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A recent smattering of viral videos across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are telling people to avoid eating packaged, pre-shredded cheeses, claiming that the powdered substance they’re covered in to prevent clumping is actually “wood shavings,” “bark” or “saw dust.” Source: Today In the comments sections of such videos, many viewers have shared their alarm at the claims, even saying that they’ll no longer buy shredded cheese. But what do dietitians think? “These kinds of videos stir up fear in viewers who are already sceptical about our food system and aren’t sure who to trust,” registered dietitian Kristina Cooke told TODAY.com. “When information is not coming from a scientifically sound and credible source, it’s almost like playing a game of telephone that gets out of hand.” The most important thing to know about the claims is that both pre-shredded and block cheeses are healthy and safe to eat, experts say The powdery or finely grained substance that coats pieces of packaged, shredded cheese is an organic structural compound called cellulose (sometimes labelled as cellulose gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, or microcrystalline cellulose). As a food additive, it prevents the cheese from clumping together in packaging. “It’s also used in some products as a calorie reducer, an anti-caking agent, a thickener, and to add texture,” Caroline Susie, a registered dietician and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told TODAY.com. And because the compound absorbs excess moisture, it also helps prevent mould growth, thereby extending the shelf life of some products. The cellulose used as a food additive is usually made from wood pulp or cotton lint, according to the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, an independent food and health watchdog group. “The edible cellulose … used in food is extracted and removed from the non-edible portion,” explains Cooke. “(It) is molecularly the same cellulose that exists in virtually all plant matter.” In fact, cellulose has the important function of giving plant cells the rigidity they need to maintain their shape, so varying amounts of it are found naturally in all plants and plant-based foods. The CSPI rates cellulose as safe to consume. In addition to shredded cheese, cellulose is sometimes added to: Bread Ice cream and other frozen desserts Pancake syrup, condiments and sauces Granola bars Yogurt Dried spices Processed meat Meal replacement shakes Fiber supplements Cellulose is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. “Celery is especially high in cellulose,” Amy Goodson, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook, told TODAY.com. “If you’ve ever had stringy pieces from celery stuck between your teeth, you’ve experienced cellulose firsthand.” In either natural or additive form, cellulose is “generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration,” says Jen Messer, a registered dietitian and president of the New Hampshire Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If it wasn’t, she says it wouldn’t be approved by the agency nor be allowed in literally thousands of products sold in grocery stores across the country. She says humans lack the enzymes to break cellulose down, so it passes through the digestive system without being absorbed. Cellulose also counts as dietary fiber, though Messer says the amount added to shredded cheese “is so negligible it doesn’t contribute significantly to your daily fibre intake.” In larger quantities though, naturally occurring cellulose plays a vital role in digestive health and helps promote regular bowel movements. It can also help improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and aid in feelings of fullness, called satiety, which is why it’s often added to meal replacement shakes.

An online survey involving more than 3000 architects and luxury home builders across the US has found that many architects and builders still say they lack knowledge of smart home planning and have difficulties finding reputable partners. Source: Timberbiz The Bravas LLC survey results underscore the growing importance of early-stage collaboration with integrators in the luxury home market, highlighting enhanced project outcomes and increased homeowner satisfaction. Bravas is the United States’ premier provider of smart technology for luxury homes. Twenty percent of respondents said high costs associated with smart home solutions represent a significant challenge faced when integrating smart home technologies, followed by 19% saying they lack knowledge and training on smart home tech; difficulty finding reliable vendors and products; and compatibility issues with existing home systems. Greater accessibility to the right integrators can help architects and builders. While only 19% of architects and builders said they regularly work with custom integrators on smart home projects – 60% said sometimes – the majority of respondents (31%) said they need better access to skilled custom integrators. Another 30% said they need access to more reliable custom integrators who stand behind their products. Of those architects and builders who are currently partnering with custom integrators, 23% said they get the most value out of the integrators’ expertise and solutions, along with help with setup and servicing. Another 22% said they benefit from the integrators’ understanding of advanced tech offerings, and ability to help plan out architectural needs. Furthermore, architects and builders are increasingly relying on custom integrators for a variety of key strategic areas. The majority (28%) said they rely on integrators during the initial design and planning phase. “The results of this survey shine a spotlight on the increasingly essential role that custom integrators play in the overall design and construction of luxury custom homes,” said Mark Goldman, Chairman & CEO of Bravas. “By partnering with a reputable nationwide custom integrator offering advanced product solutions, reliable warranties, and superior lifetime service, architects, builders, and designers gain access to a wealth of expertise and innovation, ensuring seamless integration of advanced technologies that enhance the functionality, security, and aesthetic appeal of luxury homes,” he said. “By collaborating early on, architects, builders, and designers can deliver a superior, future-ready living experience that meets the discerning demands of their clientele. This collaboration not only elevates the home’s market appeal but also provides clients with a tailored, intuitive living environment, ultimately setting a new standard in luxury living.”

