Australian timber industry news

A revised FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for Germany now expands to cover Christmas trees, venison, and other forest products. The standard becomes effective on 1 November 2024. Source: Timberbiz Germany harvests about 20 million Christmas trees each year, a quarter of the European market. Now, some of those trees will be FSC certified in accordance with a new version of the Forest Stewardship Standard for Germany. Christmas trees represent a quite specific product for FSC certification. They are generally harvested by clear felling of a stand of similar-aged trees, which the current Standard forbids, and they do not produce timber. For that reason, they are considered non-timber forest products (NTFP), along with things like nuts, mushrooms, and venison, which are also included in the new standard. The Standard was developed after two public consultations that involved a wide range of stakeholders, including forestry companies. A new appendix covers NTFPs and includes not only Christmas trees but also decorative brushwood, honey, mushrooms, fruit, seeds, and venison. In addition, FSC Germany members further confirmed the new version of the Forest Stewardship Standard at its 33rd General Assembly. Christmas trees and game meat are currently the most frequently marketed NTFPs in Germany. The new standard will allow FSC companies to offer these products with the FSC label and thus differentiate themselves from conventional forestry operations. For companies and local economies, certification of NFTPs helps to reduce dependency on timber sales as well as to generate income from lesser-known products. Marketing non-timber forest products is also an important step in reorienting forest management towards more versatility and ecosystem services, especially as the climate emergency damages the forest, with consequent losses in timber sales. For consumers, the Standard’s ban on the use of pesticides is a further benefit. Residues of harmful chemicals have been found on conventional Christmas trees. FSC-certified trees will contain no such residues. Consumers will also be reassured that peat is prohibited and that non-native species must be harvested before they flower, which will prevent them from spreading into natural forests. Game meat, notably venison from deer, will also be safer because the animals will be guaranteed not to encounter pesticides on the food they forage in certified forests. The standard also requires hunters to use lead-free ammunition, which means that game meat from certified forests will not contain harmful heavy metals. “The new Standard is a great improvement for producers and consumers,” said Jens -Birger Bosse, manager of biological production and responsible for FSC certification at Landesforsten Schleswig-Holstein with 46.000 ha FSC certified forest. “Producers can show that their operations are more sustainable and better for the environment, which is exactly what consumers are looking for, in Christmas trees and all the other non-timber forest products our forests have to offer.”

St Lukes is a Tasmanian-based private health insurance company that has been in business for 70 years, its newly formed health and wellness hub in the heart of Hobart offers its members and the public a range of health and wellbeing-focused activities from yoga to new-parent classes and everything in between. Source: Timberbiz Award-winning Tasmanian architectural firm Terroir was tasked with a brief to create a health-conscious space that would also inspire, draw new people in, and create excitement around their brand. With tight constraints from the existing building, Terroir drew inspiration locally and abroad, creating a health hub with a design that is world-leading and Tasmanian-inspired. Covering two floors, the St Lukes flagship site required the 394m2 ground floor to be designed for both staff and guests, with an area exclusively dedicated to community use to promote their rotating health and wellness workshops, classes and offerings. The 178m2 second floor was designed for staff offices, meeting rooms and amenities. Taking note of other leading flagship stores around the world, Terroir Project Architect, Jack Andrews, says they looked to the natural beauty of Tasmania to bring their design to life. “St.Lukes prides itself on being uniquely Tasmanian. Having grown up here and exploring the forests myself, we sought to bring in shapes of tree hollows from Tasmania’s forests to create a space that stands out through its subtlety and serenity. We wanted people to come in and say ‘Wow!’ while maintaining a sense of calm,” Mr Andrews said. Tasmanian special species Blackheart Sassafras was used to achieve this serene and natural environment. Working with Vos Construction and Joinery, 1,500 hours went into creating the 3.6m high by 56m long form made from hand-selected Blackheart Sassafras veneer supplied by Britton Timbers. Suspended from the ceiling, the structure’s organic shape, tone and texture reflect the beauty found in Tasmania’s iconic and cherished forests. Of all Tasmanian timbers, Sassafras has the most variable and dynamic colouring. If the tree is infected with a staining fungus, it produces Blackheart Sassafras. Blackheart is a timber with distinctive dark brown, black, and sometimes green streaks running through the wood; no two pieces are ever the same. “We went through many sketches and spent a lot of time rationalising the design, ultimately creating a series of convex, concave and flat moments. We tried to keep the form as organic as possible. Using a species like Blackheart Sassafras with its striation and varying colours helped accomplish this. We simply couldn’t have achieved the aesthetic we were aiming for with a different species of timber,” Mr Andrews said. Using boat-building techniques to create the curvature of the timber, the veneer sheets were applied to an MDF backing, stretching the resource to ensure minimal waste. Opting for a natural clear coat with a 10% matt finish, the southeast-facing glazing allows the light to accentuate the variation of the timber veneer without reflection or glare. With the natural variation found throughout Blackheart Sassafras, Mr Andrews says Terroir spent countless hours aligning the veneer sheets before manufacture and assembly to ensure the design met their requirements. “We went through and took a photo of every single veneer sheet. From here, we developed a montage to work from, laying them all out and positioning them to avoid repetition to get the look of a natural hollowed-out log,” he said. “We are inspired by the availability of sustainable timbers in Tasmania. The ability to source and harvest timber locally, as opposed to a species sourced from further afield, was very appealing. It wouldn’t be possible without the credentials, forest stewardship and certification from a company like Britton Timbers.”

Otana is a Western Lowland Gorilla at Melbourne Zoo. He’s been staying warm during winter thanks to wood wool from Barkstead in the Wombat State Forest. Source: Timberbiz ‘Wood wool’ is essentially fine wood shavings cut from timber, and often used for nesting and bedding materials for animals. In this case, storm debris has been collected from the Wombat State Forest before being turned into wood wool at a mill in Bendigo. It was then donated to Melbourne Zoo, to be used as bedding for Tasmanian Devils, meerkats, orangutans, gorillas and tigers. Some fallen trees and root balls from the storm damaged area of the Dandenong Ranges National Park are now used as fish habitat along streams; wildlife habitat in Lysterfield Lake Park; and animal enclosures at Werribee Zoo. Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria have used finished timber products made from storm debris for bollards, sleepers, log seats, mulch and picnic tables. In the Wombat State Forest, we are planting native species to rehabilitate some storm affected sitesand even the plant stakes are made from storm debris. To prepare for the upcoming fire season and reduce bushfire risk, work has been done to remove hazardous storm debris in the Wombat State Forest and Dandenong Ranges National Park and put to good use wherever possible. Storm debris is also available in designated firewood collection areas for the community.    

Scion celebrated the dedication and achievements of its employees at the 2024 Employee Recognition Awards, where over 90 nominations, the highest in the event’s history, highlighted the outstanding contributions of staff across various fields. Source: Timberbiz Held both in-person and virtually, this week’s awards showcased the hard work, innovation, and leadership of individuals and teams who embody Scion’s values and contribute to its ongoing success as a Crown Research Institute. “Each nomination reflects the respect and admiration of colleagues for the exceptional efforts made by every individual and team,” Chief Executive Dr Julian Elder said. “I’m proud to acknowledge our finalists and winners today for their remarkable achievements.” Dr Yi Chen received the prestigious Roger Newman Award for Science or Engineering Excellence after delivering exceptional leadership in digital packaging research for almost a decade. Through multiple national and international collaborations, Dr Chen has built a network of highly productive research partnerships, contributing to both Scion and New Zealand’s science community. Nursery Services team lead Matt Dunn received the Industry/Stakeholder/External Customer Engagement Award for his exemplary work with external customers. In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the smooth operation and support of Scion, Jacqui Collins and Kim Murrell were named winners of the Enabling Scion Award. Jacqui was commended for her unwavering support of her Christchurch colleagues, while Kim was recognised for her positivity and dedication to surpassing expectations in every project she undertakes. Bioprocess engineer Carla Cronje was honoured with the Leadership/Emerging Leader Award for her exceptional mentorship and project management, while also receiving the Health and Safety Award for her proactive approach in a high-risk hydrogen project. The Kawenata Awards celebrate staff whose work exemplifies some of the mātāpono, or principles, of the Kawenata (MOU) that was signed between Scion and three hapū: Ngāti Hurungaterangi, Ngāti Taeotu and Ngāti Te Kahu. Researcher Sylvia Tapuke was recognised for her work connecting hapū to Scion’s research, particularly the Urban Forests Symposium and the Fungal Volatile Organic Carbon project. Executive Assistant Vanessa Miller was also honoured for her consistent manaakitanga, providing a strong example for all staff to follow. This year there are co-recipients of the Recognition of Contribution to Māori Award. Te Rātā Whakamaru Team and Rotoiti 15 won for their innovation, skill development, commitment to environmental stewardship, sharing of knowledge and mātauranga, and efforts to reconnect whānau with their work on their lands. Scientist Reina Tamepo also won for her work in the Our Land and Water National Science Challenge, particularly Whitiwhiti Ora and Matarau programs. Her mahi enables and empowers Māori landowners and decision-makers to exercise self-determination of their aspirations by providing them with science-based data and information in an accessible format to allow them to understand the nature of their whenua (land) and the potential productive opportunities from it. The Recognition for Publication Success Award winner was Jamie Bridson for his contribution to a large number of high-impact journals, while Martin Cooke-Willis was awarded Recognition of Technician Success for his multi-faceted contributions to Scion’s laboratory operations. Scion has also nominated candidates in five categories to attend the Science New Zealand Awards in March next year, where all Crown Research Institutes and Callaghan Innovation are represented. Scion’s nominees are Christchurch-based scientist Ilze Pretorius for the Early Career Researcher Award; Scion’s Ecogas Team for the Success in Innovation/Commercialisation Award; the Cetogenix Project Team for the Collaboration for Impact Award; Katerina Pihera-Ridge for the Te Tohu Tūhura Award; and Dr Florian Graichen for the Individual/Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tariff elimination across all New Zealand wood products entering the UAE through the new NZ/UAE trade deal is welcomed by the wood processors and manufacturers association (WPMA). Source: Timberbiz “Our hope is that the successful conclusion of the NZ/UAE Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will lead to an increase in NZ wood products entering the UAE,” said WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross. “The UAE is in a transition period where they are favouring timber-based construction over concrete and steel, signalling a regional shift towards sustainability. “Despite a limited number of timber buildings erected to date, UAE has experienced a threefold increase in imports of plywood and other timber products in the past year.” From a New Zealand basis it currently exports around NZ$10 million in wood products to the UAE, with the main categories being sawn timber, sleepers, pulp and paper. Other wood products exported include wood for flooring, furniture and joinery. It is acknowledged that New Zealand’s share of NZ$10 million is small when compared with the total UAE wood and wood product imports of NZ$267 billion in 2023. However, even a minor percentage growth in NZ exports to the UAE through the CEPA will assist in providing encouraging signals to our domestic wood processing industry. “Wood provides multiple benefits to New Zealand, and it is positive to see the government backing our industry in removing unnecessary barriers and implementing new trade Agreements,” Mr Ross said. “We thank Trade Minister, Todd McClay and his officials for their speedy completion of this trade deal.”

