined process does not currently exist for the prefabricated construction industry where homes are built off-site. At the Treasurer’s Investor Roundtable in November, banks and other investors committed to addressing barriers to financing modern methods of construction, in particular prefabricated housing. “Prefabricated construction is fast, efficient and can play a meaningful role in addressing Australia’s housing shortage. To date however, everything about construction has been created with traditional, onsite work in mind, and we need to rapidly reimagine how we support this industry to unlock scale and deliver more quality and sustainable homes to market sooner,” said Mike Vacy-Lyle, Group Executive Business Bank at CBA. “CBA has a track record of supporting innovative construction companies, including our work with Modscape since 2017, to bring cutting-edge home-building technology to Australia. Now, we’re proudly joining prefabAUS to work closely with and support local manufacturers. Overseas in countries like Sweden, 80 per cent of houses are being factory built, and we would expect to see Australia’s prefabricated construction sector expand rapidly,” he said. The bank also plans to introduce policy changes later this quarter, to help improve access to finance for those Australians who are considering purchasing a prefabricated home. Under the new policy, which is a first among the major banks, Commonwealth Bank will enable customers to access progress payments prior to the property being affixed to land, up to 60% of the total contract price, rather than the customer having to fund up to 90% of the upfront costs, which has previously been the case. Customers who use an accredited CommBank prefab manufacturer to construct their property will be able to access progress payments up to 80% of the total contract price. “While prefabricated homes are a great housing option for many Australians, they have been historically challenging to finance, with customers needing to cover much of the upfront costs,” said Michael Baumann, Executive General Manager Home Buying at CBA. “We want to alleviate some of the financial barriers associated with prefabricated properties. We believe these upcoming changes will help to achieve just that, giving more Australians the chance to look at this way of building a home, which could, in turn, help deliver more supply to market faster.” Damien Crough, founding director of Australia’s peak body for the off-site construction industry, said working with CBA was significant in overcoming barriers facing the prefabricated housing sector and solidifying its role in addressing Australia’s housing shortage. “With support from CBA, prefabAUS will tackle some of the challenges facing our members and their clients. We are excited to unlock the potential of off-site construction to address one of the nation’s most critical challenges—providing access to high-quality housing at pace,” Mr Crough said. “Utilising prefabrication, a house constructed in a controlled factory environment is built in 10 to 12 weeks, compared to around 18-plus months through conventional building,” he added. Jan Gyrn, Chief Executive Officer of Modscape, a leading offsite manufacturing company in Australia, welcomed the collaboration between CBA and prefabAUS. “With support from the CBA, we’ve installed a new robotic line at our facility in Essendon Fields that is the first and most advanced of its type in the Southern Hemisphere,” he said. “It plays a crucial role in facilitating the delivery of large-scale residential projects such as the Affordable Housing Project in Cairns, which is the biggest modular social and affordable housing project in Australia and will see 1,008 volumetric timber modules delivered. “We’re able to complete eight modules a day, providing a great option for the rapid delivery of much needed homes for Australians,” Mr Gyrn said.  

The Greens’ continued opposition to Australia’s sustainable native forestry industries shows how inaccurate, regressive and outdated their arguments are in the political discourse. . Source: Timberbiz The science shows the enormous environmental and climate – not to mention critical economic benefits the sector provides for Australia, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said AFPA was responding to a statement by the Greens that under their plan the NSW Government would be able to access $140.4 million of Commonwealth funding per year, for 20 years, contingent on an end to all native forest logging in the state. “Like a broken record and far from the progressive force they claim to be, the Greens have announced they’re taking a position to end native forestry to the Federal Election,” Ms Hallam said. “Make no mistake, this stance aims to destroy the economic livelihoods of rural communities, increase bushfire risks across the country, hamper our ability to sequester carbon to fight climate change, offshore more jobs and force Australia to rely on more imported native hardwood for essential products – often from countries that don’t adhere to our world leading forestry management practices. The Greens are environmentally irresponsible.” The United Nations’ own science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) declares – “A sustainable forest management strategy aimed at maintaining or increasing forest carbon stocks, while producing an annual sustained yield of timber, fibre or energy from the forest, will generate the largest sustained mitigation benefit.” – IPCC 4th Assessment. Scientific studies demonstrate that sustainable timber harvesting results in reduced wildfire risk, and contrary to what the Greens like to claim – that it has minimal impact on koala populations, which are at far greater risk from development, traffic, feral animals and other pests and diseases like chlamydia. “It’s really disappointing that the Greens keep trashing this wonderful industry to drive clickbait donations from supporters they continually mislead and deceive. “They really should ask themselves how they’ll deal with decimated local communities and economies, dodgy imports and the hugely increased fire risks locked up forests create – if they succeed,” Ms Hallam said. “Thankfully, both the Albanese Government, the Coalition and a number of other minor parties and independents are aware of the science and recognise the critical importance of native forestry to our nation. “They recognise that we are world leaders in sustainable forestry management which is why they back a sector that provides the lifeblood in many parts of regional Australia. This Federal Election – we need more science informing the political debate, not outdated and irrelevant spin from the Greens.”    

