Australian timber industry news

A landmark report reveals 2.48 million new dwellings are needed by 2034 to achieve affordability in Australia. More Houses Sooner is the first and only in-depth study to project the total dwellings required by 2034 in order to reach equilibrium and affordability levels. Source: Timberbiz The research indicates Australia needs to deliver approximately 2.48 million new dwellings to keep pace with population growth and address historic unmet demand. This equates to roughly 225,400 new dwellings per year. The report commissioned by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), a not-for-profit organisation provides scenarios for filling the housing supply gap by increasing timber use in multi-residentials and encouraging builders to adopt more prefabricated home solutions. Population growth is a key driver of housing demand, with projections showing nearly 31 million people and a decline in household size to fewer than 2.4 people per household. FWPA Head of Built Environment Programs, Kevin Peachy, says increasing timber usage in construction can help address the current imbalance of supply and demand. “There are opportunities and challenges for the industry,” he said. “Leveraging prefabrication systems and factory-based manufacturing offers reduced costs and construction times compared to conventional methods. “Systemic change is required, all of Australia will benefit from more efficient use of timber in the built environment, as this will help meet one of society’s most important and pressing needs of building more houses sooner,” he said. Lead Researcher Tim Woods says the report was compiled using integrating historical trends in housing affordability, disposable income, and population data. “Other reports in the market focus on projecting ABS building activity data, such as dwelling approval, commencement, and completion, without involving other indicators relevant to housing issues,” Mr Woods said. “By using an integrated analytical approach, this report provides practical pathways to fill the housing supply gap.” Historically, Australia produced an average of 192,100 dwellings per annum over the decade to 2024. The More Homes Sooner analysis indicates that Australia can deliver the additional 2.48 million dwellings the nation requires over the coming decade to meet the demand. FWPA is confident that the forestry and wood products industry is uniquely placed to contribute to a future where more Australians can realise the dream of owning a home. The Executive Summary can be found here. The full report can be accessed at https://fwpa.com.au/report/more-houses-sooner

Hundreds timber and pulp and paper workers are expected to vote in a demerger ballot which will see them establish their own union, the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU). Source: Timberbiz The secret ballot run by the Australian Electoral Commission opened on Monday and will run to 14 April 2025. The new union will continue to represent workers in the Manufacturing Division’s coverage which includes floorcovering, cabinetry and joinery, glass and glazing, installation and shopfitting, timber and wood products, pulp and paper, furniture, bedding and mattress manufacturing and upholstery, textile, clothing, and footwear and building products and materials manufacturing. Currently Timber and Pulp & Paper Workers are members of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division, with that Division’s members now voting across the country to leave the CFMEU and get their own union. Ms Alison Rudman, Secretary of the NSW District of the CFMEU’s Manufacturing Division, said members in places like Tumut and Tumbarumba were tired of being associated with the CFMEU Construction Division that is always in the news for the wrong reasons. “They are looking forward to the TFTU having a laser focus on the issues that impact all our members like wood supply, recognition of their skills and protecting timber jobs in timber towns,” she said. “The right of timber workers to have a demerger vote was originally championed by Senator Jacqui Lambie and then taken up by the Albanese Government. The legislation that gave members this right to vote was supported by all MPs except the Greens,” Ms Rudman said. The Secretary of the Greater Green Triangle district of the CFMEU’s Manufacturing Division Brad Coates said he expected a high voter turnout and a big ‘YES’ vote to demerge from the CFMEU. “Timber and Pulp & Paper Workers in the South-East and all our members across the country do not want to be associated with a Union that is riddled with allegations of corruption and criminality,” said Mr Coates. “Members should know that they are able to exercise their democratic right to a vote because of the advocacy of Jacqui Lambie and legislation introduced by the Albanese Government and supported by all MPs except the Greens” Mr Coates said. The CFMEU Manufacturing Division would be the second Division to leave the CFMEU after the Mining and Energy Division left in 2023 to form the Mining and Energy Union. “This is an opportunity for our members to have their say on their future,” CFMEU Manufacturing Division National Secretary Mr Michael O’Connor said. “There is absolutely no benefit to our members of the Manufacturing Division remaining within the CFMEU “We are a union of honest, hardworking unionists who deserve better than being associated with the CFMEU Construction Division.”

The International Sustainable Forestry Coalition (ISFC) has commenced a project to explore the nature-related data that is available from its member forestry companies and forest investment managers in their respective forests across 35 countries. Source: Timberbiz “The idea of a coordinated process to look at how nature is quantified across different regions and forest types is a first step to creating standardized systems of natural capital accounting and reporting,” Chief Executive Officer of ISFC, Mr Ross Hampton said. “As more and more investors seek to evolve their portfolio of investments towards more ‘nature positive’ outcomes the forestry sector will have an important role to play. “This survey across our membership, which steward a combined 16 m hectares (40 million acres) of forest, is an initial step in contributing to that goal.” Chair of the ISFC Nature Survey Committee and Managing Partner of Dasos Capital Oy and CapMan Natural Capital, Dr Olli Haltia said that nature accounting is also held back by differences in definitions, metrics and KPIs, which make it challenging for investors to compare ‘apples with apples.’ “Whilst ISFC Member companies all strive for a ‘best in class’ approach in their environmental management, they often apply different labels to similar initiatives. Our survey will help sift and coalesce terms and descriptors. If we can move even one step towards a more common lexicon it will be a leap forward for the creation of an investable Natural Capital asset class,” he said. The ISFC is a not-for-profit Association, headquartered in the United Kingdom, which brings together global forestry owners, managers, investors and fibre-using businesses. The ISFC has commissioned the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) to conduct the ‘Nature Measures’ survey.

