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issuE 263 | 01.04.13 | PAgE 1
UN call: zero illegal deforestation target
This issuE • Buildings fail safe emission readings • Peace deal debate lost to mental health
First international day of forests raises importance of trees to all forms of life
The president of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations Niels Elers Koch and a representative from the Friends of Karura Forest plant trees together in Nairobi, Kenya.
Luncheon brings new ‘voice’ for industry • Forest industry fuels economy in NZ • New Forests buys into blue gums • Tall wood wins green points
Cont Page 3 Just Go t ood W
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Graziano da Silva, an Americanborn Brazilian agronomist. “Stopping illegal deforestation and forest degradation would do much to end hunger, extreme poverty and bring about sustainability. “This is why I would like to encourage countries to promote tree planting and to consider a zero illegal deforestation target in the context of the post2015 debate. These two goals should be closely linked. “We can achieve positive results if countries, the international financial institutions, the UN, civil society and the private
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ON the first International Day of Forests, celebrated on March 21 by the United Nations, the UN food and agriculture director-general Jose Graziano da Silva proposed that all countries support a zero illegal deforestation target. Mr Graziano da Silva linked illegal deforestation and hunger at a ceremony in Rome marking the UN’s newest international day. “In many countries, illegal deforestation is degrading ecosystems, diminishing water availability and limiting the supply of fuel wood – all of which reduce food security, especially for the poor,” said Mr
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issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 1
INDUSTRY NEWS
Improving our industry’s capacity to develop and maintain a skilled workforce ............................ Peace-of-mind message: FIAA president Fred White with labels attached to furniture in his showroom that guarantee emissions are below those demanded by Australian health authorities.
$1.3m rebuild after buildings fail safe emission readings Chinese wardrobes get the chop By JIM BOWDEN
PLYWOOD and veneer wardrobes and joinery items imported from China and installed on a multi-unit building project in northern NSW have been condemned after the Department of Housing found emission levels had “soared through the roof” and the health and safety of occupants was put at risk. The project cost the developers an additional $1.3 million to replace the furniture and employ plumbers, electricians and tilers in a complete re-build after the non-compliance order. The renovation was completed using Australian manufactured furniture products – products that consistently meet standards for low emissions, quality and safety. The president of the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Fred White said he was not surprised by the outcome if imported Chinese wood products were used. “Look, we’re telling project
Page 2 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
builders it’s their choice – if they install imported materials that fail Australian standards for emissions and safety then they have to cop it sweet if these products cause an illness or a death, and this could go as high as a royal commission,” Mr White said. Mr White, who is a director of Homestead Kitchens and Joinery at Tuggerah on the NSW central coast, said the presentation of laboratory tests and other data that showed high emissions in imported furniture helped win his company two recent projects that were about to cross over to Chinese manufactured items. “On one occasion we furnished the project manager with information on emissions from boards and how down line he would be responsible for any failures,” Mr White said. “On another, an aged care facility, it was demonstrated that high emissions were likely
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WOOD DESIGN
Interest builds in IFA conference sessions on forest management From Page 1
sector join forces to tackle these issues.” The UN General Assembly has proclaimed March 21 the International Day of Forests. From 2013 on, the day will be observed each year to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees to all life on Earth. The day was celebrated across Australia with forest inspections, family events and tree-planting ceremonies. UN secretary-General Ban Kimoon called on governments, businesses and civil society to protect forests by reducing deforestation, preventing environmental degradation, and providing sustainable livelihoods for all who depend on this precious ecosystem.
Jose Graziano da Silva .. aiming for forest sustainability.
Rob de Fégely .. improving forest management policies.
