Issue 240 Timber & Forestry

6844

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

Awards mirror building trend Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 1

Wood design reaches new heights

and that comes with a carbonneutral bonus,” Mr Brisland said.

The sandstone art-deco building housing the Museum of Contemporary Art at Sydney’s Circular Quay will be “packed to the rafters” this Thursday (September 27) as 180 guests applaud award winners selected from a record 118 entries – 20% up on last year’s event.

“In these tough times it was heartening to again receive the commitment and strong support from the industry,” said Andrew Dunn, chief executive of the Timber Development

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LIGNA study tour visits Germany, Austria

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ENGINEERED wood products have become the fulcrum of a commercial building industry demanding a greater use of innovative, sustainable and infinite products.

“If we need to be convinced further, then take a look at the entries in this year’s Australian Timber Design Awards,” says Richard Brisland, a builder with 45 years’ experience in the construction industry and one of the judges of the awards.

“The wide span of designs in the contest shows architects, engineers and builders have embraced more than ever the positives of lightness and immense strength of EWPs –

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issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 1

INDUSTRY NEWS

Miles Hampton .. lost faith in government.

David Pollard .. crucial time for industry.

Bryan Green .. criticised over restructure.

Will Hodgman .. Greens running forest policy.

Miles Hampton resigns over ‘broken promises’ Concern mounts on Forest Tasmania split

THE chairman of struggling state-owned company Forestry Tasmania Miles Hampton has quit after only three weeks in the job citing lost faith in the Tasmanian government for his decision.

The state’s acting Premier Bryan Green is under mounting pressure to explain apparent broken promises over the restructure of Forestry Tasmania.

“In my view the government’s direction is not in the best interests of the company,” Mr Hampton said.

He said Bryan Green had made personal assurances the company would not be split in two, as announced last month.

In a carefully scripted statement, Mr Hampton said he had lost faith in the government because it had broken assurances the company would retain control of production forests.

Mr Hampton also used his statement to accuse the government of starving the company of cash in order to justify bringing Forestry Tasmania under ministerial control.

The government had led him to believe the company would be left to continue as a stand alone entity but there had since been an “about face”.

“I do not believe that the government has any intention of establishing a viable forestry

Page 2 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

business through its proposed restructuring of Forestry Tasmania,” Mr Hampton said.

The Australian Forest Products Association has expressed disappointment over Mr Hampton’s resignation but fully supports the basis for his decision.

“This is a crucial time for industry in Tasmania which is facing not only high energy and regulatory costs but continuing uncertainty over the future management structure of the wood production forests,” AFPA chief executive Dr David

Cont Page 9

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Forest, Wood, Paper & Timber Products Industry

30 – 31 October 2012 Hotel Hyatt & Parliament House, Canberra Join together Discover & build opportunities to step up the value chain PRESENTED BY

REGISTRATION & QUERIES: Tel: 1800 177 001 Email: cday@forestworks.com.au www.forestworks.com.au/conference2012

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AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

Wood industry reaches exciting level in multi-storey construction

Timber back into the realm of popular design

timber and new technological gains bring the renewable material back into the popular design realm,” Mr Brisland said.

He said this trend was exemplified in the 10-storey Lend Lease CLT Forte building in Melbourne.

“And wood engineering innovation continues with the CandleBark entry in the design awards,” he said.

This is a school library built with sustainable timbers into the side of a hill at the foothills of Victoria’s Macedon Ranges with an earth-covered roof.

Large billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) have been

From Page 3

Association which is organising the 13th annual competition.

“The awards have become a ‘must-enter’ event for architects, designers, engineers and students who, quite simply, now expect this annual homage to timber design.”

Mr Dunn said the awards previously centred on five big trends – sustainability, complex design, engineered wood innovation, taller buildings and broader palettes – and those trends were apparent this year, too.

“But other trends are also becoming clear,” he said.

“The first of these concerns flooring and this year there is a more confident use of engineered wood flooring.

Mixed materials also seem to be in vogue; exposed timber and stone has been a very popular pairing in recent years. And we’re seeing lots of innovative new designs that integrate steel elements with next-generation engineered timber products.”

Richard Brisland said the wood industry had reached an exciting stage in multi-storey construction.

“I agree with Canadian architect Michael Green that we have arrived at a unique set of crossroads where tall structures of concrete and steel have dominated the landscape.”

Green describes today’s building trends as symbolic of the ‘Eiffel Tower’ period when engineer Gustave Eiffel designed the la dame de fer (the iron lady) more than 130 years ago. Erected in 1889 using 18,033 pieces of puddle iron held together by 2.5 million rivets, at 320 m it was the

Awesome .. the CandleBark school library built with sustainable timbers into the side of a hill at the foothills of Victoria’s Macedon Ranges.

– Candlebark photos by Kristian Laemmle-Ruff.

Cont Page 11

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issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 3

INDUSTRY NEWS

Housing turns corner in US

Recovery drives 746,000 home starts this year

THE US housing market is finally showing signs of recovery after collapsing during the 2008-09 recession and hurting demand for building materials across the board.

The US is on pace to have 746,000 housing starts this year and could see 900,000 starts next year.

There has been a broad-based recovery in US residential markets after excess housing inventory gradually got soaked up after the recession. That’s been followed by increased buying from older members of the baby boom echo – children born from 1980 to 1995.

Improvements in lumber orders should also appear in repair and renovation of homes. Building industry observers estimate that 30-40% of North American lumber goes into new homes, while 25-30% is used to repair and renovate houses.

“The US housing market has at long last turned a corner,” says Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

“It’s not a straight line, there will be some bumps, but the market is slowly recovering,” he said.

