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Dean Anderson has been appointed chairman of the Softwoods Working Group. SWG Executive Officer Carlie Porteous said that Mr Anderson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the job and has dedicated more than 40 years to the forestry industry across Australia. Source: Timberbiz “Under his leadership, we are confident the SWG will continue to thrive and further its mission of fostering sustainable growth and resilience within the forestry sector. “Dean holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from the Australian National University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a qualified Incident Controller,” Ms Porteous said. “Throughout his career, Mr Anderson has held senior roles in commercial operations, natural forest management, environmental assessment, and plantation management. His experience is predominantly in New South Wales but includes stints in South Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Scotland.” Ms Porteous said Mr Anderson has served as either an Incident Controller or Deputy Incident Controller for multiple state-significant bushfire emergencies. “Notably, he was part of Australia’s first deployment of forest firefighters to North America in 2000. Dean and others were awarded the National Emergency Medal for their contributions during the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires,” she said. “Dean also has a strong background in governance, having served on the board of the Timber Development Association for 15 years, including five years as Chair, promoting timber use and addressing technical aspects of timber construction. “Dean steps into the role following the remarkable 37-year tenure of Peter Crowe OAM, who was recently celebrated for his outstanding contributions.” Ms Porteous said in recognition of his service, Mr Crowe has been honoured with the title of Chair Emeritus of SWG. Mr Anderson said he was privileged to be elected Chair by the members of SWG. “I look forward to working with our diverse membership, which includes representatives from local government, forest product processors, and plantation growers, as well as the wider community. “Together, we will continue to ensure that our region prospers from the softwood plantations that are vital to our economy and environment,” he said. “SWG’s ongoing focus on key priorities will include the protection of softwood plantations from fire; coordinated and effective weed control, especially blackberry; supporting Australia’s forest product needs while addressing climate change and land competition; and advocating for improved infrastructure and showcasing the benefits of softwood plantations.”

The rollout of a new bushfire detection camera network using artificial intelligence (AI) to protect the state’s forest plantations and communities in the South East of South Australia has been completed in time for fire danger season. Industry is now in conversations about trials across other parts of the state. Source: Timberbiz The Pano AI system – introduced for the first time commercially in Australia – aims to improve early fire detection and is part of the State Government’s $2.346 million upgrade of the region’s fire tower network. The program also receives significant support and funding from the state’s forest industries. The network of eight cameras, overseen by the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA), strengthens extensive fire management and surveillance measures in place across the region, helping to ensure local communities and planation forests are protected. The AI-powered bushfire detection and monitoring system uses ultra-HD 360-degree panoramic cameras, AI, and satellite technology to detect the first signs of fire and assist industry and emergency services’ response to an incident. The network detected 25 unplanned fires in SA during the 2023–24 fire danger season as the cameras were being rolled out, with key incidents detected including the German Flat fire in January and a vehicle arson in Tantanoola in April. The system also provided real time intelligence to aid fire suppression activities. Other measures supporting South Australian communities this fire season include the stationing of a new Blackhawk helicopter at Parafield Airport with more than 30 aircraft in place, as well as the Alert SA app expanding to a multi-hazard platform. The eight camera stations operating across the Limestone Coast contribute to the 15-camera station detection network managed by the forestry industries throughout the wider Green Triangle region into Victoria. A Pano analyst provides first-hand validation of the fire detection, after which notifications are sent to the GTFA and CFS. Incident notification is via an online user interface, Pano360, which includes features like asset and weather map layers to increase situational awareness. Staffed fire towers will continue to operate in the South East to ensure the region’s 130,000 hectares of plantation estate and surrounding community benefit from early fire detection. Analysis of the roll out across the Limestone Coast will be important in considering the AI system’s suitability across other areas of the state.