Exports of softwood logs from Australia lifted to a 45-month high in July 2024, screaming up to 265,657 m3 after the prior month saw a 36-month record of over 140,000 m3. The main recipient is India, with China re-emerging as an export destination after a nearly four-year hiatus. Source: Industry Edge The rise in exports does not necessarily signal a reintroduction of elevated levels of softwood log exports. As the data shows, the exports are evenly split between the two reported dimensions. There are prospects the recent movements are inventory clearances, including of smaller dimension logs. Australian Softwood Log Exports by Country: Jan ’17 – Jul ‘24 (m3) We have elected to show the monthly chart here, in this manner and timeframe, to underscore the differences in softwood log exports since China withdrew from the market in 2020. The second chart, which addresses the last 15 years, shows annual exports (the black line) and the moving weighted average price of those exports. In addition to modestly rising average prices since the end of 2009, the period from around 2021 shows increased price volatility. This came about as volumes deteriorated when China left the market, resulting in the massive decline in total exports. In 2023-24, total softwood log exports reached 937.0 km3, almost the same volume (just 3 km3 lower) than was the case in calendar year 2009. Annualised Softwood Log Exports & Weighted Average Price: Jan ’10 – Jul ’24 (km3 pa & AUDFob/m3) Australian softwood log export prices have fluctuated over the last year. The chart shows weighted average prices on a monthly basis (the black line), but also show the country specific prices. For most months, the price to India is hidden by the weighted average price because India has – until the re-emergence of solid trade with China – driven the price and volume. In July 2024, the weighted average export price was AUDFob126.13/m3, down 9.9% on the prior month and 5.6% lower than in July 2023. Australian Softwood Log Export Prices by Country: Aug ’23 – Jul ‘24 (AUDFob/m3) Over the year-ended July 2024, Australia’s total exports of softwood logs were 148.3% higher than the prior year, totalling 0.937 million m3. Reported exports totalled 265,657 m3 in July 2024, at a weighted average price of AUDFob126.13/m3. For export, softwood logs are differentiated as larger or smaller than 15 cm diameter. The distinction between log sizes was previously more noteworthy, but analysis becomes challenging as monthly export volumes are increasingly erratic, as seen in the chart. If the chart retains validity in current markets, it is in part to show the contrast between what was once the case and what is now occurring. Australian Softwood Log Exports by Size: Jan ’21 – Jul ‘24 (‘000 m3 and AUDFob/m3) Larger logs (diameter >15cm) dominate Australia’s exports, over most time periods. From 2021, the trend shifted away from favouring exports of the smaller diameter (<15 cm) logs. That appears to have changed over the last year, with larger dimension logs again dominating export data reports and growing strongly from some regions. Over the year ended July 2024, exports of the smaller logs totalled 0.198 million m3 or 21.1% of the total, while shipments of larger logs totalled 0.734 million m3 (78.9%). Differentiation of exports based on their diameter also allows for some price analysis. Export prices for the smaller sized logs have remained at a relatively stable price in recent months, moving through a narrow range, while the average price of the larger diameter logs has fluctuated. In July, exports of the smaller logs tallied an average AUDFob109.79/m3 while the larger diameter logs were recorded at AUDFob133.03/m3. For more information visit www.industryedge.com.au

  Congratulations to all nominees of the Forest Practices Awards 2024. The FPA Board and Awards Committee thank everyone who submitted a nomination and took time to recognise excellence across the forest practices system. Source: Timberbiz The nominees are listed below for each award. The Board of the Forest Practices Authority recognises that there are people working in forestry in Tasmania who display excellence in applying the forest practices system in their particular field of work. This is why Forest Practices Awards were started in 2007, to publicly acknowledge a few of these inspirational people. The forest practices system is based on continual improvement and cooperation between all parties. It’s the high standard achieved by those who implement the forest practices system which enables this co-operation and continual improvement. The Directors of the Board congratulate the nominees, not only on their outstanding professional achievements, but also on the manner in which that work has, and will continue to, contribute to the ongoing achievement of sustainable management of forests in Tasmania. “I would like to emphasise the significance of being nominated as it shows that your peers really value your achievements. We had a really strong field of nominations this year – double that of last time – and the Awards Committee had a difficult time deciding on the winners. So, I want to congratulate every single nominee and thank them all for your contributions to the forest practices system,” Pam Allan, chair of the FPA board said in the nominations booklet. “I also want to thank the Awards Committee: Kim Creak from the Board, Anne Chuter as CFPO, Heath Blair from Reliance Forest Fibre and the FPO Reference Group, Ann La Sala from Forico and the Forest Practices Advisory Committee and Chris Grove and Laurel Trebilco from the FPA staff.” You can download the Forest Practices Awards booklet here, it contains information on each of the nominees.