Washington faces significant social and economic risks if anti-forestry groups are successful in pushing the Board of Natural Resources and candidates for Commissioner of Public Lands to close an additional 77,000 acres of public working forests in western Washington, known as Department of Natural Resources (DNR) state trust lands. These public working forests also provide clean water, wildlife habitat, climate change mitigation and recreational opportunities. Source: Timberbiz This proposal would have far-reaching consequences, severely impacting public schools, local public safety agencies, public health services, universities, and other essential community services. These impacts are detailed in a new backgrounder provided by the American Forest Resource Council (AFRC). Under the state constitution and law, DNR state trust lands are required to be managed to provide revenues to defined beneficiaries, which include public schools, local public safety agencies, and various community services. The proposal also threatens jobs throughout Washington and would lead to devastating outcomes for the state’s infrastructure and economy. Currently, nearly 800,000 acres of state trust lands in western Washington are already off-limits to timber harvesting under a science-based, landscape-scale Habitat Conservation Plan developed by state and federal scientists. Key Impacts of closing 77,000 acres of public working forests: Public Services at Risk: Beneficiaries of state trust lands would lose $1.35 billion in timber revenue over 15 years, while state, county and local governments would lose $400 million in tax revenues generated by forest sector businesses. Critical public infrastructure, including K-12 school construction, university funding, fire departments, libraries, and hospitals, would be jeopardized. Job Losses: The closure would result in a reduction of 3.85 billion board feet of timber, significantly impacting the state’s forest industry, which generates $36 billion annually in economic output to the state. An estimated 9,200 jobs would be lost, harming the livelihoods of thousands of families. Threatens Infrastructure Needed to Reduce Wildfire Risk: The loss of DNR timber puts the mills and forest contractors needed to treat overstocked, fire-prone forests at risk of closure. Reduced Forest Health Funding: The Department of Natural Resources would lose $500 million in revenue, putting funding for agency staffing and forest health activities at risk. Impact on Housing: The lost timber volume is equivalent to enough lumber to frame over 450,000 homes, exacerbating our regional housing crisis. Thurston County is already experiencing the impacts of closing state trust lands from timber management. Estimates from DNR show that junior taxing districts have lost at least $11.36 million due to political decisions to set aside these public working forests: School Districts: Griffin, Olympia, Rochester, and Tumwater school districts have lost $7,324,198 in funding. Fire Departments and County Services: The West Thurston Regional Fire Authority and county services have lost $2,444,922 in revenue. Other Services: The Timberland Regional Library and the Port of Olympia have seen significant revenue decreases, losing $762,703 and $289,072, respectively. “The proposed closure of these public working forests will have drastic social and economic consequences without benefiting our environment,” said AFRC Government Affairs Manager Heath Heikkila. “As we are already seeing in Thurston County, political decisions to close more state trust lands from management are harming public schools and local services. We urge the Board of Natural Resources and candidates for Commissioner of Public Lands to stand with working people and working forests by rejecting this harmful proposal.” While anti-forestry groups claim these set asides will benefit our climate, a recent case study of a DNR timber harvest makes clear that proposals to set aside more DNR state trust lands will actually increase CO2 emissions as the supply of Washington-made wood products is reduced and carbon sequestration slows in these older forests. Reducing harvests from DNR working forests means we either build with wood substitutes (“substitution”) or ship our wood in from elsewhere (“leakage”).  Both are bad for our climate and environment.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has published the FSC Regulatory Module, an updated FSC Risk Assessment Framework, and various Advice Notes to bolster its commitment to sustainable forestry. These changes are immediately effective for users of the FSC Regulatory Module. A webinar this afternoon at 5pm AEST will guide participants through the newly published FSC requirements, effective 1 July 2024. Source: Timberbiz The key requirements include: FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module FSC-PRO-60-006b Risk Assessment Framework & Advice Notes The session will feature an overview presentation of these requirements, followed by a Q&A session. More than 5000 individuals attended the global launch event on July 3, unveiling FSC Aligned for EUDR. Watch the recording here. Register for today’s webinar here FSC Regulatory Module This new voluntary add-on module FSC-STD-01-004 FSC Regulatory Module supports EUDR compliance by providing additional requirements for Forest Management, Chain of Custody, and Controlled Wood Certification as well as accreditation requirements. It is designed to help companies use their FSC certification to