Australian timber industry news

The first autonomous logging machine rumbled down a Swedish forest path and scanned for stacked logs to transport. It then scooped them up with a crane and loaded them onto its trailer. A new study of the truck-size robot, called a forwarder, suggests it could help forest workers with at least some deadly jobs. Source: SciAm “It’s the first trial for us to see that the machine we built is perhaps capable of doing what we were dreaming it could do,” said Pedro La Hera, a roboticist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and lead author of the study, published in the Journal of Field Robotics. Logging jobs are often demanding, requiring operators to multitask and endure nearly constant vibration while operating logging vehicles. Fatigued foresters don’t always pay attention to other foliage in the area, the researchers say, and can damage the ecosystems around them. Logging is also dangerous; in the US, it has one of the highest fatality rates of any industry. Roboticists, software engineers and forestry scholars in Sweden set out to automate some onerous logging tasks. They used GPS to set a path in a clear-cut area and equipped the vehicle with a computer vision system to help it identify, pick up and release cut logs. The predetermined task sequence demonstrates how, in a controlled environment, a machine with little to no human oversight could operate. “It’s definitely an advancement,” said Thomas Douglass, a logger who owns Thomas Logging and Forestry in Guilford, Maine. “I, along with other contractors in this area, have problems getting help working in the woods, so I can see why at least making the forwarder an automated process would be helpful.” For now, these vehicles’ use may be limited to Sweden, where nearly all forests are managed for commercial logging, paths are well identified, and satellites provide information on logged areas. Loggers in the US, in contrast, harvest trees both in plantations and in natural stands where self-piloted machinery would face more challenges. Still, the research highlights aspects of autonomous machinery that are worth developing further, says Dalia Abbas, a forester who has investigated the effects of logging operations in environmentally sensitive areas. Eventually, Ms Abbas says, she “would definitely hope that it takes into account the fuller range of where it’s operating, whether it includes wildlife, other contaminants or bugs that come with the logs to avoid any infestations, and its sensitivity to the terrain.” Since the experiments took place, engineers have already improved the machine’s manoeuvring capabilities. The researchers are also pursuing other autonomous efforts such as planting seedlings. Although logging may always need human oversight, automating certain steps could make the process safer and more efficient, benefiting both workers and the environment, La Hera says. The paper Exploring the feasibility of autonomous forestry operations: Results from the first experimental unmanned machine can be downloaded at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rob.22300

Metsä Group has completed a transaction in which the ownership in the group’s Russian subsidiaries Metsä Svir LLC, Metsä Forest St. Petersburg LLC, Metsä Forest Podporozhye LLC and Metsä Board Rus LLC has transferred to VLP Group. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price of the transaction. Metsä Group no longer holds any assets in Russia. Source: Timberbiz VLP Group operates in forestry and forest industry mainly in Vologda region, Russia. Metsä Group held a minority ownership in VLP Group during 2003–2017. In 2022 Metsä Group stopped its business operations in Russia, including the operations of the Svir sawmill, wood procurement and paperboard sales. VLP is a major company in the forestry industry working mainly in the Vologda region and has had an association with Metsa in the past.

Japanese companies, NYK Line, NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and British renewable energy business, Drax have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop both the world’s first biomass-fuelled ship (bioship) and the technology that could power it. Source: Timberbiz Biomass is playing a growing role in Japan’s transition from fossil fuel power generation to low carbon and renewable electricity, and the country’s demand for biomass pellets, sourced primarily from North America and composed of sawmill and forestry residues, is increasing. Drax produces biomass pellets in both the US South and Canada. The company has a longstanding relationship with NBP which transports its pellets to Japan. These pellets are currently shipped through smaller handy size bulkers, which, due to the limited size of their fuel tanks, have proved challenging to switch to lower emission fuels, such as ammonia. Through the MoU, which was signed at the British Embassy in Tokyo, the companies will initially conduct research to develop the new shipping technology, an on-board biomass fuel plant, which would be required to power a bioship. The four companies are exploring how other renewable technologies could be used to reduce both the emissions and fuel costs of shipping biomass. The biomass fuel plant would use a gasifier to combust biomass at high temperatures and create and contain gases including carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. These gases would then be used to power a generator which could propel the bioship and also provide a proportion of its internal power. The installation of a biomass fuel plant could see a 22% reduction in well-to-wake carbon emissions in bioships when compared to using fossil fuels. If this development is successful, the companies will jointly study the possibility of building a bioship by the end of 2029. “This initiative is part of NYK’s long-term target of net-zero emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) by 2050 for the NYK Group’s oceangoing businesses,” Shinichi Yanagisawa, Executive Officer of NYK Line, said. “The NYK Group is committed to providing its expertise in low-carbon and decarbonised maritime transportation as per this MOU and will utilize the knowledge gained in this research and development to promote initiatives related to various energy-saving technologies. Through our strength in high-quality transportation services, we will continue to co-create value for society with our partners.”  

