Australian timber industry news

Commissioning a state-of-the-art new game development space in 2020, when the future of work seemed totally unpredictable, was a bold move. But it’s a move that’s paid off for the Xbox Game Studio, Rare. Source: Timberbiz Barn X, built on Rare’s existing Leicestershire, UK campus, exemplifies the leading edge of eco design. It has just been certified LEED GOLD, a world-recognised symbol in sustainable building. Above all else, the 1,200 metre-squared space has been designed to be inspiring, comfortable and adaptable for its team members, who have been settling into the building over the past year. “We asked ourselves, ‘What might the gaming studio of the future look like?’” explains Craig Duncan, studio head at Rare. The result is a close collaboration between Rare, the Microsoft real estate team, London architecture firm LOM and Dublin-based sustainability design advisors RKD. Starting with a blank slate, the team was able to create a forward-thinking building with sustainability at its heart. Barn X runs purely on electricity and is Xbox’s first mass timber building in Europe. The inner timber structure for Barn X was locally sourced, but the exterior cladding timber is New Zealand Accoya. While this comes with more airmiles, the Accoya will last for 60 years without the need for varnish or paint finishing coat. “Whereas if you source locally, a softer wood such as birch or larch, it will need a sealer because it’s a softer material,” Hogan, Director of Sustainability and Research at RKD said. “And It will probably need switching out within 15 years, too, potentially three times over the service life of the building.” Barn X features a range of sustainable solutions, most notably there are 750 square metres of solar panels in a nearby field, offsetting some of the studio’s energy consumption. The barn uses condensate water from chillers to help flush its toilets, saving on water usage and repurposing water which otherwise would have gone to waste. Its pitched roof also houses advanced cooling and ventilation services. The studio has also been designed to give the facilities team the data, functionality and capability it needs to continually optimise the barn’s energy usage. “It’s not a building that’s sitting still in terms of its energy performance,” says Hogan. “It has the ability to improve over time’.” The Rare campus is set in 100 acres of rolling Midlands countryside, near the village of Twycross. Its grounds are covered in swathes of wildflower meadow and there are even beehives, providing Rare-branded honey which staff can buy at reception. Barn X has been designed to bring the outside in, with plenty of foliage, vertical gardens and big windows to help employees enjoy all that inspiring nature. “We wanted to make sure you can see the outside from wherever you are in the building,” Mr Duncan said. “There are paths that weave outside the building and paths that take you out to the solar farm. All those things I think add to wellbeing.” There are also nods in its barn-style structure and timber-cladded frontage to the history of the campus and the heritage of the local area. Every element of the building aims to help foster creativity and collaboration. “Games design is that magical mix of technology, creativity, teamwork and artwork,” Mr Duncan said. “So, all of those things informed how we designed the space. We needed lots of room where teams can work together closely, but we also need quiet spaces and places with sound deadening. The building feels energising, creative and refreshing. It has a really nice vibe.” It was also a priority from the start to create a building that accommodates for neurodiversity as much as possible. All staff can adjust their desk lighting exactly as they like it, and there are spaces for them to find pockets of calm or privacy. The decor has been deliberately pitched to be calming, not overwhelming, but still to provide stimulation. Barn X embodies Microsoft’s wider commitment to being carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030. “It’s something our team really cares about,” says Duncan. “It’s important for them to work in an environment that has sustainability at its core, and to know that they work for a company on a sustainability journey.”

A track loader is the one machine that can do it all – clear, load, dig, carry, fill and more even in tough or slick ground conditions. The new Cat 973 Track Loader combines versatility with up to 10% better fuel efficiency, more productivity, cab improvements and optional Payload technology. Source: Timberbiz The 205 kW crawler loader has an operating weight of 29,892 kg and replaces the 973K worldwide. It joins the 953 (119 kW) and 963 (151 kW) in the Cat track loader line. The 973 is the largest track loader in the industry, but still offers agility and ease of operation. The updated cab features a suspension seat and adjustable armrests/controls. An intuitive 10-inch touchscreen dash display is easy to use and features a standard high-definition rear-view camera. Slope Indicate helps make operation easier by showing machine mainfall and cross slope right on the display. Select joystick or V-lever and pedal steering for transmission controls and either joystick or 2-lever implement controls. The joystick option provides familiar controls for operators experienced with skid steers/compact track loaders. With either control scheme, operators can set implement response – fine, normal, coarse – to match operator preference or application. Repetitive lift, lower, rack, dump and float functions can be preset to make jobs like truck loading easier. Smoother implement and steering response, and improved steering performance provide more controllability. The 973 is powered by a Cat C9.3B engine. Fuel consumption is reduced up to 10% with the Auto Mode that will adapt the engine speed to the load. Eco Mode will use even lower speed for further reduction in fuel consumption in lighter duty applications. Power Mode will keep engine speed high for a feel of readily available power at all times. An optional Performance Series bucket boosts productivity up to 20%. An optional Fusion Quick Coupler enables fast attachment changes. A variety of buckets, forks and other tools can be shared among track loaders, wheel loaders and other Fusion compatible machines. Cat Payload* technology delivers precise bucket load information with on-the-go weighing, which helps prevent over- or under-loading. More accurate loading reduces cycle times to help save time, labour and fuel costs.  