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has responded to US President Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding proposed tariffs on Canadian wood products, expressing deep concern over the economic impact these measures would have on forest sector employees on both sides of the border and on American families seeking affordable housing. Source: Timberbiz Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC, issued the following statement: “Together, the United States and Canada have built a world-leading forest products industry by leveraging our shared strengths in sustainable forest management, advanced manufacturing, market development, and through our integrated transportation systems. “Rather than disrupting this highly integrated and well-functioning supply chain, we should be focused on strengthening our competitive advantages, building more affordable housing, working together to address worsening wildfire risks, and bringing more North American wood to the world. “Unilateral tariff actions drive-up costs, create uncertainty, and slow down efforts to meet the urgent demand for housing on both sides of the border. We urge the U.S. government to reconsider these measures which will be harmful to both our countries.” FPAC has shared ideas with the Canadian government to strengthen prospects for Canada’s forest sector employees and the communities they call home: Expand Domestic Wood Use – Prioritize the use of Canadian wood in infrastructure and housing projects and accelerate the building of more affordable units across the country. Advance Biomass and Pulp Market Opportunities – Deliver on the long-promised Clean Investment Tax Credits for Biomass Conversion to drive innovation, investment, and job creation in Canada’s forest bioeconomy. Strengthen Trade Resilience – Reinstate full funding for market expansion pro-grams like Canada Wood to open new international opportunities for Canadian forest products. Cut Red Tape and Regulatory Barriers – Ensure environmental and land-use poli-cies are science-based and do not impose unnecessary restrictions that undermine jobs, investment, and sustainable forestry operations. “The Government of Canada has a clear opportunity to stand up for Canadian forestry at a time of growing global uncertainty,” Nighbor said. “We need real action to put Canadians first – supporting employees and their families, securing stability for our businesses, and protecting the long-term potential of our sector and its people,” he added. FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $87.2B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employersproviding 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country.

Construction of new homes in the US plummeted in January as builders face a challenging financial environment to start and finish projects with high interest rates and uncertainty over tariffs that could increase costs for supplies. Source: wwnt Struggles increasing the nation’s housing supply have exacerbated an affordability crisis that has continue to spiral after the post-pandemic surge in sales. Median prices on existing homes have soared over US$400,000 over the last several years and monthly mortgage payments remain elevated with interest rates hovering around 7%. Inflation has hit the nation’s homebuilders that are facing increased costs for supplies and labour, making it more difficult for projects to turn a profit and minimizing incentive to start them. They are dealing with high rates from the Federal Reserve and uncertainty over what’s to come with the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff strategy that could put more upward pressure on prices. Housing starts, which measure the number of projects being started, plummeted in January. Overall starts declined 9.8% last month with drops of 8.4% for single-family homes and 13.5% for multifamily, which includes apartments and condos. “As mirrored in our latest builder survey, high construction costs, elevated mortgage rates and challenging housing affordability conditions are causing builders to approach the market with caution,” Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said in a release. “The uncertain policy environment in terms of a better regulatory climate and impending tariffs offers both upside and downside risks in the near-term.” Trump has not enacted some of the most expansive tariffs he suggested on the campaign trail but has still been aggressive with using them in his foreign trade policy. There is a 25% tariff on foreign steel and aluminium, a 10% increase to preexisting tariffs on all Chinese products and the White House is studying how to implement “reciprocal” tariffs to match levels other countries place on American goods. There is also potential for 25% tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican products, which could hit homebuilders especially hard. Trump delayed the implementation of the tariff earlier this month after Canada and Mexico agreed to ramp up border security operations but there is still a possibility they could go into effect at the end of the pause. “Home construction is particularly sensitive to trade policies, notably tariffs on essential materials like lumber and concrete,” said Emanuel Santa-Donato, SVP and chief market analyst at Tomo Mortgage. “Material prices are already a major factor in home affordability, so any additional increases could make it even harder for buyers, particularly in high-cost markets like the west coast, where builder sentiment is already weaker than in other regions.” Tariffs on Canada and Mexico were of particular concern to homebuilders and NAHB sent a letter to the administration asking it to put exemptions on building materials. “Imposing additional tariffs on these imports will lead to higher material costs, which will ultimately be passed on to home buyers in the form of increased housing prices. Further supply chain disruptions from increased tariffs coupled with increased demand for materials could also hinder rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, which you have pledged to help rebuild as quickly as possible,” the organization said in a letter. It’s unclear whether the administration would be willing to introduce carve-outs in tariffs to help builders, though Trump has signed an executive order targeting housing affordability and promised to unlock more building through loosening regulations. The federal government has limited power to address the most burdensome regulations, which typically come from state and local governments in the form of zoning restrictions. “Exempting key building materials from tariffs especially high-demand items like lumber, steel, and concrete could help control construction costs and keep home prices more stable. Temporary tariff reductions or streamlined import processes could give builders some relief, ensuring that price spikes don’t unnecessarily slow production,” Santa-Donato said. “Keeping essential materials more affordable would help builders continue meeting housing demand without driving costs higher for homebuyers.” Uncertainty on tariffs and concerns about them further increasing prices comes as the housing industry is going through a prolonged slump due to elevated interest rates and issues with affordability. Home sales have slumped to lows not seen in 30 years with roughly 7% mortgage rates. Despite the drag on sales, home prices have continued to climb due to a limited supply available on the market. Existing homeowners are hesitant to put their homes on the market with higher rates than many were able to lock into during the pandemic and higher prices to purchase another, and higher costs are also slowing the sales of new homes.

