Australian timber industry news

New industry forecasts released by Master Builders Australia show New South Wales has unfortunately moved further away from achieving its Housing Accord target of 377,000 new homes. Source: Timberbiz Five months after the first forecasts covering the full five-year Accord period, NSW is projected to increase its housing shortfall from 28,950 to over 73,700 homes. From 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2029, Master Builders forecasts 303,280 new home starts, 19.6 per cent lower than the Accord target. Master Builders Association of NSW Executive Director Brian Seidler said the April forecast downgrade reflects the ongoing struggle to control inflation, persistently high interest rates, and ongoing supply constraints in the residential building sector. “While we expect a gradual market recovery in the coming years as broader economic conditions improve, more needs to be done to address the housing shortfall,” he said. “All levels of government have acknowledged the challenges around planning, workforce, and productivity. We must ensure that momentum is maintained in these critical areas. “Industry productivity has declined by 18 per cent over the last decade. State governments must expedite planning reforms to cut the excessive costs and long timelines associated with construction. “Workforce shortages remain the most significant challenge across all sectors of the industry. “At the Federal level, the Government’s focus should be on expanding the building and construction workforce, with a combination of domestic and skilled migration solutions. “Domestically, we can’t fill this gap alone. We need innovative approaches, including better apprenticeship incentives, reskilling migrants already in Australia, and launching an international campaign to attract skilled tradespeople. “Higher-density construction will play a critical role in meeting housing targets and addressing the housing and rental crisis. “Since the pandemic, build times for these projects have increased by around 20 per cent from approval to completion, while costs have surged by approximately 40 per cent. “Inflation is undermining our capacity. Governments need to accelerate efforts to alleviate these supply chain bottlenecks,” said Mr Seidler. On a positive note, the non-residential and civil construction sectors are continuing to expand, contributing to economic growth. Non-residential building activity is expected to perform well over the next five years, with a projected increase of 2.2 per cent by June 2024. The civil construction sector is forecast to grow by a substantial 26 per cent, driven primarily by transport and utilities projects. “Ongoing investment and support across the entire built environment are crucial,” Mr Seidler said. “We can’t meet our housing needs without the necessary commercial and civil infrastructure, including critical utilities. “Builders are ready to meet the challenge, but the obstacles in the way must be removed to ensure we get the job done.” A copy of the forecasts can be found HERE.

TAFE NSW is helping local State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers sharpen their chainsaw skills and better protect the community in a crisis. Source: Timberbiz A special two-day course was recently held with TAFE NSW forestry teacher and experienced forester Adam Farquharson, arming local SES volunteers with the hands-on skills to better operate and maintain chainsaws. The masterclass was part of a statewide program that will see up to 500 SES volunteers earn a Statement of Attainment in Chainsaw Operation – Trim and Cut. “This course is giving SES volunteers the practical skills and experience to better protect communities and aid in their recovery, particularly after serious storms,” Mr Farquharson said. “They learned how to maintain and sharpen chainsaws, and how to safely use a chainsaw and polesaw to prevent injuries. “This will ensure graduates can safely remove and carve trees and branches in a potentially hazardous environment.” Mr Farquharson said the course was contextualised to simulate real-world scenarios volunteers are likely to face. “For example, to closely simulate a disaster scenario where a fallen tree is above a home, we placed large fallen branches across another structure and asked students to problem solve how to safely remove it,” he said. Moruya SES volunteer Tom Samal, who spent 32 years working at Foreign Affairs and Trade before retiring to Broulee in 2016, said skills learned at the course would ensure he was better equipped in future storm emergencies. “It was a very comprehensive course in cross-cut chainsawing and had the theory and practical side, which are both critical in our storm management area,” Mr Samal said. “It’s given me the opportunity to put into practice my chainsaw skills and also make an assessment on how to tackle a job.” NSW SES data has revealed severe thunderstorms, which typically peak during the spring and summer months, are the most damaging types of storms in NSW. The NSW SES Southern Zone responded to more than 1200 (1216) storm related incidents last storm season. The SES has more than 10,000 volunteers and provides emergency assistance to the people of NSW, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Seventeen former native timber harvest and haulage crews, who entered into Victorian Government contracts on July 1 to undertake forest and fire management works, have been sitting idle – while being paid 70 per cent of their monthly rate, according to The Weekly Times. Source: Weekly Times And The Weekly Times says much of the holdup is due to the failure of government to undertake planning and survey work prior to fuel reduction burns and fire breaks being cleared. That failure comes despite the government having had more than 16 months to prepare, after Treasurer Tim Pallas announced in May last year that native timber harvesting would come to an early end this year. “We have blokes who want to go to work,” one contractor told The Weekly Times. “They don’t want to sit around. No-one’s got work. All they’ve got is four pissy-little jobs for us in October – for 17 contractors.” As it stands, contractors say it will take Forest Fire Management Victoria months to get surveys of frogs, gliders and other species completed as well as cultural heritage assessments. One contractor told The Weekly Times that while July and August are traditionally quieter months, due to normally wet conditions, his crew could have been out clearing overgrown fire access tracks. Each five-year forest and fire management works contract guarantees operators 1000hrs of work per year for each machine they operate (usually three), with annual payments of $800,000 to $1 million. Given contractors must still pay their workers and finance on machinery, the government has guaranteed them about 70 per cent of their monthly payment, whether they work or not. Further complicating the issue is a federal-court case being brought against FFMVic by the Warburton Environment group for clearing hollow-bearing trees, based on the risk of harming Leadbeater’s Possum, Southern Greater and Yellow-Bellied Gliders. The case is due to be heard by the Federal Court on September 18. FFMVic has a policy of clearing hazardous trees along fire tracks and breaks, due to the risk to firefighters and its own workers. Asked what plans are in place to get contractors out and working, a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesman told The Weekly Times: “this spring, under the guidance and oversight of trained DEECA staff, contractors will build and maintain strategic fuel breaks, roads and tracks, as well as treat hazardous trees and prepare for planned burning. “They also help with regeneration and recovery works following storms or other emergency events,” the spokesman said. “The Victorian Government’s $362 million investment the in the Forest Contractor Program, ensures contractors with special skills, expertise and equipment are available for frontline response in the event of bushfires or other emergencies.”