“Forests are vital for our wellbeing; they cover nearly a third of the globe and provide an invaluable variety of social, economic and environmental benefits,” he said. “Forests are the source of three-fourths of the world’s freshwater, they stabilise slopes
and prevent landslides, and protect coastal communities against tsunamis and storms. In addition, more than three million people use forest wood for fuel.” Mr Ki-moon said forests also helped combat climate change as they stored more carbon
than is in the atmosphere. Yet 13 million ha of forest was destroyed annually, and deforestation accounted for 12 to 20% of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contributed to global warming. As weather patterns changed due to climate change, many forested areas were increasingly vulnerable. “This underlines the urgency of a global, inclusive, legally binding climate change agreement that will address greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the protection and sustainable management of forests,” Mr Ki-moon said. Meanwhile, with only one week to go, momentum is building towards the upcoming national conference of the Institute Cont Page 6
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industry news
FCJ Alliance gathering steam with unions, politicians and consumers From Page 2
to be fatal to elderly occupants and that the responsibility rested with the project builder.” Mr White said many commercial and government building projects were attracted by the cheaper price of imported material from China. “But they must pay for these imports up front before they’re even in the container and they don’t have a remote idea about whether they meet Australian standards or not. “I’m telling you now, if they approached Australian manufacturers with half a million up front they’d get a good price, too, and the assurance that the supply would meet all of Australia’s strictest regulations.” Fred White said a ‘green ticket’ campaign by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia had been embraced by FIAA members who were attaching labels to products in their showrooms. The product awareness campaign includes an adhesive label that guarantees plywood and panel products and
furniture manufactured from them meet Australian and New Zealand standards and are tested to have formaldehyde levels below those demanded by health authorities. EWPAA has distributed more than 100,000 labels to EWPAA members and furniture and kitchen manufacturers. The labels promote the safety of EWPAA member products that are tested to emission standards of Super E0, E0 and E01. Mr White said such campaigns promoting Australian manufacture were greatly assisted by the Furniture, Cabinet, and Joinery Alliance (FCJ) which had gathered real steam since it was established. The FCJ Alliance was formed by a number of industry groups to pursue issues of common interests that affect the industry. EWPAA is represented on the
Sophie Mirabella .. sympathetic ear.
FCJ along with members of the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia, Australian Furniture Association, Australian Window Association, Cabinet Makers Association of Victoria, Australian Shop and Office Fitting Industry Association, and the Window and Door Industry Council. “These industries are gaining a
‘Look, we’re telling project builders it’s their choice – if they install imported materials that fail Australian standards for emissions and safety then they have to cop it sweet’ – Fred Price
lot of mileage from the alliance which has the support of unions, the government opposition and health and safety authorities,” Mr White said. “They’re listening and recognising that this is a true industry alliance fighting for Australian manufacturers and Australian jobs.” Mr White said the industry was keeping a check on suggestions by Opposition Treasurer Joe Hockey that future government building tenders might be extended to overseas companies. “If there’s any truth in this, then Joe deservers an upper-cut.” Mr White said the furnishing industry was getting a lot of sympathetic hearing from Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella, Shadow Minister for Industry, who represents the Indi electorate in northeast Victoria, a region supporting jobs in the forestry, wood chipping and timber processing industries. “We’d like to have a two-way bet that Sophie will be the Minister for Industry after the Cont Page 7
Father, son get their ‘teeth’ into Gympie demonstration as Woodworks museum opens for forestry celebrations “GREAT turnout, beautiful weather, superb coffee - I reckon there were between 200 and 300 visitors over the course of the day.” That was the observation of Tony Willett, chair of the Wide Bay branch of the Institute of Foresters of Australia, during the open day at Gympie Woodworks Museum that helped celebrate the International Day of Forests (March 21). About 10 local IFA members, six Private Forestry Service staff and 12 museum volunteers welcomed visitors, including
Page 4 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
The Forestworks Museum, opened more than 30 years ago, continues to educate and excite visitors about forestry and the history and romance of the timber industry.
Teamwork .. Glen Heaton of HQPlantations and his son Darcy work the crosscut saw at the Woodworks Museum open day watched by IFA member and HQPlantations employee Tom Clapson and his two daughters.
30 members of the Gympie Woodworkers Club. HQPlantations and other
associated private ‘forestry companies’ were also represented.
On the open day on March 22, the museum’s steam sawmill was in operation and demonstrations included restored buzzsaws, woodworking and blacksmithing displays. Sponsors were HQ Plantations, Private Forestry Service Queensland and IFA.
