Australian timber industry news

Experts from FAO and partners have successfully pioneered new methods for estimating wood fuel removals and wood charcoal production. Source: Timberbiz While estimates of wood fuel removals and charcoal production are essential for tracking global goals including the Sustainable Development Goals, many countries still have difficulty producing reliable data due to the complexities of measuring informal markets and direct household collection of wood fuels. However, the new machine-learning approach enhances the estimation process by building on officially submitted statistics and also information from government websites, household consumption surveys conducted by international organizations, and published research. Results of the new methods published in Nature Communications suggest an additional 30 percent of wood fuel removals than indicated by previous estimates last made in 2005. These estimates – which include not only stems of harvested trees but also branches harvested and dead wood collected would mean that wood fuel removals account for more than half of the wood removed from forests and trees outside of forests globally. The research also presents new values for wood charcoal production, estimated at 50 percent higher than previously understood. “Such revisions are part of FAO’s process of constant improvement and innovation in statistical methods,” said FAO Forestry Officer Ashley Steel, one of the paper’s authors. “Wood fuel is a critical element of food security through its use for cooking and water sterilization by many of the most vulnerable, and a clear understanding of how much is produced is vital for addressing issues related to human health, food security, energy availability and sustainable development.” For 2019, the report estimates there were 2525.7 million m3 of wood fuel removals globally. These removals were estimated to be 50% higher in Africa and 40% higher in Asia than previously thought, as well as 10% lower in the Americas and 20% lower in Europe. Global production of wood charcoal was estimated at 70.5 million tonnes, with estimates 20% higher in Africa and 200% higher in Asia. The study could not determine reasons why new estimates are different from those of previous models, but reasons may include differences in actual versus forecast human population growth or urbanization rates, better incorporation of informal and undocumented production by using a consumption-based approach, changes in average household size, and the transition away from wood fuel toward charcoal and eventually towards clean energy. With this new methodology, FAO is now better positioned to support countries in submitting data on wood fuel removals or wood charcoal production. As this new approach provides more information and refined estimates, it can also be used to revise the data backward and create future estimates. “This approach is a big step forward, but estimates are in a constant state of revision, incorporating new statistical methods and new data every few years. The puzzle of understanding where the wood comes from, separating, for example, wood from forests and wood from trees outside of forests or wood from tree trunks versus wood from fallen branches, remains for the next iteration of modelling and estimation to tackle,” said Steel. The research on “Global wood fuel production estimates and implications” was conducted by experts from FAO, the University of Glasgow, the University of Göttingen, Sapienza University of Rome, EP Consulting, the Thünen Institute of Forestry, Tall Forester Trees, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Stockholm Environment Institute, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the United Nations Statistics Division.

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Reaching 27m high and sat between two skyscrapers, the SGD 5.5 million Sprint Canopy is Southeast Asia’s tallest single-span timber structure and sits on CapitaLand’s $1.4 billion Geneo science park cluster development in Singapore. Source: Timberbiz Photo credits: Ergodomus Containing 780 different components, and 80 tonnes of custom-designed S355 steel connectors, it uses 1,150 m3 of PEFC-certified spruce and spans a 3,000 m2 public plaza that connects five buildings – acting as a functional but striking architectural landmark. The 1,150 m3 of spruce glulam, was fabricated and supplied by Versowood Oy. The architectural design references the fan vaulted ceilings of gothic architecture and European cathedrals. The huge columns could not be split into two parts and the arches were too wide for a standard 40ft shipping container, so the elements (some 19 m long) were manufactured offsite and shipped over a six-week journey to Singapore flat-packed, and pre-assembled in a warehouse 20 km from the site before final installation. Italian timber engineering specialists Ergodomus conducted advanced ‘Finite Element Method’ analysis to ensure structural stability under various loads, saying: “The toweringly high columns and the overall area covered by the structure make it one of the most ambitious projects we’ve ever undertaken.” By collaborating closely with the builder, Ergodomus developed an ‘optimal assembly sequence’ to design temporary bracing systems and account for different loads. On top of the timber structure is a glass roof to protect the plaza below. Drainage was a core design challenge. To deal with the regular heavy rain in Singapore, the canopy incorporates complex triangular geometry to manage water flow. The timber canopy not only delivers on design and structural performance; it also significantly lowers embodied carbon emissions – by an estimated 88% compared to steel and 63% compared to concrete. The use of PEFC-certified timber ensures full traceability throughout the supply chain. Verified by DoubleHelix, the canopy stores an impressive 952 tonnes of CO₂e in biogenic carbon, while emissions from harvest to installation totalled just 67 tonnes CO₂e – a powerful statement in favour of low-carbon construction. The structure ‘blends form and function’ and has been engineered to meet strict technical requirements to create an elegant and flowing timber structure. The glulam canopy is also being seen as a ‘significant learning milestone’ for Singapore’s construction industry as it looks to specify more mass timber for public developments. Venturer Timberwork’s canopy at Geneo is a model of how mass timber structures can transparently measure, report, and optimise biogenic carbon flows, while embedding circularity – fully in sync with ISO 14064 and emerging green building frameworks.