The success of the IUFRO World Congress 2024 was a collective effort, involving hundreds of individuals. This summary report prepared by the Congress Organizing Committee presents the carrying out and outcome of the IUFRO World Congress 2024. Source: Timberbiz It was the largest IUFRO World Congress ever with almost 4,300 delegates from 110 countries, 3,500 presentations and hundreds of showcased innovations. IUFRO’s role as the global voice of forest science is more critical than ever. Under the theme Forests and Society Towards 2050, the congress set new standards for scientific dialogue, innovation, collaboration, diversity, interdisciplinarity and inclusivity. The congress has proven its value in advancing research, influencing policy, and addressing global challenges. Moving forward, it showed the need to inspire young researchers, strengthen regional partnerships, and advocate for sustainable forest management globally. The results from the congress will guide IUFRO’s future work and make a lasting impact worldwide. The Summary Report summarizes the congress participation and the management by the host organizations IUFRO, SLU and the other co-hosting organizations in the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as the momentous contributions by hundreds of individuals, partners and subcommittees. Looking ahead to the next IUFRO World Congress in Kenya in 2029, the Summary Report is essential to secure the heritage from the outgoing to the incoming Congress Organizing Committee. The concept of the IUFRO World Congress needs constant improvements and should evolve in line with societal development. Still, the handing over of a strong heritage should give the next host country the prerequisites for the IUFRO World Congress to remain a strong platform to guide the future global forest community dialogue, in accordance with the Stockholm Congress Statement. You can download the summary report at https://www.iufro.org/iufro-news/iufro-2024-world-congress-summary-report

Volvo has launched a new lineup of articulated haulers which is set for stepwise introductions on markets globally during 2025. The updated models mark a significant technological leap forward thanks to key innovations such as a new electronic system and an in-house developed transmission, delivering fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15% depending on model and industrial application. Source: Timberbiz The machines’ new state-of-the-art design has been constructed in such a way as to adapt over time to fit future drivetrains. A highlight of this launch is the all-new A50 model, which expands customer opportunities in the demanding hauler segment. This addition, available in selected markets, underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers by enhancing operational capabilities and offering more choices. The result is cutting-edge, safe, and productive machines that have been purpose-built to lower total cost of ownership and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow across the toughest of worksites, especially when combined with Volvo’s pioneering digital solutions, such as the Haul Assist with onboard weighing. “For nearly 60 years we have been leading the way with our range of articulated haulers and now with today´s launch of a new range of outstanding products, including one completely new model, we prove that there are no limits to our capacity for innovation,” Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE said. “Our customers know to expect a first-class operation when they get into one of our haulers, but that experience has just got even better with a host of cutting-edge features designed with our customers in mind.” Developed to be among the most fuel-efficient hauling solutions on the market, the new models have also been built with a focus on sustainability. This includes the introduction of low carbon emission steel made from recycled materials and produced using fossil free electricity and biogas in serial production of haulers manufactured at the Braås site. Given steel is a major component in Volvo CE products and traditionally generates significant carbon emissions material circularity is another example of Volvo CE taking action across its operations to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This launch is part of Volvo’s most extensive product portfolio overhaul in decades, with over 35% of its range renewed in the past 12 months. It marks a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in the construction equipment industry.

The Trump administration has taken significant steps to reshape the United States’ trade relations with Canada by imposing tariffs on Canadian lumber imports. President Donald Trump, during recent executive orders signed at the Oval Office, remarked, “We don’t need the products from Canada. We have all the oil you need. We have all the trees you need.” Source: The Pinnacle Gazette https://evrimagaci.org/tpg This declaration underpins the rationale behind the newly established 25% tariff on softwood lumber, which comprises about 30% of the lumber used annually for American homes. The tariffs come at a time when housing affordability has reached crisis levels across the United States. This affordability crisis is compounded by rising demand resulting from natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, which have destroyed thousands of homes. Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy for Housing First Minnesota, stated, “Our industry relies heavily on predictability. Whether it’s lumber tariffs or tariffs on any other import, these can impact the supply chain.” He adds emphasis to how these tariffs invariably increase costs for new homebuyers. The introduction of tariffs on lumber could escalate already soaring construction costs. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has expressed concern over the significant share of softwood lumber imported, noting the role it plays as the backbone of home construction used extensively for framing, roofing, and siding. According to NAHB estimates, out of approximately US$184 billion worth of goods contributing to new single-family and multifamily construction this year, around US$13 billion comprises imported materials, with lumber (valued at approximately US$8.5 billion) accounting for the lion’s share of imports. History has shown the volatile nature of lumber tariffs. The previous Softwood Lumber Agreement between the US and Canada limited trade flows significantly, which saw US lumber producers gain from tariffs at the expense of consumers, who faced higher prices. Rajan Parajuli, a professor of forest economics and policy at North Carolina State University noted, “The losers always will be the consumers with the limited benefit for the domestic producers.” His remarks highlight the potential pitfalls of restricting imported lumber historical patterns suggest it leads to inflated costs for American buyers rather than bolstering the domestic industry. Despite arguments asserting the US can compensate for the loss of lumber imports with domestic production, experts caution against oversimplification. There are substantial barriers to scaling up domestic lumber production capacity. Robert Dietz, chief economist at NAHB, explained, “Expanding the industry takes time. There are regulatory approvals required to open new sawmills, which convert timber to lumber, and harvesting limits pose additional challenges.” He elaborates on the systemic labour shortages the sector faces, with hundreds of thousands of positions remaining unfilled, affecting sawmills and the timber industry alike. The lumber pricing instability was starkly illustrated during the pandemic when prices surged dramatically. Reports detailed how the price of softwood lumber skyrocketed from around US$350 to over US$1,500 per thousand board feet, underscoring the fragility of the housing materials market. Even as production remained relatively steady, the associated costs rose significantly. While the deluge of tariffs and their repercussions paint a bleak picture for housing affordability, some researchers and industry leaders express cautious optimism. Erickson pointed out, “This housing shortage in America has really created this interesting bipartisanship… on this concept of increasing housing affordability.” This sentiment reflects growing unity among stakeholders across political lines, as pressure mounts to diminish barriers to new housing construction. The future remains uncertain, and with tariffs likely driving up costs significantly, maintaining housing affordability will require careful navigation through both political and economic landscapes. Homebuilders are hopeful for easing regulations and innovative policy solutions to mitigate the challenges presented by tariffs and the overall housing crisis.