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EVENTS
WHAT’S ON? APRIL 2013 7-10: 6th international Woodfibre Resources and Trade Conference, Istanbul, Turkey. ‘Woodchips and Biomass for Global and Regional Markets’. Hilton Istanbul Hotel. Included in the program is a pre- and postconference field trip, two days of conference and the opportunity to visit Gallipoli. Visit www.woodfibreconference. com to register. Residues-to-Revenues 2013 Conference and CleanTECH Expo Wood energy and ‘cleantech’ industry developments. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland, April 10-11, 2013; Bayview Eden Hotel, Melbourne, April 15-16, 2013. Event website: www. woodresiduesevents.com 7-11: Institute of Foresters of Australia conference – Canberra Rex Hotel, Canberra. Managing Our Forests into the 21st Century. Australian and international speakers will address delegates on both international and local issues that will face foresters and forest managers in the century, such as politics, policy and perceptions. Contact IFA, PO Box 7002 Yarralumla ACT 2600. Tel: (02) 6281 3992. Web: www.forestryconference. org.au 11-14: 43rd Annual JIV Hoo-Hoo Convention. Main Corner, Mount
Gambier. Accommodation at the Commodore Motel. Registration
details on www.hoo-hoo-jiv.org. au or contact Maurie Drewer, 0418 394 296. Email: or mkdrewerdubai@gmail.com . 18-19: Inaugural Local Government Forest and Timber Industry Conference – Bayview on Eden, Melbourne Aimed at both local government and timber industry professionals from across Australia. The program will have a focus on socio-economic issues and the relationship between local government and the timber industry, and will feature presentations, discussions, workshops and opportunities to learn from and share experiences. Contact: Municipal Association of Victoria. Tel: (03) 9667 5529. Visit www.ntct.org.au
MAY 16-21: 3rd International Congress on Planted Forests – Lisbon,
Portugal. The congress aims to investigate the contribution of planted forests to sustainable development in the context of global changes. Topics will include the sustainability of planted forests, changing climates and the future role of planted forests in environmental protection and REDD+. Five of the major European Atlantic countries (Spain, France, Ireland, UK and Portugal) with large areas of planted forests have joined forces to organise this congress under the coordination of the Atlantic regional office of the European Forest Institute and
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the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. Deadline for abstracts is February 28. Visit www.efiatlantic.efi.int
JUNE 15: Melbourne Hoo-Hoo Club 217 50th anniversary dinner (venue to be advised). Contact: Trish Waters on 0418 358 501. Email: waters58@bigpond.com 24: The Cat Goes Gold. Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 50th anniversary celebration. Victoria Park Golf Complex. Contact: Don Towerton on 0428 745 455. Email: don@ thoratimbers.com.au or Tim Evans on 0417 726 741. Email: t-evans@ bigpond.net.au
august 6-9: AWISA 2014 Exhibition. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association Ltd has decided that the exhibition will move from Sydney to Brisbane next year. Inquiries about booking space: email info@awisa.com or call Geoff Holland on 0412 361 580 23: The Cat Goes Gold. Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 50th anniversary celebration. Brisbane Riverview Hotel, Cnr Kingsford Smith Drive and Hunt Street, Hamilton, Brisbane. Tel: 0401 312 087 or 0428 745 455 for bookings..
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:
December
- Forest growing; - Harvest and haulage; - Sawmilling and other wood processing; - Pulp and paper processing; and - Forest product exporting.
4-5. Focus on improving transport and logistics in the forestry sector. It will build on the excellent program designed by the Forest Industry Engineering Association. Visit www.foresttechevents.com
For more information on the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) or to enquire about membership , please call (02) 6285 3833.
issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 5
WOOD PRESERVATION
Mattersmiths purchase opens new technology opportunities at Osmose OSMOSE New Zealand, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global wood preservatives supplier Osmose Inc., has purchased Mattersmiths Holdings Ltd and Mattersmiths Technologies Ltd. Mattersmiths focuses primarily on the manufacture and sale of anti-sapstain chemicals. The purchase includes Mattersmiths’ patent portfolio as well as its trademarks and other intellectual property. Osmose New Zealand general manager Steve Crimp said the acquisition was very exciting for Osmose and its customers. “In addition to the current anti-sapstain business of Mattersmiths, we see great opportunity for many of the technologies developed by
the company, in particular a new product for the treatment of framing timber to meet the H1.2 hazard class,” Mr Crimp said. Paul Maynard, previously managing director of the Mattersmiths Group, believes Osmose can successfully develop the new technologies, henceforth he will continue to pursue technology development in other fields. Mr Maynard invented and developed a new wood preservative at Mattersmiths. With some similarity to ACQ, the new product is water based containing copper with the option of a range of co-biocides. It can be used in standard wood treatment processes and according to Mr Maynard it is a
Paul Goydan .. opportunites to expand global wood preservative business.
world ‘first’ and has a number of advantages over traditional wood treatments. He says it eliminates some of the petroleum-based components otherwise used
in such compositions. The president of Osmose Paul Goydan said the acquisition would give the company additional opportunities to expand its global wood preservative business. Osmose is the leading worldwide supplier of wood preservatives used to protect wood in outdoor environments against fungal decay and termite attack. Since 1934, Osmose has produced high quality, reliable wood preservatives and its current product offerings include CCA, ACQ, LOSP, anti-sapstains, framing trreatments and its patented MicroPro system, which incorporates micronised copper wood preservative technology.