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Promoting the use of sustainable wood as a renewable resource is essential for the realization of a sustainable society. Beyond its role as a building material, wood is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance human health and quality of life. Source: Timberbiz This event titled Wood, health and sound  brings together professionals and experts from diverse fields including architects, medical doctors, and musicians, to explore both the potential and challenges of wood utilization. Topics include cross-sector collaboration and the integration of scientific knowledge. Together, we will envision how sustainable wood use can contribute to a more sustainable society and a more comfortable daily life. This symposium is being organized in close cooperation between the forest-rich countries Japan and Austria and will be held on 17 September. The event will be held in Tokyo, Japan with the venue to be determined. The Forestry Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan) & Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (Austria) will be the hosts. It will be a hybrid event available in-person and live-streamed online in Japanese with
 simultaneous translation (English – Japanese)
. The event is free. More information at: https://www.bmluk.gv.at/en/coli/coli–japan2025.html

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In a hands-on collaboration that brings forestry education to life, Private Forests Tasmania partnered with the Forest Education Foundation to support the establishment of shelterbelts at Bothwell District High School’s Agricultural Learning Centre. Source: Timberbiz These shelterbelts were thoughtfully designed to address the site’s unique conditions, with layout and species selection tailored to moderate the strong northwestern winds that sweep across the flat Bothwell plain. “Once established, the trees will enhance growing conditions for the school’s hazelnut orchard and livestock paddocks, improving productivity while also providing environmental protection,” PFT Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie said. But this project is about more than just trees. It’s about education and connection — giving students a real-world understanding of the value of trees on farms and the broader benefits that forests offer to rural communities. On Friday 25 July, students, teachers, and representatives from the Forest Education Foundation, Private Forests Tasmania, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania gathered to plant the trees together. The weather turned on ideal conditions, making the planting experience enjoyable for both students and seedlings alike. Sustainable Timber Tasmania generously supplied the seedlings, and the planting event has become a valuable addition to the school’s practical agricultural and environmental curriculum. “We look forward to watching the shelterbelts grow – providing not only protection for the farm but also a lasting learning resource for future students,” McKenzie said.

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A world-first tool is tracking Australia’s progress in sequencing the full genomes – or genetic blueprints – of the country’s 250,000-plus known and catalogued species. Source: Timberbiz Genome Tracker reveals that only 2% of Australia’s known and catalogued species have had their genome sequenced at least once. The online dashboard is part of the Australian Reference Genome Atlas (ARGA), a platform delivered through the Atlas of Living Australia, Bioplatforms Australia, Australian BioCommons and the Australian Research Data Commons. CSIRO’s Dr Kathryn Hall, ARGA project lead, said Genome Tracker is a step change in how genomic data coverage can be tracked, assessed and prioritised. “Whole genome sequencing for plants and animals provides insights for ecology, conservation biology, agriculture and biosecurity,” Dr Hall said. “It lets us peer back through evolutionary time to understand how species have adapted to the unique landscapes of Australia. “Genome Tracker clearly shows which parts of the family tree of life have strong representation and which are under-sequenced or entirely missing. “It helps researchers map existing genomic coverage and highlights under-represented areas for research.” The ultimate goal is to have genomes published for a wide cross-section of Australian biodiversity. “Genomes help us understand the adaptive traits of species – how they’ve uniquely adapted to their environment and how they’re evolving,” Dr Hall said. “The higher branches in the taxonomic tree of life represent older genomic divergence.” Genome Tracker tells us that these ancient branches currently have just 32 per cent genomic coverage. Improving their representation will deepen our understanding of how species have diversified and evolved over time. “These are exciting times for biology. Genomes give us roadmaps to trace how life came to be as it is today – and how we can work with that knowledge to protect it for generations to come,” Dr Hall said. “We can look at what drove changes in organisms, and this could help predict how species might adapt in the future. “As ecosystems change, this data spotlights populations for monitoring, conservation and protection.” Taxonomic descriptors, species occurrence records, and ecotype layering allow researchers to use ARGA to filter and search the indexed genomics data, and to track every species in Australia. Genome Tracker and ARGA use existing research infrastructure capabilities of the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), Australia’s national biodiversity data infrastructure, which is hosted by CSIRO, the national science agency.

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New Zealand Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced targeted consultation with farmers and the wider agriculture sector to ensure health and safety regulations reflect the realities of farm life. Source: Timberbiz “I’m consulting with rural Kiwis in the agriculture sector on changes that will ensure health and safety requirements are workable and practical,” Ms van Velden said. “Farmers know their farms and the risks that come with farming life better than anyone. They’ve told me the law needs to recognise that the farm is often both their workplace and their home. That includes making space for children to safely learn and contribute to farm life in ways that are safe and age appropriate.” One proposed change is to amend the General Risk Regulations to make it clear that young people can safely take part in light chores on family farms. “We’ll be consulting with farmers and the agriculture sector on the thresholds for light chores children can do on farms, like collecting eggs, feeding small animals and watering plants, while ensuring safety is not compromised. I expect higher-risk activities such as being near heavy machinery like a hay baler will remain off-limits. As children grow older, they’ll be able to undertake more complex tasks with supervision and training, such as driving a tractor,” Mr van Velden said. These changes will give confidence to farming families that their children can continue to be involved with the family business. “I have also heard that farmers and forestry operators want industry-led codes of practice that reflect real-world conditions. I have asked WorkSafe to develop two Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) in consultation with the agriculture sector,” Mr van Velden said. “While compliance with ACOPs is currently voluntary, as part of my health and safety reform, I am making a change to the ACOP model to reassure people that if they comply with an ACOP, they have done enough to meet their health and safety duties.” WorkSafe will be developing an ACOP on roles and responsibilities in agriculture to help farmers navigate work activities. In particular, it will provide clearer guidance on overlapping duties and PCBU responsibilities in agriculture. “Farmers and other businesses coming on to the farm need to know what health and safety duties they are each responsible for and how they can best work together to manage the risks. For example, if a fencing contractor is working on a farm, both the contractor and the farmer will need to manage risks relating to their work, like moving vehicles or the use of agricultural sprays,” Mr van Velden said. Another ACOP that will be developed will focus on the safe use of farm vehicles and machinery, ensuring guidance reflects how modern farms operate. It will cover the safe use of quad bikes, tractors, light utility vehicles such as side-by-sides, and two-wheel motorbikes, as well as farm machinery. “Too many people are killed or seriously injured in quad-bike related incidents. However, I understand there are varying practices and views on what protections will best enhance safety and reduce harm,” Mr van Velden said. “It is important that the ACOP provides practical, workable advice on the safe use of quad bikes and light tractors in a variety of circumstances to help address the high rates of harm. “I expect WorkSafe to work closely with the agriculture sector when developing these ACOPs to ensure that any rules are sensible and workable. It is important that farmers who know their work best are able to help shape the rules that will help keep them safe. “These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red-tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.”