This improvement is feeding through to US housing stocks and analysts say many publiclylisted home builders are set to have their best year on record.

Meanwhile, in Canada, Vancouver-based Interfor and other British Columbia lumber producers are gearing up for what they hope are the early stages of a sustained housing

over January’s average of $250. The amount of lumber shipped is also climbing; in the first eight months of this year, Canada’s two largest railways transported more than 96,000 carloads of lumber and wood products, up 9.1% from the same period in 2011.

On the mend .. US housing market has at long last turned the corner.

revival south of the border.

The forestry companies are hoping the momentum will carry into 2013 and translate into a badly-needed turnaround for their industry, which has had to rely on Asian customers to diversify revenue in recent years.

In July, the value of British Columbia exports of softwood lumber to the US surged to $216.8 million, up 61.1% from the same month last year and also the highest monthly value of such exports to US markets in nearly five years, according

Lumber prices should climb sharply in North America over the next three to five years, with increased orders from China, pent-up demand in the US and tight supplies in Canada.

Demand in Asia, however, will be uneven. The value of BC exports of softwood lumber to Japan slipped to $46.5 million in July, down 8.9% from the same month in 2011. And while the industry can’t expect China’s voracious demand to last forever, the overall picture remains bright.

Barry Rutenberg .. the market is slowly recovering.

Lumber prices should climb sharply in North America over the next three to five years, with increased orders from China, pent-up demand in the US and tight supplies in Canada

to Statistics Canada figures.

By contrast, the value of BC exports of softwood lumber to China grew to $82.8 million in July, up a relatively modest 5.4% over the same month in 2011, but still nearly 12 times higher than five years ago.

Japan, however, remains a wild card.

Prices are on a tear. In August, spot prices averaged $US310 per 1000 board feet for western lumber produced from spruce, pine and fir, a gain of 24%

environmental groups have not budged on their demands to reserve more forest from logging.

The corporate relations manager Ken Jeffreys says it is now possible wood

supplies will be reduced to unsustainable levels. That has infuriated Tony Burke, who is overseeing the peace talks, says an ABC report.

Mr Burke says talks to end the state’s forest conflict have been

On the supply side, any increases in lumber production will be muted because of the lingering effects from mountain pine beetles decimating forests in British Columbia’s interior.

Kip Fotheringham, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Vancouver-based Conifex Timber Inc., says the industry just can’t bring back a whole bunch of sawmills quickly.

“The wood fibre isn’t there and Ontario and Quebec face provincial constraints in the annual allowable cut,” he said.

Anger over Tasmanian forestry peace talks ‘breach’

THE federal Environment Minister Tony Burke is fuming over the publication of confidential information from Tasmania’s forest peace talks.

Forestry Tasmania has told The Examiner newspaper

Page 4 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

“characterised by trust and confidence” and breaching that is “nothing short of vandalism”.

Forestry Tasmania conducts wood supply modelling for the peace talks.

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WHAT’S ON?

OCTOBER

2-4: Future Build 2012.

Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Contact Australian Exhibitions and Conferences (03) 8672 1200 or email: mail@aec.net.au

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.

4-6: Malaysian Timber Council’s (MTC) Global WoodMart 2012, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.

For further information go to www.globalwoodmart.my. For information about complimentary hotel accommodation and other assistance, including sponsorship invitation and application forms contact John Halkett at john.halkett@bigpond. com or +61 (0)2 9356 3826.

Wood Innovations 2012.

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 non-

wood products. Low costs and high fibre recovery,achieved through process innovation, are prerequisites to competing in today’s global forest product markets. Visit www. woodinnovationsevents.com

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

18: AFS Ltd certification seminar, Brisbane. An update update on development in certification. Topics include a general introduction to forest management and chain of custody certification; an international context to certification; linkages between certification and GBCA green star, government and company procurement policies, and illegal logging legislation; and general information on how to achieve chain of custody certification.

Contact Richard Stanton on (02) 6122 9000 or email richard. stanton@forestrystandard.org.au 25: Australian Forestry

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EVENTS

Standard Ltd annual general meeting and certification seminar, Melbourne. The seminar will provide members and interested stakeholders with an update on developments in certification and a report on progress in the review of the forestry management standard AS4708. Contact Richard Stanton on (02) 6122 9000 or email richard.stanton@ forestrystandard.org.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 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

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 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 5

EVENTS

LIGNA part of engineered wood study tour of Germany, Austria Inspection of latest CLT and panel technology

AN engineered wood products study tour of Germany and Austria is planned for next year to take in the LIGNA Hannover Fair 2013 from May 6 to10.

The 15-day tour – tentatively from April 28 to May 12, 2013 – will visit manufacturing sites; innovative value-adding product development; technical colleges and universities (engineered wood programs); housing projects; and forest operations where practicable.

A number of tourist destination stopovers will be included in the tour.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend the full LIGNA program in Hannover, Germany, or join selected coach visits to surrounding engineered wood factories and a university outside LIGNA for one or two days, allowing three full days at LIGNA. A comprehensive program is under way.

The study tour has the support of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia and the Homag Group and its subsidiaries and

Page 6 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

Factory visits .. participants on the EuroWOOD 2013 study tour of Germany and Austria will inspect the building of prefab housing and the application of CLT technology.

partners in fabricated housing construction in southern Germany.

The Homag Group, located at Schopfloch in the northern part of Germany’s Black Forest, is a global player represented in more than 100 countries. It is a leader in the field of machinery and manufacturing for structural timber frame housing construction, producing solutions from stand-alone

machines to complete production lines.

Study tour participants will then travel to in St. JohannLonsingen in the Swabian Alps south of Stuttgart to visit Homag partner and subsidiary the Weinmann Group to inspect factory-built prefabricated housing and CLT construction methods.

