Australian timber industry news

Tigercat has released a smaller class mulching head suited to niche applications like fire mitigation and remediation. Source: Timberbiz Designed for the Tigercat 470 mulcher, the 4054-20 provides a complete end-to-end Tigercat mulching solution for narrow swath applications and lower horsepower carriers. The 4054-20 head has a smaller diameter drum, a two metre (79 in) mulching swath and a lighter weight, more compact design. Key applications include fire mitigation and remediation, as well as right-of-way and site preparation projects requiring a smaller, more agile machine. The smaller size and lighter weight of the 4054-20 means it can work on carriers with less attachment power, while retaining similar recovery performance to larger heads equipped on larger carriers. Various carbide tools and hardened steel knife tools are available to suit a range of applications. The Tigercat designed bolt-on tool system is available for both the open face rotor and the feed control rotor. Manufactured for robustness, the 4054-20 mulching head offers durability and reliability. Carbide welding on the skis provides extra protection from wear. The robust housing with reinforced side covers adds to the heavy duty build quality and structural integrity. The drive system efficiently transfers power with no belt slip and reduced belt tension maintenance. Large, heavy duty bearings and shafts ensure long life and high uptime. Numerous removable access covers allow easy maintenance of wear items and service points. The wear liner can be serviced in the field and does not require welding or rotor removal.

The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) has welcomed the announcement of the first round of commitments from the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), which will see 13,700 social and affordable homes built, housing more than 25,000 Australians in need. Source: Timberbiz Funded projects will include 4,220 social and 9,522 affordable homes, including 1,267 homes for women and children escaping domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness. “This announcement demonstrates that the reforms we’ve long advocated are beginning to deliver,” CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said. “It’s heartening to see the Commonwealth taking decisive action to address Australia’s housing crisis and not a moment too soon. And, with the funding tap at last beginning to flow, it’s also re-assuring that the government plans a second round of allocations to take place early in the New Year. “CHIA strongly believes that the HAFF program must be viewed as part of the broader, coordinated and sustained effort required if Australian governments are to make any appreciable impact on the huge backlog of need. “This announcement represents solid progress we wholeheartedly commend. Of course, it doesn’t fix the problem overnight, and no one would suggest it does. When you’re tackling a housing crisis that has been decades in the making, the key is to show long-term commitment and to steadily make inroads. “The enduring significance of today’s program launch will depend on whether it marks the re-start of a national investment push maintained and expanded in future years. Only then will we start to see a measurable reduction in unmet housing need and a meaningful contribution to moderating rents at the lower end of the private market. “Thankfully, with the HAFF beginning to bear fruit, and with both Housing Australia and the Housing Supply Council now firing on all cylinders, we now have the necessary mechanisms and institutions to properly begin the mammoth task of turning our housing system around.” CHIA looks forward to continuing its work with all levels of government, industry and unions to address Australia’s housing challenges and create more opportunities for those in need of stable, affordable housing.  

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi slammed the New Zealand Government for failing to bring a plan to the table to save around 300 jobs in the Ruapehu district, following the decision of Winstone Pulp International to close the Karioi pulp mill and the Tangiwai sawmill. Source: Timberbiz “Our hearts go out to all the workers who have lost their jobs, and we stand in solidarity with them at this terribly difficult time,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff. “The Government had the power to keep the mill alive by creating a plan for power price stability, but they failed to deliver. “This decision will be devastating for the Ruapehu district who were already dealing with high unemployment and a lack of opportunities. This is the last thing they need. “Government has a responsibility to keep rural communities alive by supporting regional economic development and stepping in to show leadership when critical industries are struggling. Writing off whole communities is simply unacceptable. “Local manufacturing plays an important role in our regional economies and that needs to be protected into the future. It is the role of Government to guarantee this by implementing employment, regional development and Just Transition strategies that prioritise job creation and protection in rural communities. “Everyone deserves good work that is secure and pays well, regardless of where they live. This decision shows we have a long way to go to make that a reality.”  

New Zealand forest owners say the just announced reform of resource management instruments will deliver clearer, more consistent environmental standards for production forests nationwide. Source: Timberbiz Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay announced his plan to revise settings within the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) at the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) conference. The reform will look to change the clause giving effect to regional freshwater management rules and remove the afforestation clause which allows councils to impose different planting rules on production forests from those stated in the NES-CF. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the reform will reduce the regulatory complexities faced by growers and streamline forestry’s environmental controls. “The departure from the National Standard and introduction of various councils’ environmental rules has created conflicting standards and confusion among growers as to which takes precedence,” Dr Heeg said. “These rule variations have placed significant pressures on growers, many of whom have had to apply for resource consents for new planting in low or no-risk areas, without any demonstrable need for these new rules. “Today’s announcement is a promising step towards addressing the issue and creating more consistent and outcome-based environmental regulations for forestry across the regions.” The NES-CF provides a nationally consistent set of legal obligations that aim to maintain or improve environmental outcomes related to commercial forestry activities. Not only will growers have greater certainty that the environmental rules set out under the NES-CF are appropriate for use across the country, but the reform will also address the issue of rules being introduced without justifiable evidence that more stringency is needed. “In the instance of Canterbury’s Plan Change 7 (PC7), there was a lack of evidence to justify the introduction of a more stringent local sediment discharge rule in place of what was already set out by the NES-CF,” Dr Heeg said. “The reform will ensure forest owners are operating to the same environmental rules across New Zealand irrespective of which jurisdiction they fall under. “Councils will be bound to deal with stringency through the NES-CF first and foremost.” While these changes will go some way to restoring the sector’s confidence in the regulatory framework, Elizabeth says ensuring policy remains evidence-based will be critical when it comes to implementing risk management tools. “Forest owners take their duty to be responsible landowners very seriously and go to great lengths to ensure good environmental outcomes for all concerned,” Dr Heeg said. “The sector is supportive of improvement to risk management tools, particularly where there is a need, however, it is important that these tools are supported by science. “Forest owners want to see the foundations of the NES-CF remain evidence-based. Any proposed amendments, such as McClay’s intention to improve slash management standards, must have strong scientific grounds to justify change. “Forest owners look forward to working closely with the Minister, councils and the community to ensure the new NES-CF settings are fit for purpose.” Reform of forestry’s resource management system will undergo consultation before any formal changes are made.