A New Zealand survey just published, has revealed no detectable signs of kauri in the Hūnua Ranges. The health monitoring survey, the first for the Hūnua Ranges, was carried out between March and November 2023. It was designed to establish the health of kauri, including whether the pathogen might be present in the ranges and collected comprehensive data on 561 kauri trees. Source: Timberbiz The survey was a collaborative effort between Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation, and ngā iwi mana whenua o Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui – Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Ngāti Tamaterā. Results indicate a robustly healthy kauri population, with over 95% of trees surveyed in excellent health, a much higher rate than the 55% of sites observed in the 2021 Waitākere survey. Furthermore, over 92% of surveyed sites showed the presence of healthy seedlings or saplings, indicating strong regeneration and a healthy ecosystem. Importantly, the survey found no evidence of kauri dieback within the study area. Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee Councillor Richard Hills says Auckland Council has made significant investment into both kauri protection and surveillance since 2018, and the report shows these efforts are paying off. “The kauri dieback pathogen has been detected in most regions where kauri grows in New Zealand, so to have 97% to 99.9% confidence the Hūnua Ranges area is dieback free, is remarkable,” says Councillor Hills. “As a popular destination, recreational activity in the Hūnua Ranges is high and the results demonstrate the importance the community places on protecting this special area and supporting the council in its efforts to keep kauri healthy and thriving. “The assurance this report affords us is critical for ongoing forest management and underscores the necessity for proactive conservation efforts and community engagement to preserve the health of the Hūnua Ranges and all of our precious forests.” Auckland Council’s Principal Biosecurity Advisor, Dr Sarah Killick says protecting kauri from the threat of dieback is paramount to ensuring the specie’s survival. “The findings of this survey provide a baseline for monitoring kauri health and will guide future prevention strategies to safeguard this precious ecosystem.” The survey’s risk assessment highlighted areas most vulnerable to pathogen introduction. A similar survey in the Waitākere Ranges in 2022 indicated kauri dieback was strongly associated with historical and recent soil disturbances. In areas where it occurred, kauri appeared to be more prone to poor health and vulnerable to disease. Evidence indicates soil and forest disturbances are introduction pathways for kauri dieback, emphasising the importance of preventing soil movement as key to protecting the health of this forest. Enhanced AI and machine learning tools have helped map kauri, building on the successes of similar efforts in the Waitākere Ranges. Dr Killick says ongoing monitoring will be critical to track changes in kauri health over time, considering factors such as land use, environmental management, and climate change. The survey will continue to be carried out every five years.  

The Tasmanian Foresty Hub invites forest industry employers to join the Employer + Service Provider Workshop on 11 February 2025. This is an opportunity to connect with key services to help build and strengthen your workforce. Source: Timberbiz This interactive workshop is designed to explore tailored solutions, and build lasting connections with representatives from Workforce Australia, Jobs Hubs, RTOs, labour hire firms, Group Training Organisations (GTOs), migrant support services, and others to explain how they can work with forestry employers, all with a forestry-specific focus. You’ll hear about available support with recruitment and hiring incentives, how you can get funding support for staff training and what options there are to fill short term or seasonal workforce gaps. Learn about alternative options to employ apprentices and what connections are available to assist in supporting a migrant workforce. Recruitment experts will also discuss how AI can streamline your hiring process, making it easier to find the right people. Workforce development is a key focus for the Tasmania Forestry Hub. By bringing employers and service providers together, we’re helping to build a strong and adaptable workforce to support the growth of Tasmania’s forestry industry. Book at https://events.humanitix.com/forestry-employer-service-provider-workshop

Following the closure of Tangiwai Mill in the Ruapehu District of New Zealand, Ernslaw One has found a solution to getting its logs out of Karioi Forest, to Napier Port. Source: Timberbiz Thanks to collaboration with KiwiRail, Napier Port, McCarthy Transport and Qube Ports, Ernslaw made its first log delivery by rail from Karioi Forest to Napier Port in late January. The parties acknowledged the efforts of Andy Watson, Mayor of Rangitīkei District Council, who was instrumental in facilitating discussions in the region. Steve Couper, SNI Regional Manager for Ernslaw One, says despite the mill closing, the company wanted to continue production and keep its contractors in work. “The move away from road cartage to rail has many advantages. It is a safety gain for the logging truck drivers, as well as for other road users and local residents.” Mr Couper said. “We approached KiwiRail and Napier Port to negotiate a deal that would make it feasible, and after some pencil sharpening, we’ve been able to get this agreement in place and get these logs on to rail.” Napier Port CEO Todd Dawon said it was a win for everyone. “It’s a great example of how export NZ benefits when everyone in the supply chain works together on sensible, efficient solutions that are sustainable and commercially viable for all parties,” he said. “Being flexible for customers is a Napier Port priority and we adjusted our landside logistics and port operations to receive Ernslaw’s logs by rail; cargo we previously received processed as timber, lumber and pulp from WPI. “We have increasing volumes of freight from the Central and Lower North Island, and rail is an important part of connecting these customers with the many international shipping services that call Napier Port.” KiwiRail Executive General Manager Freight and Rolling Stock Operations Paul Ashton said that the benefits to the region are huge. “Removing so many trucks from this road, which is complex to maintain due to its many bends and steep grades, will greatly reduce road deterioration,” he said. “The more freight carried by rail on long journeys, the lower New Zealand’s total transport emissions, and the lower the carbon footprint of KiwiRail’s customers. This is a great result, and we appreciate the collaboration of all parties who have worked together to market his possible.” Mike McCarthy managing director of McCarthy’s transport said that they were pleased to be operating the Tangiwai rail yard working alongside Ernslaw, Kiwi Rail, Qube and Napir Port. “With the Napier-Taihape Road deteriorating due to the increase in heavy vehicles carting wood across since the WPI mill closures, the Tangiwai rail is a good solution to continue to move the same amount of volume. We are in full support of this and look forward to getting started,” he said. The Rangitīkei District Council was concerned about having additional logging trucks on the roads, impacting roading wear and tear, and initiated discussions with all parties involved to assist in reaching a solution.