Auckland lawyer Andrew Jarvis has been ordered to pay NZ$275,000 in penalties for breaches of New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Act 2005. Source: Timberbiz The High Court penalty judgment follows an investigation by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) into two overseas individuals who purchased forestry blocks in Gisborne and Rodney without overseas investment consent in 2011 and 2014. The overseas individuals set up company structures and used local associates to hide their ownership of the forestry blocks and have separately been ordered to pay almost NZ$1.7 million in penalties. During the investigation, LINZ (Land Information New Zealand) uncovered evidence that Mr Jarvis, acting for the investors, structured the transactions and gave legal advice that resulted in the investors acquiring interests in sensitive land without consent. Mr Jarvis admitted that his actions were reckless. “Lawyers and advisors play a crucial role in supporting our overseas investment regime by providing investors with the right in-formation and advice,” LINZ Acting Compliance Leader Pedro Morgan said. “Good legal advice helps the regime work effectively and supports New Zealanders and overseas investors to have confidence in it. “The vast majority of advisors help their clients to understand the law and make the right decisions, which is why it is so disappointing that in this case, overseas investors have been enabled to break the rules by a legal advisor.” The High Court said that Mr Jarvis ‘devised and implemented the structures that were used by their companies to avoid those requirements’ and that ‘his conduct was reckless because he facilitated the transactions without having carefully reviewed the restrictions imposed by the Act.’ “The penalties awarded in this case reflect the seriousness of the breaches and should send a warning to anyone seeking to under-mine the rules and also reinforce the need for investors to seek advice from lawyers who are familiar with the overseas investment rules,” Mr Morgan said. LINZ began an investigation into the forestry transactions following a report in 2020 by one of the investors. The investigation looked into eight forestry block sales in Gisborne and one in Rodney. In 2021 the investigation was widened to include Andrew Jarvis. Proceedings were filed in the High Court in respect of the overseas investors in April 2023 and in respect of Mr Jarvis in September 2024.  

Projects are underway for four community groups across Australia which received a share of $40,000 in funding through the Responsible Wood Community Grants Program. Source: Timberbiz Now in its fifth year, the program has engaged with more than 100 community groups connected to Responsible Wood certified forests across Australia. According to Jason Ross, Responsible Wood’s Community Grants Project Manager for 2024/25, this year saw a record number of 25 applications. “Without a doubt, this year’s applicant process was the most competitive in the history of the grants, with the total value of applications exceeding $300,000,” Mr Ross said. “The judging panel had its work cut out deciding on the best projects. Interestingly, and for the first time, the vast majority of projects were co-funded, allowing us to engage with initiatives on a much larger scale than in previous years.” Mr Ross said it was clear that the initiative is growing from strength to strength. “You only have to look at the balance and quality of applications that Responsible Wood is now receiving from community groups across certified forests,” he said. “For the first three years, the challenge was finding high-quality applications. Now, given the calibre of submissions, I do not envy the judges. The next challenge is to build on the success of the first five years and continue strengthening connections with community groups.” The four funded projects for 2024 include: Heritage Skills Association – Restoration of the Ludlow Tuart Forest Teachers Cottage (Collie, Western Australia) Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation – Mt Burr Rock Shelter (Compton, South Australia) Bruny Island Environment Network Inc – Enhancing foraging options for swift parrots on Bruny Island (Barnes Bay, Tasmania) Planting Seeds – Topping it off – Habitats for Pollinators (Across New South Wales) Mr Ross said each project strengthens community connections with forests, providing better access, education, and conservation outcomes. “Each of these projects provides Australian communities with better access to forests and opportunities for people to connect through planning, completing, and benefiting from local projects,” he said. Responsible Wood will showcase the impact of these projects in the coming months, highlighting the tangible benefits of community-led initiatives in certified forests.

The prestigious Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards are back, and nominations are open. The awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication across all sectors of the forestry industry, from harvesting and haulage to mill operations and sustainability initiatives. Source: Timberbiz This is your chance to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses making a difference in the Green Triangle region. Whether it’s a colleague, a contractor, or an emerging leader, now is the time to shine a spotlight on their contributions. Nominations are open for a range of categories, highlighting the talent and hard work that drive our industry forward. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this celebration of forestry excellence! Submit your nominations today and help us honour the best in the industry. For more details and to nominate, visit the new website: Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards (GTTIA) https://gttia.com/