The South Australian Forest Products Association has launched “This is Wood Work” a powerful campaign shining a spotlight on career pathways in South Australia’s forest and timber industries – the ultimate renewable. Source: Timberbiz This industry-driven campaign, led by SAFPA, is supported by the South Australian Government’s Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Masterplan, and is about planning for the future and attracting talent to the industry and the regions. Wood Work is an online tool showcasing the broad diversity of career pathways and job options within the forest and timber industries, ranging from forest management, to harvest and haulage, saw and wood production through to corporate services. Forest industries are building our nation and with growing investment in new processing facilities, it’s an industry that requires skilled, technologically-savvy and environmentally-driven professionals, and the Wood Work campaign will showcase how to find a career with a diversity of pathways while contributing to a greener, cleaner future by producing the ultimate renewable product – timber. South Australia’s Limestone Coast is fast becoming the nation’s hub of forestry innovation with the Wood Work campaign designed to inform and attract job seekers about the multitude of forest industries jobs and careers. The City of Mount Gambier will be decorated in ‘This is Wood Work’ branding, from billboards on the main street, to the back of buses, adverts in the newspaper, on radio and on social media, reaching the core demographic of school leavers and young people looking for meaningful, stable career options. People are the future of the forest industries, and Wood Work is SAFPA’s commitment to future proofing South Australia’s forest and timber sector. To learn more about the campaign, please visit: www.thisiswoodwork.com.au

Saturday, 21 September, marks the start of FSC Forest Week 2024, a global initiative aimed at raising consumer awareness about the critical role of sustainable forestry. Source: Timberbiz Running from 21-27 September, this campaign, led by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), shines a light on the vital role of sustainable forestry in safeguarding the health of our planet. It highlights the incredible work of FSC forest stewards, who are on the front lines of combating climate change and addressing the biodiversity crisis. Over the years, FSC Forest Week has gained significant momentum, inspiring individuals, businesses, and organisations worldwide to take action. This year’s theme, “Small steps together create big change for all”, encourages participants to reflect on how simple daily actions, like making responsible purchasing decisions, can collectively drive significant positive impacts for our planet and its forests. In Australia and New Zealand, forestry organisations, retail giants, fashion brands, packaging leaders, environmental NGOs, and more will be celebrating in an array of ways. From social media participation to magazine features, catalogue highlights, internal awareness events, competitions, and other innovative approaches, FSC certificate holders, members, and promotional licence holders are demonstrating their commitment to sustainable forestry in dynamic and impactful ways. The campaign’s call to action is clear: taking steps, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable future. FSC Forest Week offers a unique opportunity for consumers, business leaders, and social and environmental organisations alike to engage in the conversation and help spread awareness about the importance of managing forests sustainably for future generations. But the work doesn’t stop at the end of the week, FSC encourages everyone to continue making conscious, forest-friendly choices in their daily lives, making this celebration the start of ongoing, positive change. Whether you’re an FSC certificate holder, member, or promotional licence holder, you can join the movement by registering for the campaign. If you’re outside the FSC system, you can still show your support by liking and sharing FSC ANZ’s content on social media. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our forests and the planet’s future. FSC certificate holders, members and promotional licence holders register here. Find out more here: https://fsc.org/en/forestweek FSC Forest Week 2023 recap video: https://youtu.be/TfnjdpRy6ns

New Commonwealth laws provide protections for independent contractors working in the road transport industry and gig workers, from 26 August 2024. These laws operate alongside Victoria’s Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005. Source: Timberbiz There are laws hirers and freight brokers must follow when engaging owner drivers or forestry contractors. Failing to comply with some of these laws is a crime. If you are an owner driver or forestry contractor, the hirer or freight broker who engages you must adhere to the laws set out below. You can report a business you think is breaking these laws through an online form. The Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005 and Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Regulations 2017 outline the requirements you must follow when engaging an owner driver or forestry contractor. A forestry contractor is someone that runs a business to: harvest forest products using motorised equipment that they supply transport forest products. The contractor supplies the vehicles and operates at least one of them. A hirer is someone that engages an owner driver or forestry contractor. A freight broker is a broker or agent that procures or arranges the engagement of an owner driver or forestry contractor by a hirer. This includes online platforms that facilitate the engagement of owner drivers or forestry contractors by hirers. If you are engaging an owner driver or forestry contractor for a total of 30 days or more in any 3-month period, you must ensure they receive the relevant extensive information. This information must be provided before they start work. Where the engagement was initially for fewer than 30 days within a 3-month period but is extended, this information must be provided on the 30th day of the engagement. You must use written contracts if the engagement is for 30 days or more or has no fixed end-date. The contract must include the: guaranteed minimum hours of work or income level rates to be paid minimum notice to end the contract or payment to be made instead of notice. Hirers, owner drivers and forestry contractors must not engage in ‘unconscionable conduct’ with respect to each other, including during negotiations. Generally speaking, unconscionable conduct occurs where a stronger party to a transaction exploits a weaker party in a way that is unreasonable or unfair. However, what may amount to unconscionable conduct, or an unjust term will depend on all of the parties’ circumstances. It is important to seek legal advice. Owner drivers, forestry contractors and hirers can refer allegations of unconscionable conduct or unjust contract terms to the VSBC for alternative dispute resolution. If not resolved, they can then be referred to VCAT. You must not subject or threaten an owner driver or forestry contractor to any detriment for: raising health and safety issues claiming their rights under the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005 or the Code of Practice seeking to negotiate a proposed engagement or contract seeking to renegotiate an existing engagement or contract. More information is available at: https://www.vic.gov.au/transport-and-forestry-business-support