New Forests has appointed Yida Kemoli as managing director, Africa. Mr Kemoli will be responsible for driving the strategy for New Forests’ African business, fund raising for African forestry strategies, leading the team on the ground in Nairobi, and delivering investment returns and impact outcomes for clients. Source: Timberbiz He brings over two decades of experience leading, investing in, and growing businesses primarily in Eastern Africa across various sectors related to agriculture and nature-based solutions, as well as infrastructure and consumer industries. Mr Kemoli was previously a senior partner with Phatisa Group, a food and agriculture focused sub-Saharan African private equity fund management business, where he was responsible for origination and portfolio management in Eastern Africa, as well as being a member of the investment committee and portfolio company boards. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Mr Kemoli will report to Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of New Forests and sit on New Forests’ executive committee. Mark Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of New Forests said, “We are extremely excited to welcome Yida to the team. Africa represents a strategically important market for New Forests to continue to capitalise on the wealth of opportunities that exist across forestry in Sub-Saharan Africa. “We aim to deliver commercial returns for our investors, alongside managing conservation projects and making a substantial impact in the local communities where we invest. Yida’s knowledge, experience and long track record in the African investment and natural capital space will be fundamental in contributing to the success of the business.” New Forests has had a presence in Kenya since 2021. In 2022, along with investment partners British International Investment (BII), Norfund and Finnfund, New Forests launched its first African forestry strategy with four impact targets around climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, gender & diversity, and community & livelihoods.  

Safetree NZ has released the Health & Safety statistics dashboard for March 2024. WorkSafe provides statistics on forestry fatalities and workplace incidents. These investigations help inform of any key issues or trends as they come to light. Source: Timberbiz Overall, there is a downward trend in workplace injuries and fatalities in forestry. While injuries are evenly spread across silviculture, harvesting and unloading/loading log activities, the majority of injuries requiring time off work is in silviculture. Injuries and fatality rates are also higher in forestry than industry averages across New Zealand. For more information visit: https://www.safetree.nz/statistics The statistics dashboard can be downloaded here.

State-owned Forestry Corporation has admitted destroying precious hollow-bearing NSW habitat trees in an eleventh-hour move that avoids a criminal trial. Sources: Australian Associated Press, The Canberra Times The trial was due to start this week in the Land and Environment Court and public interest advocate John Corkill was seeking special permission to be heard. But the trial won’t proceed after the NSW corporation pleaded guilty to three charges on Monday – almost four years after the damage was done. The charges relate to the illegal destruction of three hollow-bearing trees in the Wild Cattle Creek State Forest, west of Coffs Harbour, in July 2020. The forest is home to a host of native species including endangered koalas, greater gliders, owls and other native animals that depend on hollow trees, which can take 100 years or more to form. The guilty pleas add to Forestry Corporation’s previous admissions, made a year and half ago, that it illegally destroyed six giant trees in the same forest about the same time. Under the forestry laws all giant trees measuring more than 1.4 metres across must not be destroyed. The corporation will be sentenced on all of the charges in September and Dr Corkill an environmentalist and legal scholar still hopes to be heard under a rarely used legal provision. He wants the court to accept him as an amicus curiae – a person who seeks to assist the court while not being a party to proceedings. If he wins the right to appear, as a delegate of the Bellingen Environment Centre, he will urge the court to scrutinise the conduct of the Environment Protection Authority. He says the watchdog has brought proceedings against Forestry Corporation 13 times since 1997 but hasn’t gone after the individuals or contractors that did the illegal clearing, despite having the power to do so. An amicus curiae can suggest questions for the court to ask and Dr Corkill hopes Justice Nicola Pain will grill the EPA about why it’s only done half the job. “We can look in the court file and see that EPA prosecutes persons and private companies in every other industrial setting,” he said. “But they’ve never prosecuted a person or a private logging contractor that does work for the Forestry Corporation. Why is that?” Dr Corkill says he’s been advised the EPA does not support his bid to be heard. The EPA says it decides on prosecution based on evidence and culpability in line with its regulatory policy and prosecution guidelines. “In this case, the EPA decided to prosecute FCNSW as the appropriate defendant.” Forestry Corporation has told AAP it regrets the destruction of hollow-bearing trees. It said all hollow-bearing trees were required to be retained and 411 were “but three trees were subsequently found to have hollows at the base, which had been obscured by extremely dense understorey”. It said the giant trees were destroyed in an operation during a transition period from one set of regulations to another.