Some of Australia’s largest retailers and manufacturers recently gathered at HVP Plantations in Victoria for the FSC Forest Walk event, gaining first-hand experience of FSC-certified forestry in action. Source: Timberbiz Leading Australian companies, including Woolworths Group, Coles Group, Bunnings, Visy, Essity, Kimberly-Clark, Australia Post, and more, attended the event to deepen their understanding of how FSC certification supports sustainable supply chains. These organisations source FSC-certified materials for packaging, furniture, and household products, ensuring that forest resources are managed in line with their ambitious responsible sourcing commitments. The event provided a unique opportunity to see firsthand the sustainable forestry requirements under which FSC-certified products are sourced and engage with those who uphold these standards. With over 1.1 million hectares of FSC-certified forest and more than 260 FSC-certified organisations across Australia, the commitment to responsible forestry continues to grow. The FSC Forest Walk provided a unique, firsthand experience of FSC’s standards in action, demonstrating why FSC-certified products are the most trusted choice for businesses and consumers committed to sustainable forestry. “Understanding the FSC system in a real-world setting was an invaluable experience,” said Julian Westcott, Account Manager at Kimberley-Clark Professional “Seeing firsthand the commitment of forest managers to responsible practices gives us even greater confidence in the materials we source. It strengthens our ability to make informed decisions and communicate the importance of FSC certification internally and to our customers.” For Coles Group, an FSC promotional licence holder, the event reinforced the significance of responsible sourcing. “Being on the ground and speaking directly with the HVP Plantations team managing these forests gave us a much deeper appreciation for the rigorous work behind FSC certification,” said Coles Own Brand Lead Sustainable Packaging Manager Emma Buchanan. “ It’s one thing to read about sustainability standards but witnessing them in action drives home why FSC certification is so important to our business and the products we offer consumers.” HVP Plantations, the first-ever FSC-certified forestry organisation in Australia, celebrated 20 years of FSC certification in 2024. As the event’s host, HVP showcased the robust environmental stewardship practices that underpin FSC certification, including fire management, native forest care, and plantation thinning operations designed to maintain forest health. “HVP was delighted to take part in the FSC Forest Walk – a great opportunity to engage with others in our value chain and share how we grow and harvest our products responsibly. Our 20 years of certification reflects our enduring commitment to stewardship and sustainable plantation forestry,” Mick Evans, HVP Plantations Northern Region General Manager said. The FSC system continues to expand in Australia, with businesses across industries recognising the importance of responsible forestry. FSC ANZ CEO Melanie Robertson addressed attendees, marking 30 years of FSC’s global impact and outlining the organisation’s strategic priorities for the future. “As the demand for forest-friendly products grows, FSC-certified forests provide a solution that balances environmental conservation, social responsibility, and eco-nomic viability,” Ms Robertson said. “The presence of so many leading organisations today highlights the critical role businesses play in supporting responsible forestry.”

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is well placed to take on future challenges and opportunities, according to the latest ABARES Snapshot of Australian agriculture. Source: Timberbiz Sector value and production have continued to grow over the past 20 years with another strong performance expected in 2024-25. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the sector was looking resilient. “The agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries are in a good position to respond to the challenges of climate variability, slowing productivity and global trade uncertainty,” Dr Greenville said. “The past 20 years have shown us that one of the main reasons for this success is the industry is flexible and responsive. Our farmers have been quick to change their practices for what consumers want and what the market is doing. “Gross value of agricultural production has increased by 34% in the past 20 years from $61.5 billion in 2004–05 to $82.4 billion in 2023–24. “When we include fisheries and forestry, the total value of production has increased by 30% in the same 20-year period from approximately $67.7 billion to $88.3 billion. “We also see strong growth in our exports. Last financial year, Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports were valued at $75.6 billion. “Employment in the sector has also been increasing. Australian agriculture employed 274,900 people on average over the four quarters to November 2024, up 6.7% from the previous year. “We saw average cash incomes for broadacre and dairy farms over the 3 years to 2023–24 were well above the averages for the previous 10 years, albeit with differences across the sectors. This reflects the record incomes recorded in most industries in 2021–22 following good seasonal conditions and high commodity prices, however, recently sheep specialists have seen below average incomes. “Global interest in emissions and sustainability is growing. Australian agriculture has strong sustainability credentials. The sector’s chemical and fertiliser use is at world best practice levels. Australia also has remarkably low on-farm emissions per unit of agricultural output.” Australian agriculture has benefited from five decades of sustained productivity growth. However, since 2000, broadacre farm productivity growth has slowed up and there is more volatility. Productivity growth will remain important for the sector to compete in international markets where competition is high and prices can quickly change. “It’s a reminder to not get complacent. We need to make sure policy encourages competitiveness, investment is going to research and development, and the sector stays responsive to changes in the market,” Dr Greenville said. To read the full report go to https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/snapshot-of-australian-agriculture ABARES’s Outlook 2025 conference is on 4-5 March. For more details about the program, speakers and registration, visit ABARES Outlook Conference 2025 – DAFF.