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia’s new mezzanine office and boardroom was formally opened by EWPAA Chair Stuart Toakley last week enthusiastically attended by industry and supply chain representatives. Source: Timberbiz The new office is open and welcoming, showcasing the flexible use of a range of EWPAA member companies’ renewable engineered wood products (EWPs), and offers staff a creative new space to work in and interact with industry. It demonstrates that a bland industrial unit can be made into a vibrant workplace. This previously mezzanine roof storage space was transformed by well-known industry stalwart and retired EWPAA employee, Andy McNaught. Though he may be retired, he’s still very much committed to the industry and promoting EWP use. From start to finish, Mr McNaught skilfully designed, managed trades, and built the new workspace. The EWPAA team is deeply grateful for his immense knowledge, his years of service, and the impressive quality and functionality of the new build. As you enter EWPAA’s front door, you’re greeted by a commanding laminated hardwood tabletop, skilfully manufactured by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), followed by more ASH laminated stair treads, leading to the new mezzanine office landing. Here you see an aesthetically immaculate feature of Austral Plywood vertical strips, accentuated by a backing charcoal painted wall. The Australian Panels’ particleboard STRUCTAflor may be easy to miss, as it’s not been used as a flooring product, but makes up the external cladding of the panelised framing sections. The unsung and unsighted heroes but are just as important are the now-clad products, AKD timber framing from the Caboolture sawmill, and Wesbeam e-joist. Two EWPs that do the job well and are a sensible and renewable choice for renovations and lightweight timber framing builds. Where the new office space really comes together is the exquisite interior. Australian Panels Easycraft Easy VJ100 is a simple product, that truly adds extensive value to the room. The softened texture from the floor-to-ceiling profile leads perfectly into the charcoal feature wall. Austral Plywood ceilings, doors, and trimmings are ever present, as they both pop with a flash of colour and grain texture yet are subtle and warming. “The new build reflects our commitment to innovative use of EWPs, our members, their products, and our renewable timber industry. The new workspace, created masterfully by Andy McNaught, is a welcoming environment which we’re proud of, and will show off every chance we get,” EWPAA CEO Gavin Matthew said. EWPAA Chair Stuart Toakley declared the new office was the ‘cherry on top of the cake’ of recent investments made by EWPAA and reflected the association’s leading role in providing timber technical expertise, product certification and testing throughout Australasia.

Whenever a Volvo Penta engine is sold, a partnership begins. Almost ten years ago, the first Eco Log 580E Harvester was fitted with the first Volvo Penta engine ever installed in a forestry application and sold to Swedish forestry specialists Nitta Rundvirke AB. Source: Timberbiz In 2024, when Nitta Rundvirke ordered another harvester, the Eco Log 590G with the latest D8 EU Stage V Volvo Penta engine, the sale marked a new milestone in the companies’ long-standing relationship, as well as the delivery of the 1,000th Eco Log machine powered by Volvo Penta. Frans Spetz is one of the co-owners of Nitta Rundvirke, located in western Sweden. Founded in 1965, the family-owned company operates in several industries, including transportation, excavation, and forestry. In addition to running his company, Frans conducts a lot of field tests. Extensive testing in demanding work environments, combined with an ongoing dialogue on improvements, is essential for finding the best solutions. By working in close collaboration with customers, Volvo Penta develops products and services that meet ever-increasing demands in terms of productivity, cost-efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability. With Nitta Rundvirke, new engines and machines are tested in various forestry applications, in their proper work environment. “As field testers, we are honest and straightforward throughout the development process,” says Frans. “There are other field testers that are just happy to try something new, without giving proper feedback or telling the manufacturer what they actually think. But we always do.” Among the machines that the operators of Nitta Rundvirke work with, and have tested thoroughly, are those of Swedish OEM Eco Log, equipped with Volvo Penta industrial engines. Frans bought his first Eco Log 580E Harvester almost ten years ago, outfitted with the very first Volvo Penta engine ever installed in a forestry application. More than 11,000 work hours later, that D8 Stage IV engine is still running today, in the same harvester, with only routine maintenance since its installation. When a forestry machine malfunctions in a remote location, the operator will often have to solve the issue on the spot. To keep costly downtime to a minimum, they need to know a lot about their machines and their engines. Frans and his colleagues use their machines to their maximum capacity. Even so, the D8 engine has remained robust and reliable year after year. “We had to change the water pump at some point,” Frans notes. “But that’s the kind of inevitable maintenance that comes from normal wear and tear.” Forestry machines are very complex, and operators demand a lot from them. However, the construction of both the machines and their engines needs to be intuitive and convenient, to facilitate maintenance when required. “When you dimension everything correctly, and the engine is easy to work with, it just makes everything a lot easier,” Frans says, adding that one of the reasons many players in the forestry industry choose Eco Log’s machines because they are equipped with Volvo Penta engines. In the spring of 2024, Frans ordered yet another harvester, the Eco Log 590G, equipped with the latest D8 EU Stage V Volvo Penta engine. Shortly afterwards, he saw a video acknowledging the delivery of the 1,000th Eco Log machine powered by Volvo Penta. “There was a clip highlighting the occasion, showing Volvo Penta coworkers displaying an engine with a shiny, gold-coloured engine cover, which I thought looked really nice,” says Frans. When Frans met with Eco Log and Volvo Penta to receive his new harvester, he was greeted by an unusually great number of people out in the forest. “They had brought cake and stuff, and there – under the hood of my new harvester – was the engine with the golden cover.” Frans’ D8 Volvo Penta engines – old and new alike – are put to the test every workday, by him and his colleagues. The engines’ robustness and reliability make his forestry operations more efficient and contribute to a more worry-free work environment. “The engines just keep going, meaning that we can keep going, too,” says Frans. “No repair needed, only occasional routine maintenance. It’s cool to know that the 1,000th engine sits right there, in our harvester. Not that we get that many opportunities to look at it, since it rarely ever needs to be checked.”