Forestry carbon investments have developed to become an important facet of the forestry landscape in New Zealand as investors have sought to jump on the bandwagon to decarbonise. For many investors it is an economic play where they are seeking to make economic profits as well as potentially offsetting carbon liabilities elsewhere. Source: Timberbiz New Zealand has one of the few existing formal emissions trading schemes (ETS) with a significant history beginning in 2008. The ETS has three pathways for earning New Zealand emission units (NZUs), the permanent forest category, and two commercial forest schemes – the original stock change approach (legacy approach) and the recently introduced averaging approach. This latter approach implemented from 1 January 2023 will apply to all new entrants to the ETS from this date. The averaging approach was seemingly introduced to reduce liability risk for investors and encourage growth in carbon investments, growth which at the time of original development of the approach, had stalled. Investment in ETS compliant carbon projects carries risks for investors which differ from pure commercial forestry risks: Carbon price risk – emission units are earned early and potentially sold early in the investments life whereas liabilities to repay credits under the stock change approach are generally at the end of the rotation, Liability risk – under the stock change approach, investors are liable to repay any earned credits where the forest is damaged or destroyed by biotic and abiotic agencies, Regulatory and legal risk – these risks include changes in government policy, and introduction/changes to cost recoveries, Carbon release – no benefit is recognised for the long-lived nature of wood products post-harvest, Once only earning of credits – under the averaging approach, the risk of repayment being required is mitigated but benefits only accrue up to the averaging age of the first rotation. No credits are earned in future rotations, Risk reduction strategies – the inherent risks of carbon investment under stock change (particularly price risk) are somewhat reduced by trading only safe carbon at the cost of overall economic return. Given these risks, how do investors think about the discount rate for carbon investments? This has been particularly unclear causing significant difficulties when it comes time to value the carbon for financial reporting, transaction analysis and investment strategizing. Margules Groome has noted a wide range of discount rates being employed by forest appraisers usually without adequate corroborating evidence. These can range from low rates similar to market discount rates for timberland investments to relatively high rates reflecting a perception by some investors of higher regulatory and price risks. Given this situation, Margules Groome has looked to market evidence. As transaction evidence for existing carbon forests is particularly scant and incomplete, we have therefore turned to market evidence for ETS compliant land acquired for carbon forestry. There is significant transaction evidence for post-1989 land which is ETS compliant and pre-1990 land with no carbon potential. This does cause a dilemma however as there are two unknowns, discount rate and future carbon price. By developing carbon forestry models for the different approaches available under the ETS and considering independent market forecasts for NZUs, Margules Groome has developed relationships for each of the approaches comparing imputed discount rates with future carbon price assumptions. The results of this exercise have been enlightening, showing distinct differences between carbon discount rates for commercial forestry with carbon (stock change and averaging) and for permanent carbon forestry. Commercial forestry with carbon appears to be perceived as a higher risk investment. Parties that are interested in understanding carbon discount rates and how the work we have undertaken can benefit their situation, should contact Margules Groome.  

The all-party South Australian parliamentary select committee which is inquiring into the exporting of wood fibre and other Limestone Coast timber matters has been granted yet another extension to its deadline. Source: The SE Voice The Legislative Council subcommittee was due to report last November. However, it was granted an extension until 1 May. When the Legislative Council met this month, it agreed to a request for extra time from Upper House Opposition Leader Dr Nicola Centofanti. The revised deadline is now 24 November. Several other select committees were also granted extra time.

In a ground-breaking collaboration, the Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA), Hyne Timber, XLam, Forestry Corporation of NSW, and Responsible Wood joined forces to organise a transformative field trip focusing on certified sustainable forest management and ethical supply chains. Source: Timberbiz The event, held across New South Wales and Victoria, provided attendees with invaluable insights into the intricate processes behind responsible forestry practices. “Events like these are crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable forestry practices,” sustainability manager at Responsible Wood Matt de Jongh said. “By witnessing firsthand, the efforts put into maintaining our forests, participants gain a renewed appreciation for the importance of ethical and responsible supply chains.” The field trip offered participants a multifaceted experience, where attendees had the opportunity to witness sustainable forestry practices in action, gaining insights into forest regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and responsible harvesting techniques. “For over 140 years, Hyne Timber has prioritised delivering industry-leading products while ensuring the preservation of our natural resources,” Katie Fowden, general manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Hyne Timber said. “This field trip underscores our dedication to promoting sustainable forestry and driving positive environmental impact.” Alexi Barnstone, project manager at MECLA, echoed similar sentiments. “MECLA is dedicated to reducing embodied carbon in the construction industry. Collaborating with key stakeholders in initiatives like this field trip allows us to align our efforts with the Paris Agreement targets and advance the principles of the circular economy,” he said. The field trip offered participants a multifaceted experience, where attendees had the opportunity to witness sustainable forestry practices in action, gaining insights into forest regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and responsible harvesting techniques. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to a certified sustainable pine plantation managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW. Participants observed firsthand the meticulous planning and execution involved in maintaining a renewable plantation to ensure a sustainable supply of timber. Additionally, demonstrations and presentations from industry leaders such as Hyne Timber and XLam showcased innovative solutions for sustainable construction. Hyne Timber and XLam’s expertise in engineered timber for mass timber construction exemplified how advanced technologies can enhance sustainability, increase construction efficiency, and improve overall project outcomes. Overall, the field trip served as a catalyst for promoting awareness and collaboration within the construction industry. By bringing together key stakeholders, it facilitated meaningful discussions and laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at advancing sustainability practices. “This field trip is just the beginning. By continuing to work together and championing sustainable forestry practices, we can pave the way for a greener, more environmentally conscious future,” Mr de Jongh said.

