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People across the forest industry are facing some of the toughest challenges in the past decade with weather, markets and regulations all bringing challenge the best of our foresters. Source: Timberbiz One way for people to make positive change in the face of adversity is to network with others and gain inspiration from sharing success stories that can lead to motivating others in similar roles and circumstances. On 25-26 June the 3rd Annual Environmental Forestry Conference will do just that bringing practical foresters together with local regulators and national policy makers to debate and bring constructive change for production forestry and environment with a focus on practical actions and measurable out-comes. A speaker from Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) will be attending, Courtney Hamblin is an experienced pest management specialist. In her role as Adaptive Management Director, she works with teams on the ground. Ms Hamblin’s presentation on the Predator Free New Zealand by 2050 (PFNZ) mission which seeks to eliminate predators from the main-land of Aotearoa – a challenge beyond any scale attempted anywhere in the world. She will highlight developments that are enabling predator elimination at scale, as well as the potential of this work to uplift the carbon sequestration of our native rainforests. Another key role in supporting sustainability is fostering native species in production forests while carrying our harvesting and other commercial operations. Meanwhile a lesser-known falcon population has also been studied to monitor health and development in South Island forests. Hence Graham Parker a specialist from Parker Conservation South will speak on how the New Zealand falcon/kārearea interacts with plantation forestry operations throughout New Zealand. Sometimes, the results of these interactions are negative for this threatened bird species. FSC forestry companies are required to mitigate their impact on New Zealand falcons. However, there is a shortage of data to guide improved mitigation practices for falcon – forestry interactions. Mr Parker and his team have worked with seven forestry companies in Otago to better quantify the falcon population, the nature of interactions, and provide updated management recommendations for use in FSC, and beyond. To see the speaker lineup and to register visit: www.innovatek.co.nz/event/environmental-forestry-2024/#Programme

The National Timber & Hardware Association has postponed two of its State Industry Awards until next year due to a clash of dates. Source: Timberbiz The 2024 Queensland will now be held on 22 March and the 2024 South Australia & Northern Territory awards will now be held on 30 May. Additionally, to create a more inclusive occasion, the WA Awards will be combined with the SA & NT Awards. Victoria/Tasmania Awards ceremony will proceed as planned today and the New South Wales/ACT Awards event will be held on 13 September 2024.  

Nominations for the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards Project of the Year have been extended until Tuesday 2 July. The awards recognise the achievements of the engineering professionals and cutting-edge engineering projects driving Australia forward. Source: Timberbiz Last year’s winner was The Boola Katitjin at Murdoch University, the largest mass engineered timber construction project in Western Australia. The large spans enabled by the use of glued laminated timber allow for flexible room design in order to be able to react flexibly to future changes. In addition to the use of the most natural building material in the world – wood, there are photovoltaic installations on the roof as well as a concept for natural ventilation. A world-first robotics technology trial installed up to 100 timber screw fixings (out of over 200,000) on the building as part of a proof-of-concept experiment for automating this labour-intensive task. The project, Western Australia’s first mass-engineered timber building, has garnered global recognition for promoting sustainable, renewable, and circular methods in construction, aiding in achieving net-zero carbon goals. Engineers Australia is encouraging nominations from teams whose project exemplifies innovation, community impact and sustainability, contributing to the advancement of society through exceptional engineering endeavours’. The Excellence Awards serve as a platform to promote the engineering profession, nurturing and motivating the next generation of engineering talent. Beyond receiving due recognition for their contributions to engineering, winners will also enjoy exclusive discounts, profiles and coverage in leading engineering publications and presentation opportunities at key events. Engineers Australia encourages nominees of all backgrounds and identities, including people of all genders, those with disabilities, mature age and younger applicants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and others who are culturally and racially marginalised. Local winners will be selected at local celebration events in September. These winners will represent their division as finalists at the national gala in Brisbane on 21 November. Key Dates Nominations for all categories close: 2 July Local winner announcement events: 12–19 Sep National gala dinner in Brisbane: 21 Nov For more information visit: www.engaus.org/awards or email awards@engineersaustralia.org.au  