A government appointed panel is exploring the idea of ending logging in NSW native forests within four years. The government is under mounting pressure over the impact of its own logging business on nature. Source: Australian Associated Press The historically divisive issue of taking slow-growing hardwoods from native forests has become even trickier as the government works to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park. A government appointed panel is exploring the idea of ending logging in NSW native forests within four years. The government is under mounting pressure over the impact of its own logging business on nature. The historically divisive issue of taking slow-growing hardwoods from native forests has become even trickier as the government works to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park. That lines up with the end of existing wood supply contracts from northern forests. Other options include business as usual, reducing native timber harvesting until other sources are found, or putting native forests under indigenous management with extra supply to come from private and public plantations. Stuart Blanch is WWF-Australia’s forests expert and says the inclusion of an exit option is a big deal. “I think this is the first time that a NSW government process has seriously consulted stakeholders on ending native forest logging,” he says. “I think this is showing there’s enough people in government and parliament who think it’s safe enough to articulate this as a real issue they need to explore.” Dr Blanch is among those who’ve been consulted and he’s glad the government has created the conditions for an important, overdue and difficult discussion. “The genie is now out of the bottle regarding completing the transition out of native forest logging to plantations. “The experience from the shutdown of logging in Western Australia and Victoria is that once a government starts to canvass a full exit, the private sector stops investing, and workers start finding new jobs.” Dr Blanch says that if an exit is on the cards, the government will need to start planning now so the transition is well funded and well executed. In a statement, the government said the panel had been tasked with consulting widely on the future of forestry in NSW, with its work to feed into an industry action plan. “We want input on what forests and a sustainable forestry industry will look like in the next 30 years,” it said. “Consultation will consider key areas such as the sustainability of forestry operations, the future of all types of forestry (softwood, hardwood, native), environmental concerns, community demand for timber, climate change mitigation and adaptation and more.”

The results of the third transaction verification (TV) loop on FSC-certified bamboo supply chains reveal that several certificate holders in China pose a serious threat to the integrity of FSC’s certification system. Source: Timberbiz While some certificate holders have made false claims on their products, others have engaged in actions that pose a significant risk to FSC’s integrity and credibility. Based on the evidence gathered by Assurance Services International (ASI) during the TV loop, FSC has blocked the following certificate holders for making false claims: Hangzhou Ruihe Bamboo Wood Co., Ltd (FSC-C138791): This company applied FSC 100% claims on bamboo plywood, but the origins of the raw material could not be verified. They also did not report any transactions to their certification body. Hangzhou Zen Bamboo & Hardwood Products Co. Ltd. (FSC-C147487) and Hangzhou Zenbamboo Technology Co., Ltd. (FSC-C192793): They sold bamboo plywood and veneers with FSC 100% claims but reported zero transactions to their certification body for three consecutive years. After the certificate of Hangzhou Zen Bamboo was terminated, a new company called Hangzhou Zenbamboo Technology was established, which obtained FSC certification. FSC has confirmed that the new company is the successor of Hangzhou Zen Bamboo. Therefore both certificate holders have been blocked. Nanping City Jianyang Xinen Bamboo Industry Co., Ltd. (FSC-C155776): This company sold bamboo products claimed to be FSC certified without having eligible raw materials to support these claims. Furthermore, they did not disclose these sales during the surveillance audit. Xuancheng Bothbest Enterprise Co., Ltd. (FSC-C165363): This certificate holder repeatedly (from 2018 to 2022) obtained certification and then voluntarily terminated their certificate within 12 months each time. This enabled them to skip the first surveillance audit after getting certified. During the timeframe of this TV loop (July – December 2021), they sold bamboo products with FSC 100% claims but reported no transactions with FSC claims in the documents submitted to their certification body. FSC is investigating several other cases where potential integrity risks were identified by ASI. More certificate holders within the bamboo supply chain may be blocked as a result. Information about blocked organizations can be found in FSC’s public search. In addition to false claims, the following integrity risks and wrongdoing by certificate holders were identified in this TV loop: Some certificate holders did not report the sale of certified products to their certification bodies during the annual surveillance audit, which is a normative requirement by FSC. These sales were discovered when the certificate holders or their clients within the supply chain submitted their transaction data for the TV loop. The investigation revealed that there is a risk of a blocked organization who is continuing their wrongdoings but routing them through a valid certificate holder. This typically happens when personnel in decision-making and leadership positions at an active certificate holder previously managed a blocked organization. Some certificate holders were observed as being uncooperative, hindering the progress of the TV loop. Most certificate holders against whom evidence of integrity risks have been found belong to the manufacturing segment of the FSC bamboo plywood/flooring supply chain, primarily located in China. Consequently, products with false claims could eventually be passed on to downstream buyers, including retailers or distributors in import markets, primarily in Europe and North America. Transaction verification investigations and analysis of certified supply chains will help FSC to strengthen its normative framework. Observations from this investigation would be included in the ongoing revision process of FSC’s chain of custody standards. For more details, click here: Revision of Chain of Custody Standards and FSC-STD-20-011 Chain of Custody Evaluations | FSC Connect Certificate holders purchasing manufactured bamboo products are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence on FSC-certified suppliers and verify that the purchased products are correctly covered by the scope of the suppliers’ FSC certificates.