In reference to your opinion piece of the 3rd of May 2024 – Opinion: Marcus Bastiaan – VicForests hung themselves and the industry out to dry, would you please correct the many incorrect assertions. VicForests was not responsible for the current situation facing the management and regeneration of Victoria’s native forest estate. Of the native forest estate, only 6% of Victoria’s public forests and woodlands were being managed for long term wood supply on a sustainable cycle of harvest and regrowth. The demise of VicForests was due to the combined impacts of judicial activism, environmental protests, green lawfare, and an abject failure of the Victorian Labor Government to support the Victorian world class and environmentally sustainable native hardwood timber industry. Victorian forestry with its multiple layers of forest certification processes has been dealt a death knoll. This has resulted in the current Victorian labour government announcement that all native forest harvesting ceased on the1st of January 2024 and that VicForests will cease to exist by the 30th of June 2024. A summary of the past government agencies managing the Victorian Forest Estate is described in the following: Between 1918 and 1983, the Forest Commission of Victoria (VFC) as a statutory authority efficiently managed and protected the Victorian Forest Estate. In 1983, the Cain labour government merged VFC with the newly formed mega department of Conservation, Forests and Lands. (CFL). Successive governments amended these cumbersome arrangements. By 1992, the Kennett liberal government added VicForests under the State-Owned Enterprise Act. In 2003, VicForests became a state business corporation and in 2023, a reorganised body. The author, Mr Marcus Bastiaan, has made many incorrect statements during VicForests time of managing the Victorian forest estate. These assertions have been addressed. They are well documented. Mr Bastiaan has suggested that an accreditation body such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) be engaged to manage the Victoria Forest Estate. It has no management expertise. VicForests management follows the guidelines established by the global accreditation body PEFC with checks by JASANZ. The impact on the closure of the Australian native forest industry is that hardwood timber supplies are vastly impacted due to the Australian Labour governments wishing to build more social housing. The only depository of hardwood supplies uncommitted somewhat is tropical countries. This creates enormous market distortion globally because there are no initiatives to replace those tropical hardwood resources as in Australia. The issue facing Speciality Doors is a lack of future resource allocation. It is an open and shut door issue. All Victorians would share the frustrations exhibited by Speciality Doors and its director Mr Marcus Bastiaan in the uncertainty re future forest resources. However, mistruths and false assertions expressed in the opinion piece by Mr Bastiaan will not resolve the issues faced by future management of Victorian forests and its forest industry. The dilemma in Victoria again demonstrates that the forest industry is on the “user end” of government decisions and actions regarding a stable investment climate, resource security and consistent administration of rules and regulations especially relating to forest revenue systems in the context of fiscal stability. It is hoped that somehow endeavours are undertaken to ensure the native forest estate can meet future demand for native forest products investors by allowing “economic sustainability” of any long-term timber harvesting entity which is being managed under active sustainable forest management principles. R B McCarthy BSc (Forestry), M Sc (Foresty Man) Member, Forestry Australia.

I am writing to make some comment on the opinion piece published in the Daily Timber News on 5 May 2024. After reading the first two paragraphs, I thought I was reading an opinion piece from one of The Age newspaper’s “environmental” reporters, so stopped reading and closed the article and deleted the DTN email. After receiving calls and emails over the weekend from SETA members and others, I forced myself to pull the email out of the trash and read the rest of the article. The first question that occurred to me was, who is Mr Bastiaan? Having had some connection with the native forest industry over several decades, including four years as general manager of Forestry Victoria, the predecessor of VicForests, his name drew a blank. I could not remember Mr Bastiaan pushing back against any of the activist and ALP political bastardry, that has affected the industry since former ALP senator Graeme Richardson used the workers and timber communities of East Gippsland to progress ALP political interests. Unlike Mr Bastiaan, I have an understanding of how the Labour Environment Action Network, headed by a former Wilderness Society employee has used the ALP to implement Wilderness Society policy of a total closure of the native forest industries in WA and Victoria, with more to come. In 2002, the Steve Bracks and Sherryl Garbutt inspired Our Forest No Future policy, cast the die to close the native forest industry in western Victoria. It was left to the debt-ridden Andrews’ Labor government to kill off the industry. You don’t have to be a cynic to know that a Green-Labor government was more than happy to make the industry vanish. After more than 20 years of multimillion activist charity campaigns targeting the native forest industry there was lots of anti-forest political milage in ill-informed city electorates. The ALP was happy use this tool to destroy the industry and help stem the flow of ALP left voters to the greens, in four critical and once safe Labor seats in inner city Melbourne. With a tape measure regulatory system misused by activists and their media supporters and a political party with no desire to rectify the flaws in the system, the government deliberately left VicForests to fail. If I was working for VicForests, I would find Mr Bastiaan’s opinion to be insensitive and insulting. When a minister is prepared to stop VicForests collecting a $1.2 million debt for a failed activist lawsuit, it gives a glimpse into the political bastardy that has impacted VicForests and staff for more than a decade. This debt has ballooned to more than $2 million over time. One of the reasons why the native forest industry has been subject to so much political destruction is that too many participants in the value chain have stayed silent while forests managers, harvest contractors and primary processors have copped the brunt of nonviolent direct-action protests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goxsLw443dw Anyone who has even a passing understanding of the industry would know that the no Labor government will ever go back to the drawing board. The wilderness mentality, which is silently undermining the reserve system, is about to be inflicted on hundreds of thousands of hectares of state forests. After a sham consultation process the Great Big National Park will be announced before the next election. Mr Bastiaan’s suggestion of a forest management framework under FSC also shows a lack of understanding. The FSC has been used in Australia, to a greater or lesser extent, as part of the lock up native forests campaign. While forcing myself to read Mr Bastiaan’s opinion, I was reminded of a saying about those that come in after the battle is over to bayonet the wounded. Aside from political bastardry, the biggest threat to the native forests in Victoria is high intensity bushfires. Given the pending closure of VicForests, a significant hole will be left in the firefighting ranks. Given the views Mr Bastiaan has expressed about VicForests, I am sure VicForests staff will be happy to not have to risk life and limb in future fire seasons. Mr Bastiaan, if you haven’t already done so, please join the Country Fire Authority, train up over winter and see how much of a difference you can make to filling the gap. Peter Rutherford is secretary South East Timber Association

