Issue 173

6518

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issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 1

Timber scores in Yasi report

This Issue • Budget ‘neutral’ for forest sector • New Zealand ETS leading the way

Structural performance in cyclone a testament to modern building codes in buildings constructed or extensively modified since the 1980s indicated that where they were correctly applied, current building regulations were able to deliver a satisfactory outcome for most of the building structure.

“This is as it should be; wind speeds experienced by houses in the surveyed area were less than the design wind speed,” Dr Geoff Boughton, one of the lead investigators said.

“But there were some

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Eye of the storm .. engineered wood products survived Yasi.

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TIMBER building codes adopted for northern Australia after Darwin’s Cyclone Tracy and continuously developed by industry over the last 35 years have scored high marks in a new report on the structural performance of buildings hit by tropical Cyclone Yasi in February.

The report by post-cyclone investigators at James Cook University’s Townsville wind testing station says the low incidence of damage

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issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 1

INDUSTRY NEWS

A date for your diaries!

INDUSTRY SEMINAR The Supply Chain: Obstacles and Opportunities

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 173 | 16.05.11

Industry plan required to address longer term resource security issues.

Budget ‘neutral’ for forest sector

Government must commit to an industry plan: AFPA THE Australian Forest Products Association has labelled the Federal Budget as “neutral” for industry and continues to call on the government to commit to a comprehensive industry plan.

Transitional AFPA chief executive Allan Hansard said a comprehensive industry plan, including the implementation of the Pulp and Paper Industry Strategy, was required to address the longer term resource security issues which are being exacerbated by short-term issues like the high Australian dollar and increasing overseas competition.

“Overall, the industry continues to face many challenges such as a lack of future wood resource for the plantation and native forest sectors,” he said.

“Australia must increase our plantation resource base, particularly for long-rotation plantations.”

Reaction to the $350 billion budget, which set the government on course for a $3.5 billion surplus in 2012-3,

has been lukewarm, although extra spending on mental health and training has been welcomed.

Treasurer Wayne Swan faces problems convincing the Australian Greens, whose support will be needed to get the budget through the Senate, that new requirements to get more people off welfare and into work are not too harsh.

But the treasurer insists that the reforms, as well as $22 billion in government spending cuts, are needed in an economy on the verge of a $76 billion mining boom.

Labor has promised to create 500,000 jobs over the next three years, with the jobless rate expected to average 4.5% by mid-2013.

Mr Hansard said the forest industry supported the Budget initiatives dealing with skills enhancement, regional infrastructure and biosecurity measures.

“Broader skills enhancement policies announced in the Cont Page 9

Friday, October 28 Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont, Sydney TABMA Australia and the Australian Timber Importers Federation are joining forces to stage the timber industry’s ‘must attend’ event for 2011.

The seminar will cover key political and operational aspects of the timber industry supply chain, together with wider timber industry business environment, wood-based product marketing and matters related to company-level business issues.

The event will appeal to the broad cross section of companies and organisations in the timber supply chain, their suppliers, supporters and related businesses and interests.

Early sponsorship of this high-profile industry event is invited to guarantee maximum exposure.

Watch for regular updates.

Seminar details and sponsorship packages available from: Colin Fitzpatrick, Timber and Building Materials Association Tel: 02 9277 3100 John Halkett, Australian Timber Importers Federation Tel: 02 9356 3826

www.tabma.com.au

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TIMBER PERFORMANCE

Building codes saved towns from destruction by 295 km/hour winds Plywood bracing racks up a ‘no-failure’ report

From Page 1

exceptions.”

The cyclone testing station, in partnership with the Australian Building Codes Board, despatched four teams of experts to study the performance of buildings after Yasi and its storm surge battered towns along a 350 km coastal strip from Cairns to Townsville.

Yasi was one of the more intense cyclones in Australia’s recent history. A massive category 5 storm over 600 km, it clocked wind speeds of 295 km an hour at its greatest intensity.

Modern timber building codes

Resilience .. timber houses built on modern building codes stand up to cyclone’s fury.

appear to have saved many towns from total destruction.

Builders in the region interviewed by T&F enews

told how buildings built from ‘flexible’ timber products had survived high winds and storm surges while in many cases

internal concrete wall blocks had cracked and steel roof battens had failed.

David Henderson, research fellow at the testing station, said there were no reports of failures with ‘modern’ structural plywood bracing after severe wind speeds.