The tour will include a seminar and inspection at

Graz University of Technology in southeast Austria, about 200 km south of Vienna, a world leader in CLT building technology.

A relatively young Austrian, company Dascanova in Vienna, is included in the itinerary. The research and development company has already picked up numerous international awards for its new panel manufacturing process.

Dascanova is currently focused on optimising and finalising the pilot phase of a hightech wood-based panels project in cooperation with European and North American research partners. The R&D department is also working on the modification of Dascanova technology for use in the insulation industry.

A number of prestigious companies and research institutes such as Dynea Austria AG and ETH Zurich are involved in the innovation processes.

Study tour rest days will be spent Cont Page 7

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EVENTS

LIGNA world hub for wood technology

From Page 6

at such tourist destinations as Vienna and Salzburg in Austria, Germany’s beer capital Munich and a Rhine River cruise and other stopovers in the comfort of a luxury coach.

The study tour finishes at LIGNA Hannover with optional add-on tours to Finland and the UK. The LIGNA Hannover Exhibition Centre is without doubt the number one venue for the world’s wood and forestry industry. Exhibitors from all over the world showcase their latest products and technologies in the areas of solid wood processing, wood panel and veneer processing, structural plywood application, forestry, sawmill technology, solid wood processing, wood crafts and furniture manufacturing.

The special LIGNA engineered wood exhibition this year will present the latest machinery and plant plus innovative accessories for the manufacture of wood panel products and veneers, structural plywood and CLT technology – backed up by the know-how of all the international big-name exhibitors who have specialised in the sustainable and efficient production of man-made panels and boards.

This special section will also feature production of chipboard, fibreboard, OSB, production of chips and strands from wood waste, processing, press equipment, transport systems, measuring and control technology, production of veneers, veneered plywood and laminated veneer board and wide range of plywood structural and panel options.

The very latest in new and

Exhibitors from all over the world showcase their latest products and technologies at LIGNA

LIGNA Hannover .. key component of EuroWOOD 2013 study tour of Germany and Austria.

emerging technologies – in solid wood, panel products, bio-materials, wood finishing systems, wood modification technologies, building materials and construction systems that potentially can be picked up by local companies – will be the event’s focus.

A full study tour itinerary will be available soon along with tour costs that will include flight and coach travel, accommodation, meals, visits to tourist locations and entry to the LIGNA exhibition.

Expressions of interest can be sent to email Eurowood13@ bigpond.com

www.tanalised.com

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issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

Decision on illegal logging drags on as Same-Sex Bill dominates Senate

Indonesia still fearful of timber trade restrictions

DEBATE in the senate on the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill – crowded out last week by debate on the Same-Sex Marriage Bill, which was defeated – is expected to be held over to a special meeting of the Upper House in November.

The illegal logging Bill was passed in the Lower House of Parliament last month and the leader of the Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne says her party will vote with the government to pass the legislation in the senate.

If approved, the law will ban the import or sale of wood products containing illegally logged timber.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has amplified its call for Australia to drop attempts at imposing restrictions on timber imports.

First secretary for Economic Affairs at Indonesia’s embassy in Canberra Denny Lesmana said he lamented Australia’s refusal to postpone the landmark timber trade bill, stating that Jakarta had hoped to have the situation settled by now.

Although the decision falls in line with similar legislation by the US and the EU to slow

illegal logging – estimated

by Interpol to be worth more than $US30 billion worldwide – Jakarta has called the move as a threat to its $US5 billion annual timber exports, claiming the law is poorly written.

Indonesia has also criticised Australia for failing to consult with them on the details of the Bill. According to Mr Lesmana, Australia’s move does “not take into account Indonesia’s own… controls on illegal logging.”

The Bill would allow authorities to impose fines on companies that are found buying and selling wood that has been logged illegally. This comes in accordance with a requirement on importers and processors of raw logs to undertake due diligence to ensure the legal origins of their timber.

However, critics say it can be difficult to distinguish between legal and illegal timber and wood. Many companies say they are unwilling to rely solely

Indonesia has also criticised Australia for failing to consult with them on the details of the Bill

Christine Milne .. will vote in favour of the illegal logging Bill in the senate.

on certificates as guarantees that their timber has been legally logged, stating that such documentation can be

easily faked.

This has called into question how the legitimacy of a shipment of lumber can be easily assured.

Indonesia says the requirement to verify all timber products will be expensive and complex for its timber exporters, leading the government to question whether the Bill itself is WTO compatible.

It is in this requirement that Indonesia’s argument comes into play.

Although the requirements of the Bill would seek to discriminate between legal and illegal goods, if imports are treated differently than domestic products this could be a violation of GATT Article III. Additionally, if the Bill were to impose stricter restrictions on countries with notoriously high levels of illegal logging, this could come into conflict with GATT Article I. Despite these issues, the legislation has enjoyed continued domestic support from both of Australia’s major political parties, unions, and major timber sellers alike.

Opportunity: new engineered product Project seeks access to on-going timber resource

ThIs engineered product is manufactured from small diameter treated true round plantation logs that would normally be chipped or destroyed. Resource cost is minimal.

The production system is low capital cost and can be set up in a minimum of time and at a minimum of cost. Compared with current systems such as LVL, sawn timber etc. this product has unrivalled versatility, fire resistance, projected longevity and sustainability.

This product has the ability to lower the costs of floor and wall framing in modern homes, as well as being ideal for low-cost housing The entire buildings can be erected on site using unskilled labour.

The product has undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney under the guidance of internationally renowned timber engineer Prof. Keith Crews.

Engineered Timber Products

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

Page 8 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

The project is keen to establish a plant near a guaranteed resource.

Contact: (02) 4256 4767 or email pat@loggo.com.au www.loggo.com.au

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Bryan Green ‘rolled by Greens’ From Page 2

Pollard said.

“AFPA understands the frustration caused by the Tasmanian government’s decision to pull the rug from under Forestry Tasmania, a decision which threatens to destroy effective management of the state’s production forests and undermine the durability of the proposed forest agreement.

‘We now have to ask, what’s left for the industry in any forest agreement?

‘Industry has been committed to this process on the basis that it would provide for a more secure and durable future, albeit on a significantly reduced scale. The latest revelations from the Forestry Tasmania chair have dented any remaining confidence we have had about whether such security and durability can result.

“We now need to understand whether there remains any intention to establish a viable industry, or whether it has been replaced by a political imperative to get a deal done at any cost.”

Dr Pollard has called on the Tasmanian government to respond to these concerns as a matter of priority and to reconsider its position with respect to maintaining a single, integrated and independent statutory manager responsible for the commercial operations and with full control of the production forest zones.

“This would provide the necessary security for investment that is consistent with the durability outcomes

of any forest agreement being sought by industry,” Dr Pollard said.

“In addition, the community service obligations currently met by Forestry Tasmania must be fully funded in the same financially transparent way.

‘Miles has long been a strong advocate for a vibrant forestry industry in Tasmania – a natural and renewable industry that enhances carbon sequestration efforts, recreation services and valuable economic growth to regional communities.

“We take this opportunity to thank Miles for his significant contribution to Forestry Tasmania.”

Tasmania’s Opposition Leader Will Hodgman has questioned how the Tasmanian community can trust the government if Forestry Tasmania’s chairman can not.

Industry groups blamed similar broken promises when they walked away from Tasmania’s forest peace talks last week.

Mr Hodgman has called for the Resources Minister to resign over his handling of the restructure.

He said Bryan Green was obviously rolled in Cabinet by the Greens.

“This is a complete vote of no confidence in the government,” Mr Hodgman said.

“It shows that it is the Greens who are running forestry policy, not Bryan Green.

“It shows that Bryan Green, once again, can’t be trusted to keep his word and it’s Bryan Green who should be resigning.”

dennis@industrye-news.com

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issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 9

EVENTS

Hoo-Hoo celebrates 50 years in Australia

HOO-HOO clubs in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are already planning 50th anniversary celebrations for 2013.

Reaching their half centuries this year are Adelaide Club 212 (April 16) and Mount Gambier Club 214 (December 1) and there was a good roll up of members from across the J1V Hoo-Hoo division at the recent 30th anniversary of Ballarat Club 256, attended by J1V president Val Fennell from Mount Gambier.

Val is working the numbers for a record attendance at the next JlV convention in Mount Gambier from April 11 to 14 next year with the theme ‘The Cats Will Convene in 2013’.

Sydney Hoo-Hoo Club 215 was chartered on March 12, 1963, Melbourne Club 217 on June 12, 1963, and Brisbane Club

InSurAnce..

It’S All In the SelectIon

• Pictured at the club’s AGM last week are elected officers Alan Jones (president), seated left, and standing from right Jim Bowden (public relations, gurdon and almoner), Alf Chapple (watchdog), Tim Evans (social and Variety Bash coordinator), and Don Towerton (secretary / treasurer). Club 218 member and senior vice-president of HHI J1V Pieter Verlinden is seated on the right.

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Insuring it all stacks up.

Page 10 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

218 on August 28 that year.

Members from most clubs in J1V intend to join in the celebrations at Mount Gambier in December.

The success of Brisbane Club’s entry in the Queensland Variety Bush Bash this year which raised almost $19,000 for children’s charities will be repeated in 2013 immediately

following the club’s gala 50th anniversary dinner at Victoria Park Convention Centre on August 31.

The club is a major sponsor of the Queensland Timber Industry Awards in Brisbane on November 23, hosted by TABMA Queensland.

Club 218 members associated with the Sunshine AusTIS conference held at Caloundra in 1982 will gather with friends in industry and forestry at the United Grand Lodge of Freemasons in Ann Street, Brisbane, on October 12, for an invited tour of the Masonic temple, built in 1928-30, followed by lunch at the historic Grand Central Railway Hotel.

Host will be forester Dr Gary Bacon, incoming Grand Master of Queensland Masons, who reminded Hoo-Hoo members that the fraternal order of Freemasons is a “few years” older than the International Order of Hoo-Hoo (established in Gurdon, Arkansas, USA, in 1892).

Though the first Masonic Lodge was founded in London in 1717, historical documents give evidence to early Freemasons in Scotland as early as 1390.

Construction seminar sold out A SEMINAR in Brisbane on contemporary construction and the benefits of new commercial and residential timber construction systems has been booked out.

The seminar at Portside, Hamilton, on October 11 will provide builders and designers the advantages of using cross laminated timber and comparisons with conventional product and design; the future directions of Queensland building regulations; and the structural properties and reliability of engineered timber

products and cross laminated timber Discussions will examine how advanced timber building systems can reduce building time by up to 50%.

The panel of speakers includes Timber Queensland chief executive Rod McInnes, Colin MacKenzie, manager timber application and use, Glen Brumby, director, Building Codes Queensland, Richard Hough, principal, ARUP, and Richard Kirk, principal, Richard Kirk Architects.

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AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

Engineered wood products address a massive, new structural challenge

From Page 3

profiled and vertically screwlaminated into massive portal frames exposed internally to form a visually dramatic and gently warped roof structure that fans out like an opening book to the view below.

Together with LVL purlins (ripped from portal billet offcuts), a radiata plywood roof substrate and some good waterproofing, this timber roof structure supports 600 mm of earth and grass and students at play.

The ceilings are lined with hoop pine plywood and finger-jointed hoop pine trim.

Windows and external doors are manufactured in recycled Blackbutt hardwood. A colossal pergola, chunky internal door frames and courtyard benches are of salvaged Monterey

Candlebark .. pushing the envelope for LVL, plywood and engineered wood products technology.

cypress.

The library has been entered in the public or commercial building class in the timber design awards and will compete for the coveted Sanderson Trophy, presented by the

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

The awards judging panel comprises: • Robert Morris-Nunn, one of Tasmania’s most adventurous architects who has won more

than 40 state and three national architectural awards.

• Richard Hough, a principal and structural engineer with international consulting group Arup. He has been a director in the firm’s London office, managing director of the Californian practice, and state manager for New South Wales.

• Richard Brisland, who has 45 years’ experience in the construction industry, working in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

• Kate St James, an interior designer, managing editor of Universal Magazines’ Home Design + Living Series and a fellow of the Design Institute of Australia.

The writer will be attending the awards night and will prepare a report with pictures for next week’s issue.

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!

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issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Annual road show helps Queensland builders, tradesmen beat rising costs

HELPING builders and trade contractors to counter the rising cost of building will be a top priority as the 2012 Master Builders Road Show makes its way through Queensland in October.

Director of housing policy Paul Bidwell said reducing the cost of building was critical to improving housing affordability and increasing building activity levels.

“We’re extremely concerned that rising building costs are exacerbating the price divide

Master Builders road show .. reducing cost of building critical.

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Page 12 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

between new and established housing, which is contributing to a shift in demand away from new housing to established housing,” Mr Bidwell said.

“While we’re currently lobbying the government to ensure additional costs on new housing are kept to a minimum, another way to address the problem is for building contractors to employ smarter and more efficient building practices.

“Efficient building practices are vital to allow builders and trade contractors to have some control over this problem and reduce the cost of building on individual projects.”

The annual road show that will visit regional venues around Queensland in October will include keynote speaker Chris Jacobson from Bondor who will focus on how builders and trade contractors can reduce costs by using different products and more efficient building methods.

This year, a panel discussion has been introduced to debate local issues, such as planning approval processes and reducing infrastructure charges.

Anyone involved in the building industry with an interest in innovative and efficient building methods is encouraged to attend.

All attendees will have the opportunity to network with local industry professionals, members, business consultants and mayors in the regions visited, while a range of exhibitors will be on hand with general updates for the building industry and some of the latest products available.

Contact Master Builders Queensland on 1300 30 50 10.

Efficient building practices are vital to allow builders some control over individual projects Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

INDUSTRY NEWS

National workforce success stories at industry development conference

FORESTWORKS has confirmed that next month’s industry development conference in Canberra will be attended by a record number of industry enterprises that have used the National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF) to train their workforces.

The NWDF is the federal government’s training fund, with the industry’s allocation of the fund administered by ForestWorks for the benefit of businesses in the forest, wood, paper and timber products industry.

Chief executive Michael Hartman said the conference would be a chance for industry enterprises to share their NWDF success stories and encourage even wider participation in the scheme.

“We hear every day about how the NWDF has delivered rewards – financial and otherwise – to enterprises across our industry. But we are aware that not everyone involved in our industry has yet heard this story,” Mr Hartman said.

“The fact is that the NWDF is a terrific opportunity for enterprises to take advantage of, as those who have engaged with it already can attest.

“I know from previous years that the industry development conference is a terrific opportunity for those in the industry to share their experiences of what has worked and is working for them. Hopefully, those who have benefited from the NWDF will be able to tell others, who may have not yet taken

advantage of the program, about its benefits.”

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘stepping up the value chain’ and Mr Hartman says there is no doubt that there can be no industry development without workforce development.

“And by this we mean the development of workers’ skills across the full spectrum of jobs in our industry – from the shop floor to management,” he said.

“Anyone involved in our industry knows it is under pressure from

Michael Hartman .. fund delivering rewards.

multiple angles. That’s why we need to share knowledge of the opportunities that exist – for example the NWDF program and funding – because they can make a huge difference in this climate.

“The growth in the number of enterprises taking advantage of the NWDF is heartening, but there is room to get more in and benefiting. The key is knowledge and that is where I hope next month’s conference can help in a big way.”

‘There is no doubt that there can be no industry development without workforce development’ Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au

issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 13

ith Tri Bo ev p to n er E u y LM s 39 …

8 IA pu 2 0 rc 13 ha se d w

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The Head with the key features and benefits: • Four Feed Roller Motors …… Higher production • New Patented Measuring System …… More precise length • Robust Frame with Smart Hosing …… Higher availability The Komatsu 398 sets a new standard in harvesting plus you get local factory support.

And it makes a great harvester package with the Komatsu XT450L

Page 14 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

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FORESTRY AND FOREST MACHINERY

Increasing efficiency in wood supply chain

We’re right behind you in the field Combining remote locations, harsh operating environments and heavy vehicles and equipment, the forestry and timber industries face significant fire risks.

Squeezing the most out of harvesting and transport operations.

BETTER management of wood flows within the wood supply chain has been a clear priority for the majority of forest products companies over the last couple of years.

The pressure is on to squeeze as much out of each segment – and across the entire wood supply chain – from harvesting and transport operations through to market. With a big jump in both the quality and type of data available, significant inroads have been made in the last 12 months into capturing some of these inefficiencies.

In Sweden, smart data to improve decision making, much better collaboration and improved exchange of information between companies within the wood supply chain, utilising options for back loading and new tools for truck scheduling and fleet management are expected to cut transport costs for the country’s forestry industry by around 5-15%.