meet EUDR’s stringent requirements by taking the guesswork out of what is required on top of FSC certification. The module outlines robust due diligence systems, conducting thorough risk assessments with FSC’s Risk Assessment Framework, and maintaining transparent supply chain documentation. Download the module in the Document Centre here. Learn more about the Regulatory Module here. FSC Risk Assessment Framework After a thorough, chamber-balanced revision, the FSC-PRO-60-006b FSC Risk Assessment Framework is now published and immediately effective for users of the Regulatory Module and developers of risk assessments. The revision process began in 2021 and was further strengthened through the alignment with EUDR. The new framework provides a comprehensive tool for companies to assess and mitigate risks of sourcing forest materials. With 64 indicators for assessing risks connected to relevant social and environmental aspects, FSC’s Risk Assessment Framework is aligned with EUDR regulatory requirements to ensure responsible sourcing.  The next generation of FSC’s existing risk assessments for controlled wood sourcing will be based on this updated framework. Download the FSC Risk Assessment Framework in the Document Centre here. System-wide Changes through Advice Notes To further tighten the FSC system to deliver deforestation-free products, FSC fast-tracked the implementation of changes from the intention of FSC’s Policy to Address Conversion. These changes are introduced to the existing system in the form of Advice Notes – which will ultimately ensure products are deforestation and degradation-free in alignment with the EUDR and do not enter the system and become FSC-certified. Additional Advice Notes for chain of custody and controlled wood users are included to support the implementation of the Regulatory Module and align with global best practices. The following Advice Notes have been published and are immediately effective for users of the FSC Regulatory Module: ADVICE-20-007-24 Deforestation-free products from FSC-Certified management units ADVICE-20-007-02 Certification of Primary Forests ADVICE-40-004-26 Inclusion of the FSC Regulatory Claim ADVICE-40-005-27 Use of FSC-PRO-60-006b Risk Assessment Framework ADVICE-20-011-19 Evaluation of the use of FSC-PRO-60-006b Risk Assessment Framework. Upcoming Webinars on FSC Aligned Reporting for EUDR: Learn about the updated Risk Assessment Framework Date/Time: Jul 17, 2024 05:00 PM AEST Register here Explore FSC Blockchain: Recurring Webinars for FSC Certificate and License Holders Date/Time: Oct 10, 2024 07:00 PM AEST Register here.

Ngāi Tahu Holdings in New Zealand has agreed to sell 35-year cutting rights of its West Coast Plantations to a new joint venture comprising Fiera Comox (85%) and Ngai Tahu (15%). Source: Timberbiz The land is not included in the sale, which is only for a single rotation of cutting rights, whereafter the forests return fully to Ngāi Tahu ownership. The investment marks the initial acquisition by Fiera Comox’s Global Sustainable Timberland Strategy, which invests in high-quality, private forests globally. The Timberland Strategy is led by a team of professionals who have acquired over two million acres of timberland in transactions representing several billion dollars in value. Both organisations say the move is positive for the region, with Fiera Comox bringing global expertise to a significant industry for Te Tai o Poutini (the West Coast). Ngāi Tahu Holdings Chief Executive Todd Moyle welcomes the partnership. “We’re looking forward to building a successful long-term relationship with Fiera Comox, which has an established track record of working with Indigenous groups in both Aotearoa and Canada.” Antoine Bisson-McLernon, Partner and CEO, Fiera Comox said they were delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Ngāi Tahu in one of the most attractive and globally competitive softwood producing regions in the world. Each year, approximately 225,000 m3 of softwoods, such as pinus radiata, are harvested across West Coast plantations. The trees are sold to both domestic and export markets. Todd Moyle says the sale of the cutting right is a pragmatic decision as Ngāi Tahu Holdings continues to adapt to a difficult economic climate whilst also maintaining its commitment to the West Coast. “Last year we signalled we would be looking to free up additional capital. This is effectively a pre-sale of our trees to give us more certainty and flexibility,” Bisson-McLeron said. “Ngāi Tahu Holdings has an intergenerational approach, and we remain committed to Te Tai o Poutini for the long term. Our 15% share in the joint venture and a director on the board ensures we retain oversight over the operations.” Poutini Ngāi Tahu Co-Chairs Francois Tumahai (Ngāti Waewae) and Paul Madgwick (Ngāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio) support the move. “Ngāi Tahu Forestry owns 45,500 ha of forest blocks across 20 forests between Westport and Franz Josef, so we’re especially pleased this deal protects an ongoing log supply to West Coast sawmills and all kaimahi can choose to retain their roles,” said Francois Tumahai. Ngāi Tahu access rights to the land will also be maintained, with Fiera Comox committed to preserving and safeguarding wāhi tapu sites and places of cultural importance. The joint venture will be retaining the existing office in Greymouth. The deal is subject to approval from the Overseas Investment Office, which will likely take a few months to complete.

