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More than 150 giant Tingle and Karri trees have collapsed after a prescribed burn next door to the famed Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. The ‘Giants East’ forest block was ignited in late December by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Source: Timberbiz A statement released a month later reported that just one giant Tingle tree had collapsed and 300 other Tingle and Karri trees on the burn perimeter had been protected and described the burn as a success. Local researchers are disputing these claims, having spent the last month documenting recently fallen trees that are more than one meter in diameter. “I surveyed the area for fire-felled trees after the Giants prescribed burn and estimated 180 mature red tingle, yellow tingle, karri and marri trees were felled by the burn in an area less than 100 hectares,” Local resident and ANU environmental science student, Uralla Luscombe-Pedro said. “Fallen branches and entire tree canopies that were burned off their trunks are scattered across the forest floor. In some places, trees have collapsed in groups. From any standpoint in the forest, it’s clear this was a severe and damaging fire.” Features of the Tingle tree; its shallow roots, fibrous bark, burls and gnarls, make them susceptible to frequent and severe fire. Each burn sets up more trees to fall in the next fire event because of the cumulative damage that burning does to their structure and stability. Recent studies show that Tingle forests have naturally low flammability when they are left unburnt for long periods. “The WNNPA was incredibly shocked and disappointed on seeing the outcomes from the recent prescribed burn in Giants East block,” The Walpole-Nornalup National Park Association (WNNPA)’s Dr David Edmonds said. “The WNNPA first raised concerns about the burning of the Tingle forest over 30 years ago. In 1997 a trial burn was conducted in the very same forest leading to the collapse of at least 30 trees. This was viewed by both the WNNPA and the government department of the time as an unacceptable result and recommendations were made to avoid this level of collapse in the future.” The WNNPA is calling for a halt to another burn planned in nearby Tingle forest later this season and they support a call for an increase in pre and post-fire monitoring programs, robust and meaningful ecological outcomes to be built into burn prescriptions and an independent review into prescribed burning. “Western Australians overwhelmingly support the protection of SW Forests. The government has recognised that in the ban on native forest logging, now they need to take the next step and overhaul the prescribed burning program to prevent this unnecessary destruction. Urgent changes are required to ensure fire-sensitive species and communities like tingles are not burnt in this manner,” WA Forest Alliance (WAFA) Senior Campaigner Jason Fowler, said. Scientists, Conservation groups and South coast residents are seeking answers from the government on the failures of this burn and how they will ensure this does not happen again.

Norske Skog is selling its Boyer mill in Tasmania for approximately $27 million to Boyer Capital, a company led by developer David Marriner. The mill produces 150,000 tonnes of newsprint and 135,000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper annually. It employs around 300 people. Source: Timberbiz Norske Skog CEO Geir Drangsland said the sale will allow the company to focus on its four European mills, including Golbey in France and Saugbrugs in Norway. “We are very pleased to conclude our orderly exit from Australasia with the divestment of the Boyer mill,” he said. “The discussions with David Marriner and Boyer Capital have been ongoing for some time and we believe they represent the ideal owner to both continue the production of publication paper and develop the industrial site for future activities. “Norske Skog will now focus fully on the successful ramp-up of containerboard production at the Golbey mill and completing the BCTMP study at the Saugbrugs mill.” Patrick Dooley, Managing Director of Norske Skog Boyer said the Boyer mill had been part of the Norske Skog group for 25 years. “We wish to thank everyone for their support and contribution to the mill during this time. We now look forward to continuing our operations under new ownership, and to work closely with our new owners to explore future opportunities at the mill site,” he said. The Norske Skog Boyer mill is situated in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley and has a production capacity of 150 000 tonnes of newsprint and 135 000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper. The site has a total area of 565 hectares, offering significant opportunities for future developments, and good access to raw materials and logistics infrastructure. The mill has approximately 300 skilled and experienced employees. “We see significant potential to expand and diversify the industrial activities at the Boyer mill for the benefit of its employees and the local community,” David Marriner, Director of Boyer Capital Pty Ltd, said. “In dialogue with mill management and representatives of the Boyer workforce we have been very impressed with their knowledge and commitment to the business. We are therefore excited to start a new chapter for the mill.” The sale follows a broad and structured process over a period of more than two years. The sale strengthens Norske Skog’s balance sheet and liquidity position towards ongoing strategic projects. Resources Minister Eric Abetz said the sale secures its long-term future as Australia’s only paper manufacturing plant. “This is a massive vote of confidence in Tasmania’s manufacturing sector and the broader economy,” he said. “We look forward to seeing Boyer Capital Pty Ltd build on the mill’s strong foundations, exploring opportunities for diversification and expansion that will bring even more jobs and investment to Tasmania.” The transaction is a sale of 100% of the share capital in Norske Skog Industries Australia Limited which is the holding company for all of Norske Skog’s Australasian activities. Norske Skog will discontinue the reporting segment publication paper Australasia in its results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The purchase price is based on an enterprise value of approximately NOK 190 million and is subject to customary adjustments for cash, debt and working capital. Completion of the sale is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, and no gain or loss is expected to be recognised in the first quarter of 2025 as a result of the transaction. Following the sale, Norske Skog will have four mills, all situated in Europe, with a total combined capacity of 760 000 tonnes of containerboard, 840 000 tonnes of newsprint, 200 000 tonnes of SC magazine paper, and 265 000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper.