Issue 150

6474

AFS/01-10-01 www.forestrystandard.org.au

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 1

Breakthrough for NZ forests on standards

Groups agree on management plan for one million ha of FSC plantations

NEW Zealand is hoping to have an international standard for the management of its plantation forests approved next year.

The draft standard, which will apply to all forests with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, is now out for public comment. This follows several months of negotiation between representatives of the forest workforce, conservation and outdoor recreation groups, Maori interests and forest owners.

Project coordinator Colin Maunder says getting the agreement of such diverse groups has been a big

NZ plantation forests .. growing up under an international standard.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

TABMA dinner: industry parties at awards night

achievement.

“But we still want input from anyone with an interest in forestry; it’s a very important part of the process,” he says.

“FSC certification ensures that large areas of indigenous biodiversity on private land are being actively protected and enhanced,” Bill Gilbertson of Forest & Bird says.

“More than a million hectares of plantation forest in New Zealand are FSC certified and about 10% of this will effectively be in privately-owned conservation areas. This is in addition to the habitat provided by plantations Cont Page 2

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 1

industry news

Chemical panel Making will assess use an of 1080 poisons impact ..

across Australia’s forest and forest products industry .. since 1940

From Page 1

The Victorian Association of Forest Industries, representing the interests of the Victorian timber Industry

Victorian Association of Forest Industries Level 2, 2 Market Street Melbourne 3000 Tel: +61 3 9611 9000 Fax: +61 3 9611 9011 Email: info@vafi.org.au Web: www.vafi.org.au

Page 2 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

to native plants, birds, bats and invertebrates. It’s a big ‘plus’ for the New Zealand environment.”

The draft standard will, when it is approved, replace an interim one now in place.

Reaching this point hasn’t been easy. In 2003, negotiations broke down over three issues – the use of chemicals in forest management, the ability of Maori to convert manuka scrubland into plantation forest and the proportion of a holding that must be kept in managed indigenous vegetation. There was also concern among farm foresters that FSC paperwork was too onerous for owners of small forests.

“With goodwill on all sides and by using a skilled independent facilitator, we have found ways forward,” Mr Maunder says.

“Basically, we’ve made the rules more flexible without weakening the standards that make FSC certification meaningful.”

For example, the standard requires plantation forest owners to manage and restore an area of native vegetation equal to 10% of the forest area.

This can be readily achieved where forests are bisected by gullies in native vegetation, or where there are significant areas of wetland. But where forests have been planted into former pastureland this can be impractical.

The standard therefore allows the forest owner the flexibility to restore an equivalent area outside the forest unit, but ideally in the same ecological district, with the approval of a new body known as the National Initiative. This body will also set up a chemical standing committee to assess

Colin Maunder .. making the rules more flexible.

applications to use vertebrate poisons like 1080 for possum and stoat control.

The hoops that small forest owners – those with less than 1000 ha – have to jump through have also been made much less demanding.

To read the draft standard and to make a submission, go to www.nzfoa.org.nz

Sino acquires NZ plantations CHINA’S big commercial forest plantation operator Sino-Forest Corporation has acquired 13,000 ha of forestry plantations in New Zealand.

Chairman of Sino-Forest and Omnicorp Allen Chan says New Zealand is the second largest exporter of softwood into China after Russia, and China has high demand for quality radiata pine.

Omnicorp is Sino-Forest’s partner and platform for sourcing international forestry assets into China.

Sino-Forest’s principal businesses include the ownership and management of forest plantation trees and sales of standing timber, wood logs, and complementary manufacturing of downstream engineered-wood products.

TABMA Australia congratulates all winners in the Australian Timber Design Awards and sincerely thanks generous sponsors, presenters, TABMA staff and all our guests who helped make our annual industry dinner at Luna Park such a resounding success.

See you next year.

– Colin Fitzpatrick, CEO

www.tabma.com.au

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

industry news

New FWPA director puts focus on forests grazing Research has carbon-positive link

By JIM BOWDEN

THE economic and carbonpositive advantages that link private timber production with cattle grazing are cultivating the interests of Dr Michele Allan in her new role as a board member of Forest and Wood Products Australia.

Dr Allan, who has a strong background in research and development management and a close association with the food industry, was appointed a non-executive director at the FWPA annual general meeting in Sydney.

“Forestry and the meat and livestock industry have similar carbon and greenhouse

Dr Michele Allan, newly-appointed non-executive director of Forest and Wood Products Australia is welcomed to the FWPA board during the annual general meeting in Sydney by managing director, Ric Sinclair (left) and chairman, Ron Adams.

ForestWorks performs a range of industry wide functions acting as the channel between industry, Government and the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.

Core services:

gas issues,” Dr Allan said.

“Thinning a forest and grazing the understory can benefit tree quality and growth, provide shade for livestock and represents a significant longterm economic return for beef farmers who can choose to harvest timber at a later time.”

Dr Allan is chair of the William Angliss Institute and Go Grains Health and Nutrition Ltd, and a non-executive director of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand and the MG Corporation in Western Australia.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Technology Sydney, Master of Management of Technology from Melbourne University, Master Commercial Law, Deakin University, and Doctorate from RMIT and is a graduate and fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a professional member of Australian Institute of Food, Science and Technology.

Dr Allan is following with interest

• Skill Standards • Material Development • Networks • Strategic Skills Planning • Project Management • Data Collection • Research • Industry Advice • Career Advice • Adult Learning Expertise

VICTORIA PO Box 612, North Melbourne 3051 Tel: (03)9321 3500 Email: forestworks@forestworks.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES PO Box 486, Parramatta 2124 Tel: (02)8898 6990 Email: smukherjee@forestworks.com.au TASMANIA PO Box 2146, Launceston 7250 Tel: (03)6331 6077 Email: wfoss@forestworks.com.au BRISBANE PO Box 2014 Fortitude Valley 4006 Tel: (07)3358 5169 Email: bharle@forestworks.com.au

Cont Page 6

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 3

industry news

Where’s that $20m, Mr Ludwig?