Currently a three-year major project, FLEXWOOD (flexible

wood supply chain) is under way and expected to be finished this year. Fourteen companies, universities and research institutes from nine countries are developing a new logistics system that will increase the value throughout the wood supply chain. Another is the SDC project aimed at increasing standardisation and developing communication within value chains.

Gert Andersson, forestry logistics program manager from Skoforsk in Sweden, will be travelling to Australia and New Zealand to outline the achievements of these projects and to look more closely at opportunities that exist for local forest products companies.

Mr Andersson and his team have been leading Sweden’s push to improve logistics efficiencies and will be presenting at this region’s ForestTECH 2012 technology series that will run in Melbourne on November 2829 and Rotorua December 4-5.

Full details on both programs are on the event website www. foresttechevents.com

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With Wormald, you have an organisation that is always right behind you when you need us most. We’ve helped prevent and protect against fires for over 120 years.

Wormald has the fire protection solutions for heavy vehicles that range from fire detection and suppression systems, to portable fire equipment, personal protection gear and staff training; our end-to-end tailored solutions help protect major forestry operations throughout Australia and the Pacific region.

So, you can get on with the job, confident that your people, resources and machinery are supported by one of the world’s fire safety leaders. That’s peace of mind.

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Pictured: Cylinders and Extinguishers

issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 15

FORESTRY AND FOREST MACHINERY

Nobody wins in a ‘fire sale’

Cash-up-front deal may compromise the employment security of 6000 jobs GREEN Triangle contractors are telling me that they are worried about the plans of the South Australian government to sell forward cutting rights to pine plantations in the region, and the possible impacts on future business activity, forest contracting operations and jobs.

I am aware that South Australian senator Nick Xenophon has been raising a number of concerns about the sale. Not that I always agree with his view of the world. His support for that whimpering Andrew Willkie over gambling controls is a case-in-point.

As far as I am concerned if you blow your hard-earned on the pokies you are a bloody idiot – you can’t legislate against stupidity!

Sorry, I digress.

Returning to the possible sale of cutting rights to plantations, such a sale should, I think, occur only if it provides longterm benefits to the South Australia economy and builds on the lengthy investment of tax payers in the resource, plus offsetting the loss of dividends that would otherwise flow to the state’s taxpayers if the plantation assets and attendant cash flows remained in public ownership.

Figures that I have seen indicate that the forestry industry presently injects about $43 million into the South Australian economy a year. In this context, some commentators are saying that the cash-up-front sale of cutting rights may compromise the employment security of 6000 jobs in Mount Gambier and nearby towns.

It is obvious that prospective purchasers of forward cutting

Page 16 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

Plantation cutting rights sale may cost forest contracting businesses and jobs.

rights will be factoring into their consideration an acceptable return on investment. This return would most likely be achieved by a combination of a reduction in plantation management costs, and that means a loss of existing jobs, and an increase in the value of log sales.

Given the fundamental issues presently in front of Australia’s domestic wood processing industry and its declining international competitiveness, the sale occurs at a time when there is a lack of confidence in investment in both wood processing and long rotation

Now is not the best time to be selling plantation rights if the goal is to achieve an adequate return on the funds deployed in creating those assets and to maximise the longer term return to South Australia

Deep in the Woods with ..

Cheryle Forrester plantation development.

This situation is not helped by the continuing deterioration of Australia’s international competitiveness, coupled with the ‘fire sales’ of both softwood and hardwood

plantations arising from the forced liquidation of forestry managed investment scheme companies, such as Great Southern, Timbercorp and Willmott Forests.

It would seem to me, therefore, that now is not the best time to be attempting to sell plantation rights if the goal is to achieve an adequate return on the funds deployed in creating those assets and to maximise the longer term return to South Australia.

Don’t get me wrong – I am for the private sector running forestry businesses. They do a much better job over the longer term than do state forestry agencies with their conflicting social, political and economic agendas.

But certainly the sales process must avoid the prospect of a fire sale that is a likely outcome if potential investors do not have confidence in the economic viability and internationally competitiveness of the plantation assets and associated regional wood processing industry.

A desirable sales outcome should be an improvement in both the appetite for further plantation establishment and investment in value-added wood processing.

These are essential requirements if the cutting rights sale is to benefit the longer term economic position of South Australia, including avoiding a sale designed predominantly to satisfy shortterm government cash flow and politically-motivated spending goals.

The cutting rights sale would have merit if it stimulated Cont Page 17

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FORESTRY AND FOREST MACHINERY

Komatsu’s harvesting head puts contractors ahead in tough times

NEW log harvesting machinery from Komatsu Forest has attracted considerable interest since the live demonstrations at AusTimber in Mount Gambier in March, says managing director Mike Jones.

“The live demonstrations of the Forest Xtreme harvester [PC300LC-8] and the newly introduced Komatsu 398 harvesting head have kept us busy with follow-up inquiries,” Mr Jones said.

Ongoing interest in the 398 harvesting head has been motivated by recognition that this head is particularly well suited to the diversity of logging conditions in Australia.

“The 398 is designed to handle a wide range of plantation and forests situations, from second thinnings through to clearfelling, and can work both as a harvesting head or a processor for pre-felled trees,” Mr Jones said.

“Yes, it’s tough times for contractors, so reputation, quality, reliably, a proven track record of technical support, and importantly cost effectiveness, are all critical factors in determining harvesting machinery acquisition.”

These are attributes that make the new Komatsu 398 harvesting head stand-out from others. Its performance is characterised by reliability and profitability on demanding and different harvesting operations.