The Federal Government has taken another important step in preventing trans-border environmental crime with a Bill to more effectively combat illegally logged timber from entering the Australian market passing the Parliament. Source: Timberbiz The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 implements new timber testing powers, trialled under the Government’s recent $4.4m initiative. It will help trace illegally logged timber right back to its source, and provide greater control at the border through new notice requirements and stricter penalties for those who do the wrong thing. The Bill provides for the replacement of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012, set to expire in 2025, with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 under development. The new rules will streamline the due diligence process for timber importers and processors while effectively combatting illegally logged timber from entering the market. Around 10 per cent of timber imported to Australia was estimated to be illegally logged before Australia first introduced its illegal logging prohibition laws in 2012. Illegal imports impact our local forest growers and can undercut the prices of sustainable timber by 7 to 16 per cent. “The passing of this Bill demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to combating illegal logging,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said. “Illegal logging not only has devastating environmental impacts and undercuts legitimate industry – it is the fourth largest illegal trade worldwide after arms, drugs and human trafficking, and it is frequently linked to other criminal activity. “This is about more than local protections – it’s about discouraging criminal activity and the misery that follows in its wake,” she said. Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said illegal timber not only undermined the environmental sustainability of the forest products industry, but also undermined our domestic biosecurity protections that safeguard Australia’s environment. “AFPA supports the strengthening of the illegal logging laws to ensure Australia has a robust regime that requires importing businesses to source timber harvested from legal sources using sustainable practices,” she said. “We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, and the Assistant Minister Senator Anthony Chisholm, for the work they have undertaken to give effect to the new laws. “We also thank Opposition Spokesman Senator Jono Duniam for listening to industry concerns and working with the government in a constructive, bipartisan approach.” Ms Hallam said the reforms were particularly timely. She said that off the back of the native forestry industry closures in Victoria and Western Australia, Australia had seen a considerable increase in the volume of imported hardwoods. “It’s critical the proper enforcement regime and penalties are in place if there’s any doubt as to the source,” Ms Hallam said. “To further strengthen the laws we believe Country of Origin labelling must be introduced for timber, in line with the Australian Government’s due diligence importing processes. The labelling should indicate the country where the timber was grown so Australian consumers can be better informed and aware when purchasing timber products.” Applying Country of Origin labelling for timber and timber products would: increase transparency of supply, strengthen the effectiveness of illegal logging laws, halt trade from conflict countries and ensure Australian consumers are not supporting deforestation. “The integrity of our timber and fibre products is paramount,” Ms Hallam said. “When grown, harvested and processed properly, as we do in Australia, these products represent the height of sustainability, but when corners are cut, it can be environmentally damaging and undermine Australian jobs.”  