Workers desperate as Christmas approaches

I n v i tat i o n

FOREST workers in Tasmania have not sighted one dollar of the $20 million promised as emergency funding by the federal government.

Worse, it seems Treasury is to apply GST to the delayed package, which could effectively reduce the initial assistance by more than $2 million.

“The $20 million promised

by Labor during the election campaign is desperately needed by forest contractors and their employees,” Coalition spokesperson for forestry Senator Richard Colbeck said.

Senator Colbeck wants to know if the forestry minister Senator Joe Ludwig is withholding the emergency funding because he is worried about Cabinet’s decision to apply GST.

He has yet to work out how much of the remaining $18 million will be assigned to government administration of the program.

Senator Colbeck also wants to know if the Gillard Cabinet has decided whether or not forest contractors who receive assistance will have these funds subject to income or business tax.

“We know Labor didn’t do their homework on this $20 million election policy; it was a lastminute, panicked policy to copy the Coalition’s announcement,” he said.

“But now, almost two months after Joe Ludwig was appointed forestry minister, there is absolutely no excuse for not distributing these much-

Forest workers .. bleeding as federal assistance package is pigeonholed.

needed funds.

“Forest contractors have invested heavily in their industry over many years and are now bleeding financially for reasons largely not of their own making.

Many of them have already sold equipment, laid off employees or even sold their family homes just to keep the banks away.”

Meanwhile, despairing forest contractors are considering encircling Parliament House in Canberra with log trucks in a desperate bid to draw national attention to their plight.

Many logging contractors are facing financial ruin following the signing of a Tasmanian forests peace pact with environmentalists last month.

President of the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association Colin McCulloch says he holds little hope the promised $20 million federal survival package will arrive before Christmas.

FSC Australia Annual Dinner & Awards Night Wednesday 17 November, 2010

S u ppo r t e d b y A u st r a l i a P ost

Book n ow!

At the spectacular Atlantic Function Centre in the Melbourne Docklands.

Please join us for this unique opportunity to mix with people working in the FSC system, to hear about progress with FSC, to introduce new people to the FSC system and, to reward companies and businesses that have committed to promoting responsible forest management.

Individual awards sponsored by Bunnings, Brookfield Multiplex, Fuji Xerox and Scientific Certification Systems.

Table sponsors include Elders Forestry, Grocon, SGS and Reflex Office.

National Standards Workshop Wednesday 17 November, 2010 10 am – 3 pm The CUB Malthouse 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, Melbourne Review of FSC Australia Forest Management Standard – the work plan going forward, potential funding sources, composition (in terms of stakeholder interests) of a standards development group, the final FSC International standards for developing national standards and, the implications of the current review of the FSC Principles and Criteria. The Head of Policy and Standard at FSC International will attend the workshop.

Dinner bookings and workshop inquiries can be directed to Adam at the FSC office on (03) 8636 2661 or email info@fscaustralia.org FSC Australia, GPO Box 152, Melbourne Vic 3001 Tel:: +61 (0)3 9349 4153 Mobile: +61 (0)439 381144 Visit: www.fscaustralia.org

Page 4 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

® FSC, A.C. All rights reserved.

FSC-SECR-0153

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

events

WHAT’S ON?

NOVEMBER 2010

4714. Email: lburrows@ppr.com.au

10: Women’s Leadership in the Timber Industry Seminar. The Alto Room, The Langham, One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne. 10.30 am-3 pm. $132 p.p. (gst inclusive). The forum is a way of providing a different perspective to issues facing the whole timber industry – a way of providing development and ensuring that good women not only are attracted to the industry but choose the industry as a preferred place to work and build a career. Speakers include Karen Hayes, industry visionary, Judith Tilling, Tilling Timber, and Lisa Marty, Victorian Association of Forest Industries, who has been appointed to ther Department of Primary Industries Women’s Network, representing women in the timber industry. Karen Hayes has vast general management and strategic consulting experience in Australasia, Canada, the US and Europe, primarily in the financial services and information technology industries. She is director, corporate engagement and human capital with UXC Ltd and past finalist in the Telstra Business Woman of the Year Awards. Contact: Kersten Gentle 0418 226 242 or email: kersten@ ftmaaustralia.com.au

12: Multinail Machinery’s Expo, Gold Coast. Working demonstrations of Multinail’s Mini 10 table press, MAC Saw, Roller Master System, The VectorSaw, FastSet Jigand Portal Gantry.

BBQ lunch will be provided so what better way is there to extend a weekend on the Gold Coast.

Contact Multinail Machinery (07) 3297 3280

12: Construction Skills Queensland Excellence Awards.

Presentations in four categories – Training Excellence – Schools Program; Learning Organisation Excellence Awards ; Employer Commitment to Training; Stars of 2010. Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Cost: $130pp (inc. Gst); $1200 table of 10. Price includes three-course meal, wine and entertainment.

Contact: Luke Burrows (07) 3309

15: Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia annual general meeting and conference.

Gold Coast International Hotel. Tel: (07) 3250 3700.

16: Melbourne. 17: Sydney. 18: Brisbane. University of Tasmania Master Class 1. Timber and Sustainability: Concepts and Marketing. Tailored specifically for businesses that produce, supply or sell timber and timber components to the construction and building design industry. Contact UTAS Centre for Sustainable Architecture.

Tel: (03) 6324 4470. Email: info. csaw@utas.edu.au 17: FSC Australia national standards workshop and annual dinner and awards night. Atlantic Function Centre, Melbourne Docklands. Unique opportunity to mix with people working in the FSC system, to hear about progress with FSC, to introduce new people to the FSC system and, to reward companies and businesses that have committed to promoting responsible forest management.