New home sales in 2024 strengthened compared to the previous year despite the headwinds of high borrowing, land and building costs, according to HIA Economist Maurice Tapang. 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. “Interest rate stability, low levels of unemployment, strong population growth and improvements in real wages helped boost new home sales from its trough, increasing by 8.2% in 2024,” Mr Tapang said. “It is now almost 15 months since the RBA last raised interest rates. New home buyers are slowly returning to market amid expectations of rate cuts this year. “The recent rise in new home sales has also been geographically dispersed, driven by those markets outside of the two largest states, New South Wales and Victoria. “Western Australia was the first market to see a notable increase in new home sales last year, with a slowdown in sales in 2024 coming as a result of capacity constraints. “Queensland and South Australia followed, recording the strongest growth in new home sales across all markets in 2024, off their troughs in the previous year. “The volume of new homes sold in Victoria was virtually unchanged in 2024 compared to the previous year. Sales in Victoria have yet to pick up remarkably since the pull-forward in sales in April 2024 due to regulatory changes. “New South Wales recorded an 11.8% increase in the 2024 calendar year, albeit from very low levels in 2023 when sales fell by more than 50 per cent. “The high cost of residential land, particularly in Sydney, is preventing New South Wales from seeing a stronger increase in new home sales despite ongoing population growth and acute shortages of housing. “The recent increase in new home sales in most markets is beginning to trickle through to approvals data, with 109,610 houses approved nationally in the most recent twelve months. “With new home sales and detached house approvals picking up in 2024, the improvement in the volume of new homes commencing construction is likely to be sustained, progressing further into 2025,” Mr Tapang said. New home sales in Queensland rose by 40.6% in the 2024 calendar year, the strongest increase across all markets. This was followed by South Australia (+25.8%) and New South Wales (+11.8%). Sales in Victoria were virtually unchanged (-0.6%), while Western Australia recorded a 7.1% decline in sales in 2024.

A clear-fall operation is set to start soon in Armidale State Forest to remove dead and dying pine trees, which present a public safety risk. Source: Timberbiz The northern section of the pine plantation in Armidale State Forest has been closed due to safety concerns over the instability of pine trees that died during the 2019-2020 drought. Northern Regional Manager Gary Pearson said a previous harvest operation selectively removed dead and dying trees in the forest and aimed to leave as many trees as possible. “Further trees have since died and storms have impacted the compartment increasing the risk to the public of overhead hazards from falling branches and leaning trees in this section of the plantation forest,” Mr Pearson said. “A clear-fall operation is anticipated to start mid-February with harvested trees to be supplied to various markets. “Once the area has been cleared options to replant sections of the compartment or allow pine regeneration to naturally colonise the site will be considered,” Mr Pearson said. It is anticipated the operation could be completed by mid to late April allowing for the reopening of the road through the harvested area. Once clearing operations commence the forest will be closed again, for short periods, while these activities occur. The eastern section of the forest, comprising younger pine trees may be thinned at the same time. This operation will depend on the salvageable product available. Since closing sections of the forest to the public Forestry Corporation has worked with permit holders and forest users to ensure access around the closed areas.

All plantation forests north of Townsville are now closed to public access due to heavy rainfall. The situation will be reassessed on Thursday, 6 February 2025. Source: Timberbiz The closure includes HQP’s Ingham, Cardwell, Atherton and Kuranda plantations. Conditions may be unsafe and damage to the road network can be extensive when conditions are this wet. Several North Queensland rivers are flooding and warnings are in place from Tully to Ayr, with a severe thunderstorm warnings for Cairns. More heavy falls are forecast across parts of North Queensland that have already recorded more than 500 millimetres of rain in recent days. Catchments are at bursting point with roads awash and flights cancelled. A period of sustained dry weather will be required before plantations roads can be traversed safely and without causing further damage. HQP is urging all recreation users to respect these closures so that safe and responsible access to the plantations can be restored as soon as possible. Plantation forest closures fall under the Forestry Act 1959 and can be enforced by police, QPWS rangers and plantation officers. Fines for non-compliance currently range from $276 to almost $1,400. Driving through mud on plantations roads at any time is also unlawful and penalties apply. State and local government-managed roads through plantations remain open unless otherwise indicated by closed gates, road signage or police. Please refer to the Parks and Forests website www.parks.des.qld.gov.au for restrictions in relation to campgrounds and other areas managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in this area.