Manufacturer of base-machine-independent harvester heads Kesla has released its RH-III harvester head range. Source: Timberbiz KESLA 19RH-III twinAX is an efficient solution for energy wood harvesting. Thanks to the modular structure of the RH-III harvester head series, KESLA 19/21RH-III is easy to equip for various applications. The KESLA twinAX cutting system is a cutting knife unit intended to replace the saw module of KESLA 19/21RH-III heads. With a cutting capacity of up to 30cm (depending on the wood type), KESLA twinAX is perfect for heavier energy wood harvesting sites. A regular saw module can easily be replaced with the twinAX module and vice versa, reducing the risks related to head investments, even in rapidly changing work situations. Equipped with the revamped KESLA MTH-grip multi-stem processing grapple, KESLA proTILT tilt control and multi-stem feed rollers, the harvester head is an incredibly efficient tool for multi-stem processing. Kesla has made many upgrades to the KESLA RH-III harvester head range that improve the products’ operating characteristics and durability. The extensive updates to Kesla’s manufacturing technology have enabled, for example, the development of robotic welding and automation as well as the introduction of new structural solutions, which is reflected in the higher durability of the upgraded frame structures and the improved power-to-weight ratio of the heads. An important addition to Kesla’s accessory range is the SuperCUT 150 saw module, which is now available for the sturdier KESLA RH-III models from the 26H-III onwards. For a long time, Kesla has been heavily investing in the development of harvesters for excavators and cooperating with multiple excavator manufacturers. Kesla’s product selection includes productised installation kits and accessories that make installing a head to most excavator models’ hydraulics easy, providing an efficient and effective solution that is also approved by base machine manufacturers.  

Combilift has been having an award winning month with the company now on a trifecta after receiving an award as Ireland’s Best Managed Company by Deloitte. Combilift is a Platinum winner for the 6th time. Source: Timberbiz Combilift management prowess was rewarded at Deloitte’s awards ceremony in Dublin on the 19 September. The Deloitte Best Managed Company award acknowledges the achievements of management teams, and not just individuals. The accolade recognises overall business performance based on the criteria of strategy, capability and innovation, culture and commitment as well as governance and financial performance. Judges examine every company based on these four equally weighted pillars to select a winner. The Best Managed Companies Program originated in Canada in 1993, with Ireland’s program being the second longest running, introduced in 2008. In addition to Ireland and Canada, the program is currently run in a total of 48 countries across four continents. Combilift has grown from a small team of 10 to a total staff of more than 850 people, selling to 85 countries worldwide. When receiving the award, Martin McVicar said; “It’s a great honour for us as a company to be acknowledged once again by a global brand such as Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies. The credibility of this global award enhances our brand to scale internationally”.

Hobart’s Macquarie Point stadium has been hitting the news lately as a 265-page report was released – the Macquarie Point Stadium summary report which was submitted to the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The timber roof of the stadium is expected the cost around $160m. Source: Timberbiz It is likely that this will become the world’s largest timber roofed arena, and it will feature Tasmanian glulam, the report goes into detail on the materials and systems that will feature in its construction. Other Tasmanian timbers are expected to be used widely by lead architects Cox Architecture. German company Schlaich Bergermann Partners were the designers for the translucent roof. The roof level will accommodate the roof structure and an access gantry for services infrastructure, and it will support field lighting that would otherwise need to be provided with lighting towers. The roof area of the western section of the Multipurpose Stadium above the function rooms will also include solar photovoltaic panels. The defining feature is the roof shell which the report states is a feat of engineering, the 190-metre clear-span structure is believed to be the largest fixed roof over a natural grass oval anywhere in the world. The report states that the project will be an all-weather, roofed, uniquely multipurpose stadium that reflects the character and story of Tasmania with a 23,000 seated capacity and 1,500 structured standing area, offering a boutique and premium fan-experience, with a seating bowl designed to enable people to get close to the field of play, supported by a single continuous concourse that wraps around the stadium. The expansive shell roof over the field is intended to be a translucent skin that admits light, views and a sense of connection to the city, mountain and waterfront beyond. The timber in the structure is on the underside, and the volume created underneath will promote an awe-inspiring experience. The streamlined structure allows the maximum internal height above the centre of the pitch and an overall form that reduces in height and scale across all elevations, establishing a height at street interfaces that is comparable to and compatible with the scale of existing buildings. The development of the roof has undergone an extensive options evaluation process to assess various roof typologies against a range of design criteria. The transparent sections of the roof are comprised of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), which is a high-strength polymer material that has been used on several other roofed stadiums in Munich, Beijing, Dunedin and Las Vegas. According to the report the proposed Multipurpose Stadium construction works are intended to commence after approvals are received and the contract is awarded, enabling a commencement in late 2025. However, there’s been controversy over the fact that the stadium’s car park, a three-storey underground area, was not included in $775 million cost estimate and neither was the cost of relocating the heritage-listed Goods Shed nor was the building of an access road at the north part of the site. An amount of $715 million was the initial cost put forward in June this year. According to the Macquarie Point Development chief executive Anne Beach the car park was not included because it was not specific to the project. You can download the report here.