Dinner bookings and sponsorship inquiries: Adam on (03) 8636 2661 or email info@fscaustralia.org 17-19: ForestTECH 2010 Tools & Technologies to Improve Forest Planning & Operations, Rotorua,NZ.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

17-19: Japan Home and Building Show 2010. Contact: John Gore at jlg@eurofair.co.nz 19: JazCorp timber event for architects, designers, builders and the timber industry. Perth Hyatt Regency Hotel. Cost :$60 members; $150 non members.

Display opportunities available at $500 (exc gst). Tel: 1300 667 709. Mob: 0403 315 286. Email: timberwa@jazcorpaustralia.com.au 22-24: ForestTECH 2010 Tools & Technologies to Improve Forest Planning & Operations, Albury, NSW. 22-26: PMA market group outward mission to India.

23: Engineered Timber Products: Building an Innovative, Sustainable Future. Understand how engineered timber products enable you to do more with less. Victoria Park Function Venue, Herston, Brisbane 3.306 pm. To register visit www. timberqueensland.com.au/events

DECEMBER 2010 1: AFCA annual general meeting, Melbourne. Preceded by board of directors meeting.

9-10: Bioenergy Australia 2010 conference, Sydney.

Preceding technical tour December 8. Visit: www.bioenergyaustralia.org

2011 FEBRUARY

2-4: ATFA Flooring and Finishes Expo. Sydney Exhibition Centre. Contact: Australilan Timber Flooring Association (07) 5492 8696. Visit: www. flooringandfinishes.com.au

SUSTAINABLE. RESPONSIBLE. The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) is striving for an ecologically sustainable Australian society achieved through dynamic, internationally competitive forest industries.

NAFI’s mission is to represent the interests of members by promoting the environmental sustainability and the prosperity of Australian forest industries.

National Association of Forest Industries Ltd (Est. 1987) PO Box 239, Deakin ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6285 3833.

Fax: (02) 6285 3855 Web: www.nafi.com.au

14-18: Wood Science Course,

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 5

industry news

Joint WA venture to grow sandalwood in Ord River scheme From Page 3

an FWPA project that aims to help farmers grow valuable forests for timber production using tree growth relationships and silvicultural tools to assist stand management in private native spotted gum dominant forests.

Dr Tom Lewis, horticulture and forestry scientist at AgriScience Queensland,, says private landholders frequently combine grazing with the irregular harvesting of their forests.

However, productivity often is well below what could be achieved, says Dr Lewis.

To improve forest yield and financial returns the project has developed silvicultural guidelines for timber production on private land and produced a simple decision-support computer program that allows an estimation of tree growth on specific sites and expected livestock carrying capacity under a range of tree stocking rates.

The program also estimates above-ground tree biomass and the carbon stored in trees.

Increased forest density means that trees are more prone to insects, diseases, and catastrophic fire. Returning these forest types to a more open stand structure can both enhance forest health and increase forage.

Dr Allan said she was delighted and honoured to be accepted on the FWPA board.

“This will be a great learning environment and my contributions will be around science and science platforms and intellectual property where I hope I can add value to the board,” she said.

With a management and R&D management background, Dr

Page 6 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

Wood and beef .. carbon-positive combination.

Allan is interested in both short and long-term programs and how they fit together – “and the thinking behind them”.

As a director of the Miriuwung Gajerrong (MG) Corporation, Dr Allan is involved in a joint venture partnership between MG and Indian sandalwood company Tropical Forestry Services, known as MG Farms Pty Ltd. The partnership has access to 1000 ha of Western Australia’s Ord irrigation scheme and the MG Corporation has the rights to 400 ha of the new Ord irrigation expansion and the preferential selection on a further 600 ha.

The FWPA board meeting in Sydney on October 29 allowed members to attend the FWPA Ideas Fair and the TABMA Australia industry dinner.

Ron Adams, managing director of Wespine at Dardanup, WA, was reelected FWPA chairman for a third term. Re-appointed directors include Evan Rolley, forest consultant, Jim Snelson, chief executive, Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts, Mark Grey, chief executive, Queensland Eye Hospital, Nick Roberts, chief executive, Forests NSW, and Vince Erasmus, chief excecutive, Elders Forestry, and Ric Sinclair (managing director).

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

TIMBER PRESERVATION

Crunch time for ‘policing’ treated timber as industry concerns grow

By JIM BOWDEN

PROPOSALS for a national quality assurance scheme for treated timber will be a ‘pressure’ agenda item at a meeting of the Timber Preservers Association of Australia council and technical committee meeting in Melbourne next week.

The Queensland Timber Treaters Group is pushing the industry – both chemical suppliers and treaters – to take a fresh look at the idea following the October 1 repeal of the state’s Timber Utilisation Marketing Act (TUMA) and reports of structural failures by a number of non-compliant treated timber products.

Chairman of the treaters group Tim Evans said the industry was looking at quality assurance schemes that were working successfully across the Tasman.

Three quality assurance schemes in New Zealand carry out regular inspections, sampling and testing of treatment plants to ensure compliance with quality requirements and standards: • The NZ Timber Preservers Council, which licences timber treaters to the WOODmark program and charges a levy for its services through preservatives supplied by chemical companies.

The suppliers collect the levies which are added to the charges for the preservatives they supply and then pass them back to the TPC. • The IVSW timber preservation quality assurance program developed through Hill Laboratories to meet industry best practice for timber treatment and the requirements of the NZ preservation standard NZS3640. This is a fee-forservice program.

• The NZ government’s user-

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

pays organisation AsureQuality, a leading provider of biosecurity services.