New Zealand Forestry Minister Todd McClay has announced that annual service charges in the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be cancelled for 2023/24. Source: Timberbiz “The sector has told me the costs imposed on forestry owners by the previous government were excessive and unreasonable and I agree,” Mr McClay said. “They have said that there was insufficient transparency, communication, and engagement around the introduction of the new annual service charges. This compromised the sector’s confidence, which I am now working hard to restore. “To give participants certainty, we will remove the annual charge for 2023/24. Participants will continue paying for specific services, but they won’t be charged the NZ$30.25/hectare. “The decision follows the independent review into the cost recovery of the ETS register to ensure its efficiency and cost effectiveness. “The review identified a number of issues in the previous government’s settings, and I will now work to rectify these with the forestry sector. In the coming months, participants will have cost certainty, and a revised annual charge in place for the 2024/25 financial year that is fair and reasonable. “There are more than 590,000 hectares of post-1989 forest land in the ETS and around 4,200 forestry participants. We are working with the sector to ensure they have confidence in the function, operability, and cost recovery of the Forestry ETS.” Mr McClay says this is part of a pre-election commitment to rebuild confidence in the forestry sector. “Forestry plays an important role in helping New Zealand meet its emissions reductions obligations. This review is the government’s first step on halting Labour’s attack on forestry through in-creased costs and regulations,” Mr McClay said. In a separate statement Mr McClay said this was the start of the Government’s plan to restore certainty and confidence in the forestry and wood processing sector. “This government will drive investment to unlock the industry’s economic potential for growth,” Mr McClay said. “Forestry’s success is critical to rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, boosting our GDP and providing regional jobs in a highly productive sector. The Government’s vision to grow the forestry sector includes: Spurring economic growth through jobs and exports Delivering low emission solutions and products Supporting land use resilience, adaptation, biodiversity & social benefits and Providing carbon removals to support climate goals. The Government will be introducing a package of initiatives during the course of this parliamentary term to support industry growth and to deliver positive outcomes across the forestry and wood processing value chain. “This includes working with the industry to increase onshore wood processing, opening new and improving access to existing trading markets, supporting sensible planting, easing burdensome regulations, enabling and supporting the development of new and innovative wood products, adjusting investment settings and supporting New Zealand’s climate change goals. “Nearly 60% of New Zealand’s harvest is exported. Increasing our domestic processing, will grow the economy, create more regional jobs and help us double our exports by value in 10 years.

The South Australian Government has released a strategic plan for its 10-year Feral Deer Eradication Program. The strategic plan aligns with the National Feral Deer Management Plan released in August, and has been developed to guide the eradication effort, and to better manage farmed deer within the state, building on the success of the program’s first year. Source: Timberbiz Regarded as one of Australia’s worst pest animals in both rural and peri-urban areas, feral deer cost South Australian primary producers an estimated $36 million in direct productivity losses last year. In addition to primary industry costs, feral deer have significant impacts on the environment and road safety. At the time of the eradication program’s commencement in May 2022 there was an estimated 40,000 feral deer in the state. In its first 18 months, over 11,000 feral deer have been removed from the South Australian landscape. The South Australian Feral Deer Eradication Program is a statewide partnership between the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Landscape SA Boards, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), SA Water, ForestrySA, and Livestock SA. The program is jointly funded by both the Australian and South Australian Governments and the SA Landscape Boards. This Strategic Plan has been endorsed by the Chairs of the regional Landscape Boards in feral deer impacted regions (Eyre Peninsula, Hills and Fleurieu, Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Riverland and Northern and Yorke) and the Chief Executives of PIRSA, DEW, SA Water and For-estrySA. The goals of the Strategic Plan are to: eradicate feral deer from South Australia in 10-years engage with stakeholders to promote coordinated, landscape-scale, feral deer control and build capacity for implementation prevent harboring of feral deer, and the illegal release and escape of farmed deer through the enforcement of best practice fencing and tagging standards. In South Australia, feral deer are declared for destruction under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, meaning land managers are required to destroy all feral deer on their land. In addition to landholders investing their own funds for control, eradication programs in South Australia currently cost government about $1.1 million a year. Compared to eastern state populations, the South Australian feral deer numbers are still considered low enough for the opportunity to completely eradicate the pest. Recent independent analysis of the 10-year eradication program against business-as-usual management of feral deer indicates that the program will generate a net benefit to the community of $525 million over a 10-year period.  