He said the exceptions to the generally good performance of contemporary houses were roller doors, concrete tile roofs and water entry.

“These reports validate all of the research and development invested in standards for plywood bracing over the past Cont Page 8

The 2011 conference has been specifically scheduled to coincide with Parliamentary sitting week to maximise engagement opportunities with MPs. It is highly recommended that interested conference attendees to make travel arrangements early, as flights and accommodation are difficult to secure during Parliamentary sitting weeks.

Associated workshops and meetings will be held on September 13 and 15.

Registrations open soon.

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

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

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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

issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 3

Celebrate innovation and advances in forestry, wood products and design just before the international rugby starts on 9 September. Be part of the forestry and wood processing revolution. If you have anything to do with wood you and your company must be there.

Book your place and get more information, www.fi2011.co.nz The PF Olsen Forest Industries Expo 2011 will showcase the latest equipment, technology and systems from New Zealand and around the world, to an international audience. You can book to attend or register for a display site indoors or outdoors through www.fi2011.co.nz The BNZ Forest Industries Tech Clinics will feature 14 practical and independent clinics that will cover every facet of the forestry sector, from new tools for improving efficiencies in forest management through to the very latest in timber design, construction and building practices. For more information go to www.fi2011.co.nz.

The BNZ Forest Industries Conference on 7 September will focus on innovation and design in timber construction following the tragic earthquakes in Japan and Christchurch (2011), Haiti (2010), Chile (2010) and Italy (2009).

International speakers will cover recent major advances in design, technology and construction. For more information go to www.fi2011.co.nz

Page 4 | issue 173 | 16.05.11

www.fi2011.co.nz

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events

WHAT’S ON? MAY 18: Cut the Cost + Lift the Load workshop. Aimed at CEOs, managing directors, business owners, managers, workplace health and safety staff. Stay abreast of current obligations and get ahead of imminent changes to workplace health and safety and workers compensation in the timber industry with an informationpacked breakfast and workshop.

Venue: Broncos Leagues Club, Red Hill, Brisbane. 7:15 am registration; 7:30 am- 9.15 am breakfast; 9:45 am-2.30 pm workshop. Contact: Shannon Axman-Friend, Events Marketing, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland. Tel: +61 409 348 011. Web: www.cciq. com.au 20-22: Timber & Working with Wood Show. RNA showgrounds, Brisbane. Contact: (02) 9974 1393.

Fax: (02) 9974 3426, Email: info@ eee.net.au 24: TABMA credit seminar breakfast, 7.30 am sharp. Rydges Parramatta. Trade credit insurance, debtors factoring and personal property securities reform.

Trade credit insurance protects receivables against loss due to the insolvency of, or protracted default by, trade debtors. TABMA together with IMC Newbury has developed a unique industry program underwritten by QBE exclusively for TABMA members. Cost $35 pp (+gst). Contact John Theoharris on (02) 9277 3144. Numbers strictly limited.

25: Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) and New Zealand Institute of Forestry Conference (ANZIF 2011). Auckland NZ.

Theme: ‘Pacific Forestry’. Visit www.anzifconference.co.nz 30-June 3: LIGNA Hannover Wood Fair.

JUNE 15-17: SawTECH 2011. Sawing technologies to improve mill performance. Brisbane. Visit www. fiea.com.nz 17-19: Timber & Working with Wood Show. The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney. Contact: (02) 9974 1393. Fax: (02) 9974 3426, Email: info@eee.net.au 26-28: Build NZ. ASB Show grounds, Auckland.

JULY 7: HIA Industry Outlook Luncheon, HIA Home Ideas Centre, 28 Collie Street, Fyshwick ACT. Contact (02) 6285 7300.

13-14: Carbon Forestry 2011.

Key investment drivers and future business opportunities. Auckland, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz 19-20: FTMA Australia National Conference, Newcastle. Join FTMA Australia members on Tuesday, July 29, and network over golf at the Newcastle Golf Club and other activities. Wednesday, July 20,FTMA Australia AGM prior to conference commencing at 10am.

21-22: Reinventing Wood. Pine Manufacturers Association and Wood Processors Association joint annual conference.

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, NZ. Participate and learn how industry intends to position itself, post-Canterbury earthquakes.