One of the four project developers seeking to build large wind farms within the NSW government’s pine forest plantations has unveiled detailed plans that include giant 8-megawatt (MW) turbines, and a big battery scaled at up to 2,000 megwatt-hours (MWh). Source: Renew Economy The Sunny Corner wind project is being put forward by Mainstream Renewables and Someva Renewables, and would be located in Forestry Corp plantations between Lithgow and Bathurst, in an area already heavily populated by coal mining, coal fired generators and other coal industry assets. They propose a wind farm of around 500 MW, although the details of its first scoping report filed with the NSW planning authorities also indicates up to 80 turbines at 8 MW each, which of course would total around 640 MW. These would likely be among the biggest turbines in the country, although it should be noted that other projects at a similar development stage are also looking at 8 MW turbines. Most turbines being installed now are around 6 MW, or smaller. The 8 MW turbines will have a hub height of up to 185 metres and a maximum tip height of up to 285 metres. The exact scale of the battery, which the developers say will help smooth out price volatility and support the grid, will be finalised in the next phase of planning. The project is located close to existing and proposed renewable and battery projects, including the Crudine Ridge wind farm, the Glanmire and Brewongle solar farms and the proposed Panorama big battery. It will be just 15 kms from EnergyAustralia’s Mt Piper coal fired power station, likely to be the last coal generator standing in what remains the country’s biggest coal state, and its proposed Mt Piper battery. The proposed Lake Lyell pumped hydro project is 18 kms away. “Sunny Corner is situated in the central west of NSW which has a long his-tory of energy generation and supplying the people of NSW,’” the scoping report notes. “To date, this generation has come from coal power stations including those near Wallerawang and Mt Piper.” The developers say the area also has a strong wind resource. “The ability of the area to transition from historic to renewable energy sources is evidenced by the emergence of new and existing renewable energy technologies in the area, such as Lake Lyell and Central West Pumped Hydro, multiple solar farms and standalone BESS (big batteries) such as Wallerawang and Mount Lambie,” it says. The developers say the layout of the wind farm, and the final scale, are not finalised, and will be subject to community consultation, with a number of meetings to be held in coming weeks. “It’s important to note that the initial layout is just a starting point, and an opportunity for feedback and to host discussions based on where turbines might be.” Someva’s Jamie Chivers said in a statement. “We are keen to present an opportunity for near neighbours and community members to benefit from where turbines may be located. We want to ensure the voices of near neighbours, and the wider community are heard, shaping a project that delivers shared benefits for decades to come.” The NSW Forestry Corp has allocated permits for the potential development of four different wind projects. Two others, The Pines from TagEnergy and Stromlo Energy, and Iberdolar’s Canobolas, are in the same central west region, while Neoen’s Bondo wind project is in the south of the state.  

The State Government in Victoria is supporting new ways to use Victorian timber, with a study launched on two new timber products designed to take low value timber and turn it into sustainable construction materials which could support new jobs for South-west Victoria. Source: Timberbiz Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes has announced a feasibility study to explore the potential to take the new innovative timber products to the Australian market, which could bring up to 150 jobs to the region. The Future Fibre – Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub Feasibility Study was made possible by a $500,000 Victorian Government investment through the Portland Diversification Fund. It will allow the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub Association to investigate whether glue laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber could meet Australia’s growing demand for construction grade timber products. The new products are made from low-value pulp log material, which is typically exported as wood chip, and were developed as a possible solution to diversifying Southwest Victoria’s hardwood timber industry. The study, which is co-funded by the Victorian Forest Products Association, will investigate whether it is viable to establish a manufacturing hub in the Glenelg Shire. Running until October 2025, the study will examine a potential hub location, logistics, facilities, infrastructure, regulatory approvals and implementation timelines. The initiative is part of the Portland Economic Diversification Plan which is supporting long-term economic growth in the Glenelg Shire through community-led projects and planning. This includes $7.3 million in funding to upgrade freight roads and provide road infrastructure to industrial land in Portland. “With global demand for wood fibre forecast to increase and Australia remaining a net importer, this study is critical to identifying opportunities for increased value capture within the Green Triangle Hardwood Plantations and, in particular, Portland and the Glenelg Shire,” Green Triangle Forestry Industries Hub Chair, Cameron MacDonald, said. Victorian Forest Products Association CEO Andrew White said that Victoria was a leading state for plantation wood fibre production, with substantial opportunities to manufacture innovative engineered hardwood products, like structural timbers, that would address future demand for multi-story residential developments, as the population grew, and the market sought more climate-friendly building materials.  

Peruvian Indigenous leader Francisco Hernández Cayetano travelled hundreds of miles along the Amazon River basin this month to tell communities working for a decade on a project to protect the forest there was no money left. Source: Context News The initiative is one of hundreds of conservation projects put in limbo by a January 20 executive order signed by US President Donald Trump that froze billions of dollars in foreign aid for 90 days. “There is a tremendous question mark in every community. We are giving free rein to illegal loggers, to coca plant growers,” said Cayetano, president of the Federation of Ticuna and Yagua Communities of the Lower Amazon river. Peru and Colombia are the world’s biggest producers of coca, the raw ingredient for cocaine. Clearing trees to make way for coca fields is a key driver of Amazon forest destruction. Indigenous groups fear their nature and sustainable business projects will end for good as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is gutted, raising concerns for hard-fought conservation gains and Indigenous governance. The USAID-funded project enabled the Ticuna and Yagua communities to respond to satellite-generated deforestation alerts through an app and so helped the longstanding US goal of fighting cocaine production and trafficking in Latin America. Research published in 2021 in the PNAS journal suggested the initiative had succeeded in stemming deforestation, leading to an estimated 37% reduction in tree cover loss in two years compared to areas not covered by the project. A US judge on February 13 ordered the government to restore payments to foreign aid partners, but it is still not clear whether the Trump administration will comply and for how long. Tasked with the mission of slimming down the government, Trump’s billionaire ally Elon Musk, has criticised USAID and said it was “time for it to die”. Even if funds and jobs are restored and protected by courts, damage has already been done, said an USAID employee who did not wish to have their name disclosed for fear of reprisals. “People are returning to the USA from missions, data and archives have been deleted, so much aid has been lost already,” they said. As Ticuna and Yagua forest protectors returned the smartphones used to track deforestation in Peru’s Amazon, Cayetano told them the local USAID-funded projects should be on hold for at least two or three months. Near Peru’s border with Colombia and Brazil, the agency had also been funding initiatives to substitute coca crops with cacao trees. Earlier this month, gold prices reached a record high, adding to pressure facing the Amazon from illegal gold mining, deeply connected with drug trafficking in the region. Colombia and Peru are the world’s largest cocaine producers, data from the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) shows, and US government data shows they are also South America’s top recipients of USAID funds, largely linked to Washington’s efforts to tackle drugs trafficking. Conservation and humanitarian activities supported by USAID in the region were aligned with U.S. interests to stem the flow of cocaine to its citizens, said Ricardo Soberón, former head of Peru’s DEVIDA drug policy agency. Soberón said that on their own, efforts to investigate drug cartels and destroy coca crops, also supported by the United States, had not succeeded as planters “immediately get new seeds and move deeper into the forests”. The problem with such measures, he said, is that alone they do not “attack the socio-economic causes that give origin to deforestation” for coca leaf production. In 2024, Brazil, home to about 60% of the Amazon forest, was assigned $15 million from USAID funds for environmental initiatives such as training fire brigades, promoting sustainable businesses and strengthening Amazon organisations. The Roraima Indigenous Council, for example, supports about 65,000 Indigenous people in the northern Amazon, and was planning to use USAID funds to structure 18 sustainable business projects, such as fish farming and production of folk crafts. Its coordinator Edinho Macuxi said the institution was now looking for ways to pay its personnel, and that without strengthening communities to protect their lands the cli-mate crisis would accelerate. “With all that’s been happening these days – climate change, floods, hot sun, diseases – it isn’t only Indigenous people that are going to die,” he said. Brent Sohngen, environmental and resource economics professor at Ohio State University, said one example of a successful USAID-funded partnership had been establishing a sustainable timber business in Guatemala’s Maya forest. According to Sohngen, who co-authored two papers on the initiative, it helped protect both nature and the pre-Columbian ruins under the forest. He said fostering sustainable businesses enabled communities to thrive where they live, and so helped stem the flow of migrants to the United States, one of USAID’s goals and a priority of the Trump administration.

Premier Forest Products has launched the world’s first fire-retardant and water-resistant plywood, DryGuard FR. Source: Timberbiz Following feedback from its customers, the unique plywood has been developed using groundbreaking technology pioneered by leading European manufacturer, Paged. DryGuard FR is the world’s only plywood that combines advanced water and fire protection, and it’s exclusive to Premier Forest. Building on the success of Premier Forest’s first DryGuard water resistant plywood product launch in 2021, this fire-retardant upgrade is durable and safe, with low formaldehyde and VOC emissions; it has a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). For use in roofs, floors and walls, the plywood is treated with a REACH compliant hydrophobic coating to reduce rainwater absorption, while still allowing the building to breathe, preventing damp and mould and creating safer health conditions. By repelling water, DryGuard FR retains its structural integrity, so the risk of remedial work is reduced, saving contractors time, money and effort. In addition, there is no need to cover the plywood during build, again increasing efficiency on site. Robust and versatile, the applications for DryGuard FR in the built environment are broad and varied, including commercial, residential, education, leisure and public sector buildings, airports, train stations and even server rooms. DryGuard FR has been rigorously tested and is compliant with the relevant EN standards, is CE2+ certified and FSC certified (FSC-C020012). “We are incredibly proud to launch this world-exclusive product that I am confident will be revolutionary in the timber industry. DryGuard FR will provide customers with the peace of mind of fire retardancy for their building, while increasing productivity and efficiency on site with an all-weather product,” James Pickford, Commercial Director (Panel Products) at Premier Forest Products, said. “We’ve listened to our customers and together with Paged, we’ve been able to create something one-of-a-kind to address their needs.”