International demand for pruned logs from New Zealand is the highest ever seen by a forest manager with 30 years of experience in the sector. Source: RNZ John Turkington owns John Turkington Forestry – a Manawatū company that plants, manages, harvests and markets radiata pine, says he cannot understand why forest owners do not prune plantation forests. For 15 years China had been a strong market for low-value, unpruned logs, but that was not the case now and was unlikely to be in the future, he said. “Things are fundamentally changed in my view, in China. And this is where we are going to be at,” Turkington said. “The crashes are getting closer and closer together and the range of prices is becoming more and more marked. “So, you used to have a fluctuation around a NZ$20 spread, now it’s more like NZ$60 (between the high and low prices).” Export log prices are at an eight-year low and many harvesting gangs are currently without work. The stable growth area is with pruned logs, according to Turkington. “Pruned logs per tonne is sort of sitting firmly at NZ$200 or north of NZ$200, it depends where it is sold to,” he said. “Whereas the A grade, which is the predominant diet in China, is sitting in the early NZ$100s.” The added bonus with pruned logs was they were turned into product and then sent offshore so the “value add happens in NZ, which is another bonus”. Mr Turkington admitted that sheep and beef farmers with sizeable wood lots at present were not going to have available funds to prune the trees, especially when the payback was 15 or 20 years away. But he added: “They could plant fewer trees and make sure they prune them”. “There’s always been a market for pruned logs and there’s been relative stability over an extended period of time. “But if you go back the last three or four years, the price has increased and the differential between the pruned logs and the unpruned logs is getting greater.” He said while he was not a sawmill owner, the demand must be there, or they would not keep putting the price up or keep ordering pruned logs if they were able to fill their files.

Upgraded operations are well underway at Whakatane Mill Limited’s paperboard mill on New Zealand’s North Island following the businesses official grand re-opening celebrated in March. Source: Timberbiz The initial months of the year were spent installing new state-of-the-art machinery, as well as upgrading its facilities, and since its re-opening WML is now fully equipped to service its local and global customer chain with premium quality board products. Customers from across the globe attended the in-person event alongside numerous local and government officials, such as Minister of Manufacturing and Small Business, Andrew Bayly and Local MP Dana Kirkpatrick. Representing more than mere upgrades to facilities, over NZ$100m worth of private funding has been poured into the business, ensuring the growth and prosperity of both the mill and the local Whakatane community for years to come. On the day of the grand re-opening, guests were invited to take a tour through the mill to view the new machinery upgrades which will enable WML to produce an additional 50,000 tonnes of premium folding box boards, along with improved environmental and energy systems to further embed the business’ long-term success. The upgrade seeks to increase WML’s total production capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes of premium folding box board in the future.  WML is the only folding box board producer in the Australian/New Zealand geography. The grand re-opening event is a stark contrast to the uncertain future that the business faced only three years ago where an unfortunate closure was looming over WML. Since acquiring the business, the new owners have invested significantly in the mill’s capabilities, committing to its successful future and the continued prosperity of Whakatane’s local economy. Executive Chairman of Whakatane Mill Limited Ian Halliday, conveyed the immense pride he had in re-opening the business, setting its course for a fruitful future. “Looking back to when we first acquired the mill, and to where the business is at now, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” Mr Halliday said. “We have invested heavily in upgrading the business as we always believed in its potential, and to see it now come to fruition is truly rewarding. As the largest private employer in Whakatane, with 80 years of exporting history, we are proud to see the mill step forth into its next evolution. “We want to thank our team, commercial partners and local contractors who have helped with the upgrade, along with our customers who continue to partner with us. We remain committed to further advancements, ensuring a bright future for our business and community alike,” he said.  

