Issue 223 Timber & Forestry

6810

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

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issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 1

National Tree Day ‘beat-up’ damages credibility of AFS certification process

By JIM BOWDEN

THE timber industry and some environmental groups have labelled a story on the ABC national television program 7.30 Report as one-sided and a biased and unfair attack on the Australian Forestry Standard.

The report last week by ABC journalist Adam Harvey contained what industry observers have described as mischievous and erroneous comments by Australian Greens leader Christine Milne and independent senator Nick Xenophon.

The commentary, backgrounded against National Tree Day, attacked environmental group Planet Ark’s links with the timber industry.

Plant Ark’s Environmental Edge advertisement, featuring the Wood Naturally Better initiative,

has been screened across free-to-air channels and Foxtel since June last year. It is fronted

by Peter Maddison, architect and host of Grand Designs Australia, and explains that wood stores carbon and that sustainably managed wood can help fight climate change.

Industry market research has shown the advertisements are working; people are seriously

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reassessing wood’s role in climate change.

Adam Harvey said Planet Ark was under fire for working with the timber industry to update the industry’s certification system for wood products [AFS AS 4708]. He said it was seen as weaker than the rival certification system, backed by the environmental movement and run by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Christine Milne followed this with an implausible response: “The Australian Forestry Standard has no credibility at all. In fact it was only dreamt up in response to the Forest Stewardship Council standard, and Australia couldn’t meet that standard, and so the minister of the day went ahead

Cont Page 3

This Issue

•B uilding system utilises ‘waste’ small diameter logs • TPAA launches market awareness program

H IA expo delivers sustainable timber message •L EED to change green building programs •F orest vigilante threat upsets NZ land owners •P ersistence, performance keys in tough market •H oo-Hoo club sets off on Bush Bash

issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 1

INDUSTRY NEWS

Jason Metnick .. new initiative step in the right direction.

Cory Brinkema .. group’s principles are the same.

LEED to consider changes to green building programs

Concern by duelling groups

PROPOSED changes to a popular ‘green building’ program have raised concerns among duelling groups that certify sustainable timber production.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, or LEED, is revamping its system for rating earth-friendly building practices.

The role of ecologically harvested timber will change under the proposed rating system, which has drawn the attention of two groups that have been sparring over the issue.

The proposal has left open the door for certification programs other than the Forest Stewardship Council to be recognised under LEED. Until now, only wood certified by FSC has been recognised under the LEED system.

That has left proponents of another certification program, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, feeling snubbed.

Both groups have accused each other of being less than

rigorous in their enforcement of environmental standards.

The overhaul of LEED ratings has inspired hope as well as scepticism for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

The most recent proposal has left open the door for certification programs other than the Forest Stewardship Council to be recognised under LEED. Lumber certified by an ‘approved equivalent’ program would also qualify for points under the proposed system.

“Though the Sustainable Forestry Initiative believes this is a step in the right direction, the group is concerned about how other certifiers will be able to qualify,” the group’s senior director of market access and product labelling Jason Metnick said “What they haven’t done is laid out a framework for determining equivalency,” he said. “We’re still pushing for recognition.”

Mr Metnick said it was confusing that the Forest

Cont Page 4

The proposal has left open the door for certification programs other than the FSC to be recognised under LEED Page 2 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

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

Learning Skills Research Advice Innovation

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: edown@forestworks.com.au

BRISBANE

PO Box 2014 Fortitude Valley 4006 Tel: (07) 3358 5169 Email: bharle@forestworks.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Unit 2/191 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide 5006 Tel: (08) 8219 9028 Email: michelle@forestworks.com.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Standard important part of society based on community involvement

From Page 1

and next thing we knew we had this dodgy standard which no one has any respect for.”

She said Planet Ark had undermined the rest of the environment movement by effectively deciding to give some “greenwash” to the native forest logging industry.

Nick Xenophon added: “There could be a perception of who pays the piper calls the tune.

When you’re getting $700,000 in donation from the industry and you’re part of a review of the forestry standard, then it raises some serious questions of a potential conflict of interest.”

The Canberra-based Australian Forestry Standard Ltd was not invited to comment and Planet Ark was given less than one working day to respond to the story. It responded in detail to 11 questions put by Adam Harvey. The 7.30 Report chose to use only a few lines.

“I find it disturbing that Planet Ark is being targeted for its involvement in a Standards Australia process,” AFS national secretary Richard Stanton said.

“These standards are an important part of society and the economy and they are based on community involvement and steering committees working in partnership with federal, state and territory governments, the forest industry and trade unions.

“The 7.30 Report sought no comment from this office.”

Mr Stanton said it had been left to AFS to repeat its normal position – that the standard had been developed in accordance with Standards Australia procedures. It was recognised as an Australian standard endorsed by PEFC International, the world’s largest forest certification body certifying nearly 200 million ha of

Richard Stanton .. criticisms of AFS are totally unjustified.

Christine Milne .. no credibility in Australian Forestry standard

forests worldwide, as meeting its international benchmarks for forest management.

“We stand by the wording in our standard, which I believe is a most rigorous standard,” Mr Stanton said.

“We have auditors who are independently accredited by JAS-ANZ to assess

analyses that have assessed and compared standards against benchmarks such as the UK government’s CEPEC process which clearly found that AFS and PEFC were essentially equal if not better than FSC in some areas.”

Industry analysts said the process now should be about

forest managers against that standard.

“And as such, Christine Milne’s criticisms are totally unjustified.

On the program, she was not asked at any time to justify her wild comments and offered no substantiation of her opinion.”

Mr Stanton said he had no criticism of the FSC standard or no particular objection to it.

“But the suggestion that the FSC standard is vastly superior to AFS is totally untrue and not substantiated by any evidence,” he said.

“There have been a number of

defending the legitimacy of the Australian Forestry Standard against those who will do everything humanly possible to deligitimise any standard that supports continued access to sustainable harvesting of native forests.

In Planet Ark’s response to the ABC program, chief executive Paul Klymenko said timber industry sponsorship amounted to $350,000 annually and the agreement was for two years.

“As is the case in all our campaigns, most of this

‘I find it disturbing that Planet Ark is being targeted for its involvement in a Standards Australia process’ – Richard Stanton

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funding is allocated to running the Make It Wood Campaign, with some contribution to Planet Ark’s overheads. In the financial year completed, this sponsorship income represents about 13% of our revenue,” Mr Klymenko said.

“I would point out that Forest and Wood Products Australia Ltd is the forestry and wood industry’s service provider, investing in research, development and education and is funded by the federal government and industry levies.”

[Contrary to the ABC report, FWPA is not a lobby group].

Mr Klymenko said FWPA had partnered with Planet Ark’s Make it Wood campaign as a means to educate consumers in the environmental benefits of responsibly sourced timber building products.