Under a Greens’ plan, the NSW Government will be able to access $140.4 million of Commonwealth funding per year, for 20 years, contingent on an end to all native forest logging in the state. Source: Timberbiz They say the funding will go directly towards ecological restoration and ensuring a just transition for communities and workers. The Greens say they will pay for this plan by making the big corporations pay more tax. The Greens will advocate for this funding to contribute to establishing the Great Southern National Park, which they say will ensure the protection and enjoyment of our forests by all for generations to come. Under this proposal, there is the potential for more 400,000 hectares of state forest to be added to the reserve system once native forest logging ends. They say funding could go towards rehabilitating and restoring forests, creating sustainable communities and jobs, working with Traditional Owners, supporting sustainable plantations, and increasing disaster resilience and management capability, including remote area firefighting Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Nick McKim, Greens spokesperson for Forests, and Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens spokesperson for the Environment, were in Batemans Bay to announce the Australian Greens’ plan to end native forest logging in NSW and create the Great Southern Forest National Park. “Ending native forest logging once and for all and restoring them is necessary for our environment, climate and community. Logging native forests is not just unsustainable, it’s untenable,” Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens said. “The NSW South Coast forests and communities have been through devastating bushfires and logging continues to destroy the habitat of endangered species like the greater glider. Creating the Great Southern Forest National Park will ensure the protection and restoration of our precious forests and the wildlife within for generations to come. If we don’t step up for nature now – the ancient living breathing forests will become graveyards. “By not ending native forest logging the Federal and NSW Labor governments have failed our environment, climate and communities, all to serve corporate interests over people and the planet. “Our magnificent forests should be a sanctuary for wildlife like the Greater Gliders, not a sacrifice to industry. Yet, Federal and State Governments have sanctioned native forest logging and stood by and watched the trees fall. “It is time for the government to stop siding with industry and start protecting our forests, climate, water, and our future.” Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Forests said that ending native forest logging is a huge opportunity for the people of NSW, particularly regional communities. “We can protect nature, take climate action, and create thousands of new, well paid, skilled jobs in firefighting, rewinding and environmental restoration and management,” he said. Sue Higginson MLC, NSW Greens Spokesperson for the Environment said that it was past time that native forest logging ended in NSW. It is driving the extinction and climate crises, and our precious forests need to be protected and regenerated. “Stitching together the unfinished Great Southern Forests is just part of the fantastic project that is protecting and regenerating all native forests in NSW – and the Greens are putting our plan to fund it on the table,” she said. “If the NSW Minns Labor Government wants to recover any of their credibility on the environment and forests, then they should grab this opportunity with both hands.”  

This Sunday 2 February is World Wetlands Day and this year’s theme is ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future’. It reminds us that wetlands are not only crucial for biodiversity. Wetlands play important roles in our communities, industries, and cultural heritage. Source: Timberbiz More than 30% of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed by human activity over the past 50 years. Wetlands are vital for humans and animals, providing clean water and food. We have always, and will always, need healthy wetlands to thrive. Given this destruction, protecting and conserving them is more important than ever. People around the globe celebrate World Wetlands Day every 2 February. This date marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention), signed in Iran on 2 February 1971. Contracting parties, including countries like Australia, have celebrated World Wetlands Day since 1997. It became a United Nations International Day in 2022. In Australia, the convention recognises 67 wetlands, which span over 8.3 million hectares – an area larger than Tasmania. Since last World Wetlands Day, we’ve kept working towards global adoption of the convention. Last May, we joined a year of celebrations for Cobourg Peninsula Wetland. It became the world’s first Ramsar site over 50 years ago. It remains a pristine wonderland for Traditional Owners, wildlife, and visitors. Its preservation is thanks in part to its addition to the Ramsar List, and the sustained efforts of its managers. In June 2024 and January 2025, we represented Australia at the Standing Committee meetings of the Convention on Wetlands in Gland, Switzerland. These meetings showcase global commitment to conservation and produce important real-world outcomes for wetlands. In 2024, record attendance of 190 delegates from 60 countries developed a new strategic plan and saw proposals to update global waterbird population estimates. We also funded a Pacific youth role in conjunction with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). This role will teach young Pacific peoples to care for their wetland resources. As we reflect on what we’ve accomplished, we recognise we must all do more to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory is the world’s first listed Ramsar site. It was listed for its: diversity of coastal and inland wetland types support for populations of threatened species including endangered turtles maintenance of regional biodiversity support for life-cycle functions such as turtle and waterbird breeding important fish nursery and spawning habitats. The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park (Cobourg Peninsula) is jointly managed by Traditional Owners and the Northern Territory Government. The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission works with the Arrarrkbi people, the Traditional Owners of the land. The Arrarrkbi people are both decision-making partners in the management of the national park through its Board of Management, and contributors of traditional knowledge to managing the peninsula. Being joint decision-makers at Cobourg Peninsula means the Arrarrkbi people can continue their spiritual and cultural connections with the land and sea, as well as contribute invaluable knowledge look after the peninsula for future generations. The Cobourg Peninsula celebrated its 50th anniversary as a Wetland of International Importance in May 2024. Australia was one of five founding nations to sign the Ramsar Convention. We also designated the world’s first Wetland of International Importance under the convention. This was the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory, listed in 1974. Since then, Australia has listed 67 of its wetlands under the convention. Every state or territory is home to a Ramsar wetland, and they cover more than 8.3 million hectares. Iconic Australian sites include: Kakadu National Park (NT) Roebuck Bay (WA) Gippsland Lakes (Vic) Moreton Bay (Qld) Blue Lake (NSW) Macquarie Marshes (NSW) Coorong (SA) Australia continues to play an important role in making sure the convention meets its goal of preserving Earth’s wetlands. We do this by supporting the adoption and implementation of the convention’s principles in Australia and Oceania.