Reinventing Wood aims to lift the focus of participants from

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commodity production to highvalued manufactured and branded timber solutions in domestic and export markets. Strong emphasis on the potential for re-creating Christchurch with innovative wooden building. Registration form: www.pine.net.nz/annualconference/registration-2001 Program www.pine.net.nz/annualconferenceprogramme-2001.

Contact: NZPMA. Tel: +64 3 544 1086. Email: info@pine.net.nz Visit: www.pine.net.nz

SEPTEMBER 5-7: NZ Forest Industries Expo 2011. Venue: Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Forest industry leaders and companies from across the world are booking their tickets to participate in the expo (FI2011) and make the most of the 2011 Rugby World Cup while they’re there. Exhibition sites have already been booked by a number of NZ and Australian companies, and inquiries being received from Canada, China, Vietnam and Austria. The expo will showcase the best that Rotorua, the wider Bay of Plenty region and the rest of New Zealand has to offer when it comes to forestry and wood products. Contact: Dell Bawden.

Email: office@bawden.co.nz Website site: fi2010.co.nz

October 16-19: SilviLaser 2011. University of Tasmania, Hobart. Visit www. silvilaser2011.com 21-23: Timber & Working with Wood Show. Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale. Contact: (02) 9974 1393. Fax: (02) 9974 3426, Email: info@eee. net.au

Australia’s forest, wood, pulp and paper products industry now has a stronger voice in dealings with government, the community and in key negotiations on the industry’s future, as two peak associations have merged to form a single national association.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has been formed through the merger of the Australian Plantations Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI).

AFPA was established to cover all aspects of Australia’s forest industry: - Forest growing; - Harvest and haulage; - Sawmilling and other wood processing; - Pulp and paper processing; and - Forest product exporting.

For more information on the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) or to enquire about membership , please call (02) 6285 3833.

issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 5

ANZIF CONFERENCE

Pacific forestry professionals to work together DELEGATES to the 7th ANZIF conference have agreed that forestry professionals in the Pacific region will work closer together on such matters as promotion and advocacy for the production and use of timber and other forest products, the sustainable management of forests and the need for greater professional forestry input into forest policies in the region.

ANZIF is the four-yearly joint conference between the New Zealand Institute of Forestry and the Institute of Foresters of Australia . The 2011 conference, held during the United Nations International Year of Forests, included participation by the Commonwealth Forestry Association (CFA) and forestry professionals from the wider Pacific region.

More than 300 forestry professionals from 20 countries assembled at Sky City, Auckland for the conference “Pacific Forestry – Growing a Forestry Future”. Delegates debated a wide range of issues facing forests, forestry and forestry professionals, before agreeing to a set of 20 items which have been referred to the NZIF, the IFA and the CFA for further action.

“Delegates were united in the need for greater recognition of the value of sustainably managed forests and for recognition that timber and other forest products are essential for society and have environmental benefits not found in many products used by modern society that are not derived from forests”, Dr Andrew McEwen, president of the NZIF, said.

The conference also called for greater support for forestry professionals in smaller Pacific

Page 6 | issue 173 | 16.05.11

Dr Andrew McEwen .. establishing a network of forestry professionals.

countries from the NZIF, IFA and CFA. “During the conference, steps were taken to initiate a network of forestry professionals to increase engagement with our Pacific neighbours and to investigate ways in which the NZIF and IFA might facilitate exchanges of personnel and experience and promote the use of professional standards including codes of ethics,” Dr McEwen said.

“This is certainly something I am keen to see happen and will work with my colleagues in NZIF and with the IFA and CFA to see what we can do to help.”

IFA president Peter Volker added: “It is also a concern that governments throughout the region, including Australia and New Zealand, have reduced the role of professional forestry advisers, despite the importance of forests in contributing to carbon capture and storage.”

“Our Pacific neighbours are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts as a result of our domestic forest policies.”

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ANZIF CONFERENCE

Forester of year award well earned

Peter Weir’s contribution to NZ industry recognised RESPECTED forester Peter Weir of Christchurch is New Zealand’s Forester of the Year.

He was presented with the award at the NZ Institute of Forestry’s annual conference in Auckland.

NZIF president Dr Andrew McEwen said the award recognised leadership, excellence and personal integrity.

Consideration is given to the nominee’s contribution to New Zealand’s economic, social and environmental development, the use of innovation and new technologies or the creation of a new product or business of significance to forestry.

Mr Weir is corporate support manager for Ernslaw One Ltd., based in Christchurch. But it is his role in promoting the needs of the wider forestry sector for which he is better known.