Respected New Zealand wood protection consultant Jeanette Drysdale said all three systems carried out the same work but in different ways.

“And they’re very effective and Cont Page 12 Long-lasting .. treated timber poles stand the test of time in Sydney Harbour.

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 7

TABMA CELEBRATION

Industry comes together at gala Sydney dinner and awards night

Hard times cloaked at Luna Park celebrations

By JIM BOWDEN

IN the biggest combined industry event since the 1970s, more than 360 revellers at a gala dinner and awards night at Sydney’s Luna Park sidestepped gloomy news of rising interest rates, a weakening housing market and state political uncertainty to lift their heels and let their hair down as 2010 draws to a close.

The event on Friday, October 29, hosted by TABMA Australia at the heritage-listed Crystal Palace Ballroom on the edge of Sydney Harbour, saw industry leaders mingle with timber merchants, architects, building engineers and representatives of Forest and Wood Products Australia; the NSW Forest Products Association; the Timber Development Association (NSW); and the Timber Trade and Industrial Association.

Pre-dinner drinks on the Luna Park boardwalk against a backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House set the mood for festivities, highlighted by the presentation of the annual Australian Timber Design

Ex-sawmiller and timber merchant Roy Edwards and Pamela Heyden of Heyden Frame and Truss, Wyong, NSW, capture the spirit of the TABMA Australia pre-dinner get-together at Luna Park, Milson’s Point, on Sydney Harbour.

Awards, organised by TDA. TABMA chairman Peter Hutchison was encouraged by the numbers; it was great to see so many industry oganisations coming together for the first time at one event.

Guests were welcomed by TABMA chief executive Colin Fitzpatrick who attributed a lot of the success to administrative staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes – Elissa Mizon and Nicollette Molnar.

But Mr Hutchison admitted there were sobering concerns

David McAndrew, chief executive Tasman KB, Gaye Simon, Kaylene McAndrew, and John Simon, Hudson Building Supplies.

Page 8 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

about the timber trade in Sydney – supply issues, housing affordability, interest rates and the looming state elections in March next year.

Along with interest rate pressures on housing, land development costs in New South Wales continue to climb.

“Merchants have plenty of work, but there’s real uncertainty,” he said. “They’re feeling the pinch and there’s not the usual trading rush that builds between September and Christmas like we experienced last year.”

This is the sort of stimulus the timber trade relies on to bridge wages and cost pressures over the festive holiday season.

The decision by the Reserve Bank Board last week to raise interest rates 25 basis point will hit the housing industry hard. And Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has savaged the Commonwealth Bank for a “cynical cash grab” after it raised mortgage rates by close to double the Reserve Bank increase.

“There is compelling evidence that the recovery in residential construction will not be sustained,” says HIA chief economist Harley Dale.

“All leading indicators suggest new housing activity is fast losing momentum, and now the outlook for investment in renovations is also looking less than impressive.

“Furthermore, news from HIA members is that housing conditions in the majority of states are deteriorating markedly.”

Meanwhile, there will be some reticence among many NSW Cont Page 9

Faye and Sam Helou of Craig Timber Products, Sydney, and Linda Harrison, Harrison’s timber, Belmore, NSW.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

TABMA CELEBRATION

Michael Ison, director of Ison and Co, Nowra, NSW (centre) catches up with Norm and Judy Tilling at Luna Park.

Timber & Forestry e-news is the most authoritative and quickest deliverer of news and special features to the forest and forest products industries in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.

Weekly distribution is over 6,400 copies, delivered every Monday. Advertising rates are the most competitive of any industry magazine in the region.

Timber&Forestry e-news hits your target market – every week, every Monday!

HEAD OFFICE Custom Publishing Group Unit 2- 3986 Pacific Highway Loganholme 4129 Qld, Australia PUBLISHER Dennis Macready admin@industryenews.com.au

Allen and Lyn Cox, North Coast Joinery, representing the Window and Door Industry Council (WADIC), and Tess and Mike McMullen, Marrickville Joinery and Hardware, Sydney.

MORE PICTURES, PAGE 13 AND 14 From Page 8

timber merchants to embark on a any big expenditure until after the state elections on March 26.

The Keneally government is the most unpopular Labor government ever in Australia.

Labor’s primary support in New South Wales has sunk to a disastrous level.

The NSW Coalition has double Labor’s support at 46%, while the Greens are performing strongly on 17%. For the first time, Liberal Opposition leader Barry O’Farrell has opened up a clear lead on Kristina Keneally as preferred premier, by 42% to 35%.

“But you’re never sure,” Peter Hutchison said. “We expected a win by the Liberals at the

last election was a foregone conclusion, but it didn’t happen.”

For sure, nothing is certain.

Carrying a French jockey, the Irish-American-bred Americain stormed past favourite So You Think at the 150th Melbourne Cup. Hard times?

Australians wagered a record $107.5 million in the Cup, $98.1 million of it in Victoria and NSW. It is estimated that more than $1 billion was lost in business productivity during the staging of the rain-affected race.

Editor’s note: This is the 150th edition of Timber&Forestry enews so a bet in the 150th Melbourne Cup seemed like a good idea. The result was Shocking!

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

CONSULTING EDITOR Jim Bowden Tel: +61 7 3256 1779 Mob: 0401 312 087 cancon@bigpond.net.au ADVERTISING Tel: +61 7 3256 1779 cancon@bigpond.net.au PRODUCTION MANAGER Leigh Macready production@industryenews.com.au

Opinions expressed on Timber & Forestry e news are not necessarily the opinions of the editor, publisher or staff. We do not accept responsibility for any damage resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising.

The Publisher is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims or damages resulting from content on this e news. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the Publisher- Custom Publishing Group.