Known for its rich biodiversity and vast natural landscapes, Australia is a globally significant exporter of hardwood chips, which represent around 80% of its total woodchip exports. Source: Resource Wise However, the Australian forest products sector faces challenges in both its woodchip export markets and at home, where more working forests are needed to meet rising wood demand. One of the primary shifts in this market has been the decline in demand for hardwood chips from China, an important consumer of Australian wood products. For the past few years, China has been the top export market for Australian hardwood chips, accounting for more than 60% each year since 2018. But the tides started to change in 2023 as China’s hardwood chip volumes from Australia dipped to nearly half of what they were five years prior. This comes as China’s domestic paper industry transitions from relying on woodchips to importing wood pulp instead. However, it remains uncertain if this transition will be temporary, as it depends on the cost difference between wood chips and pulp. Several factors make importing wood pulp more attractive than chips. For China, cost is the primary consideration. Other secondary factors include the greater efficiency wood pulp offers in the production process. Being more refined than woodchips, wood pulp provides a more consistent and higher quality raw material that can be directly used in paper manufacturing, thereby reducing processing time and costs. China’s logistical considerations are mainly cantered on the delivered cost to their pulp manufacturers. If the cost remains more favourable than that of woodchips, it is likely they will continue to prefer pulp. Australia’s wood export industry is not exclusively reliant on China. Japan plays a major role, accounting for 35% of Australia’s hardwood chip exports in 2023. In fact, Japan has been consistently importing about one-third of Australia’s export volume since at least 2015. Looking closer to home, Australia’s forestry market is facing increasing environmental restrictions, even as the demand for wood fibre grows. The focus of conservation efforts is primarily on natural forests, with specific attention to at-risk and older forests. Commercial plantation forestry is being recognized as a much-needed solution. Industry organizations such as the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) argue that farm forestry could be vital to sustainably meeting Australia’s rising demand for timber and wood fiber, which is predicted to quadruple by 2050. The recent lifting of restrictions that limited plantation forestry’s participation in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme has been lauded as a significant step forward. As the Australian forestry market continues to evolve, industry players need to keep a close eye on these shifts to navigate through the uncertainties of the market. Having access to up-to-date insights and strategic market analysis can provide a crucial competitive advantage. For comprehensive insights into the shifting currents of the global forestry market, including those unique to Australia, download our Market Insight report on Australia’s hardwood chip exports in 1H 2024. This report provides an in-depth look at the evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the global forestry market today. Download the report here.  

Women in Forestry and FICA have been working on a payroll project to research the best payroll option for forestry contractors in New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz PaySauce has come out on top and is offering a special joining deal for FICA and WIF members. After trialling four different payroll systems, PaySauce stands out as the best option aligned to the needs of forestry contractors. “Forestry contractors generally have different needs to standard/typical business, especially around the complexities of different allowances we pay,” WIF General Manager Sarah Davis said. “Having had experience running other systems for a number of years, I understand the benefits to the simplicity they offer but there are also drawbacks with some not being cloud based and in real time, especially for pay day filing. Plus, some competitors are not known for their customer service, and it can be difficult to get through to a real person on the phone.” Key features and benefits of PaySauce include: Functionality suitable for complex allowances forestry contractors pay Cloud base/real time updates Local/real people in the customer service team App based system meaning you can process payroll from anywhere Competitive pricing with a special three month joining offer for FICA and WIF members No set up fees (some other competitors charge NZ$50pp) Pain-free set up – all they need is a payroll report. Dale Rutgers from Loggabull in Taupo completed a PaySauce pilot/trial as part of the research process WIF undertook. “I want to thank Dale from Loggabull for taking the time to demo this payroll. She was very diligent with her questions and feedback,” Ms Davis said. After trying out PaySauce Ms Rutgers has committed to switching Loggabull over to PaySauce. “It will be good to start using a web-based system that has a lot of different capabilities. It’s great that it is a NZ company, and you can speak to a real person in NZ if you need any support,” she said. Ms Davis acknowledges that switching payroll systems is not always simple and easy. “I understand the drama of having to change over a payroll system, so we have strived to find the best system that will make it as painless as possible,” she said. “The team at PaySauce have assured me that the switch is seamless and all they require is your payroll reports. Then they can load everything for you. “With the added benefits of PaySauce running through an app, you can process payroll anywhere in the world off your phone.” As a WIF or FICA Member, sign up for a PaySauce ‘Standard’ plan before 31 December 2024, and it’ll be free until the end of 2024. You’ll also get 10% off your monthly subscription until 31 December 2025. T&Cs apply.  

Swift parrots are back in Tasmania in search of forest areas with the richest food sources to forage and breed. Source: Timberbiz Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Swift Parrot Monitoring Program, now in its fourth year, is focused on effectively managing and supporting habitat for breeding swift parrots in Tasmania’s public production forest. Sustainable Timber Tasmania spent the past month surveying 1,238 trees across 129 sites to evaluate eucalypt bud levels. This is important because swift parrots are migratory, returning to Tasmania in the warmer months, and move into areas with the richest food sources to breed. Bud surveying is crucial to understanding where key foraging trees will flower this spring and summer. Findings from the survey show that Eucalyptus ovata and Eucalyptus brookeriana in the Eastern Tiers, East Coast, Bruny Island and southern coastal areas are set to provide foraging opportunities for this season. Eucalyptus globulus on the Tasman Peninsula and coastal areas will also be important food sources this season. Results from these bud surveys help Sustainable Timber Tasmania focus its Swift Parrot Monitoring Program during breeding season. General Manager Conservation and Land Management Suzette Weeding said that Sustainable Timber Tasmania is proactively monitoring and evaluating any potential nesting activity on public production forests which will inform our forest management and minimise risks to nesting birds. The research and operations team conducted reconnaissance this past week located in and around our forest coupes with potential foraging and nesting habitat. No swift parrots were heard or seen however, the team placed acoustic monitors out in the forest, which will be its ears to listen for any swift parrot activity in the area over the coming weeks.    