As a member of the executive council of NZ Forest Owners Association and chair of the FOA environment and resources committee, Mr Weir represents the forest industry on the National Environment Standard for forestry working group, the FSC International forest carbon policy working group, the Land and Water Forum, the Primary Sector Water Partnership, the Wilding Conifer project group the Douglas Fir Association and the FSC cluster group.

Previously he has been a member of the Forest Owners Association’s health, safety and training committee, chaired the Division of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Forest Sector in British Columbia, Canada, and chaired the NZ Mountain Safety Council Snow and Avalanche Committee.

He contributed to the NZFOA Environmental Code of Practice and was a NZ forest industry representative at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Montreal in 2005.

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“It is Peter’s tireless and professional approach to representing forestry in a wide range of issues that has earned the respect of his peers and led to the award of NZIF 2011 Forester of the Year,” Dr McEwen said.

Forester of the Year .. Peter Weir (right) receives his award from New Zealand’s Minister of Forestry David Carter.

– Photo Neilson Publications

issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 7

TIMBER PERFORMANCE

Guidelines needed for upgrading older houses in storm surge zone From Page 3

35 years,” the general manger of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Simon Dorries said.

“Wood strengths, designs and connectors are constantly changing and engineered products are continuously tested in EWPAA laboratories.”

Mr Dorries said wind and earthquakes had historically caused damage to low-rise buildings in Australia.

“These potentially damaging phenomena result in all buildings requiring bracing, especially those with modern open plan design with wide, clear span openings,” he said.

“Structural plywood provides a reliable means to brace these building frames in accordance with AS1684 – Residential Timber- Framed Construction.”

Mr Dorries said EWPAA structural plywood was thirdparty audited under the JAS-

Well-braced for Yasi .. structural plywood top performer in cyclonic winds.

ANZ accredited product certification scheme to fully comply with AS/NZS 2269.0 ‘plywood-structural’.

Bonded with durable ‘marine’ A Bond, the proven performance of structural plywood was based on extensive laboratory testing of full size wall panels.

“Permanent bracing enables the

roof, wall and floor framework to resist horizontal forces (racking forces) applied to the building,” Mr Dorries said.

“Appropriate connection transfers these forces through the framework and sub-floor structure to the building’s foundation.”

He said the horizontal wind (racking) forces from wind flows on the top half of external cladding were transferred into the ceiling (roof or top floor) diaphragm. These forces could be safely and reliably resisted by vertical structural plywood shear walls orientated parallel to the wind direction.

David Henderson said the CTS report showed that older houses were affected more than contemporary housing in the cyclone.

“The report recommends action to inspect and where necessary, upgrade older houses,” he said.

“It also proposes that guidelines

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are needed for houses in the storm surge zone.”

He said the timber industry should refer to Standard Australia’s HB 132.2 Australian handbook to gauge how engineered wood products might be incorporated in any upgrading of older housing after cyclones.

“The handbook takes a fairly traditional AS1684 view on this,” he said.

Mr Henderson said the industry should also look at the water ingress and the good performance of structural plywood bracing after Yasi, particularly in the Tully Heads region which was inundated with salt water from a storm surge, and how these products might play out for their longterm structural resistance.

North Queensland awardwinning builder Ken Fox confirmed that engineered wood products, especially plywood bracing, had stood up well against Cyclone Yasi.

“We inspected many houses in the path of the cyclone and in all cases there were no problems with any timber products that complied with building codes.

“But we did find problems with concrete tile roofs and internal concrete block wall supports that had moved and cracked in the storm.

Mr Fox said cyclonic winds had also uncovered some nasty surprises with steel roof battens.

“Some of these steel battens will have to be replaced after only five years of use. There was rust all around the screws.

How the roofs stayed on is beyond me.”

Ken Fox Homes, which has won 28 Master Builder awards and five Housing Industry Association awards, including Cont Page 12

Page 8 | issue 173 | 16.05.11

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industry news

Budget policy likely to ease skills drain away from the forest sector From Page 2

Budget, particularly in regional areas, are likely to ease the skills drain away from the forest industry towards the mining sector,” he said.

“Improved investment in rural and regional infrastructure is also welcome as it will enable regional industries to operate more effectively and efficiently.

“We have also been advocating for more work to be done on bolstering biosecurity – particularly given the recent outbreak of myrtle rust which could have major impacts on the forest industry as well as for the health of native forests generally.”