Researchers at the University of Helsinki are developing machine learning methods enabling the harvester to assist the operator in choosing routes that are optimal for both harvesting and nature. The machine could then predict the relevant terrain characteristics even before the actual operation.  Source: Forest.fi “This information will help to optimize the route and assist the operator by telling, for example, where the ground is too soft,” says Professor Jukka Heikkonen, in charge of the project funded by the Research Council of Finland. “Harvesting operations must be planned so as not to leave too invasive strip roads. The softer the ground, the more difficult it is for the harvester to travel and the more likely it will cause ground damage,” Heikkonen notes. Strip roads, or the tracks left by the harvester, are detrimental to forest growth, increase the risk of diseases and are an eyesore. Travelling across soft ground also increases the rolling resistance and therefore, the fuel consumption and cost. “The softer the ground, the more probably it will be damaged. The physical quantity used in the study is the rolling resistance factor of the harvester, which describes the ease of travel on a particular stretch of ground,” Heikkonen says. According to the Finnish Forest Act, only one fifth of the length of a strip road created to reach a harvesting site may be over ten centimetres in depth. For peatlands, the corresponding depth is twenty centimetres. Using the figure for ease of travel and the harvester’s rolling resistance, it is possible to create a map showing the conditions most suitable for the strip roads. The map may be used to position the route of forwarders and to schedule the operation. Measurements of damage caused by strip roads may be combined with open-source forest data and harvester data. This will allow predictions of future damage from the strip roads in a harvesting operation. The predictions and modelling make use of machine learning, which is capable of combining open-source masses of data, measurement data from harvester sensors and physical models of the terrain. Combining measurements of strip road damage with open-source forest data and harvester data makes it possible to predict the degree of damage even before the operation. Moist ground increases resistance Research results show that the rolling resistance of the harvester is greatest in depressions and on loamy soils. Moist soils increase the resistance. Moistness, in turn, is affected by weather conditions, as well as rain, evaporation and the presence of meltwater. Data for the research was collected from actual forestry operations in southern Finland. Identifiers linked to geospatial data describing moistness and soil type indicate the ease of travel on a particular site. ’Using the soil moistness and the harvester’s rolling resistance data, it is possible to create a forest hydrology model for anywhere in Finland. The terrain data gathered by the harvester is generalized to cover other, corresponding terrains. This also makes use of forest resources data, among other things,’ says Heikkonen. The aim is to plan harvesting operations with the knowledge of ’where to go and when’. Knowing this would not only help the people planning the harvesting, but also the practical work of the harvester operator. The objective is to achieve an automatic route planning, which will serve as a basis for autonomous harvesters. Factors affecting the ease of travel include the load-bearing capacity of the soil, the steepness of slopes and areas where the harvester may not enter. Other important factors include type of terrain, vegetation, climate, weather, ground-level moistness and the machinery used in harvesting. Heikkonen points out that once an operation has been scheduled, it must be implemented despite cold, rain, fog or rocky terrain. “For the harvester, forest is a challenging environment,” Heikkonen said.  

Stora Enso has teamed up with Enkei, providing recyclable packaging materials to protect their sustainable design pieces, made from discarded materials. Source: Timberbiz Swedish startup Enkei needed to find a smart and sustainable packaging solution to protect handcrafted designer table lamps without compromising on sustainability, safety or aesthetics. Packed and protected in a combination of corrugated board and the cushioning material Papira by Stora Enso – both materials made by Stora Enso – the lamps can now safely make their way to customers all over the world. “We have extremely high requirements when it comes to sustainability. At the same time, we strive to make the sustainable alternative attractive, and that is why high-quality design is so important to us. We wanted to find a packaging solution that safely protected the lamp, was aesthetically pleasing, and left a low climate footprint,” said Lovisa Sunnerholm, CEO at Enkei. Papira is a bio-based and biodegradable foam made of wood fibres that are sourced from sustainably managed forests. It is fully recyclable within standard paper and board recycling and has high shock-absorbing qualities, ensuring superior protection for delicate items like the Reminder lamp. Stora Enso believes that everything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Working with sustainable initiatives like Enkei is perfect for Stora Enso as we are working on scaling Papira from pilot to industrial production. There is much to learn from other pioneers, and we need this kind of collaboration for our iterative process. “Collaboration is such an important part of our innovation process. We can only replace fossil-based materials and establish Papira on the market if we offer solutions that our customers need and want. With collaborations like this, we can prove that our product fulfills customer requirements. And then of course, one gets a lot of energy and inspiration from collaborating with other parties,” said Julia Broszat, Solutions Development Specialist at Stora Enso.  