IFA conference in Canberra timely in an election year From Page 3
of Foresters of Australia in Canberra. More than 150 delegates are confirmed for the conference, being held to discuss the major issues facing the management of Australia’s forests in the 21st century. Never
before
has
the
IFA
Page 6 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
held a conference that will so comprehensively cover the needs of forest management and managers, with the conference sessions and field days being held in the first three days of the program covering topical issues ranging from urban forestry to certification and international forestry. A full-day, independently-
facilitated forum will be held on the final day, where delegates will have their chance to comment on the future for forest management in Australia. The forum will cover the future of public and private natural forests, traditional plantations and agro-forestry. IFA president Rob de Fégely said the conference was
extremely timely; it was now 21 years since the National Forest Policy was signed. “Given the conference is being held in Canberra, and it is an election year, this event is already raising a lot of interest from federal politicians as they look for ways to improve forest management policies,” Mr de Fégely said.
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PLANTATIONS
Foresters examine Cyclone Yasi damage By EMMA LESLIE-MOHR Secretary, Quensland division, Institute of Foresters of Australia
DESPITE the weather it was great to see around 10 people come together from far and wide in North Queensland to celebrate the International Day of Forests on Thursday, March 21. We extend our thanks to HQPlantations for showing us around pine plantations damaged by Cyclone Yasi. It was a great setting for those working in the north to meet or reconnect, network and generate discussion on a range of topics related to forest
Chile increases forestry exports to $US75 billion
North Queensland foresters checking out a harvest operation in pine plantations near Cardwell, damaged by Cyclone Yasi.
management from a variety of backgrounds and interests. Some of these included post cyclone re-establishment, public responsibilities and social expectations, plantation species including varieties of Pinus and African mahogany in tropical north Queensland, and alternative energy markets. Thanks to all those who came and made the day such a worthwhile event. We are planning another to take place in six months hosted by Oz Char Pty Ltd when we will be shown some new biochar systems and explore alternative markets for wood and residues.
Wood Protection
CHILE’s forestry exports are expected to increase to $US5.75 billion this year, up 6.8% from the $US5.39 billion exported in 2012, says industry trade group Corma. An increase in pulp production would partly boost total forestry exports. Pulp prices, however, could fall after new plants in Brazil and Uruguay increase supply from South America. In Chile, fuel and forestry conglomerate Empresas Copec SA (COPEC.SN) plans to start operations at its $US1.9 billion Montes del Plata mill in Uruguay during the first half of this year.
Industry wants govt protection From Page 4
September election,” Mr White said. “We’ve made it clear to her that the industry is not looking for money; rather we want government protection for Australian manufacturers so we can develop an on-going vibrant and healthy local industry employing Australians.”
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issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 7
EVENTS
Luncheon under the eucalypts brings new ‘voice’ for industry THERE was little talk of tough times when almost 70 representatives of almost every sector of the timber industry gathered ‘on neutral ground’ at a Brisbane restaurant the day after World Forestry Day (March 21) for a unique social network luncheon. It started on the timber deck shaded by tall eucalypts at Fratelli as, one by one, they filed in – foresters, sawmillers, merchants, importers, truss manufacturers, timber treaters, industry association CEOs, trainers, transporters, insurers, and government officers. Everyone voted the day a success, answering a questionnaire and commenting individually that they would book into the next event. Referring to the “lunch as a launch” for regular such events, MC Jim Bowden opened the day saying this was the kind of meeting he wanted everybody to support. “The Timber United Club, or whatever we’d like to call it – I think the idea is a good one – to get us all together, perhaps four times a year, to meet on common ground and share our thoughts, achievements and problems with friends with a few laughs along the way,” he said. “We believe in these tough trading times, and in the good when things inevitably pick up, that these informal social meetings will become popular and useful.” He reminded guests that the luncheon was sponsored by Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Timber Industry Club 218. “Today is something different. We appreciate the support and we know you will get a lot out of it – and you will enjoy it.” Club president Alan Jones said the luncheon was a club project members were happy
Page 8 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
Happy group at Fratelli .. Clarissa Brandt, communications manager, Timber Queensland, Paul Hogan, director, Premier Insurance Brokers, Brisbane, Alan Jones, president, Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Timber Industry Club 218, Alicia Oelkers, Queensland manager, TABMA, and Mark Kapper.