After 22 intensive weeks of theoretical and practical work, it was finally time for graduation for the first batch of trainees who completed SCA’s forest machine operator training. Source: Timberbiz The group celebrated with a lunch and diploma ceremony. “We have successfully created a very good training program where we included all the planned educational modules,” said Björn Eriksson of SCA, one of those responsible for the training. Marcus Dahlstedt is one of the participants and he will now work as a forwarder driver in SCA’s felling team in Sundsvall. “I am very satisfied with the training. It has been very enjoyable and a good mix of theory and practical elements in the forest,” he said. I used to work at Valmet, but I like being in the forest, and for me, the training was an opportunity to switch careers. That the training was paid was crucial for being able to change professions. The setup that you are matched with an employer early in the training is very good. I did my internship with the Sundsvall team and now it feels completely natural to step in on a real basis.” The first training session was located in Sollefteå and out of over 210 applicants, four women and eight men were selected. Almost all are now moving on to jobs as forest machine operators, with SCA and SCA-contractors. “Changed conditions at a contractor have unfortunately affected the employment for one of the participants, but we are hopeful that it will be resolved soon. The goal of the training was that everyone would work with one of our skilled contractors or in SCA’s own forest machine teams when the training was complete,” said Magnus Eriksson, head of Operational Development Production, who is responsible for the training. On February 24, 2025, the second training session begins. It has also attracted many applicants for the 12 spots. “We look forward to meeting the next batch of forestry machine operators. A significant difference in the second training session is that it will be winter when the training starts, which means we need to make some adjustments to the schedule to make the various educational modules as good as possible,” Mr Eriksson said. For Mr Dahlstedt, full-time forest machine operation awaits. “I look forward to beautiful days in the forest and being able to manage my workday myself. I enjoy working alone. The plan is to keep working like this for a while, and then we’ll see what happens. Running my own business is a vision, but there are many other exciting jobs within SCA as well. We gained good insight into that through the training and all the different professional roles that contributed their knowledge to our education. It is inspiring for the future.”  

The forest products industries faced a year of significant change in 2024, marked by shifting market dynamics and unexpected challenges. From fluctuating demand and pricing to an increasing emphasis on biofuel innovations, the sector underwent remarkable transformations. Source: Timberbiz As part of its annual tradition, ResourceWise is sharing key insights and forecasts for the year ahead. Here are eight pivotal predictions that will shape the forest products industry in 2025. The Year of Supply Chain Transparency This year is poised to become a pivotal year for supply chain transparency, particularly for forest product companies and landowners. A wave of new regulations is on the horizon, coupled with the gradual rise of voluntary compliance requirements. What does this mean? Although the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was delayed until January 2026, it remains a priority, with the EU Parliament reaffirming its commitment to the initiative. While the industry has gained an additional year to comply, the pressure to adapt is building. Moreover, end users of forest products, especially consumer facing companies, are committing to increased transparency. Voluntary carbon markets continue to play a key role in corporate ESG strategies. While physical decarbonization is considered more effective and credible, there isn’t enough supply to meet the growing demand. As a result, the market for carbon credits and offsets often criticized for credibility issues, will require greater transparency to thrive. At the same time, the traditional timberland value model, centred on stumpage, is evolving (see Prediction 3). Landowners will increasingly need to adopt voluntary carbon standards to unlock new revenue streams from their forests. This shift will demand heightened transparency, marking a significant transformation in the industry. Eastern and Western Economies Drift Further Apart Amid Renewed Trade Tariffs The decoupling of Eastern and Western Hemisphere economies is set to continue, driven by a potential “second wave” of Trump-era trade tariffs targeting heavily subsidized economies. This is in addition to European trade actions banning or penalizing imports of Chinese made goods, most notable electric vehicles. This shift could have several key implications: China’s paper industry: Already facing overcapacity, China’s paper sector may experience further declines in demand if manufacturing offshoring accelerates. To prevent deflation, the country will need to address its existing excess production capacity. European investment in North America: European companies, grappling with the risks of deindustrialization due to stringent regulations and energy policies, are increasingly diversifying beyond the EU. For example, SAICA’s plans to establish a paper mill in Ohio, highlights this growing trend of investment in the North American market. Timberland Values Pivot to Carbon Amid Shifting Market Dynamics The value of timberland is increasingly shifting from traditional stumpage uses to carbon and environmental services. In many cases, new timberland investors are assigning substantial value to carbon as a key factor in underwriting timberland assets. This trend is largely driven by stagnant wood fibre markets and long-term forecasts showing that tree growth will far exceed harvest rates in the years to come. The US South Will Attract Global Attention with Competitive Pulp Mill Prospects The U.S. South boasts the lowest risk-adjusted softwood costs globally, making it a prime location for investment. Combined with low energy costs, growing markets for pulp mill byproducts such as carbon CDRs and e-fuels, and its proximity to the world’s largest consumer market, the region is set to attract significant investment in pulp mills, including an announcement for a greenfield pulp mill. Many domestic companies (Green Bay, Georgia Pacific) have announced significant investments — will a foreign company follow with the first North American greenfield pulp mill in 20 years? Lumber Market to Rebound in Late 2025 with New Mill Announcements on the Horizon The lumber market is projected to rebound in the latter half of 2025, driven by anticipated declines in interest rates and a resurgence in construction activity. Across North America, over 2 billion board feet of production capacity were shut down in 2023 and 2024. By the end of 2025, we expect announcements of new mill openings to signal a revival in the industry. Global Investors Will Eye the US Forest Products Market Due to Competitive Advantages The US forest product manufacturing sector is attracting significant interest, and we expect a major acquisition by a Latin American or European forest products company in 2025. The U.S. market remains highly appealing to investors, particularly those in the forest products industry, due to its abundant and competitively priced wood raw materials. With the economy growing at a steady 3%, the US provides a favourable environment for investment. Additionally, concerns over tariffs are encouraging companies to establish a foothold in the U.S. market to avoid being excluded. In contrast, Europe faces slower economic growth and a regulatory and business climate that shows little sign of improvement. High Fiber Costs in the Nordics Will Force Pulp Mill Closures Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis Persistently high wood fibre costs in the Nordics, driven by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, are expected to lead to the closure of pulp mills in the region. The industry will be compelled to adjust its operations to align with the limited availability of affordable fibre. AI Won’t Take Over the World While AI won’t completely take over the world, it does represent a transformative shift in productivity arguably even more significant than the personal computer revolution. This shift will further widen the valuation gap between industries that adopt AI and those that resist it. If our industry fails to embrace AI, we risk being left behind. The consequences will be clear: diminished investment, declining efficiency, and a resulting drop in both profits and growth.  