WA’s environmental watchdog’s approval for South32 to clear 39 square kilometres of jarrah forest near Boddington has been slammed as disgraceful by environmental groups, amid concerns a drying climate may make full forest rehabilitation impossible. Source: WA Today South32 plans to mine 3855 hectares of native vegetation and 1678 hectares of cleared land, including farms, to continue supplying bauxite to its Worsley alumina refinery near Collie for another 15 years. The Environmental Protection Authority’s recommendation released on Monday follows a five-year process and includes a long list of conditions to be imposed on the Perth-based miner. During the assessment, South32 cut its planned clearing of native vegetation by almost half. A South32 spokesman said it was reviewing the recommended conditions. Worsley provided South32 $2 billion of revenue last financial year, employs about 2400 staff and contractors, and spends about $700 million a year in WA. WA Forest Alliance director Jess Boyce slammed the Authority’s position as disgraceful, saying no more forest habitat should be lost in the current drying climate and extinction crisis. The EPA report said climate change meant it may be impossible to rehabilitate the forest to its former structure. “Thousands of hectares of high-value habitat for threatened flora and fauna species will still be cleared, including that of the critically endangered Woylie and Western Ringtail Possums,” Boyce said. The area supports eight threatened fauna species, including the numbat, quokka and Carnaby’s black cockatoo. The northern jarrah forest where South32 operates is also mined by Australia’s bigger bauxite miner Alcoa and Newmont’s Boddington gold mine. The EPA recommended South32 improve its rehabilitation rate. It has cleared 8895 hectares of forest but had started rehabilitating only 43 per cent of it. The Authority wants 12,000 hectares of threatened fauna habitat restored and protected by South32 to offset the damage caused by its mine expansion. Rhiannon Hardwick, manager of the Conservation Council of WA’s nature program, said the measures fell short. “Offsets should never be seen as a solution to the destruction of our remnant native ecosystems,” she said. “The long-term impacts of bauxite mining on biodiversity, water and soil quality, and carbon sequestration are too significant to ignore.” The EPA report said its assessment was hampered by “significant knowledge gaps” in the state government’s knowledge of the northern jarrah forest. It called for a whole-of-government approach to understanding pressures on the ecosystem to support its long-term management. The Worsley operation will also have to cut its greenhouse gas emissions roughly in a straight line to zero by 2050, a position in line with other assessments of large WA polluters in recent years. Numerous appeals against the decision are likely before the July 29 deadline. The Appeals Convenor then prepares a report in a process can be lengthy. The environment minister then considers the EPA and Convenor’s report and makes a decision that allows for the economy as well as the environment.  