Market-based approaches to forest conservation like carbon offsets and deforestation-free certification schemes have largely failed to protect trees or alleviate poverty, according to a major scientific review published on Monday. Source: Science X The global study, the most comprehensive of its kind to date, found that trade and finance-driven initiatives had made “limited” progress halting deforestation and in some cases worsened economic inequality, according to an AFP report published by Science X. Drawn from years of academic and field work, the report compiled by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), a group of 15,000 scientists in 120 countries, will be presented at a high-level UN forum starting Monday. Its authors urged a “radical rethink” of increasingly popular market-based approaches often promoted as effective at saving forests, curbing global warming and raising living standards in developing nations. “The evidence does not support the claim of win-wins or triple wins for environment, economy and people often made for market mechanisms as a policy response to environmental problems,” said contributing author Maria Brockhaus from the University of Helsinki told AFP. “Rather our cases show that poverty and forest loss both are persistent across different regions of the world… where market mechanisms have been the main policy option for decades,” she told AFP by email. Since the last IUFRO assessment in 2010, the report noted a rise in complex and overlapping market-based schemes “with financial actors and shareholders more often interested in short-term profits than long-term just and sustainable forest governance”. Its lead author, Constance McDermott from the University of Oxford, said this may not be true of all individual projects “but overall… it’s hard to say they’ve been a rousing success”. The report said a US$120 million project in the Democratic Republic of Congo had “reinforced entrenched interests” by restricting local people from forests without addressing logging by powerful extractive businesses. In Malaysia, indigenous groups promised better livelihoods from a foreign-backed plantation venture on their customary land received no benefit, the report said. “As both cases show, ‘wins’ are often gained elsewhere, while the burdens of forest loss, enclosures and forestland conversion are carried locally,” Brockhaus told AFP. In Ghana, deforestation rates had risen despite a slew of sustainable cocoa standards, corporate pledges, and carbon offset projects, while farmers were earning less today than decades ago, said McDermott. More on the report here.  

General Secretary of Việt Nam Timber and Forest Products Association (Viforest) Ngô Sỹ Hoài said that the wood industry needs to pay attention to green production and trade to increase exports. Source: Việt Nam News According to Hoài currently, many major markets are strengthening the enforcement of import regulations as well as important technical barriers for products from exporting countries. For example, EU countries have requested exporters to meet regulations at the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Goods imported into the EU will be imposed with a carbon tax and businesses must convert to lower-emission production models to get carbon credits. Viforest is encouraging businesses to ensure green production, green trade and digital transformation. Sustainable development will be key to increase orders and revenue from export activities. The association has been conducting many trade promotion activities at home and abroad to seek more customers and orders. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is coming into effect soon, so the association is also planning to organise training courses on implementing accountability, ensuring legal timber could join in supply chains and green transition. Hoài also said that in the first three months of this year, the export of timber and wood products reached US$3.5 billion, an increase of 25.4% over the same period in 2023. Of which, the export turnover of wood products was US$2.4 billion, an increase of 30.8%. The main markets were still the US, China, Japan, South Korea and the EU. At the same time, businesses spent US$535.7 million to import wood materials, an increase of 15.3% over the same period in 2023. The industry saw positive business results in the first three months of the year, but it cannot be confirmed the market to recover well. This year is still a very difficult year for the wood processing businesses, according to Hoài. Meanwhile, large markets, such as the US, EU, China, Japan, and South Korea, are still heavily affected by issues related to geopolitical conflicts, economic recession, and consumers losing confidence. The US market has accounted for 50-55% of Việt Nam’s total export value of wooden furniture. However, the frequency of lawsuits and investigations relating to trade defence measures on wood products of Vietnamese origin is increasing, so Vietnamese wood processing businesses face many risks. On the domestic market, many firms still have difficulty in getting value-added tax (VAT) refunded and complying with new fire prevention and firefighting standards. Many factories built 20 to 30 years ago are now located in densely populated areas. Some localities have policies on moving wood processing facilities away from residential areas, so the businesses cannot invest large sums of money in fire prevention. In that situation, the business environment needed to be reformed to encourage the businesses to develop production and business, Hoài said. The enterprises themselves also needed to improve their management capacity and strengthen their ability to comply with regulations related to forests and wood in Việt Nam and foreign markets. In addition, they needed to improve their ability to cope with the trade defence measures in large markets. The businesses also expected value-added tax refunds to be implemented faster, and the state agencies to have feasible solutions for them in complying with fire prevention regulations. According to the Prime Minister’s direction, the preferential credit package for the wood and seafood industry of VNĐ15 trillion has been increased to VNĐ30 trillion. Viforest hopes banks will support the businesses by having simpler and more flexible procedures so that wood and seafood businesses can effectively and promptly access this capital source. Việt Nam aims to gain a value of US$15 billion from exporting timber and wood products this year.