Investigators at UK-based non-profit, Earthsight, say they have uncovered a booming trade in illegal Russian timber stretching throughout Europe and breaching war sanctions. Source: Timberbiz The investigation ‘Blood-stained birch: exposing the EU trade in Russian conflict ply,’ claims to have caught firms on camera, in voice calls and through internal documents arranging a steady flow of Russian plywood into the EU. These companies are selling illegal wood across the continent, and customers include important manufacturers of climbing walls, toys, flooring, furniture and other products. Posing as buyers over a 9-month period, the investigative non-profit Earthsight recorded traders admitting the practice is illegal, calling it a “gold mine” and suggesting techniques to avoid detection. The UK-based NGO estimates that more than 500,000 cubic metres of blood timber, with a retail value of over 1.5 billion Euros, has flowed from Russia through third countries and into the EU since sanctions were imposed in July 2022. The imports are now at some of the highest levels ever seen. According to Earthsight more than 700 cubic metres are arriving at EU ports and borders every day, equivalent to 20 large lorries or shipping containers. All 27 EU member states receive likely illegal ply, Earthsight says the largest volumes are shipped to Poland, followed by Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Estonia. Long valued in construction for its physical properties, in recent years consumption of birch plywood in the US and Europe has skyrocketed. It is used in an increasing number of everyday products and has taken the interior design world by storm, with multiple social media influencers and design blogs recommending its use in kitchens and furniture. Earthsight says seven of the top 10 Russian birch ply exporters are still supplying the EU, the investigation found. Two of these firms are linked to billionaire oligarchs who met with Putin on the day of the invasion of Ukraine. One, Alexei Mordashov, is on the EU’s sanctions list while the other, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, is the main shareholder of Russia’s largest logging firm. Belarusian state-owned firms are helping facilitate the trade and also selling banned wood products to the EU, according to Earthsight’s investigation. Timber contributes significantly to Russian GDP and exports. All forests are state owned. The military even directly controls and profits from forests that cover more than one and a half times the size of Belgium. Earthsight did not investigate the precise origin of Russian timber entering Europe. To hide the trade, Russian firms told Earthsight they launder the ply via third countries, often Kazakhstan or Turkey. Most flows through China, where firms recorded by Earthsight were the most brazen about sanctions busting. Trade statistics and customs records examined by Earthsight show the business is booming. Several EU firms admitted buying illegal Russian plywood in covert recordings. Although these firms are traders, selling the ply on to others, the investigation also names several prominent EU customers of firms which admitted laundering Russian plywood.

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has welcomed the Government’s proposed amendments to the Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) as potentially beneficial, particularly with the introduction of a focus area on the bioeconomy. Source: Timberbiz These changes align with numerous recommendations outlined in the Chief Science Advisor’s recent report, although not all recommendations have been implemented. NZIF supports the removal of the ban on gene technology, provided it is implemented responsibly. This modification offers substantial potential to advance innovation in forestry and related sectors, ensuring New Zealand’s continued leadership in sustainable and cutting-edge practices. Furthermore, the proposal to retain intellectual property (IP) in commercialised outcomes has the potential to drive technological advancements and foster innovation. However, NZIF cautions this approach may also lead to the neglect or underfunding of long-term, critical research areas, such as environmental sustainability and climate resilience, which are essential for the forestry sector and the broader ecosystem. NZIF raised concerns last year regarding the inadequate funding for science, which has adversely affected forestry research. We support a merger approach which aims to address this issue. However, NZIF remains concerned about the absence of additional funding accompanying these structural modifications. Restructuring initiatives often require substantial resources, time, and staff attention, potentially diverting focus from critical research priorities. This is particularly concerning given the recent Long-Term Insights briefing prepared by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which highlights the risk of the forestry sector being overlooked in the short-term priorities of bioeconomy science. “While we perceive opportunities in these proposed alterations, particularly with the focus on the bioeconomy and advancements in gene technology, we must ensure critical areas such as environmental and climate research are not compromised. The forestry sector plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s future, and it is imperative its needs are adequately addressed in these strategies,” James Treadwell, President of NZIF said. The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) strongly advocates for the continued prioritisation of the forestry industry within the development of bioeconomy strategies. Long-term investments in forestry-related research are crucial to fortify the sector’s contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth, environmental sustainability, and climate objectives.” NZIF remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with the Government, Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) / Public Research Organisations (PROs), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the proposed changes deliver tangible benefits for the forestry sector and the nation as a whole.

Design and build professionals are invited to the first Timber Futures Seminar, hosted by WoodSolutions. The event will highlight the latest advancements in timber design and construction, offering solutions to global economic and environmental challenges in the built environment. Source: Timberbiz The seminar features a great line up of expert speakers, with keynote by Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects, a global pioneer in sustainable timber construction. Attendees will gain insights into how timber’s innovative applications are driving sustainable and economic solutions for the construction industry. Learn from renowned architect Andrew Waugh, who will discuss timber’s role in addressing economic and environmental challenges, alongside academics Dr Duncan Maxwell and Dr Richard Nero. Discover how advanced timber systems can shape the future of design and construction while connecting with industry professionals and peers. Understand timber’s potential to transform the built environment in response to global challenges like climate change and resource efficiency. This event is designed for architects, engineers, builders, and students, offering a platform to explore cutting-edge research, and stay at the forefront of sustainable building practices. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew Waugh to Australia for this seminar,” Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at WoodSolutions and Forest & Wood Products Australia, said. “His visionary work across the globe demonstrates how timber can address Australia’s economic and environmental challenges. This is a unique opportunity for our design and build professionals to learn from one of the leading minds in sustainable architecture and explore how timber can play a transformative role in the future of construction.” The event will be held on 10 February 2025, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, Room B02, Swanston St, Parkville, Victoria. You can register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/woodsolutions-timber-futures-seminar-tickets-1202833931669?aff=MediaRelease  