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 9

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tropical forestry think tank in Sydney Potential for wood industry in northern Australia THE prospects for the forestry and the wood products industry to further contribute to economic and social goals in northern Australia was under the spotlight in Sydney at a meeting of the Northern Australia Forestry Project technical team.

The project is an initiative of Forestlands Consulting, financially assisted by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and Forest and Wood Products Australia Tropical forestry expert Simon Penfold says the project will be reviewing the potential of forestry activity to support economic and social outcomes in the Kimberley, Northern Territory and in Far North Queensland.

“The project follows the completion of a preliminary review of the hardwood plantation sector in tropical Australia and an examination of current issues, future prospects and development challenges facing forestry in the region,” Mr Penfold said.

“Among other things, we will be paying close attention to the opportunities for tree plantation expansion and related wood

John Halkett (right), Simon Penfold and Dr John Turner .. leading a project to examine the prospects for future forestry activity in tropical Australia.

processing development.”

Director of Forestlands Consulting John Halkett said the project team had now completed an initial round of on-the-ground consultation with key stakeholders, including government agencies, researchers, private forestry companies, land councils and technical forestry experts.

“Notwithstanding that commercial forestry enterprises across tropical Australia have been badly affected by the uncertainty associated with a number of MIS forest schemes,

the prospects for further economically robust plantation activity in parts of northern Australia are promising,” Mr Halkett said.

“Commercially-sound tree plantation opportunities, especially on indigenousowned land, appear to exist with the potential to make a valuable contribution to economic, social and employment objectives.

“These opportunities include ‘new generation’ tree crops and related products, including bioenergy, essential oils and other chemicals.”

Noted forest scientist Dr John Turner adds that plantation forestry in a tropical context is much more demanding than in temperate regions.

“In addition to major considerations such as land suitability and environmental impacts, technical issues like species selection, soil nutrition, water availability, weed and termite control, critical mass, wood processing, distance to markets and infrastructure collectively present challenges for researches and managers,” Dr Turner said.

“However, there is a growing confidence in some species and tropical forestry projects.

For example, with further concerted research effort and sound management, African mahogany and Eucalyptus pellita plantations will be capable of supplying medium density, hardwood timber products at competitive prices.”

Mr Halkett says the project team is close to finalising an indepth background review paper and is advanced in the planning of a Northern Australia forestry forum for key stakeholders to bed held in Cairns in April next year.

Be SURE about INSURANCE Trusted brokers to the timber industry since 1985

Tel: (07) 3010 1823 Mob: 0419 754 681

Page 10 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

Contact Alan Jones Email: alan.jones@premier.austbrokers.com (Licence No. 238123)

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

industry news

Brisbane seminar gives designers answers on EWPs

Efficient structural applications IN today’s difficult trading conditions many in the building and design industry are looking to do more with less – less money and less product.

Engineered timber products are the obvious answer to these requirements.

Responding to this need, Timber Queensland is holding a seminar – Engineered Timber Products: Building an Innovative, Sustainable Future – in Brisbane on November 23.

Timber Queensland’s chief executive Rod McInnes says architects, designers, builders, certifiers and engineers will learn how engineered wood products can make it easier and more viable to incorporate timber into all of their projects.

“Presentations will demonstrate where and how efficiently engineered timber products can be incorporated in a wide range of structural applications, plus they will outline the structural properties and reliability of the products,” he said.

“One of the important topics to be covered, particularly for those working in Brisbane’s growth corridor, is how effectively engineered timber products work on sloping sites.

Simon Dorries .. innovative use of plywood and LVL.

Structural plywood .. capable of carrying load reliably and safely.

“Only 35% of land being developed is flat enough to allow a concrete slab construction without significant cut and fill required. This seminar will address how engineered timber systems work in these situations.”

The expert panel of speakers includes Simon Dorries, general manger of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia who will outline some of the innovative uses of plywood, LVL, glulam and I-beams.

Other presenters include Stephen Bolden, product development manger, structural softwood, Hyne (engineered timber products in commercial and residential applications); Ron Green, market development manager, Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia (innovative prefabricated panelised systems for sloping and remote sites); and Colin MacKenzie, manager, application and use, Timber Queensland (specifying engineered timber products for durability).

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 11

TIMBER PRESERVATION

Hard pressed to find testing laboratory Now that the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and

the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, which has internationallyapproved laboratories for its own QC testing programs, would be prepared to ‘tack on’ testing of solid treated timber to its scheme is a matter for discussion.

Just Go t ood W

ne ree

r sm

Page 12 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

A curly question for the TPAA meeting in Melbourne is the subject of laboratory testing.

Innovation has discontinued its user-pays service, industry will be hard pressed to find suitable laboratories for testing samples, either water-borne preservatives or the more complicated organic modicules such as azoles.

Whether organisations such as

G

they’re actually policed,” Ms Drysdale said.

“The industry in New Zealand is more compacted than in Australia; everyone wants to treat their wood correctly and if somebody fails to comply then everybody knows about it.”

Ms Drysdale said treaters carried out their own testing, working with chemical suppliers, which was documented in a quality manual.

“The quality assurance organisations audit these manuals and make regular unannounced visits to plants to spot check and take their own samples of the different preservatives for different hazard classes,” she said.

“The visits are quite regular – usually every three months – and samples are sent off for independent laboratory testing.”

Ms Drysdale said the TPC scheme operated as a levy – so many dollars per tonne of preservative – which was collected in payments to the chemical suppliers who in turn passed them back to the TPC. The IVSW and AsureQuality schemes were an arrangement between the assurance providers and the treaters and charges were determined on the number of visits to the plant and how many analyses were taken.

Chemical companies have also accepted a responsibility to see that treatment plants don’t over or under treat wood.

Industry observers believe similar schemes might work in Australia but how a national quality assurance scheme is to be financed must be addressed.

Who pays?