AFPA notes the $300,000 allocated to the ongoing Tasmanian forest industry

Alan Hansard ..increasing plantation resource a ‘must’.

Warren Truss .. budget confusing regional Australians.

negotiations, although there are only limited details as to how the funds will be used.

“The funding for the Tasmanian process will be useful in communicating the quite complex process to

stakeholders and resources are also required to assist with policy analysis.”

AFPA also looks forward to the announcement of further details on the government’s carbon policies in coming months.

“The forest industry has a lot to offer in greenhouse gas abatement and urges the government to consider these opportunities as part of a comprehensive climate policy,” Mr Hansard said.

Meanwhile, industry and environmental groups are concerned about the lack of money in the Budget for Tasmania’s forest peace deal. About $300,000 has been allocated to keep the negotiations going, but there is no funding for a timber industry exit package.

The Wilderness Society’s Vica Bayley says it is a worrying sign.

“It comes on top of deafening silence from both the state Cont Page 14

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issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 9

EVENTS

New Zealand ETS leading the way

Auckland carbon forestry forum a ‘first’ OF the 30-plus emissions trading schemes operating around the world, New Zealand’s ETS is leading the way with its close integration to the forestry sector.

The NZ forestry estate is critical for New Zealand to meet its emissions targets, under the Kyoto Protocol.

While it’s still early days, two recent studies, the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Position Report and the Projected Net Position Report, both showed improvements to New Zealand’s ability to meet its Kyoto commitments.

“These reports show the ETS working effectively in the forestry sector with deforestation ending when the scheme took effect in 2008,”

InSurAnce..

It’S All In the SelectIon

Nick Smith .. positive reduction in emissions.

Henry Derwent .. single global system unlikely.

NZ Climate Change Minister Nick Smith said.

He said new plantings of 1900 ha were achieved in 2008, 4000 ha in 2009, 6000 ha in 2010, with projections of 8000 in 2011 and 10,000 in 2012.

“The future challenge is to increase economic growth while continuing this positive reduction in emissions,” Mr Smith said. “It is encouraging that in the first two years of the ETS, the emissions efficiency of the economy is being improved.”

Without emission reductions, climate change could contribute as much as 10% to investment portfolio risk over the next 20 years. Mercer’s report, Climate Change Scenarios – Implications for Strategic Asset Allocation, has identified key climate change risks to business and has suggested that investors would benefit from increased allocation to areas like infrastructure, agriculture land, timberland and sustainable assets.

New Zealand’s ETS, which sets a carbon price based on supply and demand of carbon credits, is an important market mechanism in providing real incentives for businesses to

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reduce their carbon emissions.

Nigel Brunel, head of Carbon and Energy Futures at OMFinancial, says economic incentives are the best way to encourage behavioural change and that the ETS gives us an opportunity to create a system that fosters low-carbon development while protecting trade-exposed industries.

While Australia is still debating how they will bring in their version of an ETS, New Zealand is not going it alone.

Henry Derwent, CEO of the International Emissions Trading Association based in Geneva, noted: “It seems pretty plain now that a single global climate and pricing system is not going to be imposed by the UN. That means the way forward lies in individual regional, national and state systems over the world reaching out to each other over time.”

Economic incentives are the best way to encourage behavioural change Minister Nick Smith, Henry Derwent and Nigel Brunel will all be presenting at Carbon Forestry 2011 in Auckland on July 13 and 14. This will be New Zealand’s first major forum on carbon forestry for forestry and landowners, financial institutions, investment advisers, prospective purchasers of carbon credits and investors to meet.

Information about this event can be found on www. carbonforestryevents.com

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Page 10 | issue 173 | 16.05.11

+61 3266 1429

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CHARITY PROJECT

Steven Fennell of Phoenix House (left) looks over hardwood decking timbers at Thora Wholesale Timbers, Brisbane, alongside Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 members Don Towerton and Alan Jones, club president.

Burns victims to benefit from club’s gift of hardwoods Decking for Phoenix House PHOENIX House Australia, a rest and recuperation centre for burns victims, will be completing an extension of its outside deck area thanks to a $5000 donation of Queensland Blackbutt timbers by Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218.

The accommodation and activity centre on Macleay Island, the second largest of the southern Moreton Bay islands, is a project at the top of charity work this year by the timber industry club.

Phoenix House community development coordinator Steven Fennell, himself a burns victim, was at Thora Wholesale Timbers at Cooper’s Plains last week to load the sawn hardwood decking.