The 19th session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF19) opened on Monday with focus on achieving Global Forest Goals and increasing progress towards sustainable development by 2030. Source: Timberbiz The UNFF serves as a body under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and aims to support the goals of the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF) and to advance other international forest-related instruments, processes, commitments, and goals. At the forum’s opening ceremony, Juliette Biao, Director of the UNFF Secretariat, said the world currently faces numerous natural disasters, worsening climate change as well as conflict, growing poverty and unemployment, among other crises. She said making a difference amidst these global challenges can be achieved by meeting Global Forests Goals (GFG) by 2030, however, they remain off-track. To get back on target, Ms Biao said countries need to “bolster political commitment and partnerships” in support of the GFGs. “We want a world where all types of forests are sustainably managed. A world where healthy forests are recognized as powerful nature-based solutions to most of the sustainable development challenges we face today,” she said. Peter Gondo, Inter-Regional Adviser of the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), said that this year’s session, running through 10 May, will include a High-Level Segment and a review of the IAF in hopes of “assessing progress and identifying gaps” in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline. “The key outcomes will be a High-Level Segment declaration and an omnibus resolution, which will include the outcome of the midterm review and the Quadrennial Programme of Work of the Forum for 2025-2028,” Mr. Gondo said. UNFF19 precedes the fourth session of the Small Island Developing States Conference (SIDS4) occurring from 27 to 30 May in Antigua and Barbuda. Each SIDS conference focuses on assessing the ability of sustainable development in small islands. Mr Gondo said forests and trees are important for SIDS’ well-being. He said that forests “…play a critical role in the availability and quantity of freshwater, in coastal protection (from waves caused by extreme weather such as hurricanes), in the conservation of biological diversity, in particular endemic species and genetic variability, and economic development through trade in wood and non-wood forest products. The Inter-Regional Adviser said that a DESA-managed financing network – the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN) – has supported many SIDS with sustainable forest management (SFM) which he said, is an “integral part of the 2030 Agenda, which recognizes forests are critical for life on land.” “This has included support in designing national forest programmes and national forest financing strategies aligned to national sustainable development frameworks, as well as strengthening the capacity of national experts in accessing forest financing from multi-lateral and other sources,” Mr. Gondo said. Some SIDS supported thus far include Jamaica, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis. The UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC, has considered climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss as the triple planetary crisis facing humanity today. Mr Gondo said forests play a “pivotal role” in addressing this crisis since a healthy well-managed forest helps to regulate climate, clean the air and provide livelihood and food security. He said investments in forest-based solutions can offer “a cost-effective way to generate multiple biodiversity and social benefits.”  

Six nominees for this year’s New Zealand Tree of the Year competition have been revealed, with organisers saying the story behind the trees is often as important as the vegetation itself. Source: RNZ The competition, now in its third year, is not about celebrating a species, just “one very special tree”. This year’s list includes the Walking Tree on the West Coast and Moko in Otari Wilton’s Bush, Wellington, with “Freddie’s Pōhutukawa” in Gisborne, which took the title last year – again on the list. New Zealand Arboricultural Association president Richie Hill told RNZ Nights the competition celebrates the trees that play an important part in our lives, our history and our future. “It’s about connecting people with trees. “Trees are great bridge builders, we don’t talk about them enough, and we’re getting less of them, not more, especially in places that matter. “If we don’t appreciate them and acknowledge them, then we’re not going to recognise their significance.” He said the competition was about the stories around the trees and their connection to a place, and these were living remnants of that. “There are six amazing stories here.” The competition was inspired by the ‘European tree of the year’ which has been running since 2011. Voting closes at midnight on 31 May, with winners announced on 5 June (Arbor Day). Vote in the 2024 Tree of the Year competition at https://www.treeoftheyear.co.nz/

In the heart of the community of Rosewood lies Rosewood State School, a place that has not only nurtured young minds but has also fostered a deep connection within the forest industry. Source: Tumbarumba Times Over the years, Rosewood School has been a proud producer of individuals who have contributed significantly to the forest and forest products industry, with over 80 alumni finding their calling in this field. Recently, the school recognised an issue that was affecting the safety and well-being of its students. Next to the school grounds stood a plantation that, while once a source of pride, had become a cause for concern. The area had become unsafe for the children to play in, posing both physical risks and the threat of a potential fire hazard. In a remarkable display of community spirit and collaboration, several key stakeholders came together to address this issue. Hyne, Bergins, Visy, and Southern Cross Forests, leading companies in the forest and forest products industry, combined their efforts to remove the timber from the plantation. Additionally, a local contractor, Lehmans, volunteered their services to clean up the site, ensuring that it would be safe and accessible for the children of Rosewood School. But the story doesn’t end there. In a delightful turn of events, plans are underway to transform the cleared area into a space where the children can not only play safely but also learn and connect with nature. The school intends to introduce school animals to the site, creating an immersive and educational experience for the students. Furthermore, the community’s generosity knows no bounds, with funds being raised to support Rosewood School in this endeavour. Every individual and organisation involved has played their part, demonstrating a collective commitment to the well-being and enrichment of our community’s youngest members. This story encapsulates the essence of community spirit, collaboration, and the unwavering dedication to the betterment of our society. It is a narrative that deserves to be shared and celebrated, inspiring others to come together and make a positive difference in their own communities.