Financial contributions to such a scheme would be needed from both chemical suppliers and individual treaters which would likely result in an increase in the price per cubic metre of treated wood as these costs

would have to be passed on to the consumer.

Treated

From Page 7

MicroPro

®

Copper Quat

looks different, because it is different!

NOW

AVAI LAB

LE IN

AUST

RALI

A!

Visit: www.osmose.com.au or phone: 1800 088 809 Osmose® and MicroPro® are registered trademarks of Osmose, Inc. or its subsidiaries. A Better Earth Idea from Osmose sm and Treated Wood Just Got Greener sm are slogan marks of Osmose Inc and its subsidiaries. GREENGUARD® is a registered trademark of GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. MicroPro timber products are produced by independently owned and operated wood preserving facilities.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

TABMA CELEBRATION

Putting on a happy face at Luna Park after the closure of their Merbein sawmill at Merbein, NSW, are Elaine and Doug Rowe. They lost their resource after the conversion of red gum forests to national park.

Northern NSW hardwood icons Lexie and Ron Hurford of Hurford Hardwoods, Lismore.

Enjoying pre-dinner drinks at the TABMA Australia dinner at Luna Park are international forestry consultant Evan Shield and partner Dr Diana Diaz, forest research, INTA Concordia, Argentina. Mr Shield, now based in South America, has practiced as a forest industry consultant for more than 30 years. He has undertaken extensive international work, particularly in Spain and South America, concentrating on eucalyptus plantations and their management for higher-value utilisation, particularly sawnwood and rotary veneer production. While in Sydney, Mr Shield addressed the annual general meeting of the NSW Forest Products Association.

Senator Richard Colbeck, federal Coalition spokesman for forestry (centre) chats with Geoff Henley, program manager, NZ Wood, Wellington (left) and Michael Buckley, director, Turnstone, Singapore, at the TABMA Australia ‘icebreaker’.

Brian and Jennie Coleman, representing Gunnersen Pty Ltd, Sydney.

Robert Nestic, co-vice-president, Tim Gibney and Associates, Lindall and Richard Houg, principal, Arup consulting engineers, Tim Gibney and Kevin Ezard of Ezard Marketing.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 13

TABMA CELEBRATION

New ideas: high-value composites, farm trees

Happy group at Luna Park .. Ian Halliday, general manager, Harper Timber, Pendle Hill, Rod Magick, Harper Timber, and Glenn Tilling, managing director, Tilling, Kilsyth, Vic.

Getting together at Luna Park .. Brad Schott of Bates Smart Architects, Peter Hutchison, MiTek Australia and president of TABMA, and Mark Willey, Gunnersen Pty Ltd.

Gordon Michael, director, Weathertex, Sydney, meets up with Hartley Higgins, publisher. Australian Timberman.

Page 14 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

FWPA events in Sydney .. Christine Stomps, senior communications coordinator, Forest and Wood Products Australia, welcomes Rob McGavin, senior research scientist at the Salisbury Research Centre, Agri-Science Queensland, Dr Russell Washusen, formerly CSIRO, Matthew Lovering, R&D communications consultant, and Dr Tom Lewis, horticulture and forestry research scientist at Agri-Science Queensland.

Mr McGavin outlined work and research on high-value timber composite panels from hardwood plantation thinnings at the FPWA ideas fair in Sydney. The project is developing ways to process smaller diameter, low-value logs from both plantation thinnings and final harvesting, and turning them into strong, high-value engineered timber products such as plywood formwork.

Helping farmers grow valuable forests for timber production is at the core of a project outlined by Dr Tom Lewis. Tree growth relationships and silvicultural tools are assisting stand management in private native spotted gum dominant forests in Queensland and northern New South Wales. To improve forest yield and financial returns, the project has developed silvicultural guidelines for timber production on private land; produced a simple decision-support computer program that allows an estimation of tree growth on specific sites, expected livestock carrying capacity under a range of tree stockings and an aboveground tree biomass and carbon stored in trees; and established experiments to measure the effect of different agroforestry regimes in farm forests.

And a good time was had by all .. Colin Fitzpatrick, chief executive, TABMA Australia, Lawrie Halkett and his wife Kay, NZ Pine Manufacturers Association, Nelson, Maxeine McKeon, Harvey World Travel, Erina, NSW, and John Halkett, Forestlands Consulting, Sydney.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

TABMA CELEBRATION

‘Wood – beautiful wood’: architects score national recognition for design

Recycled hardwoods, hoop pine veneers feature in awards “WOOD, beautiful wood – Australian hardwoods, hoop pine veneers, plywood feature panels – we use it everywhere we can in our designs,” enthused architect David Boyle, winner of the overall national timber design award announced at the gala TABMA industry dinner at Sydney’s Luna Park.

Mr Boyle, who won the award with the best entry in the residential class 1 renovation category, echoed the sentiments of another big winner on the night – Brad Schott of Bates Smart Architects, Sydney, who was presented with the coveted EWPAA Sanderson Trophy for best use of plywood.

“I like to use timber because it’s just so accurate,” Mr Schott said. “It’s surprising just how inaccurate working with steel can be. When you get it on site you often have to belt it with a hammer to get it to fit the design specs, but with timber you get accuracy to within millimetres.”

Both architects joined a string of companies announced as national winners of the Australian Timber Design Awards, which again this year were selected from regional placegetters.

The use of timber was critical to realising the initial design concept of David Boyle’s grand prize-winner, the BurridgeReed residence on the edge of a national park.

The timber framed structure has been twisted, stepped and stretched to the edges of the site. The bedroom wing projects over the landscape like a cantilevered rock shelf and is supported by a twisted structure reminiscent of angophora branches.