The Gottstein Trust is the national educational trust of Australia’s forest and forest products industry. The purpose of the Trust is to create opportunities for people to acquire knowledge that will promote the interests of the Australian industries which grow and use sustainably managed forest resources. Source: Timberbiz Through its annual awarding of Scholarships, Fellowship and Skills Development grants, the Trust provides financial assistance for individuals across the forest and forest products industry. The aim of the Trust is to support individuals to gain knowledge and skills as well as developing domestic and international networks in ways that also advance our industry. The Trust also runs well-established Wood Science and Forest Science courses. The Trust is governed and administered by up to eight trustees, operating in a voluntary capacity, who have significant experience in the Australian forest and forest products industry. Expressions of Interest are sought from experienced forest and forest products industry members to join the Board of Trustees. Some or all of the following skills would be well regarded: A capacity to promote and champion the Trust and its endeavours. Experience in governance. An awareness of industry research needs and emerging issues. Education or training experience. Fundraising, legal or communications expertise. Further information about the Trust can be accessed at www.gottsteintrust.org The Trust Deed is available under the ‘About Us’ section of the website. If you would like to contribute to the important work that the Gottstein Trust undertakes, we welcome your Expression of Interest.  For further information and a discussion about the Trustee roles, please contact Suzette Weeding, Chair of the Gottstein Trust on 0439-384-736. Please forward your Expression of Interest consisting of a brief letter and CV, to team@gottsteintrust.org by midnight 20 May 2024.

Government spending cuts have forced Scion, the dedicated Crown research institute charged with growing forestry exports, to propose shedding a significant number of scientists. Source: Timberbiz Scion which is headquartered in Rotorua, New Zealand has told staff that 30 jobs or around 10% of its workforce may go. This impacts scientists, technicians and support staff. Most are based in Rotorua. The decision follows proposed job losses of scientists, researchers and others at Callaghan Innovation and NIWA. “Cutting the very agency that is helping to grow such a valuable exporter earner and employer is just more dumb stuff from this government,” said Fleur Fitzsimons Assistant Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “This again shows how little the Government understands how science is key to our future prosperity and ensuring we can adapt to challenges like climate change. “Forestry is our third largest primary export earner and employs tens of thousands in regions around New Zealand – it makes no sense for a government focused on economic growth and regional economic development to undermine such a critical agency. “Scion is all about the productivity of forestry – helping grow higher value trees, improving land management, researching more efficient harvesting practices and the impacts of climate change on forests. “How come that is no longer a priority? Do forest owners and wood processors agree with this downsizing? “This again shows how the Government has made a choice for tax cuts to trump investing in public services which grow the economy and support New Zealanders.”

Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation. Efforts to tackle labour shortages stemming from apprentices leaving the construction industry prematurely and regulatory barriers impeding access to skilled international tradespeople are useful, but they alone will not address the broader labour shortages impacting the construction industry’s ability to build new homes and other infrastructure. Source: Timberbiz The Federal Budget has taken into account the need for skilled workers in the construction and housing sector, and so the Government will provide $88.8m for 20,000 additional Fee-Free TAFE and VET places in construction-relevant courses. The Government will also provide $1.8m for streamlined skills assessments for 1,900 migrants in the housing construction industry. Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies says there are many factors that discourage people from joining construction in the first place and simply treating the symptoms with short-term measures to plug the skills gap will not suffice. “Long-term solutions are needed, and the government’s Future Made policy presents a chance to make significant productivity gains through Modern methods of construction,” said Mr Davies. “Modern methods of construction (MMC) could revolutionise how projects are built, shifting more work to factories. This form of construction is far more productive as it is standardised, takes place in controlled environments and is not subject to site-based risks such as inclement weather. It creates more opportunities for skilled workers in safer environments with increased opportunities for flexible work hours.” MMC also aligns seamlessly with Australia’s ambitions for net-zero emissions. By reducing waste and minimising reliance on fossil fuels, MMC presents a pathway toward decarbonising the construction industry and meeting global emission targets. “The problem is, MMC isn’t widely used due to the significant investment required but government support could change that,” argues Mr Davies. “By optimising project designs for manufacture and assembly and by standardising components of schools, hospitals, metro stations, bridges and other types of infrastructure across jurisdictions, a viable market will be created to support private sector investment in MMC manufacturing facilities. This investment could be accelerated by matched investment from State and Federal governments and by underwriting demand in the short term. “Given the scale of operations required to maximise efficiency, MMC manufacturing facilities would ideally be located in regional areas between major population centres thus providing secure skilled employment opportunities in areas that need them the most.” The potential economic returns are substantial. Closing the productivity gap between construction and other industries could boost the economy by $56 billion annually. This could fund essential services like the NDIS and build new schools and hospitals nationwide. “Investing in MMC might not be as glamorous as other industries, but it’s vital. It could transform the sector, making it more diverse, sustainable and efficient. This would ensure the country gets the infrastructure it needs, when it needs it, and at an affordable cost.”