“Their funding was not conditional on our being involved in the AFS process,” he said. “The decision to be involved in all certification systems was made by Planet Ark. We also joined FSC Australia as a member and have been active in promoting it.

“Planet Ark is an environmental organisation committed to encouraging positive behaviour change. As such we believe that individuals and businesses have the power and responsibility to change unsustainable practices.

“In terms of forestry, consumer choice is one such method.

However, in Australia the public and businesses have low awareness of and demand for certification and therefore do not seek it out.

As a consequence, there is no significant economic push for forestry businesses to become certified and, therefore, to be accountable to their customers.

Cont Page 6

issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 3

INDUSTRY NEWS

US Green Building Council will reward transparency and sustainable materials

From Page 2

Stewardship Council was being used as a yardstick under the LEED proposal, because the program did not have a uniform standard for forestry practices.

Under the Forest Stewardship Council’s program, the requirements for tree retention and clear-cut size vary depending on the global region.

Critics of the program claim that it’s generally much stricter in the US than elsewhere.

Corey Brinkema, president of the Forest Stewardship Council, said the group’s principles are the same everywhere, but its compliance indicators are determined by local and regional stakeholders.

“Nobody knows the forest better than the folks on the ground,” he said.

The Forest Stewardship

Page 4 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

Council is also concerned about aspects of the LEED rating system overhaul.

Certified wood would no longer be eligible for a stand-alone credit. Rather, it will be included in a broader category that recognises the ‘responsible extraction of raw materials’.

“The Forest Stewardship Council applauds the attempt to create environmental standards for other building materials, like concrete and steel,” Mr Brinkema said.

“However, we are concerned

A process for approving wood certifiers other than the FSC will take place once the new rating system is in place

that the certification programs for other materials may be established without standards that are as rigorous as those applied to lumber.”

Another concern is that the life cycle analysis used to determine the environmental impact of a building material may not recognise biological diversity and other forest benefits.

The Forest Stewardship Council also hopes that the new rating system won’t value ‘transparency’ more than using

the most beneficial materials.

The US Green Building Council, which administers the LEED program, plans to reward both transparency and the use of sustainable materials, according to Lane Burt, policy director for the group.

“Instead of being productspecific and material-specific, it’s about the outcome,” he said.

“A process for approving wood certifiers other than the FSC will take place once the new rating system is in place.”

Concerns about the life cycle analysis of materials have yet to be resolved, but the council plans to accept more comments on the matter before its members vote on the new rating system next June.

“That’s exactly the type of debate we’re trying to engender,” Lane Burt said. “We

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WHAT’S ON? AUGUST-NOVEMBER

FWPA R&DWorks seminar series: Churchill, Vic, August 8; Melbourne August 9; Coffs Harbour, NSW, September 4; Maryborough, Qld, September 6; Brisbane September 7; Albury, NSW, October 4; Oberon, NSW, October 31; Sydney November 1; Hobart November 29.

AUGUST

13-15: Australian Window Association’s annual conference and exhibition.

Fenestration Australia 2012 at The Esplanade Hotel, Largest gathering of local and international organisations associated with the window industry, bringing together more than 300 delegates from right across the value chain.

Inquiries to conference secretariat on (08) 9381 9281 or email fenestration2012reg@iceaustralia. com

22-23: Carbon Forestry2012.

Auckland NZ. Forestry is New Zealand’s largest potential carbon sink and, as the ETS continues to grow in importance to NZ businesses,so does its investment future. A raft of new legislation,a dramatic drop-off in carbon trading and pricing during 2011, thsome international emissions units and uncertainty around the future alignment of New Zealand and Australia’s trading schemes has changed the landscape significantly. It’s led to uncertainty in the marketplace about the immediate future and opportunities that exist in carbon forestry.

Visit www.carbonforestryevents. com

OCTOBER

3-4: Joint ISCs and Skills Australia conference: The Future of Work In 2011, Australia’s 11 industry skills councils and Skills Australia held their inaugural joint conference.

Join MC Kerry O’Brien, Q&A panel moderator Tony Jones and a range of industry identities to explore the future of work, and its implications for building Australia’s human capital. Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, NSW. 14-17: Australian Forest Growers conference. Gympie Civic Centre, Gympie, Qld. More than 50 speakers will present at 20 sessions. Three concurrent streams will feature growing, products and markets and integration. The middle day will feature six field trips heading in all directions from Gympie to examine local growing and processing in action. This will be followed by the presentation of the national Tree Farmer of the Year Award at the conference dinner. Visit www.afg.asn.au for further information or contact Terry Greaves on (02) 6162 9000 or email terry.greaves@afg.asn.au 30-31: ForestWorks and First Super 5th annual Industry Development Conference In 2011, Hyatt Hotel and Parliament House. Canberra. This is an important opportunity for all current and aspiring leaders of the forest, wood, paper and timber industry to engage in

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EVENTS

strategic and political debate on critical issues affecting the whole industry in Australia. This year’s conference will consider the future opportunities and challenges for manufacturing timber, wood and paper products in an advanced and multi-speed economy. The conference has been specifically scheduled to coincide with parliamentary sitting week, providing a great chance for industry players, union representatives, policy makers and MPs to gather, network and share ideas on positive future directions for the industry.

Registration inquiries contact: The Events Manager at cday@ forestworks.com.au or phone (03) 9321 3500.For further information, including announcements of speakers and topics, visit www.forestworks.com.au/ conference2012

10-11 (Rotorua) and 16-17 (Melbourne). Improving international cost competitiveness through smart science, research and technology. New Zealand and Australian forest products companies face increasing competition from low cost producers, and from lower cost, better performing nonwood products. Low costs and high fibre recovery,achieved through process innovation, are prerequisites to competing in today’s global forest product markets. This Australasian technology event will provide local forest products, wood processing and manufacturing companies with a unique opportunity. Visit www.woodinnovationsevents.com

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 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry funding ‘not conditional’ on being involved in AFS process

From Page 3

consumers the best possible

“Protest can be an effective strategy to encourage businesses to cease certain activities but it is not likely to encourage consumers to seek out responsibly sourced wood.

We see the value of protest in achieving certain aims and we recognise the positive impacts that many environment groups have had in this area. However, at some stage businesses need to re rewarded for making positive change as well as being reprimanded for making negative ones.

“The Make It Wood campaign

choices

when

purchasing

wood for building whether from recycled sources or responsibly managed

plantations

and

forests.”

Paul Klymenko .. educating consumers on wood’s environmental benefits.

Nick Xenophon .. serious questions raised on potential conflict of interest.

is a building campaign. Our

and in working to strengthen

involvement in promoting FSC

AFS

is

designed

to

give

‘There is no significant economic push for forestry businesses to become certified and, therefore, to be accountable to their customers’

New investors for Green Triangle estate

SYDNEY-based New Forests Pty Ltd has introduced new investors to the Green Triangle Forest Trust.

GTFT was established in March this year by way of the acquisition of the plantation assets of Auspine Ltd by New Forests Australia, New Zealand Forest Fund and a co-investor.

The $80 million transaction will be used to reduce debt and redeem units owned by Gunns Ltd. Gunns will continue to

Page 6 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

retain a minority interest in the GTFT after the transaction is completed.

The 46,000-ha radiata pine estate is located in the Green Triangle – the border region of southeastern South Australia and western Victoria.

Under New Forests’ management, the estate will continue to supply the processing mill in Tarpeena for domestic structural timbers through long-term agreements,

as well as support local businesses providing property management, harvest, and transport activities.

New Forests manages about 375,000 ha of plantations across Australia, and the company has more than $1.25 billion in assets under management in Australasia, tropical Asia Pacific and the US. The company was established

by David Brand in 2005. It

began as the asset manager for an Australian commingled fund that focused on forestry investments in Australia and New Zealand. Later clients included a private equity fund focused on tropical forest investments in Asia and Cambium Global Timberland, a globally diversified forestry investment fund listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

TPAA launches market awareness program for timber treatment sector

CONCERNS by the timber treatment sector about the reported supply and sale of poorly and inappropriately treated timber products has led to the implementation of a market awareness initiative by the Timber Preservers Association of Australia.

Fortunately, sub-standard treated timber products represent only a small percentage of the total treated timber produced for and sold in the Australian marketplace.

However, TPAA and other interested parties are concerned that badly-treated timber reflects on the whole market and the action is designed to make suppliers aware of the requirements of Australian standards for preservative treated timber products.

“The purpose for the initiative is to convey to the market channel for treated timber the importance of selecting treated timber products which are fit for end-use purpose,” the TPAA national secretary Doug Howick said.

“Over the next several months, there will be a concerted effort to inform the major group timber merchants as well as wholesale, trade and retail timber merchants about the importance of stocking and selling treated timber products which comply with TPAA’s treatment process guidelines.”

Mr Howick said there were several aspects to the initiative

‘The purpose is to convey to the market channel for treated timber the importance of selecting treated timber products which are fit for end-use purpose’ – Doug Howick

Ensure you’re being well treated .. Doug Howick, national secretary, Timber Preservers Association of Australia (left) and David Marlay, TPAA councillor and a former TPAA president, explain the TPAA timber treatment guidelines brochure at Frame Australia in Melbourne.

designed to provide awareness to distributors of treated timber products as to how they can ensure their treated products were compliant.

These included: • A double-sided colour flyer entitled ‘Ensure you’re being well treated’ which was initially distributed at Frame Australia and has been made available to all TPAA members for distribution to their customers.

[Copies of the flyer, which include the TPAA treatment

Cont Page 13

www.tanalised.com

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issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

Persistence and performance the key for timber importers in tough market

ATIF members gather in Adelaide for annual general meeting

Swapping industry views are Rod Bartlett, director, Opal Wood Corporation, Royal Park, Adelaide, with Juel Briggs, director Briggs Veneer; South Australia industry consultant and identity Peter Llewellyn, and Kym Buckingham, manager, Baker Moon Timber & Panel Products, Wingfield, Adelaide.

PERSISTENCE and performance continue to be critical in tough times – and this needs to be demonstrated across the supply chain.

This was the message from Nils Koren, chairman of the Australian Timber Importers Federation, at a gathering of ATIF members at the annual general meeting in Adelaide last week.

Speaking to invited guests over lunch, Mr Koren, who is managing director of Gunnersens, issued a rallying call in acknowledging the current difficult trading conditions.

Mr Koren remarked on the increasing recognition and influential role played by ATIF. “We are increasingly being recognised at a leading timber industry body and vital national voice for timber importers, wholesalers and distributors.”

He commented on the steady membership growth of ATIF. “We can now say that we do truly represent the solid wood product importing sector and that is important in our dealings, particularly with the federal government.”

There were no changes to the composition of the board at the AGM. Nils Koren will continue

ATIF board members John Simon, chief executive, Simmonds Lumber, Sydney, and Lou Boffo, national sales manager, Le Messurier, Adelaide, exchange notes with Brian Mousley of logistics company Tayper, Adelaide.

Impromptu meeting of the ‘Managing Directors Club’ ..

David Meyer, managing director, Meyer Timber, Dandenong, Vic, with Simon Angove, managing director, Le Messurier Timber, Adelaide, and Glenn Tilling, managing director, Tilling, Kilsyth, Melbourne.

David Meyer, John Simon, Glenn Tilling, Robert Cairns, Lou Boffo and Michael Swan comprise the full complement of board members.

Brenton Thain, South Australian general manager for Gunnersens, takes a lunch break with board members Robert Cains and chairman Nils Koren.

as chairman and Gerry Gardiner,

Preceding the AGM, the ATIF board meeting debated a range of issues impacting on the business performance of member companies, including the illegal logging policy and legislation, ongoing support for Forest and Wood Products Australia and quarantine, customs and port efficiency issues.

Harvard still favours forest investment

AMERICA’S Harvard University is reaping the rewards of investing in plantation forests in New Zealand when forestry investments were unfashionable.

Harvard purchased cutting rights to Kaingaroa, the 170,000-ha central North Island forest originally planted by the state, from receivers in 2003. At the time, the forestry industry was facing headwinds from a high New Zealand dollar,

Page 8 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

a flood of Russian softwood into China, high shipping costs and doubts that the Chinese would every take to softwoods like pine.

“Natural resources is our favourite area and it happens to be a favourite area where we feel that we may have an advantage as an early entrant into the asset class,” Jane Mendillo, chief executive of Harvard Management Company, said.

New Zealander Andy Wiltshire is the executive behind the Harvard investment in New Zealand forests.

Harvard’s latest results showed an 18.8% return from its natural resources portfolio in the previous year and a 12.8% annual return over a 10-year period.

Harvard sold a 40% stake in Kaingaroa to New Zealand Superfund in 2008 for $A233.74 million, and in May NZ

Superfund said it was in talks in conjunction with timberland investor GMO Renewable Resources about the possible purchase of the remaining 60%cent Harvard stake.

Kaingaroa Timberland is the second-largest forest owner in New Zealand.

Established in 1636 at Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the US .

– The Australian

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NEW ZEALAND

Forest vigilante threat dismays NZ land owners

FOREST owners in New Zealand are dismayed at Otago University Professor Sir Alan Mark’s suggestion that he might assemble a group of activists to rip out forest seedlings on a farm near Dunedin.

“It’s one thing for the professor to be a passionate advocate for environmental causes; it’s quite another to threaten vigilante action and to incite trespass,” says Forest Owners Association environment committee chair Peter Weir At issue is a 189-ha block of Douglas fir planted as a carbon forest by Landcorp at Waipori Station. The block borders Te Papanui Conservation Park and the Stony Creek Scenic Reserve.

Sir Alan is fearful that wilding Douglas fir will spread through these important tussock land reserves from seeds blown from the plantation.

He told Radio New Zealand last week that he might lead a group to the site to remove the trees if Landcorp will not.

Peter Weir says higher rainfall areas of the South Island high country are very good for growing Douglas fir. It produces high value timber, much preferred for building in Otago and Southland, and is ideal for carbon sequestration.

“It is unfortunate that Landcorp is being criticised for addressing their on-farm greenhouse gas emissions in such a productive way,” Mr Weir said.

“It’s also unfortunate that the proposed National

‘Land owners have the right to plant forests, so long as they manage them responsibly’ – Peter Weir

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 6700 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!

Peter Weir .. good management practices for forestry in the high country.

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 timberandforestnews@bigpond.com

Prof. Alan Mark .. major campaign to remove wildling Douglas fir pines.

Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (NES) has yet to get approval from government, because it includes a wilding risk calculator that drives rules for afforestation.

“If the NES were in effect then the rules around afforestation would be much clearer for all land owners.

“Yes, there is a risk of wildling spread. But this can be mitigated by planting a Ponderosa pine buffer zone around the Douglas fir, surrounded in turn by grazing land.

“Land owners have the right to plant forests, so long as they manage them responsibly,” he said.

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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 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 9

EVENTS

Timber industry club sets off on Bash to raise funds for children’s charities

MEMBERS of Brisbane HooHoo Timber Industry Club 218 are this week well into the start of the 4000 km run to Mackay in north Queensland for the Variety Bash to raise money for sick and disadvantaged children.

Loading up the club’s 1977 Holden Kingswood at the starting point at Dalby on the Darling Downs last Thursday, Alan Jones, club president, and Tim Evans, social director, joined 400 drivers in more than 140 cars, all decked out in different themes for the 10-day event.

The “Bashers”, as they are affectionately known, will drop off much-needed equipment to 12 schools and communities along the way. Club car 253 is also spreading a good message

InSurAnce..

It’S All In the SelectIon

Silver sponsor .. Michael Kennedy (right) hands over a cheque for $2000 on behalf of Kennedy’s Classic Aged Timbers, Narangba, Qld, to Alan Jones, president of Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Timber Industry Club 218 (left) and Tim Evans, Club 218 social director.

for wood on the journey, emblazoned with the names of sponsors and flying the club’s Black Cat banners.

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Insuring it all stacks up.

Page 10 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

More than 45,000 children and their families are directly assisted by Variety each year, through its appeals programs, children’s Christmas parties and events such as the Bush Bash

This is the third time Alan Jones has entered the event and on completion of the Dalby-Mackay trek he will have clocked up a total 13,000 km to benefit needy children.

The 23rd Variety Bash left Dalby on August 2 and will arrive in Mackay on Saturday, August 11.

The event started as a drive in the Outback in 1985, when adventurer and philanthropist Dick Smith took a group of intrepid motorists from Burke to Bourketown in their old cars.

Every entrant has to raise money for Variety and all vehicles must be 30 years old or older at the time of entry and be non-performance modified.

Organisers are at pains to state the Bash is not a race, rally or speed trial.

To be eligible to enter, each team must raise a minimum of $8000. At its first attempt, and in an industry downturn, Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 raised almost $14,000.

Since it started, the Variety Bash has raised nearly $16 million in Queensland.

Variety’s mission is for children to attain their full potential regardless of ability or background and to empower them to live, laugh and learn. Variety’s work allows children to gain mobility and freedom, to get out and about in the community, be able to communicate, achieve independence and increase self-esteem, and where possible the assistance to help them be integrated into mainstream school and activities.

More than 45,000 children and their families are directly assisted by Variety each year, through its appeals programs, children’s Christmas parties and events such as the Bush Bash.

Thousands more travel on Variety’s ‘sunshine

Cont Page 12

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry supports AP paper recycling plant

THE Australian Forest Products Association has strongly endorsed plans by Australian Paper to build a major paper recycling facility at Maryvale in Victoria’s Gippsland region to more than triple the volume of Australian made recycled paper.

As part of the project, Australian Paper is calling for public support by signing or sharing their online pledge.

Thousands of people have already taken a stand for Australian made recycled paper but more ‘signatures’ would help.

AFPA says public support for Australian-made recycled paper will help secure this positive investment. Australian Paper is recording the total number of signatures as part of their feasibility study to

Thousands of people have already taken a stand for Australian-made recycled paper but more ‘signatures’ would help

demonstrate that Australians want this investment to happen. This study is part of the company’s Future Fibre Strategy.

Making paper in Australia creates local jobs and provides consumers with certainty about the standards of sourcing and manufacture.

If the plant goes ahead it would more than triple Australian Paper’s use of de-inked recycled fibre and divert up to 80,000 tonnes of waste paper from local landfill every year.

It would also support up to 20 jobs and 60 in supply chain and collection. A further 60 jobs would be created during the construction phase.

Given the importance of this project to the future of development in the paper manufacturing industry in Australia, AFPA is encouraging all industry members to encourage communities to get online and sign the pledge.

AP is the only Australian manufacturer of office and printing papers and employs almost 1400 Australians.

Ta Ann rejects media claim on wood supply

A RECENT media report that Ta Ann Tasmania “stakes a claim” for extra wood supply in the forestry peace talks is completely false.

Senior manager resources for Ta Ann Tasmania Mr Greg Hickey rejected the media report suggesting that Ta Ann Tasmania was seeking extra wood supply through the Intergovernmental Agreement Forestry talks.

Ta Ann Tasmania has a commercially contracted volume of wood supply from state forests managed by Forestry Tasmania to veneer mills in the Huon and Smithton.

Mr Hickey said Ta Ann had been working with the parties to the forestry talks to seek a stable wood supply for both of its veneer mills.

“The company has been engaged in a range of veneer production trials using lower grades of native forest and plantation logs to explore what is commercially feasible,” Mr Hickey said.

“Ta Ann Tasmania has made no claims for extra wood volumes from the forestry talks.”

Established in 2007, Ta Ann Tasmania adds value to eucalypt regrowth logs previously used only for woodchips.

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Don’t fall for it!

Don’t let this happen: a collapse of poorly-prepared scaffolding.

Imported Chinese LVL scaffold planks have failed requirements for bond durability (AS/NZS 4357.0) in tests undertaken by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia. * The tests show gluelines in the imported planks with exposure to moisture are likely to fail as the plank loses significant strength.

Should non-compliant scaffold planks fail, the supplier, specifying engineer, construction site supervisor and builder could be held responsible and face the serious consequences of an injury or death.

Warning

Warning

* Performance assessment and test results on the imported Chinese LVL scaffold planks can be viewed at www.ewp.asn.au

Why risk it?

■■ Litigation ■ Site closure ■ Media exposure ■ ■ Damage to your business

Insist on PAA-branded LVL and plywood. It’s that simple.

EWPAA

G U A R A N T E E D*

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Plywood House, 3 Dunlop Street, Newstead 4006, Queensland, Australia Tel: 61 7 3250 3700. Fax: 61 7 3252 4769. Email: inbox@paa.asn.au Web: www.ewp.asn.au * Independently tested to the highest standard; guaranteed to comply with Australian and New Zealand Building Codes and Standards; certified under JAS-ANZ accredited product certification scheme; guaranteed to be safe and to carry the designated design load; complies with the Building Code of Australia; meets safety and quality requirements acceptable by unions; meets all Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry sponsors applauded

From Page 10

Getting into Brisbane Timber Industry Timber In the action ..Bris dustry H bane oo Holden Kingswoo -Hoo Club 218’ Hoo-Hoo Club 218 has entered s ’77 d Queensl and Varie is ready for the 2012 ty Dalby on e the Dar Club Bush Bash the 2012 Variety Club of ling Dow fro North Q ueenslan ns to Mac m d. kay in Queensland Bush Bash to raise funds for disadvantaged children and has purchased a veteran Bush Bash performer – a 1977 Holden Kingswood.

The Variety Bush Bash in the club’s major children’s charity event this year.

Please support it and show how the forest and forest products industry can enrich the lives of underprivileged children.

Your sponsorship will attract wide media coverage and is tax deductible.

We sincerely thanks the following sponsors: Silver sponsors Kennedys Timbers, Queensland Sawmills (John Crooke) Bronze sponsors Alan Jones, Trade Builders, Thora Wholesale Timbers, HQPlantations

The Governor of Queensland Pen elope Wensley ‘flag the start of Brisban s’ e Timber Industry Hoo-Hoo Club’s Variety Bush Bas h project for children ’s charities during World Forestry Day celebrations in Bris bane. Looking on are committee members Alan Jon es (club presiden Don Towerton and t), Tim Evans.

Contributing sponsors Bill Philip; CGU Insurance, Brisbane; Colin Wilson; Bank of Queensland, Ashgrove and Sunnybank; Austbrokers Premier Insurance, Brisbane; Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Timber Industry Club 218 Inc; Tim Evans (Coast to Coast Pacific); Timber&Forestry enews; RACQ Caloundra; Contract Electrics Pty Ltd; Eden & Son Body Works; Advanced Timber Systems (Ian Watkins); Pacific Premium Funding Pty Ltd; Chancellors Chartered Accountants; Mark Kapper; Tableland Timbers; Skyline Building Supplies; Zenith Timber; Colin Galley; Steel Pacific; ITreat Timber; Frank Withey; Anderssen Lawyers; IVS Australia; Ringwood & Ply, Slacks Hardwood.

For more information and to discuss sponsorship options contact one of the committee members:

Alan Jones 0419 754 681 Don Towerton 0428 745 455 Tim Evans 0417 726 741 Jim Bowden 0401 312 087

Page 12 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

coaches’ every day and tens of thousands are treated in hospitals supported by Variety.

Club 218 president Alan Jones praised the following sponsors for their magnificent effort in hard times and said the club had committed to support the Bash Again in 2013 – the year of the club’s 50th anniversary.

Silver sponsors ($2000): Kennedys Timbers, Queensland Sawmills (John Crooke).

Bronze sponsors ($1000): Alan Jones, Trade Builders, Thora Wholesale Timbers, HQPlantations Pty Ltd Contributing sponsors: Bill Philip; CGU Insurance, Brisbane; Colin Wilson; Bank of Queensland, Ashgrove and Sunnybank; Austbrokers Premier Insurance, Brisbane; Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Timber

Industry Club 218 Inc; Tim Evans (Coast to Coast Pacific); Timber&Forestry enews; RACQ Caloundra; Contract Electrics Pty Ltd; Eden & Son Body Works; Advanced Timber Systems (Ian Watkins); Pacific Premium Funding Pty Ltd; Chancellors Chartered Accountants; Mark Kapper; Tableland Timbers; Skyline Building Supplies; Zenith Timber; Colin Galley; Steel Pacific; ITreat Timber; Frank Withey; Anderssen Lawyers; IVS Australia; Ringwood & Ply; Slacks Hardwood.

Sponsorship options are still open and can be discussed with committee members Alan Jones 0419 754 681, Don Towerton 0428 745 455, Tim Evans 0417 726 741, or Jim Bowden 0401 312 087

UK softwood production ‘to rise in future decades’

THE UK’s private sector forests will see a rise in their production of softwood timber over the coming 25 years, according to Forestry Commission research.

New reports from the organisation have revealed that most conifer trees growing in the UK’s forests are currently between 21 and 60 years old, meaning they will reach the right age for commercial harvesting over the next 25 years.

This is due to extensive planting of new conifer forests between 1960 and 1990, which is set to result in a peak in the potential amount of timber available for market.

However, the commission noted that the actual amount of timber that will be harvested is dependent on environmental

and operational constraints, as well as other management objectives.

Peter Weston, head of inventory and forecasting for the Forestry Commission, said being able to understand and illustrate the impact of different harvesting scenarios on the current conifer resource was an essential part of planning for many different interests.”

The Forestry Commission also recently published data showing that Scotland has significantly more softwood resources than was previously thought to be the case.

KMS Baltics is a partnership of independent companies providing forestry investment management in Estonia, Latvia, the UK and Romania.

NZ Wood Processors appoint interim chair

THE chief executive of the NZ Wood Processors Association Jon Tanner is taking on the role of interim chair, following the resignation of chairman Mark

Hansen. Jon Ryder will act in the role of deputy chair, while continuing as CEO of Carter Holt Harvey Pulp and Paper.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Minister heckled by forestry workers

TEMPERS have run high at a forestry debate near Hobart with a sawmiller ejected by police and the meeting calling for an early election.

The Resources Minister Bryan Green went head-to-head

Treated for appropriate end usage

From Page 7

process guidelines are also available for downloading from the TPAA website or by contacting the national secretary].

• Trade media information during August to November 2012 urging treated timber suppliers to ensure that the treated timber products that they source have been treated suitably for the appropriate end-use hazard level.

• Preparation of a presentation for use by timber industry organisations and companies for use at industry functions and events, detailing how to identify hazard levels, choice of the appropriately treated products, identification of treatment brands and importantly, outlining TPAA’s treatment process guidelines which ensure that treated timber products are fit-forend-use-purpose and comply with appropriate Australian standards.