Dryad Networks, a pioneer in wildfire detection technology, has announced the general availability of its third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways, which include new features for optimal ultra-early wildfire detection and forest management. Source: Timberbiz The significant improvements include industry-first direct-to-satellite connectivity, extended LoRa radio range, easy installation thanks to a new mounting bracket and ruggedized, weather-resistant design with IP67 waterproof rating. Dryad Networks is the first in the wildfire detection and forest management industry to offer built-in direct-to-satellite connectivity in its gateways, enabling reliable communication in even the most remote forest areas. This system reduces reliance on terrestrial networks, offering real-time monitoring and bi-directional communication, including remote configuration and firmware updates. By including direct-to-satellite connectivity in mesh gateways in addition to border gateways, Dryad adds an extra layer of redundancy resulting in unparalleled network reliability, enabling fallback to satellite connectivity in case of a loss of terrestrial connectivity. Other enhancements include improved reliability and extended network coverage, making the third-generation gateways ideal for large-scale deployments in challenging environments with maintenance-free operation of 10 to 15 years. The Silvanet Border Gateway is placed at the border of a target forest area, and the Silvanet Mesh Gateway extends network coverage into the depth of the forest using a unique multi-hop mesh networking architecture. The gateways are the core of Dryad Networks’ Silvanet Suite solution for wildfire detection and forest management, providing a robust communications network for the Silvanet Wildfire Sensors and additional sensors currently under development. “At Dryad Networks, our mission is to protect the world’s forests by developing innovative and scalable solutions for wildfire detection and forest management. Our third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways represent a significant leap forward in achieving this goal, offering unmatched reliability, network performance, coverage and ease of use. The upgrades reflect our commitment to continuously advancing our technology to meet the evolving needs of our partners and end users,” said Dryad Networks Chief Executive Officer Carsten Brinkschulte. “The introduction of direct-to-satellite connectivity and extended LoRa range in our new gateways marks a pivotal advancement in wildfire detection technology. These features ensure that even the most remote and challenging environments can be monitored in real time, without reliance on terrestrial networks. This technological breakthrough sets a new standard in the industry,” said Dryad Networks Chief Technology Officer Pedro Silva. The enhancements in Dryad Networks’ third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways improve connectivity, energy management, damage and water resistance and ease of installation. Built-in satellite communication in North America and Europe, in partnership with EchoStar Corporation, a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Onboard satellite communication helps especially in areas where there is no terrestrial communication infrastructure. It also provides redundancy to 4G network communication; if gateways cannot connect over 4G, they instead can use the direct-to-satellite connection. Embedded SIM card: A built-in embedded SIM card (NB-IOT / LTE-M) with multi IMSI provides global out-of-the-box mobile network connectivity. External SIM card slot: An easily accessible, user-serviceable SIM card slot enables replacement of the built-in embedded SIM card with a local SIM for optimized local connectivity. Extended LoRaWAN (long range wide area network) range enables the third-generation gateways to communicate over longer distances, up to 10 kilometers (6 miles), reducing the number of gateways required per deployment. Dual solar panels: The third-generation border gateways include two solar panels, doubling the energy available to the most critical elements in the Silvanet system. Thirty percent more energy storage than the second-generation gateways: An increased number of super capacitors in the third-generation gateways provides more energy storage in the solar-powered gateways and helps ensure continual operation especially in difficult lighting conditions and shaded environments. No external antennas: The fully integrated PCB (printed circuit board) antenna design with no external antennas improves reliability and eliminates a weak point of other gateway designs. A single rigid-flex PCB for maximum durability: The advanced rigid-flex PCB design eliminates any internal connectors and cables, further improving reliability and longevity of the devices in challenging environmental conditions. IP67 waterproof rating and ruggedized design ensure that the third-generation gateways can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them highly reliable even in the most challenging climates. This durability significantly extends their lifecycle and eliminates maintenance, which is a critical consideration for long-term deployments. New mounting system: The third-generation gateways can be installed 50% faster than second-generation gateways, due to a new mounting bracket and locking system which is used to attach the gateways to trees or poles. This solution is substantially faster and easier to install and improves radio connectivity. Built-in near-field communication (NFC) interface for local configuration and testing: The NFC interface is especially helpful in areas where there is no communication infrastructure that may prevent or impede installation or maintenance communication between a gateway and the Silvanet Cloud Platform. Technicians can access the gateway configuration and testing controls at the gateway site with an NFC-enabled device such as a smartphone, with no need to scan QR codes during installation and maintenance. The third-generation Silvanet border and mesh gateways are available immediately from Dryad Networks and from its growing network of reseller partners. For sales inquiries, visit https://www.dryad.net/contact.

Up to 600 km on one single charge. That’s how far Volvo’s next-generation heavy-duty electric truck will be able to drive. The longer range represents a break-through for long-distance transport with zero tailpipe emissions. Source: Timberbiz The electrification of heavy trucks is continuing across the world and longer distances are now becoming a possibility. Next year Volvo will launch a new long-range version of its FH Electric that will be able to reach up to 600 km on one charge. This will allow transport companies to operate electric trucks on interregional and long-distance routes and to drive a full working day without having to recharge. The new Volvo FH Electric will be released for sale during the second half of 2025. “Our new electric flagship will be a great complement to our wide range of electric trucks and enable zero-exhaust emission transport also for the longer distances. It will be a great solution for transport companies with a high annual mileage on their trucks and with a strong commitment to reduce CO2,” says Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. The enabler for the 600 km range is Volvo’s new driveline technology, the so-called e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard. More efficient batteries, a further improved battery management system and overall efficiency of the powertrain also contribute to the extended range. Volvo Trucks is a global leader in medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks with eight battery-electric models in their portfolio. The wide product range makes it possible to electrify city and regional distribution, construction, waste management and, soon, long distance transport. Volvo has so far delivered more than 3,800 electric trucks to customers in 46 countries around the world. “The transport sector represents seven percent of global carbon emissions. Battery-electric trucks are important tools to reduce the climate footprint. Besides the important environmental gains that electric trucks bring, they offer truck drivers a much better working environment, with much lower levels of noise and vibrations,” says Roger Alm. Volvo Trucks drives the transition towards fossil-free transport to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2040 using a three-path technology strategy. The three-path technology approach is built on battery electric, fuel cell electric and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like green hydrogen, biogas or HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil).

UPM Fibres is centralising its production operations in Finland under one top level organisation. The change will simplify the Fibres Business Area structure. Source: Timberbiz As of 1 October 2024, UPM Fibres will consist of two production organizations: the existing Fibres Uruguay Operations and a new Fibres Finland Operations. The Fibres Finland Operations will include the UPM Pulp operations in Finland as well as UPM Forest and UPM Timber. As part of this organizational change, Petri Hakanen has been appointed Senior Vice President, Fibres Finland Operations, UPM Fibres as of 1 October 2024. Mr Hakanen will be a member of the UPM Fibres Management team and he will report to Aki Temmes, Executive Vice President, UPM Fibres. Mr Hakanen led the Uruguay Development Project from 2018 to 2023, culminating in the start-up of UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill in April 2023. He currently holds the role of Senior Vice President, Technology (CTO), for UPM and leads UPM’s research and development activities and investment management. He will continue in this role until the end of 2024, in addition to his new role in UPM Fibres.  