According to a survey conducted by the Finnish Shareholders’ Association, the Finnish Foundation for Share Promotion and T-Media, the most reputable listed company in 2024 is Ponsse. Source: Timberbiz The survey evaluated the reputation of 80 listed companies in the eyes of Finnish private investors. Ponsse is the only company in the survey to achieve an excellent reputation. The top three most reputable listed companies were Ponsse, KONE, and Gofore and Vaisala, sharing third place. Listed companies’ reputation was studied in May and June 2024, with a total of 7,958 Finnish private investors responding to the survey. Based on the survey model, the reputation of each company was rated on a scale from one to five. In the top three, Ponsse’s reputation was rated 4.04, Kone’s 3.98, Gofore’s 3.97 and Vaisala’s 3.97. This year, Ponsse was the only company in the survey to achieve an excellent reputation. Products and services, as well as good management, impacts on investment decisions Finnish private investors considered products and services to be the best aspects of the reputation of listed companies. In addition to the economic perception, the survey also showed that the images of management and the price-to-quality ratio of products and services guided the behaviour of private investors. “This is a great tribute to the entire Ponsse family. We are very grateful for this recognition. I believe this shows how we work together for the benefit of our customers. In a changing world, we need to keep up with new trends and keep our products and services competitive,” said Jarmo Vidgren, Chairman of the Board of Directors. The reputation was measured using the Reputation & Trust survey model, in which the evaluation is based on eight dimensions: governance; financial performance; leadership; innovation; dialogue; products and services; the workplace; and responsibility.  

In the Trump administration, trees were crops. In the Biden administration, they’re guardians of the climate. This fall’s election will determine which label wins, though the Forest Service’s work on the ground may not change all that much. Source: E&E News by Politico That’s one conclusion from forest policy groups, which see the rhetoric around managing national forests hinging on the presidential race between Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and Donald Trump, the Republican contender, even as radical changes aren’t likely anytime soon in the 193-million-acre forest system. “There isn’t much controversy over the need to do more to improve the health of the national forests,” said Bill Imbergamo, executive director of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, representing companies that harvest timber on federal lands. He added, “I don’t see a potential Harris or Trump administration giving up on active management as part of the solution to the wildfire crisis.” No matter who’s elected this fall, the Forest Service — which is filled from top to bottom with career employees rather than political appointees — will continue to log forests, including older trees in some places. It will plant more trees to catch up with a decadeslong reforestation backlog and allow monitored wildfires to burn in some places, despite scattered but vocal opposition to the policy. And the agency will likely keep spending more than half of its discretionary budget fighting fires, a milestone first hit in 2015. That year, the Forest Service predicted fire suppression costs could hit $1.8 billion by 2025. Now, the agency predicts the cost for the coming year could exceed $3 billion. Lawsuits from environmental groups on large forest projects may not let up much, either. Despite the Biden administration’s stated goal of protecting mature and old-growth forests, the Democratic administration is fending off legal challenges to logging projects on the Daniel Boone, Kootenai and Nantahala national forests, among other places. The usual battle lines will likely persist no matter who leads the Forest Service. Although the position is a career rather than political post, leadership has tended to change with administrations. Possibly more important is who the incoming president picks as secretary of the Agriculture Department and how closely the White House inserts itself into forest policy, said Steve Ellis, a former Forest Service and Interior Department official who heads the National Association of Forest Service Retirees. “Such choices are critical,” Ellis said. Infrastructure and climate law funding rollout Much of the Forest Service’s current workload is tied to two big appropriations bills passed during the Biden administration — the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The laws poured billions of dollars into forest management, including reducing potential wildfire fuel like dead and dying trees, replanting trees in areas damaged by wildfire, and rehabilitating roads and campsites. The IRA alone sent $5 billion to the Forest Service. Nearly half of which was devoted for the agency’s state and private forestry programs, including planting trees in communities around the country. About $2.2 billion went directly to national forests, including for forest thinning. Republicans aren’t likely to cut off money in those areas if swept into power, policy groups said. But they’ll probably be more skeptical than Democratic counterparts about how it’s spent and whether to add still more. Forest work that Democrats billed as an emergency under those appropriations was slow to start, so the agency’s success in using the IRA and infrastructure funding — which runs out in the next few years — could determine whether Congress provides more money during the next administration, Imbergamo said. While IRA funds for the Forest Service may not appear in jeopardy, a lobbyist for another advocacy group said, that assessment is “subject to change of course depending on the appetite and margin of victory for the GOP.” This lobbyist, who requested anonymity to speak openly about offices the group works with, said a rollback of unobligated IRA and infrastructure law funding is a “distant but distinct possibility.” The next administration will inherit a shorter-term budget crunch at the Forest Service as well. In June, Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said the agency would curtail hiring for non-fire-related positions and emphasized that future hires through the IRA and the infrastructure law would be considered temporary or term employees. State forest agencies are pressing Congress to direct more money at programs that benefit them, such as state fire assistance grants in the forest stewardship program, which helps private forest owners manage their land. But proposals in both the House and Senate for fiscal 2025 are millions of dollars behind the recommendations of the National Association of State Foresters. Some programs, like landscape-scale forest restoration projects, could see a shift in emphasis, said Maya Solomon, senior director of policy and advocacy at the American Forest Foundation. Democrats would likely push for more money and direct it at climate resilience and ecosystem health, she said, while with Republicans in charge, “Funding might be more limited and directed towards projects with immediate economic or resource management benefits.” Strategy for mature and old-growth trees The biggest split between Democratic and Republican control may be on protecting old-growth forests. Neither campaign has had much to say on forest policy, but Harris is expected to build on the Biden administration’s record and Trump is expected to return his first term agenda. The Democratic Party platform adopted at this week’s national convention in Chicago pledges to “work to reduce threats to iconic old growth forests.” The Biden administration is in the final stages of preparing a systemwide forest plan amendment to conserve old-growth areas in national forests, including by reducing timber harvesting in some areas. Republicans have roundly opposed the idea, which is all but certain to be curtailed in a second Trump administration. In 2017, Sonny Perdue, Agriculture secretary under Trump, told a House subcommittee that trees are “crops” that “ought to be harvested for the benefit of the American public” — setting early on the administration’s tone on forest policy. In its proposal […]