Timber merchants, frame and truss manufacturers and landscape and fencing suppliers can obtain further information about treated timber producers who are members of TPAA as well as further information about the market awareness Initiative and the details involved, by visiting www.tpaa.com.au or contacting the TPAA national office in Melbourne on (03) 9596 8155.

with Opposition Leader Will Hodgman over the industry’s future.

About 150 people attended the debate in Brighton, mostly frustrated forest workers and their families.

The Minister struggled to get his message across; he was booed during his opening address and heckled for most the debate.

One sawmiller Danny Page was escorted out by police.

“I’m a fourth generation sawmiller and I’ve got no logs.

Tell me why?”

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The debate’s chairman Brighton Mayor Tony Foster also struggled to maintain control with the crowd calling for an early election.

“Mr Chairman, stand up if you think Bryan should call an election?” Forest worker Michael Kelly was one of those on his feet.

“There was a lot of us stood up because at the end of it, it’s a failed process, this government’s failing, it’s not working,” he said.

Mr Hodgman received applause for promising to tear

up the forestry peace deal.

“Enough is enough and let me be clear; not one more stick of Tasmanian native productive forest should be locked up, not one more stick and not one more stick will be locked up under a Liberal Government,” he told the crowd.

Mr Green rejected calls for an election to be called over forestry.

“If I thought it would make a difference and bring the Australian dollar down, and help all you people I would, but it won’t.

issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 13

EVENTS

HIA renovation, build expo delivers strong sustainable timber message

By JIM BOWDEN

THE Housing Industry Association’s renovate and build exhibition in Brisbane last week provided a ‘window’ of opportunity for timber products in a showcase of new styles and designs in decking, panelling, case windows, blinds and shutters and folding doors.

The ‘old reliable’ hardwood species dominated displays – spotted gum, ironbark, jarrah, and red gum – but new components made from timbers such as paulownia [or Phoenix wood as it was labelled at the show] and Surian cedar (Toona calantas) revealed the magic results of tints and staining.

A range of paulownia shutters from the Woodworkers Company enhanced with an array of eight different paints and 16 stain finishes attracted home renovators.

This fast-growing tree, native to China, Laos and Vietnam, although of little value as a structural timber, is becoming favoured for surfboards, as a core for lightweight skis, marine trims, and guitars.

A fourth generation member of the Wilson timber family was on hand to promote the company’s DeckMaster and Royal DPR hardwood products manufactured from blackbutt and jarrah.

David Wilson Shaw is the grandson of Colin Wilson whose father Thomas established the business at Moorooka, Brisbane, in the early 1930s. David’s father Nigel who married Colin’s daughter Suzanne was also at the HIA show.

Colin Wilson, speaking from his Gold Coast home, said he was proud his grandson was carrying on the family tradition.

Another fourth generation salesman was Allan Reid, member of long-standing state-wide timber doors and

Page 14 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

Geoff Reid and son Allan present spotted gum doors and mixed red gum flooring on their Duce stand.

windows supplier Duce operated by Allan’s father Geoff.

The family company has been manufacturing products from Queensland hardwoods since 1934.

“Timber is a renewable resource and we only use timber from managed, sustainable and certified forests,” Geoff Reid said.

“The manufacturing process for producing our windows and doors is gentle on the environment; it doesn’t require the mining of limited precious minerals or the huge energy need to produce other manmade materials on the market today.”

Also delivering a positive

‘Timber is a renewable resource and we only use timber from managed, sustainable and certified forests’ – Geoff Reid

Alicia Heritage, Beenleigh, Sharlene Hackles, Pimpama, and her sister Ashleigh from Melbourne, admire stained Paulownia ‘plantation shutters’ at the HIA renovation show in Brisbane.

message for sustainable timber were pre-vocational and plumbing students from the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE who erected a mini-house in the HIA showroom.

The students were careful to design the construction around sustainable timber. With that in mind, they made the best use of plantation pine and hardwoods re-claimed from packaging materials such as hardwood cleats used in the transport industry.

HIA apprentice mentor Julie Bolitho used the expo to promote a supportive network program that assists indentured apprentices to adjust to the expectations of balancing work and training commitments.

“Apprentices are far more likely to complete their apprenticeships if they are given the appropriate support and mentoring,” Ms Bolitho said.

A free service offered by HIA, the program offers many benefits for apprentices: • An unbiased party who can assist them in their development.

• A sounding board to provide help either directly or by referral to professional agencies in a wide range of areas.

• Free HIA student membership for the term of apprenticeship.

• Free HIA full membership for the first year, after completing their apprenticeship.

• Free or substantially reduced pricing for a number of HIA events.

• Information on various funding opportunities.

• Access to information to a number of apprentice awards.

“We have limited places available and encourage apprentices to take advantage of this valuable mentoring program,” Ms Bolitho said.

Contact Shaun McNamara or Julie Bolitho on (07) 3021 8800.

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EVENTS

Members of the Queensland Interior Decorators Asociation Sharon Oliver and Ann Gillis get the feel for New Guinea rosewood on the Duce Timber Windows and Doors stand.

The TAFE mini-timber house was a comfortable resting stop for sisters Natasha, 6, and Naomi, 3, Jones who were at the show with their parents from Dayboro.

Brisbane home renovator Jan Tierney looks over a replica of a T-Model Ford on the Woodworkers Company stand at the HIA expo, built around a Mazda motor. The original (circa 1922) is in the company’s Brisbane showroom.

Promoting the HIA apprentice program at the renovation and build expo are Nicole McCracken, business services, and Julie Bolitho, apprentice mentor.

On the Wilson Timbers stand .. sales representative Chris Rogers and fourth generation member of the Wilson family David Wilson Shaw.

Fielding inquiries on the Lend Lease stand are Rosemary Trevenar, Woodlands, and Debbie Parsons Yarrabilba.

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Project officers Gabbi Hemmings and Samantha Giles on the Building Codes Queensland stand.

issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 15

TIMBER INNOVATION

Timber building system utilises ‘waste’ small diameter round logs Development of low-cost housing alternative

AN innovative engineered timber building system that uses small diameter treated true round plantation logs normally chipped and destroyed has captured the interest of industry.

The system, developed by Wollongong, NSW-based Loggo Building Systems, includes load bearing support members, extended framing and portal construction members.

Company principal Pat Thornton said Loggo was arguably one of the strongest, greenest and most cost effective timber systems.

“Compared with current systems such as LVL and sawn timber, the product has unrivalled versatility, fire resistance, projected longevity and sustainability,” Mr Thornton said.

“Manufactured from ‘waste’ small diameter logs, the resource cost is minimal and the system’s low capital cost means set-up can be completed in a minimum of time and a minimum of cost.”