A trio of key Australian forestry industry bodies are undertaking collaborative research that will support new market opportunities for Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) using lower-quality Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) and Pinus radiata (radiata pine) logs. Source: Timberbiz This important value-add project, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), is being led by the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH), with support from Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). The origins of the initiative can be traced back to November 2021 when demand for this low-value resource from major importer China ceased. With little-to-no existing domestic demand for timber products manufactured using these logs, timber began accumulating in Australian plantations. New markets are needed to prevent this resource going unused. In response, the three collaborating bodies developed a grant application to the DAFF-led Agriculture, Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC). ATMAC agreed to provide funding for an extensive program of research, which has progressed positively during the past two and a half years. A specially assembled team is studying relevant end-use market specifications, conducting in-depth market research, and undertaking manufacturing and development trials of EWPs with potential appeal to new export and domestic markets. The ultimate objective is to create additional market opportunities and fresh income streams for industry. “FWPA sees this project as a highly significant initiative and we are committed to offering ongoing support to the Hub as the research is conducted,” FWPA CEO Andrew Leighton said. “This work is a wonderful example of three organisations with a shared commitment to creating a sustainable future for Australian forestry coming together to create new opportunities to help secure our industry’s ongoing success.” The technical aspects of the research are being conducted at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) Salisbury Research Facility in Brisbane, under the direction of Principal Scientist Dr Benoit Gilbert. The market research elements are being led by Tim Woods of IndustryEdge, a consultancy that provides data analysis, intelligence and advice to the forestry industry. “The market scopes and assessments conducted by IndustryEdge provided the research team with crucial information relating to the total scale of EWPs in the Australian economy by volume and value, segmented by sector and utilisation,” Woods said. “This analysis helped the team to identify laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glue laminated timber (GLT) as the preferred options for technical and market assessment.” A total of 120 blue gum and 60 radiata pine logs were harvested from the Green Triangle and processed at the QDAF Salisbury Research Facility. “Two-thirds of these logs were rotary peeled for use in LVL manufacturing, and the remaining third were sawn into boards to produce GLT,” Gilbert said. “Promisingly, recovery rates calculated throughout each of these processes were found to be consistent with rates found elsewhere in the industry.” During its LVL research, the team measured key characteristics of the peeled veneers, including Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), the measurement industry uses to quantify the ability of timber to resist elastic deformation when stress is applied. Encouragingly, high MOE measurements were observed in veneers recovered from blue gum, offering a potentially attractive attribute for buyers in markets where strength is the key requirement of LVL. After applying the industry grading system to predict the visual quality of EWPs manufactured from veneers, the researchers found veneers recovered from both log types to be D Grade – the lowest grade on the scale. This knowledge has allowed the team to focus on manufacturing LVL products intended for use in markets where aesthetic appeal is not a vital consideration for the end user, such as internal structural applications. Alongside the results of the technical work, the team used the findings of an export and domestic market study focused on LVL to identify five specific types they believe have the greatest potential for successful commercialisation. These products have already been manufactured and the next steps will involve testing to assess the products mechanical properties. The team’s work on GLT has involved dressing and grading selected blue gum and radiata pine boards to assess their visual suitability for use in the manufacture of GLT products. They have now been tested for MOE, modulus of rupture (MOR) or ‘bend strength, as well as shear modulus (or modulus of rigidity) and density. This data is currently being collated to help determine the specific GLT prototypes for manufacture. A GLT market assessment study is set to be conducted, with the findings used alongside the results of mechanical testing to determine the most appropriate GLT products to be manufactured. The suitability of these products for commercial use will be demonstrated through destructive testing at a commercial facility. Another significant project deliverable is a detailed analysis of four key export markets for future trading opportunities: Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. The team has also identified that some of these markets may provide additional opportunities for intermediate products such as veneers and lamella. “We are extremely pleased with the progress our dedicated team of scientists and researchers have made since the commencement on this project,” Scott Whicker, ATMAC Project Coordinator at the GTFIH said. “Everyone involved should be commended for their commitment to generating outcomes that will have meaningful, tangible benefits for the forestry industry in Australia and the Green Triangle, through the creation of ingenious fresh opportunities for application to a large Australian timber resource that might otherwise have remained underutilised.” Former GTFIH Executive General Manager Liz McKinnon, who now manages external affairs for the Green Triangle’s hardwood plantation sector, said important steps are being taken towards commercialising the project outcomes. “Industry has actively promoted this innovative work to the Victorian State Government in a bid to attract funding to support a feasibility study into the creation of a new manufacturing hub in the Green Triangle’s Glenelg Shire, located close to the resource base and export channels,” McKinnon said. “This important next phase will illustrate how this project will not only diversify our market base but will […]

A new report has revealed that radical environmental groups have amassed over $250 million in donations in recent years and are using expensive legal action against Tasmanian forestry and another resource industries to undermine local jobs and costing the Tasmanian economy millions. Source: Timberbiz The report, released this week by the Menzies Research Centre, exposes the huge cash reserves and increases in staffing that environmental activist groups are amassing to declare “lawfare” on legal Tasmanian businesses. Tasmanian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel, said the report painted a worrying picture for Tasmanian businesses. “In recent years these radical environmentalist groups have spent millions trying to stop legal businesses from undertaking work in Tasmania’s production forests,” Mr Steel said. “These lawsuits are costing taxpayers millions and almost inevitably fail when the case is heard in the courts. “It’s clear these lawsuits are being brought just to stop legitimate businesses from undertaking legal work and employing the thousands of Tasmanians across the state’s resource industries – such as forestry, mining, salmon, and agriculture.” Mr Steel said the Menzies Research Centre report clearly shows that these environmental groups are nothing more than money making machines, taking donations from inner city residents in Sydney and Melbourne, with the aim of decimating the Tasmanian economy. “Rather than wasting millions of dollars on vexatious court actions, the environmental groups should be working with Tasmanian industries to achieve outcomes the whole community will respect,” Mr Steel said. “Tasmania’s forestry industry is a world leader in regulation and environmental standards, and if these environmental activists put down their lawyers and came to meet with us in our forests, we could show them the difference we’re making to our state’s future.”