Friends at Fratelli .. Gerry Gardiner, itreatTimber Pty Ltd, Narangba, Tony Towerton, Thora Wholesale Timbers, Coopers Plains, and Michael Lipscombe, Pinewood Products, Gaven.
to sponsor. “The club now in its 50th year, of course, will continue and remains dedicated to raising funds for underprivileged children. “We hope this luncheon will develop into a series of regular social industry events and
perhaps at times take the form of business seminars with guest speakers .. relaxed gettogethers in Brisbane for whole of industry.” He said the club was robust financially – even after raising and donating more than $1 million in cash and materials to
‘I think the idea is a good one – to get us all together, perhaps four times a year, to meet on common ground and share our thoughts, achievements and problems with friends with a few laughs along the way’
children’s charities since it was founded 1963 – thanks to the club’s founders and those who followed and toiled happily in the club over the years. “But, alas, like so many other clubs, societies and associations, old traditions don’t necessarily fit in with changing times and styles and interest in membership has waned in recent years. “So this is the kind of meeting we’d like you to support, with Club 218 handling the organisation and administration and carrying on with its fund raising behind the scenes. “The cooperation of many people working together for the betterment of the industry can move a mountain as easily as an individual moves a stone. And the industry is certainly crying out for stronger national leadership. Perhaps we will develop into a new voice for industry down the track.” Mr Jones paid tribute to his committee that worked on the luncheon idea – Don Towerton, Tim Evans, Alf Chapple, Jim Bowden and Gerry Gardiner.
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EVENTS
Socialising .. Tim Evans, Independent Verification Services, Caboolture, Geoff Cavanagh, Wamuran Timbers (hardwood sawmillers), and Charlie Henry, Charlie Henry Enterprises, Sanctuary Bay.
Early arrivals .. Don Towerton, Thora Wholesale Timbers, Coopers Plains, Alfred Chapple, estimator and detailer, Loganlea, and John Eggleton, manager, Peachester Timber, Moorooka.
dennis@industrye-news.com
Catching up .. Bill Kranenburg, former timber consultant, Samford, Robbie McGavin, research facility and project manager, DERM Salisbury Research Facility, and Ian Watkins, Advanced Timber Systems, Darra.
Enjoying the lunch at Fratelli .. David Armstrong, former CEO, Queensland Timber Board, Coorparoo, Peter Mort, Resource Services Group, The Palms, David McDonald, trade trainer, Australian Trade College, Scarborough, and Alan Jones, Premier Insurance Brokers, Rosewood.
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issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 9
events
Graeme Miles, general manager, Palmer and Sons Transport, Northgate, Charles Achilles, Springwood, and Bob Pope, The Men’s Shed, Mount Gravatt.
Surrounded by foresters, John Titmarsh, manager, Gill & Co, Rocklea (second from left) stands his ground with Stephen Walker, chair, Queensland division, Institute of Foresters of Australia, Tom Ryan, former Queensland Conservator of Forests, and Dick Pegg, forest industry consultant.
Earl Murray, Proveneer, Ipswich, Matthew English, Greenwood International, Hamilton, Peter Crooke, fabrication general manager, Bretts, Eagle Farm, Noel Wooton, Bretts, and Nigel Shaw, Wilson Timbers, Moorooka.
Malcolm Powell, Plywood Services, Palm Beach, and John Crooke, Queensland Sawmills, Hendra.
After-lunch chat .. Nick Youngman, state manager, Boral Timber, Simon Dorries, general manager, Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, and Gerry Gardiner, itreatTimber, Narangba.
Jack Norton of Jack Norton Timber Protection, Brisbane, and Nick Youngman, Queensland manager, Boral Timber, Northgate.
Ed Scott, timber consultant, Peregian Springs (left) catches up with Malcolm Powell, finance director, Plywood Services, Palm Beach.