LIGNA in Hanover, Germany, which is on from 26 to 30 May 2025, will be one of the most important milestones for the woodworking and wood processing industry on the way to the hoped-for industry turnaround. Source: Timberbiz Three months before the trade show opens its gates in its 50th anniversary year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world occupy around 112,000 square metres of exhibition space, sending a strong signal in a challenging industry situation. “LIGNA is currently almost at the same level as the previous event,” says Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Executive Board, Deutsche Messe AG. “In view of the economic conditions, we are very grateful to everyone involved for their confidence in LIGNA. We are convinced that the world’s leading trade fair for the industry will ensure greater productivity and sustainability through fantastic innovations and thus provide the much-needed motivation and confidence for investments.” The significance of LIGNA as the world’s leading trade fair remains strong, and constructive dialogue at LIGNA 2025 is more crucial than ever. Rudolf Eickhoff, Technical Managing Director of Venjakob, underscores the importance of LIGNA 2025. “We are currently facing intense competition in the industry, with declining sales in some areas. This makes it all the more important to discuss the latest sustainable production methods to ensure our customers can remain competitive in the long run. We firmly believe that direct contact at the trade fair not only fosters trust but also lays the foundation for successful projects,” he said. Industry experts and market observers believe that the woodworking and wood processing industry under pressure in recent months, particularly in Europe could see a recovery in the second half of the year. However, ongoing economic challenges are fuelling uncertainty and eroding business confidence. Unclear political developments and their economic impact have also led to delays in crucial investment decisions. The three key themes of LIGNA 2025 are Connectivity, Sustainabe Production, and Engineered Wood. TruckStop in the open-air-site, with two new formats will make a debut at LIGNA’s anniversary edition in May. LIGNA. TruckStop is the ultimate destination for joiners and carpenters eager to experience the latest advancements in power tools, fittings, and fastening technology. Show trucks, transporters, and vans packed with practical solutions from brands like Festool, Hettich, SawStop and Swiss Krono will be on-site in the open-air site near the wooden Expo roof. In addition, a stage tailored to the trade will host live presentations, expert interviews, and hands-on demonstrations throughout the event. FutureSquare – located in Hall 12 alongside the Stage and Circular, will showcase innovative products and services. LIGNA will once again host prestigious awards and competitions, including: The Forwarder Championships, Die Gute Form, The Hans-Jürgen Narjes Prize and the German Timber Construction Prize, which has even garnered attention from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction. For more information visit https://www.ligna.de/en/

Australia’s housing crisis is reaching a breaking point. This weekend (22-23 February) a group of 100 representative Australians will take charge of the longstanding housing crisis; putting 13 reforms from leading experts to the test in a radical push for action. Source: Timberbiz AMPLIFY, a non-partisan and independent community-led organisation, will see 100 Australians from all backgrounds come together to tackle the country’s biggest challenge with experts, demanding urgent action from leaders to reshape policy, rise above the politics, and make housing affordable for everyone. Georgina Harrisson, CEO of AMPLIFY, says the housing crisis is too important for political point scoring. “The housing crisis is creating serious fault lines in the community, deeply affecting mental wellbeing, livelihoods, and destroying the social contract for future generations. An issue this significant demands better, and this is why we’re putting the power back where it belongs in the hands of the people,” she said. “This weekend the Australian public will show our politicians that coming together to solve a problem is far more powerful than tearing the other side down. The public has a say, their voice needs to be heard, and we’ll be taking the results to parliament to demand urgent action.” Research shows 95% of Australians believe housing is the biggest issue facing Australians right now. With soaring prices and shrinking options, the dream of a secure home is slipping out of reach for far too many. What’s more, 75% trust each other more than the government to make the right decisions about the housing policy reform we need. In a bold, community-driven first for Australia, 100 randomly selected Australians from all backgrounds and states – homeowners, renters, young people, retirees, single parents, Liberal, Labor, Green and independent voters will come together to weigh up 13 expert-developed housing reforms and decide which should be prioritised. The reforms set to be debated have been curated by some of Australia’s most prolific housing and policy experts. This includes Brendan Coates from the Grattan Institute, Robert Pradolin from Housing All Australians, Liana Downey from the Blueprint Institute and Andrew Barker from the Committee for Economic Development Australia (Build to Rent), among others. Over two days, participants will examine evidence, debate solutions, and decide what needs to change. The 13-shortlisted reforms being deliberated by community include: Making Housing More Affordable Stamp Out Stamp Duty Housing Tax Boost Rent Assistance Homes for Everyday Heroes Expanding Housing Choice Commuter Communities More Bang for Your Block Fab Prefab Faster Visas for Faster Homes Increasing Housing Security Renters’ Rights ‘Build to Rent’ Booster Affordable Homes Guarantee Target 10%

The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, forming the iconic building’s crowning glory. Source: Timberbiz With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973. This marks a pivotal moment in the project, as the focus shifts from structural work to internal finishes, bringing the building one step closer to construction completion. The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length and was completed in December 2024. Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes. The roof requires some finishing touches including waterproofing, which will follow in the weeks ahead. Since construction began, the project has provided a major boost to the local economy with delivery partner Multiplex awarding more than $670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers for services including maritime piling, steel reinforcement and installation of the roof cassettes. “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction team and partners. We can’t wait to see visitors enjoying this impressive building when it opens to the public,” NSW Regional Director Daniel Murphy at Multiplex said. The new Sydney Fish Market will offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and community spaces, including fresh seafood market, restaurants, and a seafood school. The new market will create a dynamic hub for both locals and tourists, celebrating Sydney’s reputation as a global seafood destination. The new Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, which will unlock a connected waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo, 1,100 homes on the old fish market site and more than 6,000 square metres of public space, improving pedestrian and cycling links. The project is also supporting over 700 jobs during construction, and a further 700 jobs once operational.