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The Federal Government’s failure to implement actions under the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy is undermining the push to improve national productivity, contributing to higher costs for businesses and consumer goods and weakening the economy. Source: Timberbiz Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said Australians have endured three wasted years in infrastructure under the Albanese Government which has cancelled, cut and delayed more than $30 billion worth of infrastructure projects. “It is now a year since the release of the five yearly review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy but Labor has failed to act on the findings,” Senator McKenzie said. “The Federal Treasurer talks a big game on productivity but its actions, not words, that are needed.” “At a time when Labor’s industrial relations and other policies are undermining national productivity and adding costs and red tape to businesses, boosting productivity means fixing the freight task so we can get products where they need to go quicker and more cost effectively.” “Fixing the freight task means the safe and efficient movement of fresh food to supermarket shelves, medicines to hospitals, fuel to service stations and manufactured products to our ports for export. Senator McKenzie said the Strategy was established through a partnership between the Commonwealth and all states and territories following deep consultation and engagement with all sectors of the freight and logistics supply chains, to support industry address the ever growing freight task. “Industries came together over 2023 and 2024 to inform the five yearly review of the strategy but after all their hard work, the Albanese Government has failed to act, leaving industry in the dark and missing its own deadlines to respond by December last year,” Senator McKenzie said. “This is another example of the Albanese Government being too distracted with the wrong priorities instead of focusing on the core tasks of government like strengthen the economy by cutting congestion and blockages in freight supply chains.” “It is humbling to be reappointed to the Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development portfolio to continue my work of the past three years, pushing for improved policies to build the infrastructure Australian communities need, deliver safe, efficient and productive transport networks, and strengthen our regions,” Senator McKenzie said. “The Albanese Government has irresponsibly held back on building infrastructure to cut congestion at a time when Labor has let more than a million extra people into the country while young Australian families cannot find a home they can afford to buy or rent. “Families and small businesses are paying more for worse service in the aviation sector under Labor, with the Government overseeing reduced competition, the collapse of two regional airlines, higher airfares, and one in three flights cancelled and delayed under their watch. Senator McKenzie said Labor has stripped job creating community infrastructure funding from our regional communities despite the fact our regions are set to bear the brunt of Labor’s failed energy policies with higher power costs, wind turbines off our coastlines, 28,000 kilometres of powerlines carving through farms and parks, and solar panels carpeting land better used to produce food. “The Nationals are fighters for the regions and in a strong Coalition with the Liberal Party we will continue to hold Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party to account for their failures,” Senator McKenzie said.

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A new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) released for MASSLAM — a laminated timber product made using Tasmanian plantation hardwood by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) with fibre from Western Junction Sawmill (WJS) — confirms its potential as a low-carbon structural alternative for multi-res and commercial construction projects. Source: Timberbiz The findings arrive at a time when the role of embodied carbon in construction is under increasing scrutiny. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), in its recent report Our Homes Weigh a Tonne, found that upfront emissions are now seven times more impactful than operational emissions over a building’s lifespan. While the report focuses primarily on Class 1a dwellings, it highlights a broader trend that applies equally and arguably more urgently to more intensive building typologies – Class 2 (multi-residential) and Class 5 (commercial) buildings. Upfront emissions from materials like concrete, brick and steel are now the dominant contributors to a building’s total lifecycle carbon. As the electricity grid becomes greener, early-stage material choices are becoming the dominant factor in determining a building’s whole-of-life carbon footprint. The newly released EPD for MASSLAM, independently verified under EN 15804 and ISO 14025, demonstrates a net carbon benefit of -748 kg CO₂e for every cubic metre used (A1–A3 stages, including biogenic carbon). This performance doesn’t just come from using renewable raw materials. It reflects a deliberate and integrated manufacturing approach: Biogenic carbon (carbon stored in trees during growth) account for -1,090 kg CO₂e per cubic metre in hardwood. Sustainable forestry practices ensure more wood fibre is grown than harvested. Vertical integration – ASH and supply partners WJS control from log to finished product. This gives complete visibility and control over sourcing, processing, energy use, and waste. Zero timber waste – all wood fibre received is used. Offcuts and sawdust from machining are repurposed notably, sawdust fuels thermal energy for timber drying kilns, accounting for around 80% of total on-site energy consumption. This significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels or grid electricity. On-site renewable power – several NMIs (National Metering Identifiers) are in place across sites. The largest of these runs on 100% solar energy, further reducing operational emissions. This carbon performance compares favourably with conventional structural materials such as concrete and steel, which typically incur substantial embodied emissions during production and early-stage transport. In practical terms, this means a MASSLAM superstructure delivers a carbon benefit from day one. Traditional materials can require decades of operational savings to offset their initial impact. For projects targeting genuine decarbonisation, MASSLAM provides a substantial head start. MASSLAM is manufactured using plantation-grown hardwood from Tasmania — fibre originally intended for pulp production but diverted to long-lived structural applications. The MASSLAM plant is capable of delivering the superstructure for the equivalent of 2,000 homes per annum using modern methods of construction (MMC). The recently released Circularity Gap Report 2025 from thinkstep-anz confirms that despite increased awareness, Australia’s material circularity performance is declining. We’re consuming more and looping less — meaning immediate reductions in material carbon have become more critical than speculative recycling potential. Mass timber superstructures like MASSLAM don’t rely on a future circular practice to deliver impact. They reduce emissions today, while remaining renewable, bio-based, and recyclable at end of life. “For project teams — especially those working on government or institutional buildings — this supports a growing shift toward bio-based, renewable materials that offer immediate and measurable reductions in emissions. Unlike many recycled or circular materials that rely on theoretical future reuse, which is yet to be realised, mass timber solutions like MASSLAM offer clear carbon savings at the point of construction,” WJS and ASH Director and Business Development Manager, Daniel Wright, said. “In light of these findings some sustainability consultants are reconsidering the allocation of carbon reduction budgets. Instead of prioritising on-site renewable energy for buildings already capable of drawing energy from an increasingly renewable grid, there is an argument for reallocating investment toward a low-carbon structure, particularly where mass timber can displace high-emissions materials”. Mr Wright hopes this will result in a shift towards a more innovative building approach, explaining, “a large rooftop solar system for example, might reduce future emissions marginally over time. In contrast, replacing a concrete and steel frame with timber can cut several hundred tonnes of CO₂ upfront, based on current life cycle assessment (LCA) data. “Mass timber structures can also be delivered 20-30% faster and cheaper, but lack of experience from cost assessors and head contractors comes with added contingency. The potential savings from eliminating rooftop systems might help motivate decision makers to learn a new way of construction”. As the building sector works toward ambitious emissions targets, verified data like this helps designers, builders, and policymakers make informed, high-impact decisions.