“This is such a valuable gift for us,” Mr Fennell said as he handed over a framed certificate of appreciation to club members.

“The building and extension will provide burns victims with a relaxing and pollution-free

environment, with daily practical positive reinforcements to help cope with the perceived social stigma of permanent and often disfiguring scaring after major surgery.”

Club 218 president Alan Jones said club charity activities such as industry bus tours and a golf day had made the donation possible.

Mr Fennell received burns to 60% of his body when fire destroyed his Salisbury house in 1981 which required 15 visits to the operating theatre.

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 CONSULTING EDITOR Jim Bowden Tel: +61 7 3266 1429 Mob: 0401 312 087 cancon@bigpond.net.au ADVERTISING Tel: +61 7 3266 1429 cancon@bigpond.net.au PRODUCTION MANAGER Leigh Macready production@industryenews.com.au

“The hardest thing for a burns victim to overcome is not the physical damage but the psychological suffering that you endure for years to come,” he says.

“Our mission is to offer practical assistance and information to burns victims, and to enable families and friends to understand the traumas associated with burns.”

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.

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issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 11

REGIONS

$150m native forest industry drives economic growth in East Gippsland

Supporting 778 workers and their families A NEW Victorian government study shows that native forestry in East Gippsland generates $150 million of economic activity and directly supports the livelihoods of 2000 people in the region.

Commissioned by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the report by Coakes Consulting confirms that the forest and wood products industries are major drivers of economic growth, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Local business expenditures in East Gippsland include $22.16 million in Bairnsdale; $21.08 million in Orbost; $14.33 million in Cann River; and $7.79 million in Heyfield.

These businesses supported around 2022 people (778 industry workers, plus their families) within East Gippsland.

According to research by Australian National University academic Dr Jacki Schirmer, this figure may be even higher.

In this study, also commissioned

by DPI, 1289 people (2.3% of the workforce) in East Gippsland were directly employed in the forestry industry. A further 2145 people were directly employed

Sustainable timber supply and jobs .. value of native forest industry a wake-up call to policy makers.

in forestry in Gippsland.

The Coakes study found forestry jobs to be generally better paying than the Victorian labour force average, with incomes also growing faster than average between 2001 and 2006.

Forestry jobs were also found to be more secure, with workers on average employed in the industry for 19.7 years – and10.2 years with the same business.

There was also a higher than average indigenous participation in the industry, with 2.8% of the industry workforce in East Gippsland

being Aboriginal.

The study also found forestry workers to be highly active in their communities, with 65.4% reporting involvement in community groups and organisations.

However, a very high proportion (40.5%) stated when asked that they would leave the area to find work if no longer employed by the timber industry.

Victorian Association of Forest Industries public affairs manager Shaun Ratcliff said the report made it clear forest and wood products industries were major economic contributors to the local economy.

Dr Jacki Schimer .. forests big jobs provider

“These industries provide good, stable jobs for East Gippsland communities that create income for other businesses, such as the local supermarket, bakery and the pub,” he said.

“Forest and wood product businesses also help keep local CFA members and other community minded volunteers employed and in the region.

“This needs to be a wakeup call to policy makers and advocates for East Gippsland; we need to make sure there is a sustainable forest and wood products industry into the future to ensure we retain viable communities in the region.”

Guidelines needed Canadian industry out of hole, but long way to go on older houses DESPITE China’s increasing money to attract new capital, Canadian producers still faced From Page 8

top home of the year (Cairns region), sources its timber products from manufacturers in Maryborough and Gympie.

“Timber’s flexible performance in the tropics is a huge ‘plus’ for us. There can be few structural problems if builders adhere to current building codes,” Mr Fox said.

Page 12 | issue 173 | 16.05.11

appetite for Canadian forest products, there will be no solid recovery for Canadian sawmillers until Americans start building more houses, leading industry experts told a Vancouver forestry conference last week.

Forest companies worldwide have pulled out of the recession and are now profitable, but the recovery is fragile and they are still not earning enough

says Fred Bouchard, a partner in consulting firm PwC’s forest paper and packaging practice.

“It’s small steps toward a more profitable industry,” Bouchard told 450 people attending PwC’s annual global forest industry and paper products conference.

“I think we are not completely out of the financial crisis but progress has been made.”

a stagnant US economy, a high Canadian dollar and challenges from digital media, he said.