Scion scientists have identified a unique microbiome associated with pine pollen, a significant step forward in forest research. Source: Timberbiz Led by microbiome scientist Lottie Armstrong and Dr Steve Wakelin, the world-first discovery reveals that pine pollen carries specific microorganisms consistently across regions and years. This microbiome may also offer insights into future environmental and allergy research. As outlined in a newly published paper, Armstrong has been exploring the idea that pollen is more than just a carrier of plant genetic material. “Like humans, many plant surfaces are colonised by microbial organisms, and these microbes influence the fitness of the plants. Pine trees and other conifers have been around a lot longer than humans, so we wonder if they have had much longer to form, or co-evolved, microbiome associations. “Microbiomes may be even more important to trees than they are to us,” she says. Using environmental DNA-based methods, Armstrong examined the microbiomes on pine pollen from different Pinus radiata trees across Canterbury. Over two consecutive pollen seasons, researchers found a highly consistent presence of bacterial and fungal microbiomes on pine pollen. The fact that the same microbial species were present on pollen from different trees, and are stable over consecutive years, indicates this pollen microbiome is conserved and may be important for the plant. “Metabolomic analysis showed that amino acids and sugars on the pollen surface may help maintain this microbiome,” Armstrong adds. This revelation means that when pollen moves from tree to tree, it’s not just transporting the male genetic material—it’s also carrying a microbiome and all the microbial genome too. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sXJykTCrr3e3yGSncpblL2LnfaE5A5tP/view “Microbiomes are essentially hitchhiking on pollen to move from tree to tree,” she says. “It’s a great evolutionary tool for microbes, allowing them to be transmitted into the wider forest, or to play a role in fertilisation, germination or the health and fitness of the next generation of trees.” This discovery could open up new opportunities for researchers in health-related fields, particularly those involved in allergy research. “In other plant species, some of the allergenic effects of pollen are influenced by the microbiome,” Armstrong says. “Wouldn’t it be great to have a low-allergy microbiome on our pine trees so that those sensitive to pine pollen might get some relief? This could be a useful breeding target for the next generation of pine trees.” While this aspect of the research is still unexplored, the potential implications are far-reaching. The findings suggest that by understanding and possibly manipulating the microbiomes of trees, researchers could not only improve forest health and resilience but also help mitigate some of the allergenic effects of pollen on humans. “This is just the beginning,” said Dr Wakelin. “There’s still a lot we don’t know, but what we’ve discovered here sets the stage for exciting future research. Understanding how trees and their microbiomes interact will not only benefit forestry but may also have broader environmental and public health impacts.”

For 70 years, the Coronation Forest schools programme in New Zealand has provided local school children a behind-the-scenes glimpse at a working production forest in the Golden Downs forests. Source: Timberbiz The programme was initiated by Nelson man Arnold Cork who had an idea that would leave a legacy for generations. To mark Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, Cork suggested planting trees in an area of Golden Downs State Forest and renaming it Coronation Forest. Cork set out to create a forest to engage school children in their environment and the local forestry industry, and 70 years later his idea is still flourishing. Shaun Truelock, OneFortyOne New Zealand Forests’ General Manager explains how Coronation Forest has become a piece of living history for the Nelson Tasman region. “More than 40,000 local school children have planted seedlings in Coronation Forest over its 70-year history,” said Shaun. “As New Zealand becomes increasingly urbanised, the programme has given young people access to a unique outdoor experience and the opportunity to increase knowledge about local industries, fostering a connection with the land. “Every year, hundreds of school children from local schools participate in tree planting and plantation forestry activities such as tree measuring, guessing the age of pines, and learning more about the local ecosystem, said Shaun. Tasman Mayor Tim King attended the anniversary celebrations on Friday and reflected on his own experience at Coronation Forest when he attended as a pupil at Brightwater Primary School. Mayor Tim King congratulated OneFortyOne and Ngāti Toa for the continued support of this longstanding initiative which will continue to provide enduring connections to the forest industry for the many thousands of kids who have attended Coronation Forest planting days over the years. “Continuing this strong connection with the community is crucial to one of Tasman District’s most important industries,” Mayor King said. Te Uru Rakau, Forest Engagement & Advice Director, Alex Wilson has said: Ministry for Primary Industries, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, and predecessors have supported the education program, yearly events and planting days over the lifetime of the Coronation Forest. “Regionally – it is hard not to speak to someone who has been involved in the events to some capacity, through school, recreationally or professionally,” said Alex. “Te Uru Rakau see the importance of connecting people with forests and wood they produce as well as learning the history of Nelson’s forests. Over the years, the forest has passed between different companies, with OneFortyOne New Zealand Forests now managing the area and supporting the forestry education programme, leasing the land from Ngāti Toa. The project is one of the longest-running privately-funded educational programmes in New Zealand, and many of those who planted trees in the 1950s have since returned with their children and grandchildren. Lee Wiren, a resident of Wakefield, has a family connection with Coronation Forest. His grandfather worked carting logs out of the forest from the 1970s to the 1990s, and he works in the industry today as a log truck driver. Lee’s dad and aunts each planted trees at Coronation Forest in the 1960s, while he attended Coronation Forest when at Enner Glynn Primary School in 1998. His daughter, a pupil at Wakefield Primary School, has planted seeds for the past two years, becoming the third generation to enjoy the area. His visit as a child in the 1990s remains an enduring memory. “I’d never been up there before, but knew it was an area where my dad and uncles worked,” he says. “I was stunned when I got there; the view over Nelson was simply awesome, it was remarkable. I still remember that day, playing among the trees and getting involved with planting. I remember feeling so proud of myself for planting a tree, it was such a great feeling,” he adds. Lee still remembers the sense of pride in being involved in the programme. “Over the years, whenever we drove past the forest, I’d always remind mum and dad that I had planted some trees there.” In his work, Lee believes he has “probably carted some of the same trees me and my class planted in the 1990s”. The experience kick-started a lifelong love of the forestry industry. “That’s what really sparked my interest,” he adds. “Visiting and having that exposure to the outdoors got me interested, and I went to work in sawmills in the area. But it’s driving logging trucks that I really love now.” Ngāti Toa and OneFortyOne continue their strong support for the programme, working to educate the next generation of children about the forest. After more than 70 years, Cork’s idea is well-placed for the next big milestone as one of New Zealand’s leading forestry educational initiatives.  