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Private Forests Tasmania was front and centre at one of the state’s largest gatherings of red meat producers last week. PFT sponsored a Primary Session at the 2025 Red Meat Updates conference at the Tailrace Centre, Riverside, with the theme: “The influence of change on cost of production in red meat businesses.” Source: Timberbiz The session was chaired by PFT CEO Dr Elizabeth Pietrzykowski and featured a thought-provoking discussion facilitated by Felicity Richards and included insights from farmers James Knight (Sisters Pastoral), Georgie Burbury (Burbury Ag), and Midlands farmer and PFT Stems for CO₂ project grant recipient Dougal Morrison. Mr Morrison, a fifth-generation farmer from St Peters Pass, shared his family’s experience integrating forestry into their farming enterprise — a decision driven by careful analysis and long-term thinking. Following the harvest of a former Gunns eucalyptus nitens plantation, the family assessed their options: convert the land to pasture or replant with trees. They decided to establish Pinus radiata plantations, recognising the species’ suitability to Tasmania’s Midlands climate and soil conditions. “The land wasn’t ideal for pasture,” Mr Morrison said. “We weighed up the economics and decided replanting and claiming carbon credits made more sense — especially with support from two Private Forests Tasmania grants [a round 2 Integrated Farm Forestry grant and the Stems for CO₂ grant].” The new plantings will support both carbon sequestration and future timber production — and more importantly, Mr Morrison said, contribute to a succession-ready farm for the next generation at St Peters Pass. With 405 hectares of plantation and 30–40% of the property retained as native forest, the family applies a “right tree, right place” approach, using marginal land that’s not viable for grazing or cropping. Mr Morrison was candid about the learning curve. “I’m not a forester,” he said. “I’d strongly encourage anyone looking to plant or manage trees to get professional advice — on everything from species selection and planting to carbon and long-term management. PFT is a great place to start if you want pre-commercial guidance.” He also pointed to research showing the broader benefits of integrating trees into farming systems — from improving lamb survivability and pasture growth to enhancing water retention and providing shade and shelter for livestock. But his message was clear: “Don’t rush in. Understand your goals and work with a forestry consultant to plan properly”. For Mr Morrison and his family, trees on underperforming land aren’t just an environmental investment — they’re a strategic, economic decision that aligns with long-term, whole-farm planning.

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Victoria’s State Government is refusing to act on lack of firewood supply in rural and regional Victoria, including East Gippsland, according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull. And he says it is a problem that is very simple to fix. Source: Timberbiz Mr Bull, who wrote to Environment Minister, Steve Dimopoulos yet again on this matter, said the lack of understanding of the problem was extremely frustrating. “The one thing we should never run out of in this area is firewood, but it is the Government’s policies and overall lack of understanding of the situation has determined this outcome. “To make matters worse, the Mr Dimopoulos’ response states ‘firewood is a limited resource with unpredictable availability and demand can exceed supply’. “What rubbish. We have record fuel loads in the bush, debris everywhere, but government policy denies it being collected and used,” said Mr Bull. “The winding up of the timber industry significantly impacted supply as residual timber provided a lot of product to the market, and the government also removed the firewood timber coupes from contractors. “Combine this with the fact it has not extended public firewood collection periods (which it has the power to do) and we have a perfect storm.” Mr Bull said that some contractors were now bringing in firewood from interstate to meet demand, which “is just craziness in a place like East Gippsland”. “The Minister’s response also states, ‘the Victorian Government recognises supply availability is placing additional stress on people who rely on firewood’ – yet he won’t make the simple policy changes to address the matter.” Mr Bull said there were three simple, practical steps the government could take now to address the issue. “Announce an extension to the firewood collection periods, open up more collection areas to the public and return firewood coupes back to contractors who hold a commercial firewood licence,” he said. “Rather than trot out waffle that it is a limited resource (when it is most certainly not) and admit it is placing stress on people – just change the policies to fix the problem. “This of course is the same Minister we told free camping would not work time and again, which he pushed back before finally backflipping and making the changes we asked for. He needs to do the same here.”