A group of University of Nebraska students learnt about sustainable forestry’s role in enhancing ecosystems and supporting private landowners at Fulham in Dunalley, Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz The visit in early January, was part of their study abroad program Managing Diverse Ecosystems in Australia and underscored broad-reaching benefits of Private Forests Tasmania’s work, from improving biodiversity and supporting carbon sequestration to providing sustainable economic opportunities for private landowners. The session showcased the collaborative efforts between PFT and Fulham landowners Tom and Alice Gray who shared their stories of resilience and innovation. The landowners showcased their property featuring a fascinating transformation from burnt plantation pines to an opportunity for reforestation and sustainable land use. Fulham is one of seven successful Integrated Farm Forestry Demonstration Sites receiving grant funding to develop landscape scale best practice forestry plantings establishing more than 20.2 hectares of commercial shelterbelts along established fence lines. There are 14 separate shelterbelt plantings consisting mainly of mixed shelterbelts. The Pinus radiata (radiata pine) and Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) were planted to allow for staggered harvesting to occur, allowing the Grays to maintain their shelter benefits while gaining some economic returns. The students learnt about Tasmania’s forestry story, which unfolded through discussions on its history and the challenges of sustainable forest management on private lands. PFT Operations Manager Jarrod Burn shared his expertise on the critical management issues associated with sustainable forest management on private land, sparking a con-versation that illuminated both barriers and opportunities in the sector. “Several barriers to farm forestry adoption by private landowners include a lack of forestry knowledge or experience, market uncertainty created by the complexity of long-term forestry investments, opportunity costs, historical distrust brought about by failed Managed Investment Schemes and social licence implications,” Mr Burn said. “However, there are plenty of positive benefits to planting trees beyond their commercial value at harvest. “Farm forestry provides improved shade and shelter for livestock, enhances water quality, reduces erosion, and improves soil health. “It supports biodiversity while creating wood products for both farm use, like fence posts and firewood, and broader markets. “This is becoming increasingly important for farmers looking to lower their net carbon emissions.” Mr Burn explained to the students the strengths, uses and challenges of the most commonly grown plantation species in Tasmania were Eucalyptus nitens (shining gum), Eucalyptus globulus, and Pinus radiata. “Although these species dominate, we’ve seen success with alternatives like black-wood, cypress, and redwood, offering opportunities for diversification,” he said. “Unfortunately, Tasmania is currently losing about 2,000–5,000 hectares of plantation forest annually due to land conversion, although there’s evidence this decline is slowing.” “Private landowners are deeply invested in their land. Many are generational farmers, taking immense pride in their stewardship. “I’ve noticed a shift in younger generations, they’re more environmentally conscious and aware of public perceptions.” Mr Burn emphasised the potential of sustainable forestry to contribute not just to Tasmania’s economy, but also to its ecological resilience. The session concluded with a Q&A session where students from farming backgrounds delved into the economic benefits of integrating timber as a secondary income source and the potential for forestry to diversify farm enterprises while contributing to landscape restoration. Dr Mark Burbach, Environmental Social Scientist from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, praised the program for its depth and impact it had on the 20 students on tour. “While clearly of value to our agroforestry students, it is quite apparent what Private Forests Tasmania is doing has so many ecosystem benefits,” said Dr Burbach. “Our students studying wildlife management, entomology, environmental and agricultural policy, and others experienced first-hand the benefits of your work to private land-owners.” The day also featured contributions from PFT CEO Elizabeth Pietrzykowski and Forest Education Foundation manager Darcy Vickers, whose expertise and commitment shone through in their discussions on forestry’s environmental and economic potential. The collaboration between PFT and the University of Nebraska provided an invaluable educational experience, fostering global connections and a shared commitment to sustainability.

Australia’s housing supply has fallen short of demand for over two decades, making affordability, accessibility, and construction timelines a real challenge. To provide insights into these challenges and help drive solutions, Forest & Wood Products Australia has undertaken the most comprehensive report into the housing crisis to date. Source: Timberbiz To launch the ‘More Houses Sooner’ report, FWPA is hosting an exclusive event on Wednesday 26 February at the State Library in Victoria, offering valuable insights for industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to understand and address Australia’s housing needs. The More Houses Sooner report takes a deep dive into Australia’s housing shortfall. Between 2001 and 2023, the country fell behind demand by around 470,000 dwellings, an average of 20,400 homes per year. Looking ahead, Australia will need 2.01 million new homes by 2034, or up to 2.48 million if factoring in the existing shortfall. Meeting this demand will require new ideas and a faster approach to construction. This event will highlight how the forest and wood products industry is stepping up to the challenge and how different sectors can collaborate to build a more sustainable and efficient housing market. Attendees will gain exclusive insights from industry experts, explore key data, and discuss innovative strategies for speeding up housing delivery. Speakers will include: Erick Hansnata – Lead Economist and Statistics and Economics Program Manager, FWPA Nerida Conisbee – Chief Economist, Ray White Panel Discussion: Kersten Gentle – CEO, Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) Tim Newman – General Manager, Timber Building Systems Australia Tim Woods – Managing Director, Industry Edge. This event is a must-attend for FWPA members, industry professionals, economists, and policymakers looking to engage with the latest research and practical solutions for Australia’s housing future. This is a free event, but places are limited. Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/more-houses-sooner-tickets-1218741952989 to get exclusive access to the More Houses Sooner report and expert discussions on shaping a more sustainable and affordable housing market in Australia. The event will be held on Wednesday 26 February from 10 am – 1 pm at the Isabella Fraser Room, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.