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Two Scion programs have received a second round of government funding for collaborative research with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aimed at increasing water flow and wildfire knowledge and preparedness in New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz The NZ$2.35 million (excluding GST) from the government’s Catalyst fund will enable Scion to undertake three-year research programs into observing water flows through forests and investigating wildfire and drought risks. Both programs are based on feasibility studies completed thanks to the first stage of Catalyst funding. The water flows research builds on results from Scion’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-funded Forest Flows program, which researched forest hydrology in study sites around New Zealand, including an 1800ha catchment in Northland’s Te Hiku Forest. The new program, a collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, will focus on the Aupōuri Peninsula’s Te Hiku region (Northland). It will use data from multiple NASA satellite missions to generate a new way to accurately measure water use for different land uses and how it varies across the region. The program will also monitor how water moves across the region above and below ground. Scion research lead Dean Meason says this research could provide new insights for freshwater management at scales previously not thought possible. “This gives us the opportunity to address concerns about water use and availability and increase understanding of water use and water flow throughout Te Hiku.” The wildfire and drought risk study aims to build a publicly accessible near-real-time fuel moisture and fuel type system. Program lead and Scion fire ecologist Shana Gross says accurate data on the moisture content within living vegetation can provide information on how fire could spread through vegetation and identify areas where insects and disease pose a risk to drought-stressed vegetation. “This can lead to more accurate wildfire predictions improving warning systems and reducing economic and environmental loss due to wildfire and drought.” Scion is partnering with NASA’s Ames Research Centre, the Australian National University, the US Forest Service, Fire and Emergency NZ and the University of Canterbury on this program. Both research programs will now collect field and remotely sensed data to build models for development of the near-real-time systems. The partnership with NASA on both programs gives Scion’s teams access to state-of-the art technology and expertise to develop their research and build partnerships with a world leader in space research – and to help with solutions to climate change-driven challenges.  

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Erben’s 35-storey timber tower on the fringe of Perth’s CBD has been greenlit by the City of Perth’s Metro Inner Development Panel. Source: Australian Property Markets News Designed by Rothelowman, with planning and landscape by Urbis, the project will be one of the world’s tallest hybrid timber towers and deliver 351 build-to-rent apartments, including studios, 1- and 2-bed apartments, and 64 short-stay accommodation units. This innovative development is thoughtfully designed to foster a strong sense of community, introducing a new residential model to Perth that sets a new standard for high-quality rental living – designed with a generous eye for life. The project prioritises an aspirational lifestyle, encouraging greater interaction among residents through carefully curated communal spaces and uniquely crafted apartments. 108 Stirling Street embraces hybrid cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, reinforced by a concrete core and mass timber columns. This pioneering system minimises carbon footprint, enhances structural efficiency, and injects natural warmth and character into interior spaces. The design prioritises buildability, carefully considering material production, transportation, and modularity to optimise its sustainable impact and construction. A defining feature of 108 Stirling Street is its generous ground-plane urban bushland, introducing native trees and landscaped pedestrian linkages that promote a walkable and vibrant precinct. The scheme protects the existing mature street trees along Stirling and Aberdeen Streets, enhancing Perth’s urban canopy and creating a cooler, more inviting public realm. “At 108 Stirling Street, accessible green space isn’t just a feature, it’s fundamental,” said Kylee Schoonens, Principal at Rothelowman. “It’s our way of stitching this precinct into the fabric of the city, creating a natural pause point that invites people in, encourages movement, and supports a more connected, walkable Perth. “We’re proud to be partnering with Erben on this landmark project. It’s a meaningful contribution to Perth’s Urban Greening Strategy, expanding inner-city bushland and using low-impact materials to ensure the project treads lightly while giving back to the city.” At street level, the tower’s Urban Room forecourt gives back to the public realm creating a harmonious interface between nature and the city. Designed to foster community interaction, the development features physically and visually connected rooftop and podium gardens, ensuring a sense of connectivity for residents from street level to skyline. Committed to achieving a Five-Star Green Star sustainability rating, 108 Stirling Street integrates rooftop PV panels, strategic landscaping to combat the urban heat island effect, and smart access to public transport, walkways, and bike paths to encourage eco-friendly mobility. Erben Managing Director Luke Reinecke said he is pleased to receive development approval on 108 Stirling Street. “This is as an exciting project for us and will offer the Perth market something unique through its innovative and sustainable design, extensive use of timber, and strong community focused offering, expanding the range of housing options available. It comes at an important time for Perth, when increasing housing supply is of utmost focus,” he said. Expected to reach completion in 2028, 108 Stirling Street will deliver 3,000 square metres of communal amenities, 900 square metres of resident storage, and 35 new trees furthering Perth’s urban regeneration while setting a new benchmark in sustainable residential design.