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The European Commission launched an open public consultation on the European Affordable Housing Plan, which addresses the housing crisis that continues to impact millions of Europeans. Source: Timberbiz The plan will support EU Member States, regions, and cities in tackling structural challenges, unlocking public and private investment and ultimately improving access to affordable housing.  It is envisaged for next year. “Tackling the housing crisis which is affecting millions of Europeans requires inclusive action. The voice of our citizens is extremely important to shape a European Affordable Housing Plan which can really impact people’s lives across the entire European Union. If we want to make sure all Europeans have an affordable, sustainable and decent home, we need to work together across all levels of governance and sectors,” Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen said. This consultation, which follows a call for evidence, marks the second phase of gathering stakeholders’ views on all areas relevant to affordable housing in the EU, such as financing, state aid, simplification, and short-term accommodation rentals, among others. Interested parties are invited to provide their views until 17 October 2025. This initiative builds on the ongoing efforts of the Commission to make housing more sustainable and affordable across the EU. This includes the recent establishment of the Housing Advisory Board, a group of independent experts that will advise the Commission in preparation of the plan, as well as the ongoing consultation on the revision of State aid rules.

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations unveiled the first major redesign of its open-source forest monitoring platform, Open Foris, since its launch over 15 years ago. Source: Timberbiz Developed as FAO’s first open-source project, Open Foris has grown into a widely used suite of digital solutions for forest and land monitoring, with more than 250,000 users in 196 countries. Open Foris has been used by 91% of forest submissions from 65 countries in their forest reference level submissions to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), contributing to the reporting of over 14 billion tonnes of CO₂ in forest emission reductions or enhancements. “Technology can be a great equalizer, especially when it’s free, open and inclusive,” said FAO’s Forestry Director, Zhimin Wu. “Open Foris has been a game-changer for democratizing open-source forest monitoring solutions and shows that transparency and collaboration can unlock the potential of forests for climate action.” The redesigned Open Foris platform improves usability for a wide range of audiences, from technical experts to first-time users. The platform now offers clearer navigation, with structured pathways based on user needs and expertise. The platform is a central hub for a growing suite of ten open-source solutions designed to help countries and organizations collect, analyse, and manage forest data for more informed, data-driven decisions. Open Foris remains committed to free and open access, offering scalable, adaptable and innovative forest monitoring solutions. Developed in collaboration with partners including Google, NASA, and international research institutions, Open Foris aims to empower countries by providing free access to modern forest monitoring innovations, removing barriers to forest reporting, and country access to forest-based climate finance. Open Foris also supports forest-based actions such as conservation, restoration and sustainable use, delivering scalable digital solutions that meet real-world needs. The initiative has delivered nearly 500 training sessions in 100 countries, directly reaching around 15,000 participants who are now trained in using the platform. Fostering collaboration between FAO and the Government of Indonesia The new platform was officially launched at a high-level event in Bandung, Indonesia, alongside senior government officials, reflecting the strong collaboration between FAO and the Government of Indonesia on Open Foris over many years through solutions such as SEPAL, Arena, and now Open Foris WHISP. The launch is part of the workshop to integrate Indonesia’s National Forest Monitoring System – called Simontana – with Open Foris WHISP. This simple and intuitive solution helps small holders, farmers and vulnerable stakeholders continue to supply their commodities onto regulated markets, enabling compliance and reducing deforestation while leaving no one behind. The redesign of Open Foris, and the collaboration with the Government of Indonesia is supported through the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests Program – a partnership between FAO and the United Kingdom on forest monitoring.

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Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have analyzed 96 years of forest census data to better understand ecological changes and inform management practices. Source: Timberbiz Their study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, reveals concerning homogenization trends. This means the forest has become less diverse over time, losing trees that played a critical role in its ecosystem. The researchers analyzed census data from Trelease Woods, which the university acquired in 1917. Homogenization was linked to the spread of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle, and Ophiostoma fungi, which causes Dutch elm disease. Many deciduous forests like Trelease Woods are losing diversity, co-author Jennifer Fraterrigo said. Fraterrigo is professor of natural resources and environmental sciences. She worked on the study with her former graduate student, Jennifer Álvarez, who is currently an environmental assessment researcher at the Illinois State Geological Survey, part of the Prairie Research Institute at Illinois. Integrative biology professor James Dalling and former NRES forest ecologist John Edgington were also co-authors on the study. Dutch elm disease and the emerald ash borer have significantly decreased the abundance of elm and ash trees in Trelease Woods and across North America, Fraterrigo said. However, diseases and pests failed to fully explain homogenization trends: suppression of forest fires, whitetail deer overpopulation, and the introduction of invasive plants can also drive homogenization, she said. “The study was focused on biotic disturbances — disease, pests, and invasives — because we have data from before they arrived, so that’s something we knew was affecting the forest,” Álvarez said. “But we can’t isolate any single factor.” While the study focused on changes caused by Dutch elm disease and the emerald ash borer, these were not the only factors affecting the forest, and elm and ash were not the only species whose relative abundances changed. When elm and ash die, they leave gaps in the forest, which other species compete to fill in. That’s when other factors come into play — fire suppression, for example. Wildfires also create space in the forest for new trees to grow. Without fire, forests become shadier and wetter, a process known as mesophication. So instead of a wide variety of species replacing declining ones, only a handful of plants spread — mostly sugar maple and Ohio buckeye, which are well adapted to the new conditions. Oak trees, which don’t do well in the shade, have declined. “This can make the forest less resilient to future disturbances,” Fraterrigo said. “If one species makes up 70% of a forest, and then a pest or disease targeting that species is introduced, then 70% of the forest trees would be gone, likely leading to functional collapse.” The study is unusual in that it follows a single forest, Trelease Woods, over a long period of time. Most forests in the Midwest have been clearcut at least once or have sustained other significant forms of damage and degradation. But Trelease has survived with relatively little human interference and related physical damage, and scientists have been collecting data from the site for over a century. It’s a massive group effort, Fraterrigo said. Hundreds of NRES and integrative biology students have surveyed the site for class credit over the years. “Most studies use space-for-time substitution to understand how ecosystems respond to disturbance over time. Researchers might not have long-term data for a specific site, so they’ll compare many sites that have been exposed to the same kind of disturbance but at different times. We’ll assume that any observed differences reflect how an ecosystem responds over time,” Fraterrigo said. “But that approach has its problems. Having the Trelease Woods data allowed us to directly investigate how the forest responded to ecological changes.” Research at Trelease might help inform forest management globally, as the exceptional site was added to the Forest Global Earth Observatory Network in 2018. ForestGEO, as it’s called, helps researchers standardize forest data and collect it in one place. The network monitors roughly seven million trees compromising nearly 13,000 species, connecting insights from individual scientists to reveal broader trends. “Trelease is a relatively undisturbed forest, yet we see this mesophication trend,” Fraterrigo said. “More active management might be necessary to conserve certain species, even in places with little human activity.” The study, “Homogenization of a temperate old-growth forest remnant in central Illinois following the introduction of Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) and emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis),” is published in Forest Ecology and Management [DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2025.122707]. Authors include Jennifer Álvarez, James Dalling, John Edgington, and Jennifer Fraterrigo. The research was supported by the Student Sustainability Committee at UIUC, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Program (ILLU-875-925), and the Graduate College at UIUC.