The construction of the new Macquarie Point Stadium is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our state, and Tasmania’s sustainable forestry industry is ready to assist. According to Tasmanian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel, the stadium’s concept plans are an exciting vision of what Tasmania’s newest iconic building will look like.  Source: Timberbiz “With the release of Hobart’s new stadium design, including the use of beautiful Tasmanian timber, I look forward to the pride we will all feel when our very own Tasmanian team runs out into the cauldron of our very own stadium. It will be a pivotal moment for the history of our state,” Mr Steel said. “And now we see our colosseum will showcase the best that or state has to offer including our beautiful, sustainable and carbon-rich Tasmanian timber. “This project will showcase Tasmania’s stunning timber to Australia and the rest of the world.” Mr Steel said the use of timber in our stadium is not just for aesthetics, with modern timber products offer significant advantages over the use of the traditional construction materials such as concrete and steel. “Aside from its beauty, timber products such as cross laminated veneer and glulam offer the strength, durability and fire ratings of more traditional construction materials,” Mr Steel said. “But unlike concrete and steel, our products are more energy efficient to produce, are carbon-rich and fully renewable, with the Tasmanian forestry industry replanting or regrowing every tree we harvest. “That means that the trees we replant following harvesting for our stadium will continue to sequester carbon and, when mature, will be available to build future homes for Tasmanian families.” Mr Steel said the forestry industry is excited to work with the architects, builders and the government in creating this game-changing project but warned the full scope of the stadium’s timber needs are not yet known. “We are only in the concept stage of the plan. Until actual designs are released, we’re unable to determine how much timber will be needed,” Mr Steel said. “But the Tasmanian timber industry will be working with all stakeholders to ensure that when timber is required, we’ll be able to supply Tasmanian timber to the project. “A project of this scale will use a lot of different timbers – whether that be from our managed regrowth forests or our plantation estates. “Not all timber is suitable for every application. But Tasmania’s timber estate is diverse and will be able to be used across all the applications this project will require. “This is a unique opportunity to support Tasmania’s timber businesses and the thousands of people we employ across the state,” Mr Steel said.

After an extensive and complex negotiation, the Australian Forest Contractors Association has welcomed the finalisation and signing of new Forest and Fire Services Agreements between contracting businesses and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Source: Timberbiz AFCA General Manager Tim Lester said the new agreements provided certainty for timber harvest contracting business and workers who had been impacted by the government’s decision to accelerate closure of the state’s forests to timber harvesting. “An unmanaged forest is a disaster waiting to happen,” Mr Lester said. “With these new Forest and Fire Services Agreements we can maintain the skills and equipment needed for protect forest assets over the long term and particular for times of bushfire or other emergencies. “VicForests managed 1.8 million hectares on behalf of the people of Victoria, and that task now falls to DEECA. We welcome the recognition from the Victorian Government that forest harvesting contracting businesses have the knowledge and workforce that is essential for the practical management of the state’s forests. “The businesspeople and workers who have spent their lives in and around the bush know the areas, geographies, seasons and species. This is a rich and deep source of knowledge available to the planners in the department and which is ready and able to assist in delivering the best, most efficient and most functional results for the state. “We also acknowledge that there is another group of contractors who are already providing services to DEECA for similar works, and who have not been afforded an equivalent opportunity. There needs to be equity in arrangements. “There is also a need to ensure all contractors get paid when on standby to join a fire response. At the moment contracting businesses are only paid when they are called into service but being on standby can mean turning down other work,” Mr Lester said.