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Controlling gorse on private land is never as simple as it sounds and in a forestry context, its aggressive nature and environmental impacts mean landowners need more than good intentions. Source: Timberbiz Successful management of Tasmania’s highly invasive woody weed, Gorse (Ulex europaeus), in private forests demands adherence to regulations, coupled with a strategic, ecologically informed approach and a clear vision for future land use. Private Forests Tasmania Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie said landowners need to be aware of regulatory requirements when undertaking gorse control in forested or woodland environments. Mr McKenzie said no gorse program should begin without consulting the Forest Practices Act 1985. Any operation that clears, pushes over or otherwise destroys trees capable of reaching five metres is a forest practice and usually needs a certified Forest Practices Plan (FPP). “If gorse control will remove, damage or kill native vegetation – even indirectly – it may be deemed tree‑clearing,” Mr McKenzie said. “Undertaking forest practices without an approved FPP can trigger compliance action by the Forest Practices Authority (FPA), including fines and remediation orders. “A phone call to a Forest Practices Officer before you start can save you money and grief.” Resources such as the Gorse Management Leaflet [add hyperlink] are available via the Forest Practices Authority and offer practical advice and regulatory guidance. A simple flow chart on the FPA website helps landowners decide whether their job is exempt. Mr McKenzie said gorse is highly flammable, aggressive in its spread, and tenacious in seed survival, it can choke out native vegetation, hinder forest operations, and elevate fire risks. “Firstly, it’s a prolific flowerer that can produce seed even when young – and older plants generate enormous seed banks,” Mr McKenzie said. “Secondly, those seeds have a hard coat and can survive in the soil for decades. “In a forestry context, gorse can limit access for any monitoring or active management such as pruning, and it can also increase the fire hazard significantly as it is highly flammable.” He said these traits mean any control method – whether mechanical, chemical, or fire – must be supported by an extended follow-up plan. Mr McKenzie said fire can in fact promote seed germination, meaning it may need to be used cautiously and only at the right time in the control process. Forestry consultant Alex Tabor said successful gorse control comes down to having a long-term management plan. Ms Tabor works with private landowners across Tasmania, helping them avoid unintended damage to native ecosystems when tackling weeds. “Getting rid of gorse is not actually the end goal. You need to have a clear vision for what you want that land to look like when the gorse is gone,” she said. “Woodland environments where gorse is present are often already under threat, and overly aggressive removal of gorse particularly using fire, can worsen the situation. “If you burn it too early, the gorse burns so hot you can kill all your trees, make the infestation worse, and possibly breach the Forest Practices Code.” From a practical forestry perspective, gorse also presents logistical and operational problems. “Selecting tree species that grow rapidly and are suited to the site can give them a competitive advantage,” Mr McKenzie said. “Good weed control during establishment and rapid early growth is essential. “A species with a dense canopy will shade out the understorey and reduce gorse germination over time. “Active managed planted forests can be a good option for assisting with gorse management and making land productive again.” The Gorse National Best Practice Manual is a science‑based guide to helping manage gorse and key actions in developing a control plan include: Define problem areas through property or control area mapping using aerial photos, existing maps, or hand-drawn visuals. Determine and map control priorities – rank infestations by priority, assess legal and ethical responsibilities, align with regional plans, and use overlays or GIS to map priorities and ecological considerations over a minimum five-year control plan. Determine integrated gorse management options by assessing available resources, legal requirements, potential impacts on neighbours, and planning for initial control, follow-up, and ongoing monitoring. Develop a financial plan by estimating management and labour costs for each infestation, budgeting for both short- and long-term control, considering available financial support, and including future follow-up actions. Develop a long-term, flexible gorse control schedule that enables annual follow-up, considers seasonal effectiveness and labour availability, and integrates with broader land management activities. Monitor and document gorse control efforts by mapping progress, recording methods and costs, checking for regrowth or new outbreaks annually, and taking repeat photos to assess effectiveness over time. Conduct annual follow-up of treated infestations using the most suitable method, as regrowth and new germination are likely to occur. Alex said many landowners underestimate the time and cost involved in gorse control, which she labelled and “open-ended problem”. “For major infestations, landowners should plan for a five-to-10-year control program, followed by ongoing maintenance to prevent re-establishment,” Ms Tabor said. “Budget on at least five to ten years of staged control, then lifelong surveillance. “Follow-up maintenance isn’t just once or twice – it’s ongoing, and it must be tailored to what’s coming back each time. “People often let gorse infestations go on for decades. Once you lose the diversity in these ecosystems, it’s hard to restore it. “The earlier you get in, the less intensive and expensive it will be.”

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OneFortyOne has launched a community survey in the Green Triangle region covering Southeast SA and Western Victoria. Source: Timberbiz The survey aims to gauge community awareness and perception of OneFortyOne, including recognition of the brand, understanding of the forestry and sawmilling company’s activities, and sentiment. OneFortyOne Corporate Affairs Manager Charlene Riley said the insights gathered will inform future engagement strategies and help strengthen community relationships. “We value the opinions of our community and want to hear from you,” she said. “Your feedback, positive or negative, will help improve how we engage and communicate.” The survey questions are mostly multiple choice, and designed to be simple, taking only about 10 minutes to complete. “This survey is your chance to have input into how OneFortyOne connects with the community,” Ms Riley said. The survey is anonymous; however, participants have the option of entering the draw to win one of 5 $250 VISA gift cards if they share their name and contact. The survey is open now, available online via www.surveymonkey.com/r/OneFortyOne it closes on 27th July 2025.

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The New Zealand Government has taken a major step towards protecting food production by ending the large-scale conversion of productive farmland into pine plantations, with the first reading of the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme — Forestry Conversion) Amendment Bill receiving unanimous support in Parliament last night. Source: Timberbiz “This Bill is about protecting our most valuable land that grows food for export and sustains rural communities,” Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay said. “For too long, ETS incentives have driven the wrong outcomes for our rural sector.” “Once farms are planted in trees as a result of carbon credits we lose the ability to produce the high-quality safe food that consumers demand – and we lose rural jobs, export earnings, and the families that go with them. Today we are putting a stop to the harm that this has done to rural New Zealand.” The Bill will: Prevent exotic forests from entering the ETS on LUC 1–5 land (New Zealand’s most productive soil); Limit new ETS registrations on LUC 6 land to 15,000 hectares per year, allocated by ballot; Allow up to 25 per cent of a farm to go into the ETS, preserving landowner choice while ending full-farm conversions; Protect eligible Māori-owned land, and provide time-limited exemptions for pre-announced investments. The Bill includes temporary exemptions where an investor can provide evidence of a qualifying forestry investment between 1 January 2021 and 4 December 2024. For instance, the purchase of land and ordering of trees prior to 4 December 2024 would be an example of proof of a qualifying investment, whilst each of these actions alone would not. “The last Government sat back while 300,000 hectares of farmland were sold off for carbon credits. That short-sighted policy puts ideology ahead of long-term food security. We’re reversing that damage.” The new settings will take effect from 4 December 2024, with the law coming fully into force in October 2025.

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Forest & Wood Products Australia has released its Standard G01: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Structural Purposes, the first national guideline designed specifically for the visual grading of recycled hardwood timber for structural applications. Source: Timberbiz Through close engagement with industry, recyclers, engineers, and government, this Standard supports the use of more wood products in construction and lays the groundwork to assist with Australia’s transition to circular construction by ensuring the safe and reliable use of structural recycled timber. It complements existing standards for new sawn timber, while addressing the unique characteristics of reclaimed materials — such as signs of previous use ( bolt holes, notches), ageing, features, and variations in appearance and performance. This standard provides clear, nationally consistent grading criteria tailored to recycled structural timber. It promotes detailed communication between suppliers and purchasers, encourages sample inspections, and enables market confidence in recycled products through a quality assurance framework. The grades defined under this Standard are unique to recycled timber and should be used independently of existing standards (AS 2082 and AS 3818 series). “This standard reflects FWPA’s commitment to supporting circularity and environmental responsibility across the timber industry,” said Boris Iskra, National Codes & Standards Manager at FWPA. “By providing a consistent approach to grading recycled hardwood, we’re giving industry the confidence to produce recycled structural timber and specifier’s confidence to use this material in structural applications.  It’s a milestone in the broader effort to unlock the full potential of timber reuse in Australia.” The launch of FWPA Standard G01 follows the earlier publication of FWPA Standard G02: Recycled Timber – Visually Graded Decorative Products, which provides visual grading guidance for recycled hardwood used in non-structural and decorative applications. Like G01, the G02 standard was developed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders and includes both mandatory and advisory provisions to account for the distinct characteristics of recycled timber. Together, Standards G01 and G02 form a coordinated framework for the responsible reuse of hardwood timber, addressing both structural and aesthetic applications. They empower industry participants to make informed decisions that reduce waste, support sustainability, and build confidence in using recycled timber products. “This Standard fills a critical gap for builders and engineers seeking to incorporate recycled hardwood in structural projects,” said Michael Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy’s Timber. “It offers the clarity and confidence we need to promote more sustainable building choices.” To learn more and download the FWPA G01 Recycled Timber – Visually Graded for Structural Purposes click on https://fwpa.com.au/codes-standards/fwpa-standard-g01-recycled-timber-visually-graded-for-structural-purposes/

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