To align with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), FSC is introducing a new generation of Risk Assessments that will replace the existing FSC National Risk Assessments. Source: Timberbiz This enhanced approach will not only support the production of FSC MIX products under the FSC Controlled Wood system, but it will also be a critical tool for evaluating risk in compliance with new legal requirements, including the EUDR. These next-generation Risk Assessments will provide companies with an invaluable resource for efficiently assessing and mitigating risks and streamlining compliance. The Risk Assessments can be developed through two different processes: centralised or comprehensive processes. In essence, a centralised process means that FSC International oversees the revision process, with a consultant appointed jointly by FSC International and FSC ANZ drafting the Risk Assessment. This is how the New Zealand Centralised Risk Assessment was developed. This differs from a so-called ‘major process’ where FSC ANZ would be the process lead, and the Risk Assessment would be drafted by a chamber-balanced working group, which is how the Australian National Risk Assessment was developed. FSC International’s accelerated process for developing approximately 90 Risk Assessments globally includes strict timelines and milestones. If a milestone is missed, the process will automatically revert to a centralised approach. Given that the established milestones were deemed unachievable by the Board, a centralised process for Risk Assessments in Australia and New Zealand was requested. Of the 20 countries currently developing their Risk Assessments, 19 have chosen a centralised approach. Therefore, the FSC ANZ Board’s decision aligns with the common practice observed internationally. The draft Risk Assessments will go through 30 days of consultation, providing an opportunity for future users of the Risk Assessments and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft documents. Request for proposals to develop the new Risk Assessments On 30 August, FSC International published a call for proposals from consultants interested in drafting the Risk Assessments for Australia and New Zealand. All the relevant materials can be accessed here. The consultants will review the existing (Centralised) National Risk Assessments for Australia and/or New Zealand against the FSC-PRO-60-006b Risk Assessment Framework, identify gaps and discrepancies and revise the respective assessment in conformance with the Framework. Applications are open until 19 October 2024. EUDR alignment until the Risk Assessment comes into effect Until the Risk Assessments come into effect, certificate holders relying on the FSC system to comply with the EUDR will have to undertake an extended company risk assessment using either a simplified or a main risk assessment template provided by FSC International. The simplified template is required for FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody (FSC 100%) certificate holders seeking to demonstrate conformity with FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module to use their FSC Certification to support compliance with the EUDR. This template provides a largely pre-filled assessment of risk based on certification status. The main risk assessment template is relevant for certificate holders undertaking an extended company risk assessment to conform with FSC-STD-40-005 Requirements for Sourcing Controlled Wood and FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module. More information about the templates, the templates themselves, guidance and a tutorial can be accessed here. Certificate holders who do not need to comply with the EUDR do not need to use the templates.  

ForestrySA’s General Manager of Community Services Monique Blason is this year’s recipient of the Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award for excellence in sustainable forest management and chain of custody certification. Source:  Timberbiz The award was presented by Responsible Wood’s CEO Simon Dorries and Chair Dr Tony Bartlett at an Australian Forest Products Association dinner in Melbourne. The award honours the legacy of Richard Stanton, a former Australian Forestry Standard CEO whose dedication to the responsible management of forest resources continues through the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme. The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate excellence and leadership in the principles of sustainable forest management and the promotion of the RWCS. Ms Blason, who is also a director on the Forestry Australia board, commitment extends beyond forest management. She has embraced the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, ensuring that all managed sites proudly display the Responsible Wood logo, like along the popular Wilampa Trail. Her efforts in promoting sustainable forestry and her collaboration with First Nations groups to provide access to native trees for traditional uses further showcase her dedication to cultural heritage. Her leadership and dedication set a new benchmark for sustainable forest management in Australia. Her team manages over 16,000 hectares of Native Forest Reserves and supports conservation and recreational activities across 10,000 hectares of commercial pine plantations in the Adelaide Hills. Monique has become a leader in championing the non-wood benefits of forests, including biodiversity conservation and recreational opportunities for local communities. As part of this year’s award, Monique received a unique handcrafted Blackwood bowl, turned from a burl sourced from Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s certified forest estate. The bowl was created through a certified chain of custody supply chain, including Island Specialty Timbers and Darryl Freestone, a proud member of Wood Connect, Australia’s largest chain of custody group.