In a world where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly urgent, making informed choices about the products we use has never been more critical. Sustainable forest products play a vital role in this equation, offering consumers an opportunity to support responsible forestry practices and contribute to the preservation of our planet’s natural resources. But what exactly are sustainable forest products, and why do they matter for the future of our planet? Sustainable forest products refer to wood and paper products that are sourced from forests managed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. These products are harvested in a way that maintains the health and diversity of forest ecosystems, respects the rights and livelihoods of local communities, and ensures the long-term sustainability of forest resources. Choosing sustainable forest products means opting for materials that have been certified by reputable organisations, such as Responsible Wood, which verify compliance with stringent sustainability standards. One of the key reasons why sustainable forest products matter for the planet’s future is their role in mitigating climate change. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in trees, soil, and vegetation. By supporting sustainable forestry practices, we can help protect and expand forested areas, increasing their capacity to sequester carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, sustainable forestry practices often involve the use of renewable energy sources and the implementation of carbon offset initiatives, further reducing the carbon footprint of forest products. Moreover, sustainable forest products play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Forests are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered or threatened by habitat destruction and deforestation. By sourcing wood and paper products from sustainably managed forests, we can help preserve vital habitat for wildlife and protect biodiversity hotspots around the world. Sustainable forestry practices, such as selective logging and habitat restoration, can enhance ecosystem resilience and promote the recovery of endangered species, contributing to the overall health and vitality of forest ecosystems. In addition to their environmental benefits, sustainable forest products also support the social and economic well-being of local communities. Many forest-dependent communities rely on forests for their livelihoods, deriving income from activities such as timber harvesting, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. By promoting sustainable forestry practices, we can help create stable and sustainable livelihoods for these communities, reducing poverty, promoting social equity, and fostering community empowerment. Moreover, sustainable forestry practices often involve consultation and collaboration with local communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights respected. Furthermore, choosing sustainable forest products helps combat illegal logging and promote responsible forest governance. Illegal logging is a widespread problem in many parts of the world, contributing to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. By supporting certified sustainable forest products, consumers can send a clear message that illegal logging is unacceptable and demand for responsibly sourced wood and paper products. This helps create incentives for governments and companies to strengthen forest law enforcement, improve transparency, and promote sustainable forest management practices. In Australia, where forests are not only valuable ecosystems but also significant cultural and recreational assets, the importance of sustainable forest products cannot be overstated. By supporting the sustainable management of Australia’s forests, we can help preserve their ecological integrity, protect biodiversity, and maintain the unique cultural and recreational values they provide. Moreover, sustainable forest products support the growth and competitiveness of Australia’s forestry industry, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the country’s reputation as a global leader in responsible forest management. Sustainable forest products are essential for the planet’s future, offering a responsible and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional wood and paper products. By choosing sustainable forest products, consumers can support the conservation of forests, mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote social and economic development in forest-dependent communities. As we strive to build a more sustainable and resilient future, sustainable forest products play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and vitality of our planet’s forests for generations to come. Investing in sustainable forest products fosters innovation and technological advancements in the forestry sector. As demand for sustainable wood and paper products continues to grow, companies are incentivised to develop new technologies and practices that improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and minimise environmental impact. These innovations drive progress towards more sustainable forestry practices, creating opportunities for greater efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship. By supporting sustainable forest products, consumers contribute to this cycle of innovation, driving positive change throughout the industry and encouraging continuous improvement in sustainability standards. Furthermore, the choice to opt for sustainable forest products reflects a commitment to ethical and responsible consumption. In a world where natural resources are finite and environmental degradation is a pressing concern, making conscious choices about the products we use has never been more important. By prioritising sustainability in our purchasing decisions, we align our actions with our values and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Sustainable forest products offer consumers a tangible way to make a positive impact on the planet, empowering individuals to be agents of change in the global effort to preserve and protect our natural environment. Responsible Wood is Australia’s representative of PEFC International, the world’s largest forest certification system, with a mission to uphold globally recognised standards for sustainable forest certification.  

VicForests has issued an alert over the serious risks and hazards from threatening and aggressive driving targeting log trucks and other forestry workers. Source: Timberbiz The alert follows reports of anti-logging activists allegedly tailgating a 63-tonne logging truck from the Wombat Forest for almost 200km, until Victoria Police stopped them at Longwarry on 30 May 2024 more than two hours later. VicForests alleged this extremely dangerous incident included tailgating, swerving and driving without headlights in the dark. The vehicle in question had been observed at locations of protests being undertaken in the past three weeks. According to a report in The Weekly Times harvest and haulage contractor Colin Robin, whose machinery has been repeatedly vandalised by anti-logging groups, alleged the white Ford van that stalked his driver’s truck risked causing an accident as it wove in and out of traffic and at one stage even turned off its lights to avoid being seen. Driver Shane Brown told The Weekly Times he first noticed the van slowly driving past the Bullarto landing where they were loading logs onto the truck in the middle of the Wombat Forest at about 2pm on 30 May, and then spotted it again parked on a side road as he left the site. Mr Brown said he kept on seeing the van, which was quite distinctive, given it had a solar panel on the roof and side awning, as he made his way to the Calder Fwy. “The van was changing lanes and its speed changed erratically, tailgating so close at times that I couldn’t see it in the mirrors and then slowing, which caused other traffic to have to swerve around it,” he told The Weekly Times. In the end he called Mr Robin with the registration details of the van, which led to the Drouin police urging him to pull into the Longwarry Caltex service station, where they could intercept the van. The police then delayed the van for 20 mins, while Mr Brown got home to his family. VicForests said this deliberate behaviour was extremely dangerous, threatening and criminal. It has the potential to cause serious injury or even death to the occupants of the vehicles in-volved and other road users. VicForests said it would involve the police when made aware of these dangerous and potentially criminal activities and any information would be passed onto the police. VicForests requests that all potentially life-threatening activities such as this, and any activity that can reasonably be considered as threating or harassing, are ceased and actively discouraged by the organisations involved. If injury or a fatality result from this activity, those involved will be held accountable. VicForests said it would continue to do everything reasonably practicable to protect the health and wellbeing and safety of its staff, contractors and the public. Earlier this month anti-logging activists smashed up the Robin family’s $350,000 excavator, which was being used to help salvage 600,000 tonnes of windblown trees from the Wombat Forest, daubing it with graffiti that warned its owner had “become a target”.