The Resilientwood Project partners have put forward a series of recommendations to build a strong European woodworking industry. Source: Timberbiz More than 50 participants travelled to Brussels to attend the final conference and learn more about innovation, inclusion, mobility for apprentices and attracting young people to the wood industry. The attendants also had the opportunity to discover the results of the project’s final study, as well as the partners’ policy recommendations. The CEI-Bois-led project, together with the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW), Woodwize and FCBA aims to offer recommendations to tackle specific challenges in the woodworking industries through strengthened social dialogue. CEI-Bois and EFBWW are the official recognised European Social partners for the woodworking sector and as such participate jointly in the dedicated European woodworking sector social dialogue committee meetings. The project builds on a strong transnational dimension. To implement it, the partners conducted research and collected data from 5 countries (Belgium, France, Croatia, Italy, Sweden) and the European sawmill sector, identified key findings, shared best practices and proposed strategies on how to tackle the above-mentioned social challenges of the woodworking industries in Europe. The project is further supported and implemented by EOS, the Croatian Wood Cluster, FILCA-CISL and GS, the Swedish Union of Forestry, wood and graphical workers. Innovation, inclusiveness, sound working conditions and mobility are interlinked factors that contribute to reshaping the woodworking industry. Innovation is driving technological and sustainable advancements, inclusiveness is creating a more diverse and equitable workforce, while mobility is providing career flexibility and growth opportunities. By focusing on these areas, the woodworking industry is not only staying competitive and innovative but also becoming a more dynamic and attractive field for current and future generations. During the course of the RESILIENTWOOD project, social partners and training providers had the opportunity to meet at various occasions, to organise thematic workshops, to carry out company visits and to engage in numerous exchanges with experts. For this final event, they wanted to look back at the various themes addressed during the project through the testimonies of: Anna Barbieri (European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion), who presented the EU Alliance for Apprenticeships as well as the mobility possibilities for apprentices offered by the Erasmus+ programme, as apprenticeships can bring a response to labour and skills shortages. Melanie Kaindl & Gennaro Azzollini (Microtec), who gave a sneak peek at sawmill of the future. A good example of how companies that are often perceived as old fashioned are actually (very) modern and resolutely future oriented. Simona Corrado (Filca-Cisl), who explained how to build a more inclusive workplace and gave examples of policies already in place in Europe and Italy. Maarten Leyts (Trendwolves), who looked at what influences the young generation and the role the social media can play in delivering the messages of the wood industries to the future workers generations. Final study The woodworking industry is continuously embracing new technologies such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, robotics, AI, etc. enhancing precision, efficiency, and the ability to create complex designs while innovation is driving the development of eco-friendly products and processes. The adoption of digital tools for design is revolutionising how wood products are conceptualised and manufactured. Jean-Denis Lanvin (FCBA) presented the final study of the project and provided an overview of the latest developments in the woodworking industries in Europe. The study is a useful tool to stimulate social partners’ discussions on the challenges of adapting the industry after the Covid-19 pandemic. It contains a series of chapters focussing on the adaptation and prospects in times of crisis, the women representation in the industry, the expected technological changes and adaptation needs as well as the role of VET and student mobility in Belgium, Italy, Sweden, France and Croatia. A separate chapter also deals with those topics for the European sawmill sector at large. Recommendations and guidelines A series of recommendations and guidelines designed to anticipate changes, increase attractiveness, build skills and inclusiveness in the European woodworking industries forms the final element of this two-year project. The woodworking industry is increasingly recognising the importance of a diverse workforce. While there is room to further increase the share of underrepresented groups among the woodworking industries workforce, efforts to include more women and individuals from various backgrounds are helping to address labour shortages and bring new perspectives to the industry. Inclusiveness in the industry is supported by initiatives to provide permanent training and education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities in woodworking, from entry-level positions to leadership roles. During the concluding panel discussion, the partners also stressed the importance of life-long learning, social dialogue and social partners’ involvement, as well as the need to attract and retain a skilled workforce. Above all, the partners recognise that if the woodworking industries are to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy, a reliable and affordable sustainable raw material availability is a sine qua non. The study and the recommendations can be downloaded from the project website: www.cei-bois.org/resilientwood.

New Zealand forest owners say reforms of resource management instruments announced last week will deliver clearer, more consistent environmental standards for production forests nationwide. Source: Timberbiz Forestry Minister 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). 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,” Elizabeth says. “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, 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,” Elizabeth says. “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,” Elizabeth says. “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 Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed the Sector Pathways Review released by the Climate Change Authority (CCA). Source: Timberbiz The Review which considers decarbonisation pathways for a range of sectors, suggests forestry as a key means to increase removal of carbon, AFPA Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said. The Review states with regards to carbon:  Increased land based removals, including through reforestation, will be needed if emissions do not reduce significantly in energy intensive sectors elsewhere in the economy. There is an opportunity to increase these removals by:  Establishing new forests for timber, carbon sequestration, agroforestry … and,  Protecting existing forests and other native vegetation from deforestation and degradation. “This is excellent recognition from the CCA about what forest industries have known for a long time – that growing and managing sustainable production trees is a major solution to tackling carbon, fighting climate change and helping Australia meets its emissions reduction targets,” Ms Hallam said. “We create these benefits while producing essential products.” The Review however highlights the barriers to new tree plantings. Establishment of new tree plantings can have high upfront costs and opportunity costs associated with shifting from agricultural production to timber, carbon or environmental plantings (CSIRO, 2022a). High land prices in productive agricultural areas and relatively low carbon prices are a barrier to landholders from establishing forest projects (CSIRO, 2022a), due to the potential opportunity cost of switching from one type of production to another. “These are real challenges in realising the potential of forest industries and AFPA will continue working with the Albanese Government and Opposition on how best we can make our contribution to the climate, economy and communities,” Ms Hallam said.

The audit requirements for low-risk plantation forestry projects in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme have been reduced to one scheduled audit. Source: Timberbiz This aligns with the Clean Energy Regulator’s risk-based approach to manage compliance. It ensures that audits are targeted to situations where they can provide the greatest value in supporting the integrity of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme. Low-risk plantation forestry projects that opt-in are instead subject to alternative assurance arrangements. These arrangements reduce administrative burden and incentivise scheme participation by lowering costs. Private Forests Tasmania made a submission in early 2024 in support of the change, which could potentially save eligible plantation forestry projects tens of thousands of dollars in audit costs. The project must: be covered by either or both Schedule 1 (new plantations) and Schedule 2 (conversion of short to long rotation plantation forests) of the 2022 plantation forestry method have an anticipated and reported carbon estimation area of no more than 200 hectares agree to be subject to geospatial monitoring and other compliance checks by the Clean Energy Regulator. Existing and new projects are both eligible for the new arrangements. Eligible projects registered under the 2017 plantation forestry method must vary to the 2022 method to apply for alternative assurance arrangements. Approved low-risk plantation forestry projects undertake an initial audit only. Primarily, this ensures the project follows the method and checks that the calculation tool, FullCAM, is calibrated correctly. To support the reduced number of audits, the Clean Energy Regulator will use geospatial tools and other measures, including site visits and inspections, to verify carbon abatement is being achieved. The Clean Energy Regulator said it has a high degree of confidence in using these tools to monitor the integrity of these projects because a plantation: is readily observable is planted uniformly typically, consists of one species. Participants will be able to opt-in to the alternative assurance arrangements for eligible projects through the Clean Energy Regulator’s website soon.

As forest owners, we have a valuable asset to protect. From ensuring fire breaks are cleared and maintained to conducting fuel reduction burns. When it comes to bushfire, we all have a part to play to make summer safer, and ensure our assets, homes and communities are prepared and protected. Source: Timberbiz Fuel reduction burning reduces the rate of spread and the intensity of fires minimising damage, bushfire risk, and providing firefighters with safer opportunities to contain and extinguish the blaze. Private Forests Tasmania has compiled a list of resources to assist in managing your Bushfire risk. From Plantation Insurance, programs to educate and support farmers and landholders, Bushfire Ready Challenges, Bushfire Protection Plans, Emergency Alerts, Recovery and more. Spring is the ideal time to conduct fuel reduction burns on your properties. Red Hot Tips are a free one-stop service for farmers and rural landholders. The Program educates and supports farmers and landholders in rural Tasmania to actively manage their bushfire risk; encouraging collaborative vegetation fire management and ecological sustainability across the landscape. Facilitators work with individuals, or groups of farmers and landholders, who manage large tracts of land in rural Tasmania and want help managing their bushfire risk through: Farm visits to discuss fuel reduction options. Planned burn training and on-ground mentoring. Developing burn plans and assistance with permits. Identifying equipment needs. Help with legislation requirements – navigating the red tape. Advice on alternative fuel reduction treatments. Opportunities for private and public landholders to work together with coordinated and effective burning. Phone and online support. Practical materials and resources like the SFMC booklet Planned Burning for Farmers and Landholders. You can register your interest by completing the Red Hot Tips – Expression of Interest form or email redhottips@fire.tas.gov.au Established in the early 1990’s, the FIFMC’s aim is to minimise the risk of wildfire resulting from forest operations and to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Endorsed by the Tasmanian Fire Service, procedures outline minimum fire equipment requirements and procedures to follow to reduce the risk of fire in both high and low risk hazard forest activity. Read more here Fire Prevention at Forest Operations Procedures and equipment Audit. The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is a diverse organisation made up of career firefighters and State Service Employees. TFS is the operational arm of the State Fire Commission working alongside emergency management partners of Tasmanian State Emergency Service (SES), Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania to respond to a range of emergencies across the State. TFS work with partnered organisations, Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) to educate communities on bushfire preparedness and fire safety, and work to prevent, resource, manage and respond to bushfires. Every summer, bushfires threaten homes and businesses throughout Tasmania. In January 2013, a series of devastating bushfires impacted several rural communities, with significant loss of property, livelihood and our natural environment. The Tasmanian Bushfire Inquiry that followed recommended the Tasmanian Government establish a coordinated program of fuel reduction burns across the entire State, to target areas that pose the greatest risk of future catastrophic fires. Bushfires respect no boundaries. The TFS works with the Parks and Wildlife Service, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, local government and private landowners to implement the Fuel Reduction Program on both public and private land. Private landowners must still take responsibility for their own property, but the TFS will work with them. Spring is the time for fuel reduction burning The Fuel Reduction Program will not prevent bushfires, but it can make them easier and safer to fight. This will reduce damage to homes, businesses and the environment. To achieve this, Tasmania must conduct more fuel reduction burns every year, in a strategic and coordinated manner that focuses the TFS resources where they are needed the most. Source: Timberbiz You can learn more about the fuel reduction program here and stay up to date with the current burn schedule here. The Fuel Reduction Program is managed by the Bushfire Risk Unit of the TFS. You can contact the Fuel Reduction Unit during business hours on 1800 000 699. The Tasmania Fire Service Bushfire-Ready Challenge is an immersive bushfire preparedness experience available to all Tasmanians. Take part in this Challenge at your own pace to ensure you can get to know your bushfire risk, create a bushfire plan, prepare your property and much, much more! The Challenge kicks off in Spring. Register now to participate. Plantation trees are valuable and increase in value over their lifetime. You may want to consider plantation insurance prior to this next fire season to ensure your plantation is covered for not only its value, but also for any potential clean-up costs. Forest insurance is a specialised service offered by only a few insurers, but your own insurance broker may be able to assist and would be worthwhile contacting. Read more HERE.