The prospect of a weak US market for Canadian lumber is expected to bring a change in direction in the forest sector toward more higher-valued products, stimulating mergers within the industry and crossindustry partnerships to develop new products.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

PERSONALITIES

Plywood’s ‘Miss Fix-It’ calls it a day Vicki Roberts devoted 24 years to industry

PLYWOOD House’s loyal ‘Miss Fix-It’ Vicki Roberts is to retire as executive assistant after almost a quarter of a century with the industry.

Vicki has been executive assistant through three name changes of the industry’s organisation – the Plywood Association of Australia, the Plywood Association of Australasia and the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

Previously with the RACQ for 18 years, she joined the organisation in Brisbane in 1987 and has worked with eight presidents, the first being Kerry Pidcock of Big River Timbers, Grafton, NSW. “I remember Vicki as extremely diligent, very helpful and always smiling – just a wonderful person, a true blue Australian,”

“Vicki could pluck a name or a phone number out a hat at any time; she knew the association backwards and kept track of people in the industry going back 15 years or more.”

Vicki said she would miss the daily challenges of working with a wonderful industry and the wonderful people in it.

“I’ll certainly miss working to help put together our EWPAA courses and conferences and meeting new delegates.

Plywood’s treasure .. Vicki Roberts (seated) explains the routine to new executive assistant Sonia Moore alongside EWPAA general manager Simon Dorries.

“It’s been a challenging era of change and I’ve been glad to be part of it.”

Mr Pidcock said.

EWPAA general manger Simon Dorries said Vicki’s retirement on June 3 would be a huge loss to the association and its

Vicki will return to Plywood House to work on special projects as needed and help new executive assistant Sonia Moore settle in.

members.

“She has been absolutely brilliant and made Plywood House 10 times more efficient that it would have been otherwise.

Conference focuses on forests in the Pacific

GREEN and CLEAN Engineered wood products from EWPAA members are manufactured from 100% LEGAL forests – they are GUARANTEED to meet all Australasian standards.

Engineered wood products have the best environmental credentials and the lowest emissions.

They meet all specifications for emissions certified under JAS-ANZ accreditation.

You can rely on EWPAA certified products – other certifications are just not the same.

Choose consistent quality and structurally safe PAA-accredited products.

Don’t be exposed to liability.

Unbranded, non-compliant products are not worth the risk!

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Plywood House, 3 Dunlop Sreet, Newstead, 4006 Queensland Australia Tel: +61 7 3250 3700 Fax: +61 7 3252 4769 Email: inbox@ewp.asn.au Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

e.

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issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 13

FARM FORESTRY

Carbon farming: benefits and risks

Initiative to generate tradeable carbon credits AN effective codes of practice – to ensure carbon remains locked up in ‘carbon forest’ plantations for at least 100 years – are among challenges facing the Australian government’s proposed carbon farming initiative (CFI).

Carbon can also be locked up in soil.

The CFI aims to enable Australian farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate tradeable carbon credits.

The agricultural sector accounts for more than a quarter of the nation’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. It also offers significant opportunities for emissions reductions through tree conservation and planting, improved land management, and new technology.

CSIRO’s Dr Jeff Baldock says land clearing and agriculture in Australia have resulted in losses of 20-70% of soil carbon, compared with undisturbed areas.

“This has created an opportunity for farmers to rebuild soil carbon,” Dr Baldock says.

If the CFI bill is passed by Parliament, it will become the world’s first legislated mechanism for generating

Opportunity for farmers to rebuild soil carbon

carbon credits from farm projects.

CSIRO’s ECOS magazine reports that technological developments in the area of concentrating solar thermal (CST) power generation will enable solar plants to supply mains power in all weather and around the clock.

According to CSIRO’s Dr Jim Smitham, Australia’s interest in the potential of CST has been led by CSIRO for more than a decade.

As well as investigating stand-alone CST, CSIRO is investigating hybrid solar/fossil fuel and solar/geothermal plan combinations, including solar-

Dr Jeff Baldock .. first legislated mechanism for generation carbon credits from farm projects.

assisted gas turbine or hightemperature steam support

for fossil fuel power stations to achieve greater thermal efficiency at lower cost.

Meanwhile, CSIRO researcher Dr Joely Taylor has provided an insight into Australia’s prospects of developing a sustainable biofuels industry from waste biomass.