In a paper published this week, Investing in a Nature Positive Future, New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, has seen increasing numbers of investors making commitments to align their investment portfolios with both the net zero aspiration of the Paris Agreement and the concept of ‘nature positive’ flowing from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Agreement. Source: Timberbiz To establish effective strategies and make measurable progress against these goals, New Forests says investors will need experienced landscape and forestry asset managers to help manage risks and unlock new sources of value to achieve nature positive outcomes. The concept of nature positive refers to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of nature, reversing its decline by 2030 and achieving full and ongoing recovery of nature by 2050. New Forests, founded in 2005, has almost two decades of experience in optimising risk and returns from nature-based solutions and land-based investments. Investing in a Nature Positive Future offers a practical framework for investors, outlining the policy environment, mechanisms to incentivise conservation and regulate impacts on nature as well as the opportunities arising for investors in private real assets, particularly forestry, agriculture and conservation land management. Taking on this challenge will require new technologies to be able to forecast landscape conditions into the future. Nature-based real assets are increasingly converging into a natural capital asset class offering potential solutions to climate change, nature decline and the provision of critical renewable resources whilst accelerating investment opportunities in real assets. Today, the global investible universe for forestry is $US300 billion[1]. The new natural capital asset class with exposure to agriculture and timber markets, carbon pricing, biodiversity markets and options for renewable energy development is drawing substantial investor interest. New Forests expects investment into natural capital could rise to $US1 trillion or more over the next two decades. “To make this rise in investment a reality, it is critical that the economic and policy signals are fit for purpose. We need standardised accounting for carbon in landscapes, metrics for biodiversity, market-based approaches to climate and nature conservation solutions,” says David Brand, Founder and Chair of New Forests, who has 40 years’ experience in land investment, forest management, science, and public policy. The Paper emphasises the imperative to create value for nature, and price signals that make it more economically attractive to conserve and restore nature, than to destroy it. “The positive news is that global recognition of the economic and environmental benefits of carbon projects and biodiversity projects and demand for solutions is growing,” says Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, New Forests. “Land-based investments are increasingly recognised as foundational to climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions, restoration and conservation of nature and the provision of critical renewal resources into a sustainable bioeconomy. We are seeing new sources of option value enabling investors to derive enhanced risk adjusted returns from land-based investments as well as portfolio level decarbonisation and nature positive outcomes. “Where investment previously would be based on conventional returns from the sale of timber or agriculture produce, now there is exposure to carbon markets and biodiversity markets or payments, tradeable water rights, wind and solar farm leases.” There is growing pressure on businesses to disclose their sustainability-related performance as well as risks and opportunities. This in turn requires the creation of standardised approaches to measuring, monitoring, accounting and reporting on biodiversity metrics and progress towards nature positive outcomes. The facilitation of a standardised nature disclosure framework from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) will enable both businesses and investors to demonstrate transparency across four areas – governance, strategy, risk and impact management and metrics. The Paper also discusses major advances in technologies and analytical approaches needed to collect data on these attributes to optimise land use. For example, geospatial modelling, which can layer data on soils, topography, climate and weather patterns to optimise land use and enhance agricultural and forestry productivity. “There are multiple competencies necessary to understand the financial characteristics of this future-looking natural capital asset class for investors, but this brings major opportunities. Blending together a set of dynamic, potentially uncorrelated revenue streams encourages a review of where this new natural capital asset class fits in an investment portfolio, the range of different investment structures and approaches that can be used, and whether allocations can or should be increased,” continued David Brand. “Ultimately specialist managers will be needed to package up these components and bring these investment opportunities to the market. We are in a race to stabilise and restore as much of our biodiversity as possible before it is lost.” [1] Source: New Forests’ estimates and projections as at 30 June 2024.

Today’s housing crisis has developed over more than 20 years and accelerated through the pandemic. It cannot be resolved by any single government or within one term, but there is much that can be commenced. The Australian Government’s scope to improve market equity and increase housing supply is constrained. State governments oversee infrastructure, transport, and hospitals, while local councils manage the availability of land for development. There are around 11 million households in Australia, but increasingly the cost of achieving climate change goals, increasing public housing stock and paying for the maintenance of community spaces are being imposed on just the 200,000 households building a new home each year. The inequity of a tax system that requires new home buyers to fund an increasing burden of government expenditure has seen a decline in the share of households building a new home over recent decades. This, in turn, leads to fewer new home buyers bearing this ever-increasing tax burden. The more you tax housing, the fewer homes will be built. Up to 50 per cent of the price that a consumer pays for a new house and land package is taxes, fees, charges and unnecessary costs imposed by governments. If you tax it, you will get less of it. The following initiatives will not resolve the inequities caused by decades of undersupply of housing but adopting them will set the stage for increased supply, reduced rents, and stabilised home prices by the end of the decade. It’s not too late to make a difference. Focus on increasing housing supply across the housing continuum, rather than focusing on one housing segment. Include ‘housing affordability’ as a guiding principle for every state and federal government department developing housing related policies. Fund public housing equitably and increase public housing investment beyond election cycles. Increase government investment in enabling infrastructure to get shovel ready land delivered faster. Ensure infrastructure costs are equitably shared and not burdened only on those supplying new housing. Restore foreign investment into home building to help fund and boost the numbers of private rentals. Increase placements in Home Guarantee Scheme and introduce Help to Buy to support first home buyers to secure house deposits. Ensure stable and reliable migration policies are set in place and housing can be planned to support these settings. Facilitate greater access to skilled labour through the introduction of an appropriate skilled migration program. Boost apprentice numbers and provide consistent support for employers to take on an apprentice. Reevaluate mortgage lending restrictions that place unnecessary restrictions on first home buyers securing home loans. Improve data on land supply and benchmark new land releases against the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes. In conjunction with state and territory governments implement widespread planning reforms as set out in the National Planning Reform Blueprint. Aim for a Rental Vacancy Rate of 3 per cent to create a more competitive rental market, increase rental options and reduce prices. Place a moratorium on new regulatory measures that would add to the cost of housing and require government standards setting agencies to identify regulatory offsets for any new substantive regulations. Addressing the housing crisis requires leadership and coordination from the Housing Minister, Treasurer, Finance Minister, Skills Minister, Immigration Minister, Industry Minister, and all tiers of government. We need to rethink how revenue is raised, redefine the role of local councils, and shift away from expecting taxes on new housing supply to fund broader public needs. We need to acknowledge the impact of the increasing reliance by state and local governments on housing related taxes and work out how to incentivise or compensate for this if they feel this revenue stream is threatened. Governments should support housing outcomes rather than hinder them. The focus should be on removing restrictions and enabling Australians to secure homes without undue financial strain. Overall, we seek strong and brave leadership on housing, collaboration, and a system which encourages accountability from state and territory governments.