The Australia and New Zealand cross laminated timber (CLT) market size reached US$105.7 million in 2023. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach US$526.9 million by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate of 19.54% during 2023-2032. Sources: Timberbiz, Research & Markets Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a prefabricated and solid engineered wood panel comprising several layers of kiln-dried lumber boards, which are stacked in alternating directions, pressed to form solid, straight, rectangular panels, and bonded with structural adhesives. It is lightweight and strong with superior acoustic, fire, seismic, and thermal performance. Apart from this, it offers several advantages, such as aesthetic appeal, easy installation, and low greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, CLT is replacing traditional construction materials, such as steel, concrete, and cement. At present, there is a rise in the demand for CLT in both the residential and commercial sectors across Australia and New Zealand as it provides dry and fast onsite construction and the potential for airtightness with robust wall and floor structures. The growing environmental concerns among the masses about rising greenhouse gas emissions represent one of the key factors driving the market in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, there is an increase in the number of green building projects to enhance the efficiency of buildings while reducing their impact on the health of individuals and the environment through better design, construction, operation, and maintenance. This, along with the increasing initiatives by the central and state governments of Australia and New Zealand to promote the utilization of wood-based construction materials, is propelling the growth of the market. In addition, builders in the region are focusing on improving construction practices by relying on innovative construction materials and techniques, which is positively influencing the market. Besides this, the escalating demand for CLT in enhancing indoor environment quality and keeping the surroundings clean by generating zero waste during production is offering lucrative growth opportunities to industry investors. Apart from this, CLT is affordable and requires considerably less time in the construction of different structures compared with conventional construction materials. These product advantages are bolstering the growth of the market in the region. A report by Research & Markets provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the Australia and New Zealand cross laminated timber (CLT) market report, along with forecasts for the period 2024-2032. The report has categorized the market based on application. Breakup by Application: Detached Houses Residential Non-Residential Units Non-residential units dominate the market due to the rising preference for sustainable building materials in the country. New Zealand Cross Laminated Timber Industry Breakup by Application: Residential Commercial Residential units exhibit a clear dominance in the New Zealand market as CLT provides efficient seismic performance in the multi-storey timber buildings. The competitive landscape of the market has been analysed in the report, along with the detailed profiles of the major players operating in the industry. Some of these players are Stora Enso Oyj, KLH Massivholz GmbH, Binderholz GmbH, and XLam Australia Pty Ltd. More information here.  

This year’s Forestry Australia Symposium will be held from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 October 2024, in Ballarat, Victoria. The Symposium is known as the premier Australian meeting for forest scientists, foresters and forest growers. Source: Timberbiz The 2024 Symposium theme ‘Healthy and resilient forests for our future,’ will explore the concepts that underpin the science and best practice of sustaining and promoting the stewardship of healthy forests across all land tenures and forest types, including: Evidence-based best practice to support and maintain healthy forests Traditional Owner perspectives on caring for Country Mitigation of threats to forest health and resilience Effective forest recovery and restoration following major disturbances Achieving healthy forests on farms, and Critical linkages between forests and human wellbeing and creativity Regardless of land tenure and ownership, healthy and resilient forests should be the primary objective for all forest and land managers. Through active and adaptive management, healthy forests can deliver a range of environmental, social, cultural, and economic benefits – and they are much more likely to withstand future shocks and stresses, such as those generated by bushfires, invasive species and those anticipated with climate change. The 2024 Symposium theme ‘Healthy and resilient forests for our future,’ will explore the concepts that underpin the science and best practice of sustaining and promoting the stewardship of healthy forests across all land tenures and forest types, including: Evidence-based best practice to support and maintain healthy forests Traditional Owner perspectives on caring for Country Mitigation of threats to forest health and resilience Effective forest recovery and restoration following major disturbances Achieving healthy forests on farms, and Critical linkages between forests and human wellbeing and creativity The following speakers will be joining the Symposium in either plenary, concurrent or panel presentations. Dr Patrick Baker, University of Melbourne Prof Sue Baker, University of Tasmania Dr Tim Brodribb, University of Tasmania Yvette Eglington, University of Melbourne Dr Tom Fairman, University of Melbourne Dr Paul Foreman, Blue Devil Consulting Dr Rachelle Meyer, Trees on Farms Project Tim McBride, HVP Krista Patterson-Majoor, Cassinia Environmental Angeline Pool, Wadawurrung Corporation Dr Elizabeth Pryde, Greening Australia Rowan Reid, Bambra Agroforestry Farm Mike Ryan, VicForests Prof Jacki Schirmer, University of Canberra Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Network Mick Stephens, Timber Queensland Myall Tarran, SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions Rob Waterworth, Mullion Group Prof Kath Williams, University of Melbourne Fabiano Ximenes, NSW Department of Primary Industries More speakers will be announced, along with a preliminary program. For more information: https://www.forestryconference.com.au

Forest & Wood Products Australia has shared new research introducing biased position testing as a cost-effective and efficient method for the verification of structural softwood timber properties. Source: Timberbiz This innovative approach can unlock significant cost savings and improved efficiency whilst maintaining rigorous verification of structural softwood timber strength and stiffness properties. When it comes to quality control and product performance, random selection is traditionally used for sampling structural timber. However, biased selection can also be used. Random selection is like drawing names from a hat; every item has an equal chance to be tested, giving a statistically clear picture of overall quality. Biased selection, however, is based on picking samples (i.e. with known defects) which give specific insights, but not about the whole group. Biased ratios are essentially formulas that help translate results from that second biased sample into the results expected, as if the whole sample set was randomly tested. So, biased selection testing allows for a reduction in testing costs by utilising a smaller sample size while achieving the same level of confidence in the verification results. This cost-saving measure is particularly advantageous for sawn timber products such as MGP12, MGP10, and F5. This project was led by Professor Jon Shanks, Director of TimberED Services and Associate Professor in Timber Engineering at University of Tasmania and was conducted in collaboration with University of South Australia. “By focusing on the grade-determining features of the timber, biased position testing provides direct feedback on the grading process with fewer boards tested,” Prof Shanks said. To ensure compatibility with existing design values and standards, this project developed a process to establish appropriate Biased Ratios for quality control testing. “This research demonstrates what can be achieved by collaboration between industry stakeholders, in this case showing that biased position testing does work and can ensure continued product compliance,” Gavin Matthew, CEO at Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, said. “By embracing this new sampling method, the timber industry can maintain high levels of quality control, whilst reducing costs and improving overall productivity.” Chris Lafferty, RD&E Manager at FWPA said this innovative approach offered cost savings, improved efficiency, and accurate estimation of properties. “It is a significant step towards enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry,” he said.