“A home-grown, wastefed, ‘second-generation’ biofuels market would provide environmental, economic and fuel security benefits for Australia,” she says.

“Second-generation technologies – many of which are now reaching the commercial demonstration stage – convert waste materials such as forestry residues, wheat chaff, cane bagasse and urban waste diverted from landfill.

“This reduces the competition for arable land – a problem posed by first-generation, cropbased biofuels.”

Note: Queensland’s waste disposal levy starts later this year. A seminar in Brisbane will focus on recycling programs and how to implement recovery processes to reduce exposure to the levy.

See notice, Page 8

‘A lose-lose for regional communities’ From Page 9

and federal governments in response to Bill Kelty’s interim report on this process so we are concerned,” he said.

“We are disappointed and we are calling on clear commitments from both governments to invest in this process and this opportunity to resolve the conflict in Tasmania,” he said.

The Leader of the Nationals, Warren Truss says the federal budget will do nothing to help struggling families with their

Page 14 | issue 173 | 16.05.11

rising costs of living or to revitalise regional communities.

“Regional Australians are to be forgiven for being more confused than ever about where this government is headed or what their futures hold. Nowhere in the federal budget has the government laid down a considered, rational course for economic growth and prosperity,” Mr Truss said.

“We are to endure a new mining tax and a new flood levy, while the government’s net debt will

blow out to $107 billion. Labor will need to borrow $135 million every day and pay $18 million in interest to fund its budget.

Mr Truss said most of the funding announced for regional projects was dependent upon revenue from the proposed mining tax.

“This is a lose-lose for regional communities. If the tax does not go through the Parliament, the regional development projects will not proceed. If it does pass, then those regional

communities will lose the jobs and economic prosperity created by mining development and mineral processing.

“Much was made of Labor’s plan to bring an extra 6000 skilled migrants into regional areas on a short-term basis from 2012. But it’s too little, too late. The National Farmers Federation says agriculture alone needs to fill 80,000 skilled positions as farmers recover from drought.”

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

SITE WITH LOG YARD, SAWMILL, DRYMILL, REMAN, HEAT PLANT, KILNS, AND 50 ACRES OF LAND AS A GOING CONCERN We have available a fully operational hardwood facility processing approx 60,000m3 log intake per annum.

Included is a Log Yard, Green Mill, Heat plant & Kilns. Drymill Processing, lamination plant and Gang Nail Presses.

With this is the Freehold Land including Buildings, Office Complex, Weighbridge, Amenities and 10t gantry over the Green mill.

MAIN MACHINE CENTRES Greenmill  Integrated Engineering Primary Breakdown  MEM Primary Breakdown  MEM EndDogger  MEM Twin Resaw  Isle Forge 60” chipper  Acrowood rotating screen  ScanMeg log Scanner  Techman stacker  AE Gibson Stacker  10t and 20t overhead gantry crane Heat plant & Kilns  11 x even flow CSIRO design low temp kilns  2 x aluminium reconditioners  6 x 400m cube Mahild pre drying front fork loading pack kilns  2 x Norman J Hurl & Co Solid fuel steam boilers  Dai type RUUD gas fired boiler Log Yard  Weighbridge  Log yard watering system

Drymill & Reman  Mckeeko tilt hoist and stick removal with sling type hopper  2 x Newman Whitney top and bottom cutter planners 282-24 type  Scancore 2D scanner  MEM Cobra manual feed edger with laser setworks – P1010829  Weinig Rainman multirip KR 450 M  Paul Docker 14KE type  Opticut 450 line docker  Bruks drum chipper and site fabricated rotating chip screen  BK-DH365x560 Other items are not being used are  Weinig 22 B Moulder  Weinig U22 E Moulder 1985 6 head  Gubisch 1563 7 head moulder ( previously used for laminated beams)  Wadkin 4 head mach# FBP 632  Rex Moulder HOMS 410K 6 head  6.om Laminated beam press  Brook Finger jointer  Numerous docking saws  Varoius air compressors – condition unknown  Dust extraction system & baghouse overhead bin  SCM sander machine model LC 110  End matcher  Jonsered moulder

For more information please contact: Skookum Technology Darren Ousey +61 407 041 947 1 800 600 053 darreno@skookum.com.au John McLachlan +64 276 932 612 +64 9 276 2402 john@skookum.co.nz Greg McCormack gmccormack@mdtimber.com.au Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 173 | 16.05.11 | Page 15

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