The Victorian Forest Products Association wants the forest and wood products sector to take part in a survey to capture ideas and support the development of a Future Wood Fibre Roadmap for Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Victoria has approximately 22% of Australia’s plantations – more than any other state. It is home to a traditional wood fibre supply chain that is highly valued and a cornerstone of a sector supplying value added wood fibre products. Victoria also consumes around 30% of the nation’s timber supply. Furthermore, both the Victorian and Australian Governments have committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and reducing waste through the adoption of circular economy principles. In this context, Victoria should now be looking towards 2050 and beyond, identifying the required pathway to future applications that promote circularity and a low carbon bioeconomy, and while supporting the existing sawlog driven value chain as an important industry cornerstone. The VFPA roadmap will identify priority opportunities for the improved use of wood fibre resources, along forest product value chains from forest management through to end-of-life and repurposing, and the policy and regulatory settings needed to realise the potential of Victoria’s wood fibre industry. The survey responses will provide invaluable insights in conjunction with broader targeted engagement to support key considerations and priorities. The survey will close on 23 September 2024. SURVEY FORM CLICK TO OPEN

A report prepared by Greenwood Strategy Solutions Pty Ltd on behalf of the Tasmanian Forestry Hub finds Tasmania’s Forest and Wood products sector is primed for growth and better placed than any other Australian jurisdiction to transition to a new economy characterised by fibre, energy and carbon constraints. Source: Timberbiz It is defined by world class forest resources a responsive and innovative wood processing sector, work underway to respond to new and emerging technologies and markets and a supportive policy framework. Australia’s forest and wood products sector is facing considerable change across multiple fronts and Tasmania is no different. There are both opportunities and challenges. Importantly, the industry in Tasmania is very well positioned to manage and benefit from the evolution of its operating environment, and the influence of local, national and global change drivers. Tasmania has world class forest resources, a responsive and innovative wood processing sector and a supportive policy framework. It also has significant work already undertaken around industry transition to a new economy which will be characterised by fibre, energy and carbon constraints. Tasmania’s forest and wood products sector is primed for growth and transformation, continuing its long legacy as a powerhouse of forest management and timber products innovation in Australia. To fully realise this potential and continue its significant contribution to Tasmania’s economy, the industry will need to work closely and collaboratively with policy and decision-makers at all levels of government and in complementary industries. The situation analysis provides a starting point for that collaborative work. It presents an overview of the current state of play for the Tasmanian forest and wood products sector and details emerging opportunities and barriers. It considers a range of future potential scenarios and what they might mean for commercial and policy settings for the sector. It is intended as advice for the Australian Government, in line with the Tasmania Forestry Hub’s remit. Read the situation analysis HERE 

The UPM Kaukas and UPM Kymi pulp mills in Finland will adjust their production temporarily to meet market conditions. Source: Timberbiz The mills’ production will be curtailed in accordance with the change negotiations held in March. “We are adjusting our production as a normal measure in line with market and cost developments, focusing on profitability,” said Marko Sundqvist, Vice President, Pulp Operations Finland. The shutdown of the Kaukas pulp mill will start on 9 September and the shutdown of the Kymi pulp mill on 23 September. The shutdowns are estimated to last for three weeks. Maintenance work will be carried out during part of the shutdown period, but temporary layoffs are possible. UPM’s pulp mills in Pietarsaari and in Uruguay will continue to run at full capacity. Deliveries to customers will continue normally during the shutdowns.  