The Tasmanian Forest Products Association has welcomed the 2024-25 State Budget handed down by Treasurer Michael Ferguson yesterday, saying it will assist creating thousands of homes and supporting our state’s timber industry. Source: AFPA, Private Forests Tasmania According to TFPA CEO Nick Steel, the budget will deliver homes, with the Tasmanian forestry sector ready to assist. “This budget commits to building many thousands of homes across the state. But to build thousands of homes you’ll need a lot of timber,” Mr Steel said. “Environmentally friendly homes require radiata pine framing and plywood for the substrates, hardwoods for the floors, windows, doors, benchtops and stairs, MDF and chipboard for kitchen/laundry cabinets and wardrobes; and treated pine for the fences and landscaping. That’s without even going into their furniture needs, packing boxes and paper products. “I look forward to working with the Government as they continue to develop the strategy, to ensure that Tasmanian timber is maximised in the new homes – not only for the environment, but also for the thousands of Tasmanians employed in our sustainable forestry industry.” Amongst the other major forestry announcements made in this budget are: • an additional $5 million towards On Island Processing Program grants; • more than $1 million to assist the Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board in delivering its research, marketing, and information-sharing program for Tasmanian timber and its uses; • $100,000 to assess the market for special species timbers; and • $50,000 to scope the feasibility of salvaging Huon pine from other areas of the State. “These announcements give Tasmania’s forestry businesses confidence to continue to invest for their future. Additionally, the increase in funding for on-island processing grants means Tasmanian businesses will be able to do more with our timber on our island,” Mr Steel said. “Processing timber in Tasmania, as opposed to sending it offshore to value add, will deliver more jobs to Tasmanians and make sure more of the benefit from out forestry businesses stays in our state. It’s a win-win for all Tasmanians.” Mr Steel said the TFPA remains committed to working with both sides of Tasmanian politics to ensure our industry remains respected, responsible and renewable. The Budget at a glance: On-Island Processing Program – $1.25 million for one year. This initiative will extend the successful On-Island Processing Program, which commenced in 2021, with the aim of attracting new investment, creating regional jobs and further growing value in Tasmania’s forest and forest products industry. Forest Practices Authority – $1.802m in 2024-25, $1.838m in 2025-26, $1.875m in 2026-27, $1.912 in 2027-28. This payment represents the Government’s contribution to the Forest Practices Authority. The FPA’s key role is as an independent regulator of Tasmania’s forest practices system. The system regulates the management of forest and threatened non-forest vegetation on both public and private land. Private Forests Tasmania – $1.898m in 2024-25, $1.936m in 2025-26, $1.975m in 2026-27, $2.014 in 2027-28. This payment represents the Government’s contribution to Private Forests Tasmania. The role of PFT is to facilitate and expand the development of the private forest resource in Tasmania in a manner that is consistent with sound forest land management practice. Sustainable Timber Tasmania – $8m per year for four years. This provision will ensure that permanent timber production zone land continues to be managed and is accessible and available for multiple uses. It includes funding for maintenance of the forestry road network to allow for continued community, tourism and firefighting access management of public recreation sites, provision of forest education activities, special species timber management and ongoing facilitation of forestry research. Huon Pine Salvage Scoping Study – $50,000 in 2024-25. This initiative will fund a scoping study into the potential for Huon pine to be salvaged in the State, including through heli-harvesting, to ensure a future supply of this rare and iconic timber. – $50,000 Advanced Manufacturing Accelerating Growth Grants Program – $1m in 2024-25. This initiative will provide funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Accelerating Growth Grant Program, to support Tasmanian manufacturers to become more competitive, resilient, and able to scale up to better compete in global markets. Eligible grant recipients will receive between $10 000 and $100 000 depending on the size of the project and based on a matched contribution for one year. Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan – $633,000 in 2024-25, $1.85m in 2025-26, $1.85m in 2026-27. This initiative will implement a range of actions under the Tasmanian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2028 including grant programs, client engagement and project initiatives supporting the development of Tasmania’s manufacturing sector. Support to Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board – $192,000 per year for four years. This initiative will assist the Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board in delivery of its research, marketing, and information sharing program for Tasmanian timber and its uses. Rural Business Tasmania – $99,000 in 2024-25, $98,000 in 2025-26, $98,000 in 2026-27. This initiative will provide grant funding to Rural Business Tasmania to establish a Mentoring Program to enable current industry leaders to pass on skills to future leaders of the agricultural sector. Forest Policy – 5.286m in 2024-25, 5.066m in 2025-26, $2.602m in 2026-27, $1.357m in 2027-28. This Output provides high level support on forestry resource policy and management issues including strategic policy projects and program delivery relating to the forest and forest products industry and the land it manages. It has a focus on forest policy projects of strategic importance as well as delivery of specific programs to assist the development and growth of the forest and forest products industry.

Wesbeam has been named 2024 Supplier of the Year Award at the Big River Group in Brisbane. Source: Timberbiz The Big River Group presented Wesbeam with the following commendation: “Overall, this supplier has shown a commitment to supporting Big River Group through our Construction and Formwork & Commercial businesses that is unequalled. They have responded to all our requests for support in what is a very di1icult market. They have engaged with our branches to ensure Big River Group is in the best possible position to win every opportunity.” Big River Group holds a national conference every two years, where Supplier of the Year and other internal awards are presented. “We aim to exceed the expectations of our customers, and having suppliers such as Wesbeam partner with us, allows us to continue to grow our teams and businesses across Australia,” Ray Ferretti, Executive General Manager – Construction Big River Group said. “As we move forward, Wesbeam remains committed to supporting Big River Group and exceeding their expectations, ensuring that the partnership continues to flourish.”    

OneFortyOne has shared a new video, showcasing how the redeveloped Glencoe Nursery is repurposing waste products to protect precious resources. Source: Timberbiz The Glencoe Nursery is a crucial link in the supply chain for growers across the Green Triangle. Officially opened in April 2024 by Clare Scriven, South Australian Minister for Forest Industries, OneFortyOne’s $8million investment in the redevelopment enables production of an additional 4 million seedlings each season, while reducing water and chemical usage. This significant private investment underscores OneFortyOne’s commitment to a sustainable future for the region’s thriving forestry sector – and the thousands of jobs it supports. The team at Glencoe have focussed on circular practices, repurposing waste products from across the industry as valuable materials to raise the next generation of trees. The Nursery’s growing medium is made from waste bark recovered from OneFortyOne’s Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier, transformed into a valuable product by local business Van Schaik’s Bio Gro. The team is now trialling the use of nutrient-rich wastewater from the sawmill’s Continuous Drying Kilns to irrigate and fertilise seedlings. Early indicators suggest the water’s natural acidity could be ideal for pine seedlings, potentially reducing the need for water additives at the Nursery. Watch the short video to learn more about these key circularity initiatives and their contribution to reducing the Nursery’s environmental impact HERE.