The nation’s forestry and timber industry can help build 50,000 much needed new homes annually with climate friendly timber and wood, but we need a strong and stable construction sector to achieve that, according to Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam. Source: Timberbiz Today’s Federal Budget revealed a $6.2 billion spend for new housing, this adds to the $11 billion housing measures already announced. “In the five years from this July, we aim to build 1.2 million of them. Our goal is ambitious but achievable, if we all work together and if we all do our bit,” Dr Chalmers said in his budget speech. “[The] $6.2 billion in new investments mean our $32 billion Home for Australia plan will clear local infrastructure bottlenecks, provide more housing for students, fund more social and affordable housing, and we will also deliver better transport for better access to suburbs, cities and regions.” Included in the investment is an extra $1 billion for the states and territories to deliver new housing infrastructure and almost $89 million for construction workforce training. Data from AFPA and Master Builders Australia (MBA) shows from the height of the COVID pandemic until early 2024, domestic timber sales have fallen more than 500,000m³ – meaning industry has capacity for 50,000 more homes annually. This is extremely significant given MBA has forecast Australia will fall 110,000 homes short of the Federal Government’s 1.2 million homes target by 2029. “Industry has product on the shelf ready to construct the new and climate friendly homes of tomorrow and capacity to produce more, but we need a range of different actions to get the housing construction sector moving so we can realise our goal. With the right economic conditions and regulatory settings, we can make it happen,” Ms Hallam said. A range of different actions are needed to help realise 50,000 extra homes, including: De-risking finance for building new homes Cutting red tape for building approvals to encourage more timber in construction Relocation stamp duty exemptions Encouraging greater take-up of modular and prefabricated timber dwellings with specifications that allow for economic builds and faster building approvals Providing measures to workforce capacity including, incentivised apprenticeship programs, immigration visas and upskilling/retraining current workforces “When it comes to timber, it’s not a materials supply issue,” Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn said. “The timber industry has signalled it has product ready to meet housing construction needs, with annual capacity for an extra 50,000 new homes. “We will continue to work with the Federal Government on ensuring policy levers are pulling in the right direction to ensure the industry and its supply chains are in the best possible position to achieve the Housing Accord targets,” Ms Wawn said.

Next year’s Green Triangle Timber Industry Awards will mark the culmination of newly implemented changes informed by the valuable feedback from sponsors, attendees, and award nominators from our previous events. Source: Timberbiz As part of the changes the nomination process will be streamlined, and partnerships forged with local organisations to enhance the experience for all stakeholders. In addition to these enhancements, the committee is also exploring avenues to further elevate the recognition of nominees and winners, particularly through the esteemed Legend Award. “By continually refining our approach, we aim to ensure that every deserving individual receives the acknowledgment they rightly deserve,” committee chairman Adrian Flowers said. “As we embark on this exciting journey, we would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors, suppliers and regional representatives for their unwavering support. Without the sponsorship team, the awards night would not be possible – our success is a direct result of industry backing,” he said. “As we look forward to the next chapter, the GTTIA Committee remains dedicated to fostering growth and ensuring that the awards continue to serve as a flagship event for the region’s timber sector.” Since its inception, the GTTIA has evolved into a platform that not only celebrates the achievements of nominees and winners but also highlights the diverse industries within the timber sector. Mr Flowers said that by shining a spotlight on the myriad job opportunities and career pathways available, the awards played a pivotal role in inspiring future generations and fostering innovation. Furthermore, the GTTIA served as a testament to the timber industry’s positive impact on environmental sustainability, carbon emissions reduction, and the integration of transformative technologies. The 2025 awards night has been scheduled for October.

Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholar Juliet Swinea and her SMART mentor, Pete Stynoski PhD, both individually accomplished researchers, have joined forces through the SMART Program to revolutionize the US Department of Defense (DoD) ballistic design standards. Sources: DVIDS, Timberbiz The pair is being acknowledged for their ground-breaking research and collaboration evaluating the properties of western hemlock cross-laminated timber (CLT), a potential alternate construction material. Together, Swinea and Stynoski assessed the performance of CLT and its resilience against ballistic impacts. CLT is a sustainable type of wood that could be very useful for making temporary housing quickly during military operations and disaster response. “Ms. Swinea’s research on the fundamental behaviour and properties of CLT is contributing directly to the widespread use of this new class of construction materials in the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the DoD, advancing our force protection mission,” said David W. Pittman, PhD, senior executive service director of the US Army Engineer and Research Development Centre (ERDC). The pair’s research has been published in the International Journal of Impact Engineering and a Ecoengineering and Construction Bulletin, which disseminates critical information about emerging construction practices to USACE engineers. Additionally, Swinea presented their research at the 6th International Conference on Protective Structures, an international platform for discussing the integration of sustainable materials into DoD construction. Currently, they are drafting a Criteria Change Request (CCR) along with partners at Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and USACE Protective Design Centre. In the military, a CCR is a formal process where individuals propose modifications or updates to existing DoD standards, guidelines, or criteria that govern various aspects of military operations, equipment procedures, or policies. The current standard for wood ballistic design equations date back to 1966. Swinea and Stynoski began evaluating whether the current standards were valid for wood composites like CLT, which is a relatively new building material with limited experimental data. They discovered that the existing methods for measuring wood properties didn’t fully account for how well CLT absorbs energy or handles fractures. The CCR rectifies and modernizes the official guidance communicated by the DoD-wide standard.

This month, Red Dot Design Museum plays host to a showcase of the next generation of design talent. A curation of designs from the original London Exhibition, Discovered Singapore presents a visionary group of young creatives in an extraordinary display of furniture, objects and sculptural works in wood. Source: Timberbiz Conceived by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Discovered Singapore provides a platform for new creatives and an opportunity for talented emerging designers to show their work to the public and the industry at Singapore’s premier design venue. Selected from the original global line up of 20, the 10 designers exhibiting in Singapore this May worked alongside design mentors and AHEC’s global manufacturing partners to each develop an object made from their choice of four sustainable hardwoods: American red oak, cherry and hard and soft maple. Throughout the project, designers were supported by AHEC’s technical experts, and mentored by established designers Nathan Yong (Singapore) and Adam Markowitz (Australia). This collaboration has resulted in a highly diverse selection of objects, ranging from functional furniture such as cabinets, tables and seats to more abstract, sculptural works that inspire reflection. Taken as a whole, Discovered represents how experiences of a changing world have impacted each designer’s personal and creative journeys. Discovered Singapore will be held from 16-22 May at the Red Dot Design Museum. The 10 designers are: Nong Chotipatoomwan, Kodai Iwamoto, Mew Mungnatee, Trang Nguyen, Taiho Shin, Ivana Taylor, Yunhan Wang, Tan Wei Xiang, Duncan Young, and Vivienne Wong.  

Czechia is allocating 750,000 euros (approx US$809,000) to the support and improvement of Ukraine’s forest monitoring systems, Viktor Smal, the head of the State Forest Resources Agency, announced on 10 May. Source: The Kyiv Independent The funds are part of a broader initiative known as “Strengthening Ukraine’s Forest Monitoring Capacity to Align with EU Standards.” Mr Smal met with Czech Forestry Institute Director Marek Mlkusek to discuss the details of the project. “The goal of this project is to support the quality and comprehensiveness of the forest monitoring system in Ukraine and thus contribute to improving the quality of data,” Mr Smal said. One of the project’s aims is to develop software for data collection during forest management using remote sensing and data processing methods, such as Copernicus and Landsat satellite data. Other goals include providing computer equipment and training for specialists and creating updated training modules. According to Mr Smal, the next step in the project is to sign a memorandum of understanding between the State Forest Resources Agency, the HM Vysotsky Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Agricultural Reclamation, the State Forest Management Planning Association, the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences, and the Czech Forestry Institute. The State Forest Resources Agency estimates that almost 30% of Ukraine’s forests have suffered some kind of damage due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. The war has destroyed more than 60,000 hectares of forests, with the cost of damages amounting to at least US$360 million, according to an investigation by NGL Media.