Page 10 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
Industry personalities .. Norm Tilling, chairman, Tilling Timber, Sanctuary Cove, Bill Philip, Disdero Lumber Australia, Sherwood, and Bill Neilson, The Truss Company, Eight Mile Plains.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Forest industry fuels economic growth as NZ producers break into lucrative markets A BUSY period for the forestry industry is helping push growth in New Zealand’s economy. New GDP figures show the forestry and logging industry is the busiest it has been in more than 13 years, helping drive the fastest economic growth for three years. Forestry exporters say New Zealand’s big logging competitors – Russia, Canada and the US – are cutting back the amount of wood they supply to China giving Kiwi loggers a break in a lucrative market. Leaky building repairs and the Christchurch rebuild are also pushing-up domestic demand. Forest manager Steve Wilton looks after 22,000 ha on the North Island’s east coast. He said the size of the wood harvest has increased by a third
Export markets get lift .. increased log volume coming from 1980s plantings.
in the last four years. “Mainly because of the increased volume coming
on from the plantings in the eighties and we’re getting close to the plantings in the nineties.
It’s a volume thing that’s driving it,” he told ONE News. “Prices have lifted quite significantly in the last 12 months so farmers no longer have a grimace on their face.” BNZ chief economist Cameron Bagrie said the success of forestry sometimes goes overlooked. “New Zealand probably gets a little too fixated with the dairy and the tourism sort of story,” he said. “I guess if New Zealand is going to reach economic nirvana and start to move our income bands up among the OECD, we need to be pitching across multiple sectors and forestry is one of those unique sectors.” But Mr Bagrie warns it is not a boom yet, as the high New Zealand dollar is hacking back returns.
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issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 11
industrynews
End of home warranty insurance biggest achievement for industry FIAA close to winning fight on kitchen renovations MOST people in the kitchen and bathroom industry in New South Wales would be aware that the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA) has been fighting a long battle against compulsory home warranty insurance for the industry. We have always held the view that it is an absurdity, in fact a rip-off in disguise. FIAA has always prided itself as the voice of the people in the cabinetmaking industries in the state. Many will recall our huge protests, in conjunction with the Master Builders Association, at Parliament House in Macquarie Street under the old NSW Labor government We believe that we are recognised for our strong
ethics and a sense of what is right and fair. Following many, many wellarticulated submissions demonstrating the total absence of merit in making home warranty insurance compulsory, we have received information that the O’Farrell Liberal government is seriously on the verge of removing kitchen renovations from the mandatory provisions of that regulation. This will be the biggest achievement in our industry in years. It will also be a huge achievement for the O’Farrell government. Responsible government – government for the people. The Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts may need to
By
MARTIN LEWIS Chief Executive Furnishing Industry Association of Australia be reassured by some support from the rank and file of our industry.
We really need to make sure that the minister’s office is given as much additional encouragement as is possible to remove this stain on industry that we know as home warranty insurance. We therefore ask you to send a form to the minister’s office, by either fax, snail mail, or by scanning the page and emailing. You may wish to remain anonymous if you have concerns – but please rest assured that FIAA will always be acting in the interests of the industry. Feel free to contact either myself, at mlewis@fiaa.com.au or FIAA general manager Dean Brakell at dbrakell@fiaa.com.au and we will arrange to get the form to you.
Peace deal debate lost to mental health TASMANIAN MP Paul Harriss dropped a bombshell during debate in the Upper House on the forest peace deal. Mr Harriss wants to more than halve the first section of forest to be reserved from logging. Almost 70 changes to the forest peace deal Bill were up for debate; about 40 were from the government, most aimed at addressing the concerns of MLCs. The most contentious are yet to be dealt with, including forest reservations and future wood supply for the timber industry. Under the peace deal’s enacting legislation, 395,000 ha would initially be protected. But Mr Harriss wants it amended to only 120,000 ha within the area nominated for World Heritage protection. The rest would be reserved
Page 12 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
months later if parliament is satisfied that the deal is achieving peace in the forests. However, the Upper House made little progress in furthering the forest peace deal legislation, with last week’s debate shelved in favour of changes to the Mental Health Act. There are rumblings the Huon MLC has got the numbers to make it happen. It is understood the Elwick MLC Adriana Taylor, who holds the deciding vote on the peace deal, has already lobbied for the change. The state government says such a move would undermine a key plank of the peace deal. The Premier Lara Giddings has warned that the government will not accept changes to the peace deal legislation without the approval of the industry
to be logged in 10,000 ha of the peace deal’s proposed forest reserves. It has been approved by the peace deal signatories and was passed by the Upper House. But Andrew Denman of the Tasmanian
Special
Timber
Alliance says there are no Lara Giddings .. government won’t accept changes to the peace deal.