Time is running out to nominate a forest contracting legend to be recognised with an AFCA Hall of Fame, Service to Industry or Industry Excellence Award for 2024. Nominations close on Monday 30 September with the winners announced that the AFCA Gala Dinner in November. Source: Timberbiz “These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the amazing people and companies operating in the forest contracting sector, and the other businesses and organisations that are supported them,” AFCA General Manager Tim Lester said. “Every two years we induct up to 10 AFCA members into our Hall of Fame, and further recognise the significant contribution of one of our Hall of Fame members with an Industry Icon Award. “With our Service to Industry Awards we take the opportunity to recognise up to 5 individuals, businesses or organisations. It’s our way of saying thanks and acknowledging these important contributions. “We will also celebrate achievements in the fields of operational performance and safety practice. Contracting businesses and workers are innovating all the time, finding better, more efficient and safer ways to get the job done. “AFCA is also proudly continuing our other individual categories to highlight achievements of an incredible female leader and of the next generation. “Thanks also to our award sponsors – ForestFit, Forestworks, Forico, John Deere and the Forest Research Institute. Their support makes these Awards possible. “These Awards are a way to demonstrate the great work being done in and for forest contracting, so make sure you get your nominations in!” Mr Lester concluded. Nominations are being accepted online through the AFCA website at www.afca.asn.au The Gala Dinner and Awards night will be held on 14 November at the Tramsheds in Launceston, Tasmania.

Forest sustainability has taken on different meanings in Western Australia – changing depending on the audience. In one corner the Minister for Forestry, Jackie Jarvis, has repeatedly claimed the closure of the native forest industry was necessary because it was unsustainable. Source: Australian Rural & Regional News In the other corner is Stuart West, the General Manager of the Minister’s agency, the Forest Products Commission, overseeing harvesting operations in the jarrah and karri forests which have been independently certified as being sustainable. Both can’t be right, can they? Then Premier Mark McGowan announced an end to ‘commercial harvesting’ on 8 September 2021 under the smokescreen of climate change. Meanwhile, the Minister for the Environment has admitted there were no reports to demonstrate this link and the government’s alternative facts have been shown to be populist opinion. Despite this lack of scientific evidence, Jackie Jarvis continues to spout the same talking points. The FPC has followed suit and mouthed the government line. Their actions are however very different. Through all the anti-forestry propaganda the FPC’s operations in the native forest have maintained certification to the Sustainable Forest Management standard AS4708. FPC continues to hold this certification three years after we were told the operations weren’t sustainable. Responsible Wood oversee the implementation of this standard and ensures independent auditors check FPC’s performance. By maintaining certification Stuart West and the FPC are confirming the results of the certification that there is sound scientific evidence that WA forests are being sustainably managed. If the FPC didn’t believe that was the case, they should have handed the certificate back in 2021. Instead, the FPC has continued to have its forest harvesting audited in December 2021, February 2023 and August 2023 – confirming that they conform to AS 4708. This certification of sustainability continues until June 2025. Under Standard 4708 sustainability needs to be based on science and includes maintaining, enhancing or restoring ecological processes; carbon, nutrient and water cycles; and the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Forest Monitoring under the acclaimed Forestcheck program has shown this to be the case since the 1990’s. It is clear the left and right side of government don’t know what the other is doing. Independent Auditors for Responsible Wood say the forests have been sustainably managed for timber production based on systematic assessment against defined criteria. Jackie Jarvis says they aren’t based on the politics. In a bizarre twist Stuart West sits on the Board of Responsible Wood (surely a conflict of interest).  He is precariously astride a barbed wire fence. As a Board member he is bound to support and uphold the integrity of the Sustainable Forest Management standard. As a vassal of the Minister, he has to publicly support her position. This certification fiasco follows on Jackie Jarvis’s confession of being confused over the publication of forestry data, which she has subsequently confirmed will now remain hidden from public view. This lack of transparency and accountability is totally contrary to the requirements of AS 4708 and pledges of open government. As can been seen from the audit findings above the FPC does not deal with stakeholder complaints appropriately, another symptom of the secrecy surrounding the mismanagement of the forest industry. Gavin Butcher is a former director of the WA Forest Products Commission.

The Victorian State Government’s flawed forestry transition scheme is failing to provide promised funding to help businesses transition into plantation timber jobs, according to the Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath who has called for immediate state government intervention on behalf of Hodge Forestry in Latrobe Valley. Source: Timberbiz Due to government bureaucracy, Hodge Forestry cannot transition to the plantation industry and begin its new provisional contract. “Since 2014, Hodge Forestry has been providing specialised OH&S audit services as a VicForest contractor,” said Ms Bath. “Despite Labor’s claims of supporting workers and contractors, owner Trevor Hodge has not received any compensation or financial assistance following the closure of the native timber industry. “Without financial support, Mr Hodge cannot afford to purchase the specialist equipment to fulfill his contractual obligations for plantation work – it’s unacceptable.” Ms Bath said following advice from the Forestry Transition Team, Hodge Forestry applied for Round 3 of the Victorian Transition Innovation Fund but is yet to receive any news on whether his application has been successful. “It is unfair that Labor is leaving redundant forestry workers in limbo after its disastrous policy shut down Victoria’s sustainable native timber industry. “Labor has a history of turning its back on our forestry contractors. “After so much heartbreak, it is time for a good news story for contractors who have complied with the state government’s every requirement but are still facing uncertainty.” Ms Bath is calling on Labor to expedite the Round 3 application process so Mr Hodge can complete his transition and move forward.