Reflecting on New Zealand’s softwood log exports to China in 2023, ResourceWise data indicates a 5% increase compared with 2022. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals a 4% decrease from 2021, highlighting exporters’ challenges in adapting to a weakened Chinese economy. Source: ResourceWise China has consistently been a significant player in New Zealand’s softwood log exports. Therefore, the nation’s changing economy has impacted New Zealand’s log export volume. While China still maintains a robust import relationship with New Zealand, recent figures indicate a slight dip in volume. The decrease in China’s imports of logs from New Zealand since 2021 aligns with the overall trend of declining log and lumber imports in China. The majority of the trend has been driven by a decrease in demand for forest products. According to a report from Wood Market Prices from ResourceWise in January, China’s combined annual imports of logs and lumber in 2023 were at their lowest in 12 years, with log imports experiencing the most significant drop. The current state of China’s forest products sector plays a pivotal role in understanding the dynamics of New Zealand’s softwood log exports. In recent years, China has experienced a shift in its economic activities, with a particular impact on its construction and manufacturing industries. These industries are significant consumers of forest products such as softwood logs for construction and furniture manufacturing, among others. Economic slowdowns and policy changes have led to fluctuations in demand within China’s forest product sector. Further exacerbating these trends are global environmental policies and China’s own reforestation e!orts aimed at achieving sustainability and reducing reliance on imports. This complex interplay of economic shifts and policy initiatives directly influences the demand for imported softwood logs, reflecting on trade relations with countries like New Zealand. ResourceWise’s latest Market Insights report takes a close look at historical and current figures relating to New Zealand’s softwood log export market. This includes pine sawlog export prices, import numbers from China and South Korea, and New Zealand’s export figures to diverse regions. Readers can also gain valuable insight into the future projections for the trajectory of New Zealand’s softwood log exports.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a public consultation paper seeking feedback on the first Data Interoperability Framework. Source: Timberbiz Data interoperability means you can exchange data between different systems and organisations efficiently. The draft framework was created as part of a $5 million grant awarded to test data-enabled traceability concepts and facilitate industry and government alignment on data standards. The department is seeking feedback on the draft to verify it’s recommended approaches and gain insight on potential barriers or areas for improvement prior to introduction. Assistant Secretary of Agricultural Traceability, Kieran Macdonell said the release of the public consultation paper was a milestone for industry and government collaboration on data standards, encouraging and empowering farmers to securely capture, reuse and share data. “The Data Interoperability Framework will help to increase the adoption of data-enabled traceability, bringing transparency and rigor to reduce the risk of greenwashing and increase cross commodity uptake of enhanced traceability systems,” Mr Macdonell said. “It will also streamline commercial and government regulatory systems to improve data accuracy and reduce the time, effort, and cost of industry compliance. “Having a transparent, traceable supply chain means consumers in overseas markets can be reassured that Australian agriculture is clean, green, and sustainable. “I encourage all interested stakeholders to look at the discussion paper and provide your views and ideas on how we can improve data interoperability across Australia’s farming supply chains.” Submit your feedback by 4 pm (AEST), 14 June. For more information https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/agricultural-traceability

  A report by New Zealand’s Forest Service provides the provisional estimates of the sales of tree stocks and the areas of commercial forest planted in 2023. It also provides an estimate of mānuka seedling sales, and the area planted. Source: Timberbiz Following the main winter planting season, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) undertakes an annual survey of tree stocks sold by commercial forestry nurseries. The results are aggregated to produce estimates of total national sales, and then modelled to estimate the total area of planting by species and species group. In 2023, 32 commercial nurseries completed the survey of which 12 supplied bulk sales of mānuka as their primary activity or in combination with sales of seedlings from plantation establishment. Tree stock sales reported in 2023 totalled 119 million seedlings, compared with 120 million sold in 2022. The main decrease was in radiata pine where sales decreased by 0.8 million seedlings (1%). Sales of Douglas-fir showed a modest increase, while sales of other exotic softwood tree stocks decreased by 3% from 2022. The total area of forest planting in the winter of 2023 is provisionally estimated from the nursery survey data and associated modelling to be 113,000 hectares. The modelling generated national average stocking rates for radiata pine of 1,019 stems per hectare for open pollinated plus Stand Select, and 965 stems per hectare for control pollinated plus cuttings and clones. The national average for 2023 was 1,003 stems per hectare. The 2023 nursery survey asked commercial forestry nursery managers about anticipated sale levels in 2024. All nurseries responded. Their estimates indicate that total seedlings sales may increase to 122 million seedlings in 2024. The nursery survey and the associated modelling are only intended to provide early approximations of the areas of total planting and planting by species or species groups for the year. These are subsequently revised as necessary when data are received directly from forest owners through the annual survey for the National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD). This is the eighth year that MPI has gathered information on mānuka seedling sales to estimate the area planted. Twelve nurseries provided sales information on bulk sales of mānuka.It is estimated that 4.2 million mānuka seedlings were sold, mostly for the honey industry, some for revegetation and some for research on mānuka oil production. This is a decrease in sales compared with 2022 (5.2 million seedlings).

Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and all eyes are on the anticipated packages in the Budget aimed at alleviating the housing crisis. Preannounced efforts to tackle labour shortages stemming from apprentices leaving the construction industry prematurely and regulatory barriers impeding access to skilled international tradespeople are useful, but they alone will not address the broader labour shortages impacting the construction industry’s ability to build new homes and other infrastructure. Source: Timberbiz Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies says there are many factors that discourage people from joining construction in the first place and simply treating the symptoms with short-term measures to plug the skills gap will not suffice. “Long-term solutions are needed, and the government’s Future Made policy presents a chance to make significant productivity gains through Modern methods of construction,” said Mr Davies. “Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) could revolutionise how projects are built, shifting more work to factories. This form of construction is far more productive as it is standardised, takes place in controlled environments and is not subject to site-based risks such as inclement weather. It creates more opportunities for skilled workers in safer environments with increased opportunities for flexible work hours.” MMC also aligns seamlessly with Australia’s ambitions for net-zero emissions. By reducing waste and minimising reliance on fossil fuels, MMC presents a pathway toward decarbonising the construction industry and meeting global emission targets. “The problem is, MMC isn’t widely used due to the significant investment required but government support could change that,” argues Mr Davies. “By optimising project designs for manufacture and assembly and by standardising components of schools, hospitals, metro stations, bridges and other types of infrastructure across jurisdictions, a viable market will be created to support private sector investment in MMC manufacturing facilities. “This investment could be accelerated by matched investment from State and Federal governments and by underwriting demand in the short term. “Given the scale of operations required to maximise efficiency, MMC manufacturing facilities would ideally be located in regional areas between major population centres thus providing secure skilled employment opportunities in areas that need them the most.” The potential economic returns are substantial. Closing the productivity gap between construction and other industries could boost the economy by $56 billion annually. This could fund essential services like the NDIS and build new schools and hospitals nationwide. “Investing in MMC might not be as glamorous as other industries, but it’s vital. It could transform the sector, making it more diverse, sustainable and efficient. This would ensure the country gets the infrastructure it needs, when it needs it, and at an affordable cost.”

Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is committing funding to research which will inform an industry-wide decarbonisation plan to lead the sector to achieve a better than carbon neutral outcome by 2050. Source: Timberbiz This pioneering initiative supports Australia’s carbon commitments via the creation of a comprehensive decarbonisation roadmap for the forest and wood products industry. This approach incorporates carbon sequestration within commercial forest estates and includes recommendations for softwood and hardwood plantation forests, wood processing sites, managed native forests, and the paper and packaging manufacturing sector. The roadmap project, which has just commenced, will model industry emissions projections out to 2050. This work will establish baseline projections and identify the most effective avenues for carbon emissions reduction, capture, and storage. The roadmap project is the final element of an industry wide carbon plan endorsed jointly by the FWPA and Australia Forest Products Association (AFPA) Boards in August 2023, that establishes an industry wide strategy that will identify and outline methods to achieve significant carbon reduction targets. Working with the AFPA Climate policy working group, the plan was designed to leverage FWPA’s established strengths that support industry collaboration in research, development and extension. FWPA and AFPA have been working with industry and researchers to develop emissions reduction methodologies, enhance carbon capture, storage, and productivity across plantations, and create strategies to quantify emissions savings from utilising timber-based solutions in commercial building projects. This will potentially allow the construction industry to acquire Australian Carbon Credit Units by using carbon-storing timber and will support paper and packaging use. The plan is underpinned by the ongoing research work led by the forest growers and Grower Research Advisory Committee (GRAC) to define source activities to increase overall plantation area, yield, and productivity as related to carbon sequestration by the commercial forest estate. FWPA will spearhead this initiative, partnering with AFPA and Wood Beca to deliver this crucial roadmap. The project will be funded primarily through grower and processor contributions, with additional financial support from the paper and packaging sector. With such a diverse and expansive industry, Wood Beca will work with FWPA on the development of the plan with considerations for the complexities and challenges such nuance can create. The work will define objectives and set a direction for future scenario modelling which is critical to the success of the study and ensure the modelling represents the position of the industry as well as risks and opportunities to achieve better than net zero by 2050. “This plan is a testament to our commitment to supporting the industry in capturing and storing more carbon. Through research-backed initiatives and strong industry consultation, we aim to lead the way in sustainable practices,” FWPA CEO Andrew Leighton said. The forest and wood products industry is a pivotal player in the global economy and environmental sustainability. The decarbonisation plan will reinforce the industry’s role in contributing to climate goals while managing the resources necessary to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years. “As facilitators of this plan, FWPA is laying the groundwork to future-proof our industry. We are identifying the best paths to manage our carbon-storing resources, mitigating risks, and creating opportunities for our member companies to contribute to a robust and circular Australian economy,” Chris Lafferty, RD&E Manager at FWPA, said.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has welcomed the opportunity to provide a submission to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee’s inquiry into the Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies Bill 2024 [Provisions] and related bills.
The AFPA and its members remain unequivocally opposed to the introduction of the government’s Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL) and its enabling legislation. Source: Timberbiz The key reasons for AFPA’s objections to the BPL are listed below, with further reasons and supporting details provided in its submission. Namely the proposed BPL will not result in sustainable funding for biosecurity, as funds collected are not hypothecated to biosecurity (going to consolidated revenue) and may be re-directed to other priorities at any time. does not account for the forest sector already funding biosecurity both as a taxpayer and through existing Agricultural levies. The BPL effectively taxes primary producers again. is a tax as that does not meet fundamental criteria of Agricultural levies. does not reflect “shared responsibility” for biosecurity without levy contributions from importers the public, and thereby governments, are the greatest beneficiaries of a strong biosecurity system as well as significant contributors to biosecurity risks through travel and trade. The AFPA highlights to the committee that it is not the only representative body that holds this position with most of the agriculture peak bodies and  associations opposing the BPL. Public submissions available through Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s “Have your say” consultation platform, voiced serious concerns with the BPL and rejected it as the right funding mechanism to sustain biosecurity. Separate published assessments by the Australian National University, the Productivity Commission, the Office of Impact Analysis and Frontier Economics all similarly have highlighted the BPL’s overall poor design, inefficiency and unfairness. Changes suggested by the government following their initial post-budget consultation process in 2023, such as the BPL being calculated on Gross Value of Production or the government’s commitment to provide greater transparency in spending, have not fundamentally changed the concerns with the BPL raised by the AFPA and other industry representative bodies. The AFPA is conscious of the pressures on resourcing our biosecurity system, we simply do not believe that the BPL represents the right funding model. As a “shared responsibility” the funding of biosecurity should aim to reflect both the benefits derived by all Australians from a strong biosecurity system (not just primary producers) as well as the biosecurity risks created through increasing levels of trade and movement of people into the country. In light of the overwhelming benefits derived by all Australians from free, biosecure travel and trade across our border, adequately resourcing the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s biosecurity responsibilities is clearly a government responsibility. The AFPA reiterates to the committee its opposition to the introduction of the BPL, but as a responsible partner in biosecurity, it emphasizes its willingness to work with government(s) and other stakeholders to resolve how we could further support Australia’s biosecurity system.

Ex-native timber workers are finding new work and opportunities in an expanding Gippsland nursery following a $775,000 grant from the Allan Labor Government’s Forestry Transition Fund. Source: Timberbiz Nationwide Trees at Piedmont in West Gippsland, will use the grant to construct a multi-use production and dispatch shed, helping the business to meet growing demand. “This funding is part of our work to create and deliver job opportunities for timber workers and support Gippsland’s economy and community as our transition work continues,” Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said. To support the business’ growth, impacted forestry workers and their families are being recruited via the Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program and trained to work in the new facility – tripling the business’ workforce. One former mill employee has already been employed in an administrative role. Nationwide Trees has also employed ex-timber workers to do excavation work on the site in preparation for construction of the dispatch shed. “This grant will greatly assist Nationwide Trees to expand its capacity and operations. We designed this project to maximise the use of local contractors and suppliers during the build and provide employment for former forestry workers and their families,” Managing Director Nationwide Trees Glenn Fenton said. The wholesale nursery supplies a broad range of deciduous and broadleaf seedlings, rootstocks and some conifers to the nursery industry, orchardists, landscapers, local authorities, farm foresters, planting contractors and consultants. The grant works alongside the Noojee Local Development Strategy (LDS) to help develop new local job opportunities and future community development. The Noojee LDS has also received $38,500 from the Forestry Transition Program’s Community Development Fund to progress the town’s strategy work including a feasibility study for a Forestry Therapy Centre. The $36 million Forestry Transition Fund supports job creation and business development in and around the native timber communities in Gippsland and the north-east of the state. For more information visit, www.vic.gov.au/forestry