Creating a more robust tree canopy may reduce inflammation in a neighborhood’s residents, according to new research from the University of Louisville. Source: Courier Journal The Green Heart study, conducted by the university’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, involved over 8,000 tree and shrub plantings in south Louisville and ongoing health monitoring of 745 resident participants. Researchers found 13% lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein — a key biological marker of inflammation — in residents whose neighborhoods saw thousands of plantings of trees and shrubs, compared to residents whose neighborhoods were not greened. Inflammation is a risk indicator for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Recent health equity data found heart disease was the leading cause of death in Louisville from 2017-21. The reduced C-reactive protein levels researchers observed can help estimate a reduced risk of heart attacks in local residents — possibly by 10-15%, said Aruni Bhatnagar, director of the Envirome Institute. “Just think about that, not only the human toll of having to go through heart attacks and chronic disease,” Bhatnagar said, “but also the economic impact of this work.” The project’s findings, he added in a statement, “will bolster the push to increase urban greenspaces,” and could possibly be replicated in other communities around the country. The Green Heart findings add to a wealth of scientific evidence of how trees can benefit the health, wellbeing and economic prosperity of a community. In past assessments, Louisville’s tree canopy was found to save the city an estimated $330 million every year — intercepting more than 18 billion gallons of stormwater and filtering harmful pollutants from the air. Trees also cool neighborhoods by casting shade and through evapotranspiration, the process by which plants release moisture into the air. The Green Heart findings add to a wealth of scientific evidence of how trees can benefit the health, wellbeing and economic prosperity of a community. In past assessments, Louisville’s tree canopy was found to save the city an estimated $330 million every year — intercepting more than 18 billion gallons of stormwater and filtering harmful pollutants from the air. Trees also cool neighborhoods by casting shade and through evapotranspiration, the process by which plants release moisture into the air.  

With its powerful transmission and large load capacity, the Komatsu 895 is a truly productive final felling forwarder. There is an all-new, powerful crane option; the 205F. The Komatsu 895 has also been upgraded with a robust load space, including gate and bunks with telescopic function. In conjunction with this upgrade a new grapple model is presented, the G88H, as well as a new rotator that fits the larger crane. Source: Timberbiz The Komatsu 895 was introduced in 2013 and has undergone a number of productive upgrades during the years. With this upgrade, focus is on a new, powerful crane and a load space with a telescopic full-width gate and telescopic bunks. The cooperation with customers has been a guide in this project and experiences from plantation forestry in South America as well as final felling in the Nordic countries, Australia and North America have contributed invaluable input in the development work. The 205F is a brand new, powerful crane with a lifting torque of 205 kNm and a slewing torque of 51.9, kNm. It has been developed with a focus on increased productivity in final felling and plantation forestry. The crane has a robust, welded crane pillar which together with the inner boom and outer boom provides both good lifting capacity and lifting geometry. Choose between a reach of 7.5/8.5 m with single telescope or 10 m with double telescope. In connection with this, we also offer a brand new, larger grapple model, G88H, with tip-to-tip area 0.55 m2. The new grapple also has a powerful new rotator, the GX. The new load space consists of a robust, telescopic gate and new, hard-wearing bunks with telescopic widening function. The entire gate is raised and lowered hydraulically and the foldable wideners can be locked in the retracted or extended position. There is also an option to make the gate movable along the rear frame direction. The new bunks have a telescopic widening function and can also be equipped with hydraulic height-adjustable stakes. This increases the productivity of loading and unloading by reducing the height that the timber needs to be lifted over the stakes – which also contributes to reduced fuel consumption. The machine’s frame system, including articulating frame and bearings, has been designed to handle the increased crane capacity and the new load space. The more robust frame also gives the machine better durability in challenging environments. A longer rear frame option is also offered to suit plantation forestry, mainly in South America. It is adapted for the log length of 7.2 meters. Another new feature is that the hydraulic system is equipped with a hydraulic pump with electric control. This provides benefits such as more even pressure levels and improved efficiency. The hydraulic tank has also been further developed and equipped with a practical new single filter that simplifies maintenance and service. In summary, the upgraded model offers a combination of higher performance and more robust design, making it a productive and reliable companion in the forest.    

Andrew Kidd has been appointed chairman of the Frame & Truss National Safety Council. Source: Timberbiz Mr Kidd has an extensive background, spanning over more than two decades at Dahlsens. His work in varied roles – from Transport & Warehouse Manager to Safety Manager – equips him with a holistic understanding of the complexities that frame and truss operations encompass. He also holds a Diploma of Work Health and Safety and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. The accolades from colleagues and members of the FTMA community speak volumes about Mr Kidd’s character and capabilities. Andrew’s competence and his unwavering support during challenging situations is exactly what our members need, providing support, particularly in times of distress, is an invaluable trait that will serve the FTNSC and FTMA members exceptionally well. With meetings already being organised with various WorkSafe authorities throughout the country, it’s clear that Andrew’s leadership will usher in a proactive approach to tackling workplace safety challenges. His vision includes implementing effective safety initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the frame and truss sector, all while nurturing a culture of safety among our members.