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A document has been developed to ensure Responsible Wood communicates and engages with Indigenous Peoples in a culturally appropriate manner, and that its communication with the general public on Indigenous matters is both culturally appropriate and, where appropriate, consistent with the principles of prior and informed consent. Source: Timberbiz “This is not a tokenistic effort to be put on a shelf and forgotten about”, said Responsible Wood Sustainability Manager, Matt de Jongh. “As an organisation we want to look at ways we can better communicate with indigenous communities and peoples. “The Protocol is already playing a key role in guiding our work in supporting indigenous communities who are benefiting from certification in their region”. The Protocol lists Guiding Principles and guidelines for activities with Indigenous Peoples and related public communication for use by Responsible Wood and its certified entities. Aimed at increasing the effectiveness of Indigenous engagement in the forest sector across the country, it also details regional frameworks that are utilised by staff to facilitate Indigenous engagement and communication. The Protocol is intended to support more respectful and effective engagement between Responsible Wood and Indigenous Peoples. By providing clear guidance and fostering culturally appropriate practices, it can help strengthen collaboration in forest management and certified forest product supply chains. It also aims to build broader awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural perspectives within the forest sector and wider community. View the Indigenous Communication and Engagement Protocol https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Responsible-Wood-Indigenous-Communication-Protocol_June-2025_Final.pdf  

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PNG has lost one of its leading plantation silviculturists with the passing of Alan Cameron. Mr Cameron was the co-author with Kevin White of the silviculture “bible” titled “Silvicultural techniques in Papua New Guinea forest plantations”, Bulletin No. 1, Division of Silviculture, Department of Forests, Port Moresby, 2nd Printing, Pp. 1-99 (1966). This publication is still used today in the management of PNG’s tree plantations. Source: Timberbiz Mr Cameron commenced his tertiary studies in forestry after he was interviewed by Jim McAdam MM Director of Forests TPNG and awarded a TPNG Forestry cadetship in 1956.  He graduated B SC Forestry (Hons) University of Queensland (1962) and Diploma of Forestry (with distinction) Australian Forestry School (1960). He was dux of his final year at the Australian Forestry School Canberra being awarded the Sir William Schlich Memorial Gold Medal (1960). As part of his cadetship, after two years at the University of Queensland, at the end of 1957, Mr Cameron spent 13 months of field work in Bulolo, Wau and Kerevat plantations in PNG. He then went to Canberra (Australian Forestry School) to do the last two years of the 5-year course. In January 1961, Mr Cameron returned to PNG and was based at the Brown River Forest Station. In 1962 he commenced investigations into the characteristics of both Teak and Kamarere and the tree breeding program for both species was commenced. This was extended to Hoop and Klinkii pine later with Bulolo as the area of focus. Several teak plantations were inspected, including the original Teak area near Madang, where the Germans had introduced the species to PNG in the 1880’s. The purpose was to assess the more desirable trees that could be used to establish “Seed Orchards.” This program commenced in 1963 at the Brown River and Kerevat with a couple of Forest Officers and a few local staff involved. In February 1964 Mr Cameron received training in computer use and program writing. He wrote the program for treatment of tree measurement data and started processing plantation growth data with the computer that year and extended it to written reports soon after. Mr Cameron’s scientific writings included “Genetic improvement of teak in New Guinea.” Australian Forester, 30: 76-87 (1966), and “Forest tree improvement in New Guinea. 1 Teak.”  Paper prepared for 9th Commonwealth Forestry Conference, New Delhi 1968). In 1965 Mr Cameron was awarded the WN Hedges Prize, also known as the WN Hedges Prize Essay, an award associated with the journal Australian Forestry. It recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of forestry, specifically through a written essay. The prize is named after W.N. Hedges, and the award is given in conjunction with the journal’s publication. In 1966 Mr Cameron was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigate the Teak improvement programs in Malaya, Thailand, Burma, India, and Ceylon in 1966. Because of the military takeover of Burma in 1962 Alan was unable to visit any of their Teak forests. The most progressive operations were in India. He fortunately found some remarkable trees in the southwest and collected some cuttings and sent them to PNG for grafting. Mr Cameron spent time monitoring applications of plantation management practices in all locations. Later, Mr Cameron conducted studies in the Bulolo plantations on hoop pine and klinki pine and supervised silvicultural research. In 1969 he was sent to serve in a UNFAO program assessing tree species, particularly Eucalyptus species not present, in Australia. He visited Malaya, Philippines, and Indonesia.  Plantations of Kamarere were being established in the Philippines by a company for export to Japan for pulping. In Indonesia (Sulawesi Is) Mr Cameron visited several locations.  As they started their return to the capital of the Island the Indonesian Forest Officer insisted that he replace the official driver of the incredibly old canvas topped Jeep. He did not drive well and got too close to the edge and went over the edge and rolled about 200 yards down a steep slope. There were three in the front seat. Mr Cameron was in the middle and had no backrest. He dived into the back of the jeep and hung onto the frame, and that saved his life. The other two, one an Australian, were killed. The vehicle was upside down and he was trapped. Fortunately, the official driver had been standing on the back bumper bar and jumped off. He went back to a village some miles down the road and brought a team of men up to see what could be done. Mr Cameron spent about three hours trapped under the vehicle, had a smashed wrist, and injured shoulder. He had a lot of vehicle weight on his body. The team got him out and he was taken back up to the road. Fortunately, a vehicle came up and took Mr Cameron to a medical facility where he was treated for pain. The driver of the vehicle worked for an Australian mining company and by radio he advised his company what was happening, and they approved that he take Alan to the Capital where he could enter a hospital. Mr Cameron left the PNG Forest Department in early 1970 for family reasons. Mr Cameron then worked as a Project Director for Savoy Corporation Ltd (1970-1973), (1975) based in Melbourne, of which Kel McGrath was the Chairman of the Board of Directors. I supervised several forest operations in Victoria and Queensland and went to Indonesia to assess the potential for investment in timber harvesting and processing. He was involved in establishing a wood chipping operation near Launceston in Tasmania including selection of the processing equipment and purchase of land for use as plantations. The proposal was that a pulping process be set up in the longer term. The company in Melbourne was taken over by Alan Bond and the focus was seriously changed. In 1975 Mr Cameron joined CSIRO as a Senior Research Officer, Division of Forest Research (1975-1979) with the function in the forestry sector, particularly harvesting. The major focus of my work improved […]

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The Timber Framing Campaign has announced its FY26 funding partners and another year of the campaign, which originated in 2018. Campaign manager Chris Briggs said that despite tough market conditions the funding partners were showing their industry leadership and commercial astuteness in the investment of this campaign collaboration. Source: Timberbiz The campaign will continue to work with four other past contributing companies and would also welcome new funding partners to discuss their involvement in the campaign, to grow and defend the timber framing category in Australia. The Timber Framing Campaign funding partners for FY26 are AKD, OneFortyOne, Timberlink, Wespine, Storaenso, Vida, FTMA, Koppers, arxada, MiTek, pryda, Multinail, Responsible Wood, NTHA and Timber Queensland. Ms Briggs said that with demand still soft, the question of “supporting local” continues to surface. She said many of the funding partners were Australian-owned and actively promoted their Australian-made credentials. The Australian Made Campaign’s research showed 73% of consumers preferred Australian-made, but this preference faded if it delayed a build or increased cost. When it came to building materials, consumers trusted the builder to make the right call. Australian-made is a feature, not a benefit in classic marketing terms. If local supply means faster turnaround, reliable delivery, and agility to meet demand, then it’s a benefit builders will value and promote themselves. But a strong timber framing category depends on both domestic and imported supply. With 20–25% of framing imported, the focus must remain on quality and reliability, regardless of source. Certified imported timber supports the same sustainability narrative and often outperforms steel on environmental credentials like embodied carbon. While some builders may prefer Australian-made materials, it’s not the ultimate differentiator. In B2B markets, environmental performance is far more compelling. Timber’s renewability, carbon storage, and low embodied emissions remain our greatest category strengths, whether the product is local or imported. Perceived quality also matters. Fortunately, our global partners invest heavily in certified forestry, quality control, and long-term reputation. Ongoing improvements, like Country-of-Origin labelling and audited QA systems, enhance trust and transparency. The collective message is this: timber framing offers builders reliable, ethical, and sustainable options, from a range of trusted suppliers. This choice and flexibility stand in stark contrast to the monopoly-like positioning of steel. While individual companies on the manufacturing end, will continue to promote their own value propositions, it’s the unified voice of the Renewable Timber Framing campaign that ensures the whole category remains relevant, resonant, and ready to meet the market, now and into the future.

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On National Tree Day Sunday 27 July, Australians across the country had the opportunity to connect with their community and nature by planting a tree. Source: Timberbiz An annual event since 1996, National Tree Day has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. During this time, about five million Australians have planted 28 million trees and volunteered 10 million hours of their time to give back to their community. “National Tree Day is a great reminder for people that you can do something very simple like plant a native tree to help protect and enhance the environment,” Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said. “Getting involved in National Tree Day helps raise awareness about the importance of trees and the role they play in our environment, from cooling our urban areas to providing shelter and food for native species. This includes homes for threatened animals like koalas, spectacled flying-foxes, and swift parrots. “All of us can make a difference in our local communities.” While many communities around Australia were able to plant trees on the day, Shepparton had to take a rain check. The event was moved to 31 August due to the heavy rainfall expected in the area. “We were looking forward to this year’s celebration, but the significant rainfall predicted in the days leading into the event will create unsafe conditions for participants, leading to the decision to postpone,” Greater Shepparton city Mayor Shane Sali said. “The good news is we’ve locked in a new date on Sunday, August 31, 2025, and we are excited to welcome residents and volunteers for a fantastic day of planting and community spirit in Mooroopna.”