Mr Thornton is seeking test materials including 12 x 125 mm diameter / 1 m true rounds at 14% moisture content and 40 x 125 mm diameter / 3.65 m slabs at 18% MC. Further research on resource is considering cypress rounds and early solar kiln trials published

by Queensland Forestry show 100 mm x 25 mm white cypress (Callitris columellaris) can be dried from green (39%) to 12% in 36 days.

Mr Thornton said the Loggo products were ideal for lowcost housing and commercial buildings, particularly kit buildings. An additional benefit was that entire buildings could be erected on site using

Page 16 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

Loggo principal Pat Thornton (left) discusses the new building system with business development consultant John Jones during a visit to southern Queensland.

Loggo products have undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney.

unskilled labour.

Loggo products include I-Logs, an I beam simply consisting of two logs as flanges with rebates along the length of the

The manufacturing system is flexible so that it is possible to establish the manufacturing site close to the harvesting location

log and plywood inserted and glued into the rebates as the web; and laminated LoggoBeams consisting of two logs chamfered lengthwise and cross drilled.

The products have undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney under the guidance of internationally renowned timber engineer Professor Keith Crews.

The load bearing capability is superior to existing timber products.

“Because of the nature of their production, encapsulated connections and rounded profile they have significantly greater fire retarding properties than other timber framing materials,” said Mr Thornton referring to supportive burning data provided by CSIRO. All connectors are internal and glue encapsulated to eliminate oxidisation, rust or fire.

Mr Thornton said the LoggoBeams had only a 200 mm vertical dimension thereby reducing the floor depth unable to be achieved with current competing products. Similarly, multi-storey timber-framed buildings can be reduced in height because of the beam dimensions. The saving can amount to one or two rows of bricks.

The manufacturing system is flexible so that it is possible to establish the manufacturing site close to the harvesting location. Manufacturing and installation costs can be provided to support this claim.

There is no requirement for nailing or screwing and Mr Thornton says the installation system eliminates the necessity for concrete which is particularly beneficial in remote areas.

He says the superior load bearing capacity of the Loggo product allows for the beams to be set at centres of 800 mm resulting a substantial saving over normal timber members.

There is also a considerable saving of footings and piers.

Mr Thornton is considering joint-venture participation and can be contacted on (02) 4256 4767 or email pat@loggo.com. au

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INDUSTRY NEWS / OPINION

Prestigious forestry award to researcher Sadanandan Nambiar CSIRO forestry scientist Dr Sadanandan Nambiar is the latest recipient of the Institute of Foresters of Australia’s highest award – the Norman W. Jolly Medal.

Announcing the award, IFA national president, Mr Rob de Fégely said: “I am delighted to make this announcement as Sadanandan is a very worthy recipient.

“He is an eminent forest scientist internationally recognised as a leader in research on sustainable productivity and management of forests.

“His multi-disciplinary approach to science in support of sustainability has had a profound impact upon efficient, science-based plantation management in Australia and overseas.”

Mr De Fégely said through his work Dr Nambiar promoted the sustainable management of Australian forests as a ‘balancing act’ that needs long-term goals, focus on productivity and due care for soil, water, landscape and social values.

“Internationally, Sadanandan has been a tireless advocate of research into the potential of man-made forests, agroforests and woodlands as land use systems that can foster both economic prosperity and environmental benefits for society,” Mr De Fégely said.

Dr Nambiar is widely recognised as a science leader and a generous mentor by colleagues in Australia and internationally.

He is an active honorary fellow in CSIRO Ecosystems

Dr Sadanandan Nambiar .. recognised as leader in forest research.

Sciences, Canberra spending significant time supporting forestry in developing countries, especially southeast Asia, championing sustainable forestry for rural development and poverty alleviation.

He is a prolific writer and his works are published in more than 100 publications, in addition to reports, books, proceedings, monographs and numerous keynote addresses.

He has received several international awards including the Distinguished Scientist Award in USA, Commonwealth Medal of Excellence, and World Congress Award as a pre-eminent Australian forest scientist.

Mr de Fégely will present the medal to Dr Nambiar at the institute’s biennial conference, to be held in Canberra from April 7 to 11 next year.

The medal recognises outstanding South Australian forester Norman William Jolly (1882-1954). editorial inquiries

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Here’s the ‘wood’ you use when you don’t use wood!

HA, ha, ha ha. The laughter came after the callow youth with a red tie and sneakers told onlookers: “This is wood that isn’t wood. And it’s more environmentally friendly than wood.”

My sidekick, a home renovator, nearly choked on her take-away buttered scone.

We remained transfixed as the youth continued to gift us with his new-found knowledge of building products during the HIA renovation and build expo in Brisbane.

“It’s aluminium,” he said with all the excitement of a 21st century Archimedes.

“It never needs painting and can’t be damaged by insects and it protects the environment.”

He wasn’t finished: “It comes in wonderful timber shades – western red cedar, jarrah, Tassie oak, blackbutt, kwila and bush cherry.

“Latest technology is creating the natural beauty and warmth of timber finished on aluminium without the expense of maintenance and repairs.”

At a distance the ‘wood’ deck he was standing on looked like wood. But as you got closer it contained none of wood’s warmth. Something like watching a soaring beautiful eagle turn into a stuffed dead bird on landing.

We moved on .. too dumbfounded to explain the other side of the story – that intensive smelting of metals like aluminium contributes enormously to the carbon footprints of these materials.

A tonne of red brick for instance requires four times

the

Watchdog

the amount of energy to produce than sawn timber, while concrete is five times less carbon efficient, steel 24 times and – wait for it – aluminium 126 times.

Making aluminium chews up significant amounts of energy. That’s because a major part of its production is through electrolysis – where an electrical current is run through treated bauxite. All of this means that the energy costs for aluminium smelters are phenomenal, at up to half the total cost of production.

Environmentally friendly? A fallout from a toxic mud spill from an aluminium plant in Hungary in 2010 left nine people dead and many injured with chemical burns.

Aluminium is the third most abundant element (after oxygen and silicon), and the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. It has many useful applications.

But let’s call it what it is – aluminium, not wood

issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 17

FSC, PEFC Olympics certification a ‘world first’ for UK timber suppliers 100pc of wood supplied as ‘legal and sustainable’

THE Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has achieved a ‘world first’ for securing FSC and PEFC project certification on the Olympic Park site, with 100% of wood products supplied certified as “legal and sustainable”.

The 2012 Summer Olympics (the Games of the XXX Olympiad) are taking place in London between July 27 and August 12.

The presentation of FSC and PEFC project certification by auditors Soil Association Woodmark on Wednesday is hailed as a major achievement and a procurement model for other projects to follow.