Seven Forestry Corporation staff members are deploying to Western Australia as part of a contingency of NSW fire specialists. Source: Timberbiz Western Australian fire authorities have issued an interstate call for assistance to boost firefighter ranks working to contain fires near Manjimup in the state’s south-west. Senior Manager Fire and Natural Hazards Rebel Talbert said Forestry Corporation staff will deploy as part of a NSW contingency comprising fire specialists from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service and National Parks and Wildlife. “Our firefighters are always eager to assist interstate and overseas firefighting authorities on the fire lines and in fire control rooms,” Ms Talbert said. “Deployments are great learning experiences for professional fire specialists working across different landscapes and forest types, and this experience boosts our own fire-fighting knowledge base here in NSW.” Forestry Corporation staff deploying to Western Australia include Brody Caddis (Crew Leader) and Sophie Hinchcliffe (Advanced Firefighter) from Bombala, Jim Potter (Group Leader) from Narooma and Noel Bate (Firefighter) from Batemans Bay, and experienced fire specialists Peter Carstairs from Batemans Bay and Euan Scott from Bathurst will as-sist in the Incident Management Team. Fire Training Operations Officer Adrien Thompson from Coffs Harbour will also deploy as NSW Jurisdiction Liaison Officer. The deploying firefighters flew out for Perth yesterday. Forestry Corporation, the land manager of two million hectares of state forests in NSW, is one of the state’s four fire agencies and has 500 accredited firefighters on staff.

Forest & Wood Products Australia has appointed forestry consultant Ian Blanden as the new Head of Research, Development & Extension. Dr Chris Lafferty will retire from this role at the end of June but will remain as FWPA’s company secretary. Source: Timberbiz Mr Blanden brings more than 30 years of experience in plantation forestry and natural forest management, with a strong background in commercial forestry businesses. His expertise spans the entire supply chain, including R&D, sales and marketing, logistics, community engagement, external relations, and operations, especially plantation silviculture and harvesting systems. His extensive career encompasses executive roles in both Australia and internationally, including serving as general manager of Stora Enso Guangxi, where he was a key driver in downstream product and market development, and spearheaded the growth of wood sales, as well as establishing the supply chain for Stora Enso’s Beihai Mill. Mr Blanden led significant cultural and leadership transformations, as well as extensive experience with Gunns Plantations Ltd and North Forest Products in Tasmania, Australia. “I’m excited to be joining FWPA and contributing to the important work of driving innovation and progress in the forestry sector,” he said. “I share FWPA’s vision to grow the value of the entire industry, to deliver transformative RD&E initiatives and market development programs that drive growth in the Australian forest and wood products industry. “This role provides me with an opportunity to give back to the industry which has served me so well over the last 35 years. I look forward to supporting FWPA to be recognised as the industry’s leading service provider.” Mr Blanden is keen to raise the profile of the forest and wood products industry in Australia. He is also motivated by fostering emerging talent and sharing this vast knowledge of the industry. Andrew Leighton, CEO of FWPA, expressed his enthusiasm for Ian’s appointment. “Ian’s background and leadership in sustainable forestry practices align with FWPA’s goals to advance research and development across the forest and wood products value chain,” he said. “His commercial experience and commitment to stakeholder engagement will greatly support our work in developing and supporting research, development and extension activities with tangible outcomes and benefits for our members and the wider industry, including new tools and information to improve productivity and mitigate risk.” Mr Blanden will begin in the role on 22 April 2025, allowing a thorough period of handover with outgoing Head of R&D, Dr Chris Lafferty. After an impressive 23 years, Dr Lafferty will retire from this role at the end of June but will remain as FWPA’s company secretary.

Neighbours aggrieved at a recently approved sawmill in Forest Grove are taking their fight to WA’s State Administrative Tribunal. Source: Augusta Margaret River Times The matter came to a head after the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River recently approved the contentious project despite admitted issues advertising the project as a portable mill, rather than a permanent timber yard. Calgardup Rd neighbours Cyrus Cox and Geoff Bott have lodged a complaint with the SAT demanding the approval be overturned after shire planners said there was no leeway within existing rules to reconsider the item. Mr Bott told the Times the appeal was lodged on the ground of “procedural fairness”. He believed if the proposal was advertised as an ongoing concern rather than a temporary sawmill, more residents would have lodged objections. He told the Times there were shortcomings in how fire safety, noise modelling, road upgrades, and issues around confidentiality of documents were handled during the process. Furthermore, process being just before Christmas made it difficult for objectors, Mr Bott said. “This is ridiculous timing and does not equate to procedural fairness,” he said. “Not only were shire officers only available for four business days between these dates but also access to the elected councillors was also severely hampered.” Mr Bott also said it sent the wrong message to approve the development when it had already substantially commenced without seeking the shire’s approval. Shire acting chief executive Nick Logan said the local government would participate in the SAT process, but due to legal considerations could not offer any further comment. Earlier this month, the Times reported the December approval by the shire’s development assessment unit caught neighbours off guard because they had understood the project was only temporary. Instead, after public submissions closed, it became clear the fixed sawmill business would operate three days per week and allow trucks to deliver timber to the site on an ongoing basis. That approval came despite the shire unit acknowledging the project was under way initially without planning approval being sought. “In September 2023, the shire was made aware of non-compliant buildings, land use and camping on site,” December’s DAU minutes said. “The landowner has subsequently met with shire officers to understand the necessary applications for compliance with the Local Planning Scheme and Building Act. “The landowner has since resolved the illegal camping onsite, is rectifying building noncompliance and this application will deal with the unapproved outbuildings and sawmill operation.” Mr Bott said he had also lodged a Freedom of Information Act request with the Shire. Margaret River Sustainable Timbers did not respond to inquiries.