At the heart of Australia’s largest construction and design show, the SydneyBuild Expo 2024, Responsible Wood stood as a beacon for sustainable forestry and ethical supply chains. Source: Timberbiz With more than 25,000 registered visitors, including contractors, architects, and construction professionals, the event provided a platform for industry leaders to showcase innovations and discuss pressing issues facing the sector. Responsible Wood’s presence was marked by the active involvement of Sustainability Manager Matt de Jongh, hosting a networking hub session and delivering a compelling presentation on certified sustainable forestry and responsible supply chains. Reflecting on the significance of the expo, Mr de Jongh said that SydneyBuild offered a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the construction industry and drive conversations around sustainability. “It’s crucial for us to highlight the importance of sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests to ensure the long-term health of our ecosystems,” he said. Throughout the expo, attendees were treated to displays from leading companies in sustainable construction, including XLam and NextGen TimberLink. XLam and NextGen TimberLink, all frontrunners in timber solutions. They showcased their engineered timber products tailored for efficient prefabricated construction, also emphasising the importance of Australian-made engineered wood products and their role in promoting carbon capture and storage. The synergy between exhibitors and attendees fostered an environment ripe for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Responsible Wood’s networking hub session provided a forum for stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for advancing sustainable practices in the industry. “Events like SydneyBuild facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among industry professionals,” Mr de Jongh said. “By working together, we can drive positive change and build a more sustainable future.” The expo also featured a diverse range of conference stages, workshops, and entertainment, further enriching the experience for participants. With topics spanning from digital construction to diversity and inclusion, SydneyBuild offered a comprehensive platform for learning and engagement. SydneyBuild Expo 2024 served as a catalyst for promoting sustainability and innovation within the construction industry. Through Responsible Wood’s active participation and thought leadership, Mr de Jongh reaffirmed the crucial role of certified sustainable forestry in shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment.

Protesters have escalated their attacks on Victoria’s forestry industry as they move to target both private native forestry and plantations, according to Forest and Wood Communities Australia. Source: Timberbiz FWCA executive officer Michael Harrington said protestors, emboldened by the end of public native forestry and their misguided ideology, have escalated their attacks on Victoria’s forestry industry. “Their irrational crusade extends beyond shows no sign of stopping as they move to target both private native forestry and plantations, disregarding the fact that these operations are conducted sustainably, in accordance with strict regulations,” Mr Harrington said. He said contractors legally engaged to do storm clean-up and reduce fire fuel loads in the Daylesford area have had machinery worth up to a million dollars smashed, spikes driven into timber and threatening messages painted on their machinery including “Whether it be Vicforest or FMM – if you destroy our forests – you kill our koalas and you become a target”. “This behaviour is unfortunately quietly supported by many within the state Labor government as they refuse to publicly denounce this illegal, threatening and dangerous behaviour,” Mr Harrington said. “Meanwhile, the Victorian State Labor government’s abandonment of forestry contractors is a farcical disgrace. “Instead of standing up for hardworking families, they cower before the Greens and LEAN (Labor Environment Action Network), leaving businesses uncompensated and vulnerable to weaponised and baseless investigations if they dare speak to media about their experiences.” Mr Harrington said that contractors and their families had spoken on condition of anonymity to FWCA. There were multiple experiences where contractors were informed by government and transition/compensation authorities they were eligible for compensation and receiving confirmation via test bank transfer payments of $0.02 deposited into their accounts, and then informed a short time later they would not be receiving any compensation. “It’s a cruel joke at the expense of hardworking Australians who have dedicated their lives to sustaining Victoria’s forestry sector,” Mr Harrington said. “The consequences of these reprehensible actions are far-reaching and dire. “Entire communities, built on the backbone of the forestry industry, face the spectre of unemployment and economic ruin. The social fabric of these regions is torn asunder, as families are left to fend for themselves in the wake of government betrayal and environmental extremism.” Mr Harrington said that amidst this turmoil, the need for a staunch defence of Victoria’s forestry heritage has never been more urgent. “It’s time to reject the radical agenda of environmental extremists and hold the government accountable for its complete disdain for working families. Forestry is not only an economic necessity but also a proud renewable tradition that must be upheld for the prosperity of future generations,” he said. “The assault on Victoria’s sustainable native timber sector by government bureaucrats angling for their next promotion and radical environmentalists set on destroying any industry that offends them – must be met with unwavering resistance. “It’s time for the state Labor government to stand up for Victoria’s remaining forestry sector, for the hardworking men and women who depend on it, and ensure those that are being made redundant or are leaving the industry to pursue other opportunities are looked after and compensated in a just and supportive way. “Unfortunately, the absence of extensive further compensation and community recovery commitments in this current state budget are just another betrayal of working-class families and an affront to the prosperity of our state and nation.”