It also breaks new ground in that the project required main certification schemes PEFC and FSC, which have welldocumented differences of opinion on forest certification, to work together, bringing hope of the potential of mutual recognition in the future.

Soil Association Woodmark

said the project was a ‘world first’ for certification of such a huge and complex site. FSCcertified material made up 67% of the 12,500 cub m timber products procured, while PEFC accounted for 33%.

“It is an outstanding outcome that really shows what can be achieved and it’s a strong platform for the industry to build on,” Peter Bonfield, leader of construction products at the ODA, said.

“Now the question is – what are the industry and certification bodies going to do to take this across the rest of the country?”

He praised the PEFC, FSC, auditors, the timber industry, contractors and CLM [Olympic delivery partner] team managers for their efforts in achieving the target.

He said there had been hiccups; some materials were removed from site and several small timber structures dismantled when it was discovered the wood did not meet procurement

What could have been .. the 2012 Olympics was expected to be the arena of contemporary architecture with the Velodrome and the Aquatic Centre among other marvels. It was earlier announced that the roof of these structures would be made of sustainable wood which the Games construction authority believes is the best material available to reduce pollution associated with construction, a sector with a significantly high pollution level. However, the rising cost of timber has forced the authority to replace the timber roof of the Velodrome as well as that of the Aquatics Centre with steel and concrete.

Page 18 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

British larch .. high profile timber at the London Games.

requirements.

But problems had been overcome practically, avoiding any of the politics of certification.

Meanwhile, larch timber supplied by a sawmill in Powys, Wales, has taken a starring role in an eye-catching project heralding the start of the Olympic Games in London.

As part of the London Festival of Architecture, 17 cub of Welshgrown larch (Larix pinaceae) has been used to create ‘Paleys upon Pilers’ (Palace on Pillars) a temporary installation in the historic Aldgate area of the city.

The 11m high wooden structure marks the start of High Street

‘Now the question is – what are the industry and certification bodies going to do to take this across the rest of the country?’

– Peter Bonfield, Olympic construction authority

2012, the direct route from the City of London to the Olympic Park at Stratford, and will remain in place during the Olympics and the Paralympics.

Architectural practice Studio Weave was inspired by the dream poems of one of Aldgate’s most famous residents, Geoffrey Chaucer, written while he lived there from 1374-1386. The House of Fame and The Parliament of Fowls both include images of dream-like temples, made of extraordinary materials.

Studio Weave described the structure, which was commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects, as a “kind of timber embroidery”, with a “light nest of decorative timber fretwork creating a series of overlaid buildings of different scales and complexities”.

The structure, which sits prominently above Aldgate High Street, is supported by four pillars and decorated with images inspired by illuminations on the 14th century Chaucer manuscripts.

Hamish Macleod, director of public affairs for BSW Timber Group, which supplied the larch timbers, say the project will help to raise the profile of British timber.

“The supply of sustainablygrown and produced British softwood into the UK construction market is an important business for us and this stunning installation in Aldgate, in the heart of the City of London, demonstrates the versatility of our products,” Mr Macleod said.

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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Weyerhaeuser earnings are up eight-fold on housing rebound

DRIVEN by an unexpected housing recovery in the US, Weyerhaeuser’s second quarter net earnings rose more than eight-fold to $US84 million, on net sales of $1.8 billion.

This compares with net earnings of $10 million on net sales from continuing operations of $1.6 billion for the same period last year.

“We are seeing signs of a rebound in the US housing market, and as markets strengthen, the operational improvements within our wood Products business are yielding clear results,” the president and chief executive Dan Fulton said.

“Our ongoing work to improve performance across all businesses is positioning us to

capture the full benefit of the market recovery as it unfolds.”

In the northern spring, Weyerheuser began hiring more than 100 trades and production workers at its engineered lumber products plants in Louisiana and Arkansas.

“We are gearing up to ensure continuing product availability for our customers as demand for housing and light commercial construction recovers,” said Carlos Guilherme of VP Engineered Lumber Products.

Earnings for the second quarter of 2012 include after-tax gains of $37 million from special items. Excluding these items, the company reported net earnings of $47 million. This compares with net earnings before special items of $32

Dan Fulton .. capturing full benefit of market recovery.

million, in the second quarter of 2011.

That quarter a net loss of $13 million from discontinued operations was recorded on net sales of $163 million.

Discontinued operations

include Weyerhaeuser’s hardwoods and Westwood Shipping Lines businesses, which were sold in the third quarter of 2011.

Weyerhaeuser owns 9 million ha of timberland and has offices or operations in 10 countries, including its headquarters in Federal Way, Washington.

One of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world, it is the world’s largest private sector owner of softwood timberland and the second largest owner of US timberland.

Weyerhaeuser is also on the leading edge of industry innovation from how timber land is managed to continual research and development of new products and uses for its timber.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Items provided in this section of Timber & Forestry E news are drawn from a number of sources. The source of the item is quoted, either by publication or organizations in line with the practice of fair reporting.

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issue 233 | 06.08.12 | Page 19

Nominations Excellence :: Recognition :: Celebration The Queensland Timber Industry Awards are an important means of highlighting excellence in our industry and rewarding organisations who are leading the way in terms of service, innovation and commitment to improving both their business and the industry as a whole. The gala evening when these awards are presented is the only event of its kind; it provides a platform to celebrate our industry, our state and recognise our top performers.

This evening is set for Saturday 3 November 2012 at Victoria Park Function Centre, Brisbane.

To maintain the credibility of these awards and therefore the prestige and honour they represent for finalists and winners, the judging criteria for 2012 have been adjusted to reflect recent ideals and trends as well as give greater weight to operational areas of importance. The criteria for each category is available to view on the website, www.tabma.com.au - Queensland - Information Sheets - 2012 QTI Awards Criteria.

Award Categories 2012 

Best Specialist Timber Merchant



Best Frame & Truss Operation (Metro)



Best Building Materials Centre (Metro)



Best Frame & Truss Operation (Regional)



Best Building Materials Centre (Regional)



Best Timber Manufacturing Operation



Best Timber Wholesale Operation



Best Sawmilling Operation



Best Specialist Service Operation



Trainee of the Year



Best Training Culture



Apprentice of the Year



Best Wholesale Sales Representative



Recognising Women In Forest & Timber

If you wish to nominate please visit www.tabma.com.au - Queensland - News and Events - 2012 QLD Timber Industry Awards Nomination Form and complete an entry for each nomination. All nominations will be kept confidential and only be seen by TABMA Queensland management and judges. Nominations close 15 June 2012.

Introducing the Sponsor’s...

Sponsorship packages are still available.

Page 20 | issue 233 | 06.08.12

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Production T: 0439 417 671 ISSUE 203 || 06.08.12 12.12.11 || Page PAGE 21 15 issue 233 e: kerri@mycustompublishing.com.au

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