Front-line law enforcement officers from across Vietnam have received specialised timber legality training, critical to Vietnam’s efforts to promote sustainable forest management and combat illegal timber trade. Source: Timberbiz Vietnam is a major importer and exporter of timber products. Much of the timber is sourced via cargo shipment from Africa, particularly from the Congo Basin, where uncontrolled deforestation is a major problem. This situation jeopardises Vietnam’s timber industry and challenges frontline officers who, due to limited capacity and knowledge, struggle to verify timber species, origins, and documentation in order to ensure legality. To address these challenges, TRAFFIC, the Department of Forestry, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) organised a series of training courses in Quang Tri, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Dong Nai, and Gia Lai, reaching 123 officials from Vietnam Customs, Forest Protection Department, and Environmental Police, across 21 provinces. The curriculum focused on enhancing skills in assessing and verifying legal compliance related to imported timber, covering the following topics: International and Vietnamese regulations on timber legality Due diligence in managing imported timber Controlling high-risk species and timber identification methods Traceability tools to verify timber species along the supply chain Use of a new wood identification tool in development by TRAFFIC. This training series came at a critical time, as Vietnam works to implement its commitments under the Vietnam-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA/FLEGT) signed in 2019, which requires robust systems to ensure the legality of all timber in Viet Nam’s supply chain, making the enhanced capabilities of front-line officers even more crucial. Linh Nguyen, Project Manager at TRAFFIC, expressed optimism about the program’s impacts. “The high pass rate and positive feedback from participants indicate that we have made substantial progress in equipping our officials with the necessary tools to combat illegal timber trade. It represents a crucial step in Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable forest management,” he said. This comprehensive training initiative marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s commitment to combating illegal timber trade and ensuring the sustainability of its timber industry. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of its front-line officers, Vietnam is taking proactive steps to protect its forests, support legal trade, and contribute to global efforts in forest conservation.

Thanks to Tristram Branscombe-Kent’s invaluable inspiration, thousands of consumers worldwide have come across the friendly checkmark-and-tree logo along with the ‘Forests For All Forever’ tag line. This year, as FSC celebrates its 30th anniversary, it honours his memory and conveys our gratitude, on behalf of all the people who work hard contributing to the health of the world’s forests and a healthier planet. Source: Timberbiz The FSC logo is a statement that tells you that the product that you have purchased has been produced using wood from a responsibly managed forest, ensuring that its biodiversity is respected while providing social benefits to the communities that depend on it. Behind the FSC checkmark and tree, there’s a story of commitment by a group of people that came together 30 years ago. That group of people had a vision, and the creativity of a uniquely talented graphic designer. It all started in 1994 when the first FSC members saw the need to have a logo that consumers and producers alike could easily identify with the mission for global forestry that was just dawning: to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world’s forests. These members were presented with an initial design that represented a cluster of trees casting a shadow in the form of a world map. Although the idea was adequate, “a number of stakeholders saw it difficult to recognize. Also, due to its size, the map left out some parts of the world, which was criticized by some members for obvious reasons,” said Tim Synnott, an FSC founding member and its first Executive Director. Therefore, a much simpler and efficient version was needed. “The Board and I quickly realized that the first logo was quite unsuitable for labels due to its complexity, so we commissioned Tristram Branscombe-Kent to design a new one in 1995, a process that took several months of refining and agreeing,” he said. Branscombe-Kent began his early career as a graphic designer in a variety of agencies and locations including London, Athens and New York before creating Tristram Kent Associates (TKA) first in Canterbury and then in Broadstairs. Branscombe-Kent arrived at FSC’s first headquarters in Oaxaca, Mexico, in June 1994 to meet with the Board members at their third meeting and to gather their impressions. The commission was clear: the concept had to immediately tell consumers that the product they were about to purchase represented the FSC mission and came from well-managed forests. The challenge was not easy, as this commitment was at an infant stage at the time and some of the green claims on labels that began to appear on products in the early 1990s were downright misleading. “Consumers were simply not as knowledgeable about ethical choices back then and they had no way of knowing whom to trust or believe. It was a novelty, and we had to convey a very simple and effective message to reassure them,” said Mr Synnott. After gathering the Board’s input, Branscombe-Kent hopped back on a plane and flew back to England, where he began to work on what came to symbolize the world’s first choice of responsibly sourced forest products. Early sketches show a variety of options as he toyed with the idea that responsible forestry had to include imagery that would be immediately recognizable with the obvious – trees. These included a dual-shaped tree that was meant to symbolize a broadleaf and a conifer with the abbreviation FSC beneath it. Other options were bolder and documented an interest in conveying more abstract symbolism, such as a photograph of a tree that had been digitally reduced to a minimal amount of bitmap information and meant to identify with the dawning digital age. The final drafts were presented to the FSC Board of Directors, and the option of the checkmark-and-tree logo was accepted at the beginning of 1996. For the Board members, this was the perfect choice as it conveyed a tree with a universally recognized sign of approval – a checkmark. Twenty-five years on, it proved to be the right choice. The logo was officially launched at an event in London on 21 February 1996, and the first product bearing it – the now legendary Sainsbury’s cooking spatula – was available soon after, beginning a journey that keeps telling us today just how important it is to buy products that help preserve the world’s forests for future generations.