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Earlier this month, FWPA approved seven research proposals worth $8.75 million selected from the January 2025 open call. Chosen from 36 total expressions of interest, the successful proposals represent some of the most forward-thinking ideas in the sector. Source: Timberbiz Proposals were reviewed by scientific experts, grower representatives, and an independent economist to ensure a strong return on investment and direct benefit to the forestry industry. The approved projects focus on remote sensing for forest health surveillance and resource modelling, robotics and automation, phytosanitary treatments for log exports, and invasive species management. All major commercial forest-growing regions are represented, with proposals led by research teams in collaboration with growers. FWPA will publish further details of the projects in coming weeks, once contracting is complete. “In evaluating the proposals, there was a strong focus on scientific merit and benefit to industry, and I thank the many industry members and independent scientists who contributed to the robust process,” said Jodie Mason, FWPA’s Head of Forest Research. These new research investments align with FWPA’s Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) Investment Plans. These plans were created in close consultation with Australia’s commercial forest growers in 2019 and have been progressively updated to ensure all research is targeted, timely, and focused on sector priorities. By investing in high-impact research, FWPA continues to support sustainable growth, improved forest management, and long-term resilience across the industry. The total $8.75 million investment includes a $4.45 million contribution from FWPA. This is made up of industry levies, voluntary cash contributions from growers, and matching funding from the Australian Government. In addition, industry members and research partners are providing further financial and in-kind support. This collaborative funding model ensures long-term, stable investment in research that delivers real value to growers and the wider sector. FWPA’s recent funding announcement and the upcoming Grower CEO Research Roundtable reflect the organisation’s focus on practical solutions through partnership. These efforts reinforce the importance of industry-wide collaboration to solve challenges, identify opportunities, and lead the sector forward. With FWPA at the helm, Australia’s forestry industry is well-positioned to continue transforming challenges into opportunities — fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and supporting long-term growth.

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The fight for residents to have a wood pellet mill development moved from a major highway has continued. In 2021, Altus Renewables put forward plans to build a $120m renewable energy plantation along Hutchinson Road, adjacent to the Mount Gambier and Regional Airport. Source: Charlotte Varcoe The Border Watch The initial plan would have attracted a large number of b-double trucks during both day and nighttime with near-by residents raising concerns. Now, Albioma, which purchased Altus Renewables upon its liquidation, has taken another chance at the mammoth project which would utilise wood products from forest floors to create the pellets and turn it into energy. According to the company’s website, the plant would produce 300,000 tonnes of prospective wood pellets per year on a 57-hectare site. Albioma has officially put forward an application for the development on PlanSA without plans being released, something which has marked concern from the District Council of Grant as well as local residents. Elected members opted to stick by its original stance with the pellet mill and requested a fresh CASA assessment against the development and any potential impact on the airport. Council also decided to request a community engagement and representation process as part of the development while continuing its position the development was planned to be in close proximity to the airport and was “not appropriate” for large scale industrial development. The motion – which was passed unanimously – also opted to support the land reverting back to rural zoning in line with council’s previous development plan should the development be unsuccessful. District Council of Grant mayor Kylie Boston said elected members wanted to have the same voice going back to the development yet again. “The development appears to be a bit different, there is no opportunity for representation from the community which is something we have asked our chief executive officer to include because for us sitting here when we are not part of the assessment, we would like to see it fairly done so everyone has a chance at representation,” Ms Boston said. “We are a council which is open for business and for development, we recognise the economic development and high-level investment and employment opportunities which the pellet mill develops, and we are largely in favour of being open for business while also listening to the needs and considerations in terms of the ongoing sustainable operation of the airport.” She said that was why council had requested a new assessment against the development which would include traffic to be managed in accordance with the council’s previous position. “Council is seeking the government to commit to a process of community engagement or representation to ensure local voices can be heard in this matter,” Ms Boston said. “Over everything this is part of what we do as a council, we ask for views from everybody and we should always be seeking that feedback from our community. “The last assessment had a number of representors who put in submissions and although it is closely aligned there may be some changes which the community are interested in or favour for or against and that type of feedback helps to inform the decision and the condition which may be required as part of the assessment.” Local resident and adjacent landowner Barney McCusker said the proposed mill was not in an adequate location, stating he believed it would be better positioned in a secluded forest area. “The process is just another process like burning coal and burning gas to produce heat, to produce steam and it will still produce carbon dioxide,” Mr McCusker said. “It is in the same category which is a green energy process to help save the planet, but it is still producing carbon dioxide and there are only three ways to actually produce electricity without producing carbon dioxide and that is solar, wind and nuclear.” He said should the process be portrayed to be green and reduce carbon footprint; it would be inaccurate. “The product and wood in general is a good way of sequestrating carbon, if we actually grow the trees and cut the timber down and make houses out of it, we are locking carbon into our houses,” Mr McCusker said. “If we took the product off the forest floor and instead of turning it into pellets, we turned it into a product and made a fiber board out of it and put that into our houses, we would also be sequestering carbon.” He said council advocating for community representation and engagement was a positive step in regard to the elected members duty of care to ratepayers. “It is a very clear process, we live in an open, pluralistic society and all these things should be a matter of openness,” he said.

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The Benalla Ensign has stated that it was told by an employee of ForestOne that around 140 jobs would be made redundant at the company’s particleboard manufacturing plant in Benalla. Source: Timberbiz ForestOne is one of the area’s largest employers and the shutdown of the particleboard and dry sawmill would have a great impact on the region even if there were fewer job losses than the stated 140. The company will not confirm how many job losses there would be as they say they are still to determine that. There is also no date set for the closure. In a statement ForestOne managing director Ian Fankhanel said that costs were the main factor that had made it “unviable at the present time to continue making particleboard and drying timber”. The company also said that it was facing increasing governmental and compliance costs plus weak demand, and low market prices also contributed. Mr Fankhanel said that the prices sold in the market are some of the lowest in 20 years with no significant lift in demand on the horizon. High freight costs to interstate locations meant the company had been focused on selling within Victoria but Mr Fankhanel said it was the worst performing state in the country. ForestOne will continue to run its green sawmill manufacturing and lamination line and hoped that in the future if demand returned it could start up full production again.

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