The exterior, using random western red cedar battens, will weather and develop a patina

Managing director of Forest and Wood Products Australia Ric Sinclair (right) presents the overall Australian Timber Design Award to David Boyle of David Boyle Architects, while project architect James Fraser looks on.

Jim Bowden presents the perpetual Sanderson Trophy on behalf of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia to Brad Schott, project architect with Bates Smart Architects, Sydney, who won for best use of plywood in the Australian Timber Design Awards – Sydney Water.

of clear finished FC. Internally, recycled Blackbutt flooring has been left half sanded to retain some of the original green paint reminiscent of the adjoining wharf. All joinery was hand crafted on site including mixed NSW North Coast hardwood for the 4 m long kitchen island and hoop pine veneer marine grade plywood for other joinery, internal sliding doors, wall

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

panels and shelving.

Plywood was also used in the ensuite as the curved wall panel around the bath and for the cantilevered window reveal, framing the view and extending into the bedroom. The vanity and another triangular bay window in the bedroom, projects from the walls like hanging rock shelves. These have a sculptural quality made possible by the flexibility of

timber.

Recycled railway speelers were used for the driveway and bench seating and economical structural ply bracing was used as a surround to the doors to the deck. Random width Blackbutt was used in the decking and also for the handrail framing.

Plywood was used extensively in a green five-star office building and warehouse complex in Sydney that won Bates Smart Architects the perpetual Sanderson Trophy presented for the fourth year by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

The Sydney Water project for the Sydney Water Corporation at Potts Hill was a total timber structure, using an enormous amount of FSC certified sugar gum cladding and a mixture of sugar gum and white mahogany in decks and internal flooring.

Biggest application of plywood was used in interior joinery, wall panelling, reception area and feature ‘blades’ on the ceilings.

“The hoop pine plywood had a robust, industrial feel about it; it’s solid and it exudes warmth,” Brad Schott said.

“We maximised these traits by exposing the edges of the plywood where we could.

The perforations, routed grooves and exposed polished edges utilised the thickness and structure of this unique material.

“We fabricated big, thick 75 mm edges and exposed those on joinery benches to highlight plywood’s solid features.”

A new People’ Choice Award this year encouraged the public to vote online for their favourite project. This was won by Regatta Foreshore Kiosk and Amenities Building entered by Day Cont Page 16

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 15

TABMA CELEBRATION

People’s choice award From Page 15

Bukh Architects and featured recycled red ironbark for the visible structural members, spotted gum external, cladding, and recycled turpentine for the external boardwalk, chosen for its excellence in a marine environment.

The cladding consists of 150 mm high boards with a 5 deg. chamfer to allow water runoff.

Timber was chosen for the buildings as a historical reference to the original boathouses and sheds that lined the shores of a lake.

Michael Buckley, representing the American Hardwood Export Council, a sponsor of the design awards for the first time, was on hand to see American white oak feature in an apartment design that won categories for both interior fitout residential and best use of timber flooring.

The entry featured handscraped limed American oak engineered flooring. Associated joinery in the dining area, bedroom and bathroom was fitted out in matching oak.

National winners 2010 Australian Timber Design Award: David Boyle Architect for Burridge Read Residence.

People’s Choice Award: Day Bukh Architects for Regatta Foreshore Kiosk and Amenities Building.

EWPAA trophy for best use of plywood and LVL: Bates Smart

Architects for Sydney Water Corporation buildings.

Environmental Commitment: Turner and Associates Architects and Taylor Thomson Whitting Consulting Engineers for Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. Residential Class 1 – New Buildings: Richard Cole Architecture for Hilltop House.

Residential Class 1 – Best Renovation: David Boyle Architect for Burridge Read Residence.

Resorts: Turner and Associates Architects and Taylor Thomson Whitting Consulting Engineers for Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. Public or Commercial Buildings: Day Bukh Architects for Regatta Foreshore Kiosk and Amenities Building.

Interior Fitout (commercial): Tonkin Zulaikha Greer for Glasshouse: Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre.

Interior Fitout (residential): Jolson for Albert Road Apartment.

Outdoor Timber: ManoArchitects for iLLUMS Box. Sustainable Design (commercial): Turner and Associates Architects and Taylor Thomson Whitting Consulting Engineers for Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. Sustainable Design (residential): Breathe Architecture for Transformer House.

Overall winner of the Australian Timber Design Awards ..

Burridge Read Residence by David Boyle.

Page 16 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

Ronald Green, market development manager, Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia (right) presents the Timber Design Award (residential Class 1 new buildings) to Richard Cole of Richard Cole Architecture, Avalon Beach, NSW.

Senator Richard Colbeck, federal Coalition spokesman for forestry (left) presents the Timber Design Award (residential Class 1 best renovation) to David Boyle of David Boyle Architects, Pretty Beach, NSW.

Andrew Hurford of Hurford Hardwood, Lismore, and chairman of the NSW Forest Products Association, make a special presentation to Rachel Jee, former long-serving FPA business manager, at the Luna Park industry event.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Drying cycles and economic cycles smoothed out by Smithco propellers WHAT do drying cycles and economic cycles have in common? Both can be better managed with Smithco dry kiln propellers to improve drying and the bottom line.

Smithco has made propellers with S-profile blades for 20 years to provide true 100% reversibility for fully uniform drying cycles and highest throughput. Smithco propellers come in 4, 6, 8 and 12-bladed modes and range in size from 30 in. to 84 in. diameter.

The fans can be configured for maximum air flow with lowest power usage; and to support its customers, Smithco will supply customised engineering analyses to document the efficiencies.

Smithco’s legendary durability adds to the economics, as well. The advantages start with

News and images about new products and services are invited for the regular NEW PRODUCTS section Smithco’s superior engineering that then takes shape in their permanent-mold aluminum blades and hubs which are heat-treated for longest life in punishing kiln environments.