With its well-considered design and structurally strong chassis, the Komatsu 398 harvesting head can cope with a wide range of demanding, high throughput applications.

“Feed-back to date reinforces the 398’s well proven technology that contributes to optimising every aspect of productivity and reliability,” Mr Jones said.

The Komatsu 398’s combination of robust design,

Low maintenance costs and minimal down-time have been key objectives in the development of the new Komtsu 398 harvesting head

innovation and manufacture, all directed at the highest possible processing efficiency, are seen in details such as the intelligent frame design, tree stem grip and feed and delimbing knife design.

Mr Jones says tree grip, together with the electronic magnetic contact-free measuring sensor and a special, patent pending, system to ensure constant measuring wheel contact, are all part of the story behind the early success of the 398’s extremely accurate length measuring capability.

“Another ‘plus’ is the smart

hose routing through the rotator to minimise downtime and maximise service life, combined with simple hydraulics and easy servicing through highly accessible service points.”

The Komatsu 398 harvesting head has proven that it can cope with a wide range of demanding, high throughput applications where productivity, precision and reliability are essential.

Mr Jones says low maintenance costs and minimal down-time have also been key objectives in the development of the new 398 head.

“The well thought-out chassis construction and the fully protected hose routing through the rotator are prime examples of incorporating these objectives into the design.

With plantation and forest harvesting yields predicted to expand in Australia as new housing construction and timber demand lift in 2013-14, log harvesting production efficiency and cost competitiveness will be the key to success in contract allocations and profitable log harvesting performance.

“No doubt about it, the Komatsu 398 harvesting head coupled with a purpose-built Komatsu machine will characterise successful contractors in the future,” Mr Jones said.

Sale must stimulate plantation expansion

From Page 16

plantation expansion and wood processing investment in the region and was viewed as most likely to have a positive impact on the economic and employment prospects of South Australia.

So yes – I share the concerns of contractors about the motivation behind the proposed cutting rights sale in South

Australia and the likely impacts such a sale could have for local economies, businesses and jobs.

What do you think?

Catch up again in a couple of weeks.

This section is supported by the Australian Forest Contractors Association

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issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 17

OPINION

‘It’s hard to find an opponent who will stop illegal logging’

Support for the law has crossed partisan divide in the US AS the Australia parliament debates legislation to fight illegal logging, it’s worth considering the impact of the American and European laws on which the Australian effort is modelled.

Mark Rey, executive in residence, Centre for Systems Integration and Sustainability at Michigan State University, follows with this independent analysis: “We may be in a unique position to do so. Our long careers in the timber industry led both of us to be strong initiators and advocates of the US Lacey Act, which prohibits the import and trade of illegal wood and wood products.

“Our philosophy, like most of the forest products industry, has been to conduct business and manage forests in a way that ensures the timber resources we rely upon will remain healthy and available for future generations.

“However, these efforts are severely undermined by illegal loggers, who pillage national parks and protected areas around the world. Some employ slave and child labour, aid drug trafficking, fund terrorism, and spur violent conflict in communities. “Illegal logging has devastated forests and wildlife and is a significant driver of the 12 million ha of

tropical forest cleared every year.”

Mr Rey is the former undersecretary for natural resources and environment. In that position, he oversaw the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

He says many of Australia’s closest neighbours, including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Indonesia, are struggling with some of the highest levels of illegal logging in the world.

While illegal logging is a lucrative business for organised criminal operations, it robs developing countries of an estimated $US10 billion annually. Logging gangs evade paying fees for use of natural resources, smuggle timber out of forest nations, and do the high-value, job creating work of processing thousands of kilometres from the communities that depend on the forests for their livelihood.

Illegal logging also undercuts

‘One country alone cannot fully stop illegal logging, which is driven by a complex global market’

as enthusiastically by left wing Democrats as conservative Republicans. Indeed, when the Lacey Act recently came under attack from a politically wellconnected importer that was accused of violating it, the law’s opponents couldn’t muster the votes to undermine it.”

Mark Rey .. common ground on illegal logging.

companies who play by the rules, making it extremely difficult to compete in the global marketplace and resulting in job losses.

“That’s why, in 2008, we worked with a broad coalition to advance the world’s first prohibition on the import and trade of illegal wood and wood products,” Mr Rey said.

“Just as in Australia, environmental groups and the timber industry are often at each other’s throats. But when it comes to illegal logging, we’ve found common ground.

“Extraordinarily, support for this law has, for the most part, crossed the partisan divide in America at one of the most politically polarised times in our history. The law emerged from a Bush administration initiative, but was supported

Mr Rey said coming together to achieve this goal had cut global illegal logging by 22%.

It had also been good for the economy. In 2006, the US ran a $20.3 billion deficit with China in forest products; in 2010, the US ran a $600 million surplus. This dramatic reversal is due in large part to the 2008 Lacey Act forest provisions, which spurred many Chinese manufacturers to ask for low risk, legal and sustainable hardwoods.

“One country alone cannot fully stop illegal logging, which is driven by a complex global market. With the US Lacey Act, the EU Timber Regulation, and hopefully the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill joining forces in blocking illegal wood imports, we can continue to make significant progress in curbing global forest crime,” Mr Rey said.

EWP output in North America still much higher than 2011

THE North American production of engineered wood products continued to climb in the first and second quarter of 2012, showing significant increases in most instances both compared to the respective quarter last

Page 18 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

year and to the respective previous quarter.

However, when it comes to LVL the uphill trend has softened again in the second quarter, as production volumes in Canada

were significantly lower than in the first quarter. Overall second-quarter LVL production of 365,300 cub m was the same as in the first quarter. In the first quarter, North American LVL producers had boosted their

output by 37% compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.