Smithco’s precision molded aluminum hubs include stainless steel hardware and are balanced for low-noise, vibration-free operation.

Another efficiency factor is the fast and accurate blade-pitch angle setting in every Smithco propeller, using Smithco’s

exclusive Degree Gauge.

Blades may be set in increments as fine as one degree.

“Wood dryers around the world are discovering the performance and return-on-investment they get with Smithco propellers,” says Tracy Smith, president of Smithco Manufacturing, Inc. in Portland, Oregon.

“Their needs drive our business.”

Whether retrofitting kilns or building new, Smithco’s family of propellers allows kiln owners to tailor their drying process to fit their circumstances and to optimize the cost-benefit ratio for their kiln application.

Whether retrofitting kilns or building new, Smithco’s family of propellers allow kiln owners to tailor their drying process to fit their circumstances and to optimize the cost-benefit ratio

Smithco dry kiln propellers .. improving the bottom line.

for their kiln applications.

Now the most popular propeller used by major kiln manufacturers in the US. and Canada, Smithco is also widely used in Australasia, South America, South Africa, Central Europe and Eastern Europe, including Russia.

WIN WIN

ADVERTISERS This is a winning time for smart marketers

NOW is the time to increase your business market share in the most cost effective manner AD PACKAGE RATES NOW AVAILABLE CONTACT +61 7 3256 1779

reach your market weekly • direct delivery • very affordable

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 150 | 08.11.10 | Page 17

Classifieds CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Standards Reference Committee AS 4708

Standards Reference Committee for the Revision of AS 4708 – Australian Forestry Standard for Sustainable Forest Management

Be involved to make a change

With the five-yearly review of Australia’s sustainable forest management standards about to commence, the opportunity to help ensure Australia’s forest management remains at the forefront of sustainability is open to every interested stakeholder group.

Nominations are open for membership of the broad and inclusive Standards Review Committee. The Committee will consist of around twenty people from a range of backgrounds, interests and expertise.

Nominations to participate on the Standards Reference Committee for the Australian Standard in Sustainable Forest Management will be based on area of expertise. Preference will be given to those nominated or endorsed by a National representative body, although individual nominations can be made and will be considered.

To put forward a nomination please download the Participation Kit from the AFSL website: www.forestrystandard.org.au or email Standards-Revision@forestrystandard.org.au to request a Participation kit.

The Standards Revision division of Australian Forestry Standards Limited is holding a Briefing Seminar on the process to participate and be involved in the revision of AS 4708 – Australian Forestry Standard for Sustainable Forest Management Date/time: Thursday 4h November, 2010 commencing at 12:30 pm to 2 pm Location: The Windsor Hotel, 111 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria Includes: Sit-down lunch Topic: Standards Reference Committee AS 4708 –

Be involved to make a change RSVP: Email: Phone:

By Monday 1 November. 2010 Standards-Revision@forestrystandard.org.au or 02 6122 9000

Why taking an ad with us is the best value for you!

• More than 6,500 deliveries and 15,000 viewers each week • Read and re-read everyday as the most authoritative industry information medium • Best rates, best service - unbeatable • Faster, wider penetration of your message in Australiasia than any other industry publication • Adverts take readers and potential clients direct to websites Contact Timber & Forestry Enews Tel: +61 7 3256 1776 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

Page 18 | issue 150 | 08.11.10

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

Timber & Forestry e news is published

by Custom Publishing Group.

Timber & Forestry e news is a full colour e magazine emailed every Monday to Decision Makers within the Australian and New Zealand Timber and Forestry sectors.

Advertising is booked with a minimum 4 week booking with discounts for 12, 24 and 48 week bookings.

RATES

12 week- 7.5% Discount 24 week- 10% Discount 48 week- 15% Discount Classified ads can be booked in a per issue basis.

All advertisements link to customer websites or email address with an option for rich text (flash).

BENEFITS:

DIRECT PENETRATION via email.

WEEKLY opposed to monthly alternatives.

NEWS that is up to date that will ensure readership.

COST EFFECTIVE advertising rates.

S

Display Ads

Display Ads Minimum 4 issue booking

Full Page Bleed Half Page Vertical Half Page Horizontal Third Page Horizontal Quarter Page Vertical Eighth Page Front Page Third Horizonal Front Page Masthead

Rate per Issue + GST $330 $182 $182 $143 $120 $72 $176 $77

Size Specifications Height x Width 303mm x 216mm 254mm x 93mm 125mm x 190mm 73mm x 190mm 125mm x 93mm 60mm x 93mm 73mm x 190mm 33mm x 45mm

Classifieds

Classified Ads per week

Half Page Vertical Quarter Page Vertical Eighth Page Horizontal Full Page Bleed

$182 $120 $72 $330

220mm x 93mm 107mm x 93mm 51mm x 93mm 303mm x 216m

Extras: Video and Animated ads - Add 20% per issue Artwork Specifications: Please supply all artwork as High Resolution (300dpi) Pdf’s or jpegs.

Send artwork to production@industryenews.com.au

DEADLINES Booking – Noon Wednesday for Monday edition. Material – Noon Thursday Terms: Account Clients- 14 days New Accounts: Payment on Booking All Classifieds- Payment on booking (Credit card preferred)

All prices quoted plus GST and based on Art being supplied.

We can create artwork if required – Eighth/Quarter $44 Half $66 which will be billed if complete art is not supplied to our specifications.

Video: Maximum 3 meg swf file. Animation: gif file Due to the regularity of timber & forestry e news and the tight deadlines no customer proofs can be sent.

Advertising Sales Custom Publishing Group Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

T: (07) 32561776

e: cancon@bigpond.net.au

Production T: (07) 3841 8075 3392 9810 issue 150

| 08.11.10 | Page 19

e: production@industryenews.com.au

www.industryenews.com.au