Meanwhile, North American I-joist production continued to increase across both regions in the second quarter.

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Timber manufacturing trend is growing around the world

WITH changes to timber manufacturing and new design interpretations, the longoverlooked material is back in fashion, finding particular popularity in the global interior design sector.

The popularity of the wooden high-rise, exemplified by Melbourne’s Forte building, has bred new perceptions surrounding timber and new technological gains that promise to bring the renewable material back into the popular design realm.

According to Canadian architect Shane Williamson of Williamson Chong Architects, the growing interest in – and prevalence of – wooden structures, interiors and aesthetics due to three main catalysts: technological and functional improvements, updated design possibilities, and sustainability.

“Our interest in wood follows from a real contemporary stream associated with notions of sustainability,” Mr Williamson said.

“To see even the most general charts of the embedded energy of wood, compared to materials such as concrete and steel, is to be immediately (persuaded) that it’s a renewable resource with the lowest carbon footprint – a really fantastic material.”

This is especially relevant in the development and implementation of the increasingly popular crosslaminated timber (CLT).

Described by Wood Solutions as ‘jumbo plywood,’ this specifically-engineered product is playing an increasingly major role in the prefabrication of major structures, including both the Forte building and

CLT made its debut some 15 years ago in Austria. Now there are half a dozen major producers, located mainly in Austria, Germany and Scandinavian countries. This emerging successful system from Europe has been identified by the forest products industry and the research and wood design communities in Canada – and Australia – as a new opportunity for wood in non-traditional applications.

Melbourne’s planned Delta building.

The material’s worldwide appeal is due to its clever mix of durability, lightweight nature, safety and resistance to fire.

European testing has even shown that CLT offers advantages in fire resistance over concrete or steel. As with other timber materials, during a fire, a charred layer will form around the material core which helps it to retain its loadbearing capacity and delay the charring rate.

“It’s what people are talking about right now,” Mr Williamson says.

“It is produced in manufacturing plants with great precision.

You end up with a fairly extraordinary system that can produce the equivalent of homogenous wood panels at

Terrorists target dying US forests

Used extensively across Europe, CLT panels act as a structural diaphragm and breathable building membrane. Easy to construct, CLT panels also provide thermal and sound insulation and increase the fire resistance of the finished construction, having achieved a ‘90 minute fire rating’.

European testing has shown that CLT offers advantages in fire resistance over concrete or steel

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tremendous scales – 15.8 m long, for example.”

The prefabricated nature of the material offers particular appeal to developers, with project delivery times drastically decreased when using timber.

“Manufacturing may be away from a building site, and (CLT elements) are assembled in a very dumb way,” says Mr Williamson.

“There are very large screws, for example, 305 mm long, and the whole system is clipped and screwed into place, reducing the construction time to days or weeks, compared to months.”

This new and improved material is changing the face of the built world, offering up extended design possibilities that are safe, aesthetically pleasing, efficient and sustainable.

– Architecture Source.

LAND managers in western US states have received warnings from the FBI that terrorist groups might seize on dry conditions and stands of beetle-killed trees to ignite forest fires, which would cost millions to fight and create widespread chaos.

“We took it quite seriously,” said Dick Buehler, director of the division of forestry, Fire and State Lands. “It was distributed to all land-management agencies in the US.” In May, national news outlets reported that an al-Qaida affiliated magazine, Inspire, published articles encouraging people to set fires in the US. – The Salt Lake Tribune

issue 240 | 24.09.12 | Page 19

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Foresters draft national action plan to fight illegal logging in Philippines

TOP professional foresters in the Philippines have gathered in Subic Bay to draft a national action plan on the management and promotion of the country’s forest resources.

The national summit on forest law enforcement, governance and trade a high-level meeting of local foresters from academe, the government and wood-based industry sectors to discuss how the forestry profession can elevate its role in the government’s anti-illegal logging campaign and improve the local wood-based industry by promoting the National Greening Program.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje lauded the holding of the conference, saying it came at a time “when the profession finds

Foresters act .. national action plan in The Philippines to curb illegal logging.

itself on new paths forged in the crucible of rectification in the country’s policies on forestry program being pursued by President Aquino.”

“There’s no better time than now that we, as foresters, should take a deeper reflection on how much contribution the forestry profession have made

to winning back the country’s forests which, to a great extent, mirrors the state of our profession,” said Mr Paje, who has a bachelor’s degree in forestry science from the University of the Philippines.

The forestry conference was organised by the 8000-strong Society of Filipino Foresters Inc.

to mark their 64th anniversary celebration.

Topic at the summit include measures on how the profession could strengthen and unify ongoing efforts to stop wanton forest destruction, and how local foresters could promote sustainable management of forest resources so that the forestry sector can fully contribute to national development.

Among the important outputs expected from the conference are a national action plan on forest law enforcement, governance and trade and an action plan to promote good governance among the ranks of the Society of Filipino Foresters.

Invitations are due to be sent out, however you can get in early and book your table or seat at this year’s Queensland Timber Industry Awards Gala Evening. rd The event will be held on Saturday 3 November 2012, at Victoria Park Functions Centre. This prestigious industry event will showcase and recognize our industry’s finest.

This is the ONLY event of its kind for the Queensland Timber Industry and it is our chance to recognize those who excel in their chosen field.

Tickets are $143 each or a table of 10 is $1,325 GST inclusive. Phone Alicia on 3254 3166 or email alicia@tabma.com.au Tickets includes 3 course meal, 5 hour beverage package and live band.

TABMA QLD is proud to be hosting the event, sponsored by a host of businesses including timber industry and commercial entities.

Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Timber Industry Club 218 Inc.

Page 20 | issue 240 | 24.09.12

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