and environmental groups that struck the agreement. She says the government rejects accusations it is writing the peace deal legislation on the run. The government has moved an amendment to the legislation, allowing special timber species
guarantees
specialty
timber
exists in the relevant coupes. “There’s been virtually no ability for either the Legislative Council or us to actually confirm what timber is in those areas; what species, what volume of timber what the age profile is,” he said. “So we don’t know the timber contained in those coupes. It could be all young blackwood.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Plywood producers in US scramble to return to pre-recession price levels PLYWOOD producers in the US are scrambling to return plywood production to prerecession levels as prices reach levels 45% higher than a year ago, the Wall Street Journal reported on March 21. The Random Lengths structural panel composite price reached $US511 per thousand sq. ft (msf) on March 15, up $150 (45.58%) over the price reported in the corresponding week of 2012 of $351/msf. The nation’s largest plywood producer, Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific (G-P) now plans to invest around $US400 million over the next three years to increase its softwood plywood and lumber capacity by 20% as demand spikes and prices rise. The investment will be focused on revamping and expanding G-P’s lumber and plywood plants in the southeastern US. “The markets for our products are improving at a steady pace,” executive vice-president for Georgia-Pacific building products Mark Luetters said. “These proposed investments would position Georgia-Pacific to provide our current and potential customers with the products they need to grow with a long–term recovery in housing,” he said.
Georgia Pacific makes both types of structural panels including a plywood subfloor that has been treated to enhance moisture resistance.
“We have a long-term vision for our building products business, and these investments underscore our commitment to the industry and the communities where we are located.” Georgia-Pacific will add capacity through the next three years, with plant expansions and upgrades likely in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas. Georgia-Pacific says it has invested $US1.5 billion in its building products business since 2006, for capital improvements and acquisitions. Half that figure was represented
Mark Luetters .. long-term recovery in US housing.
by a December 2012 deal, when Georgia-Pacific agreed to
acquire
Temple-Inland
Building Products business from International Paper Co. for $750 million. Set to close this quarter, it brought into G-P’s fold Temple-Inland’s 16 building products production plants across eight states, including lumber, fiberboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard mills. Georgia-Pacific is not the only mill increasing capacity. In related news, Plum Creek announced last month it would reopen its sawmill in Evergreen, MT, four years after closing it indefinitely. In a statement by the company, Plum Creek attributed an improving housing market for projected demand increases of its lumber, plywood, OSB and MDF products in 2013. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of tissue, packaging, paper, pulp, building products and related chemicals with nearly 35,000 employees worldwide. G-P is an independently managed and operated company of Koch Industries, Inc., a private company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.
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.
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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issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 13
ENGINEERED WOOD
Tall wood wins green points in skyscraper design competition A ‘TRIPPY’ entry called Big Wood made waves and earned an honourable mention at a skyscraper competition for US architects in New York last month. Actually, this was among the tamest of the winning designs; various others were designed for the North Pole, for the stratosphere, and for Mars. Back on Earth, within the same month a session at the Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) conference called engineered wood the sustainable big-building material of the future. Established in 2006, the skyscraper competition has become the world’s most prestigious award for innovative high-rise architecture. The contest recognises outstanding ideas that redefine skyscraper design through the implementation of new technologies, materials, programs, aesthetics, and spatial organisations. Studies on globalisation, flexibility, adaptability, and the digital revolution are some of the multi-layered elements of the competition. The ‘Big Wood’ concept designed by architect Michael Charters is a prototype for a large mixed-use university complex that would be located along the Chicago River. The mixed-use development would contain a mix of housing, retail space, a library, and a
Big wood .. the timber skyscraper concept designed for downtown Chicago.
community park. The first objection most people raise to wooden skyscrapers is flammability. Big fires that ravaged US cities in the 1900s provoked building codes that prohibited wooden structures taller than four storeys. That soon led to the development of skyscrapers, all made of steel, concrete, and glass. “Tragically, on 9/11/2001, we all saw that steel in skyscrapers is not quite fireproof. It can melt,” Mr Charters said. Mr Charters is explicitly following a path laid out by architect Michael Green of
Vancouver, British Columbia, who gave a talk at the TED conference. In his white paper, Tall Wood, Mr Green offered many tests to back up his claim that highly compressed engineered wood materials only char on the surface in a hot fire. That beats melting; structural members could still be strong enough to hold up a building after losing a little thickness to charring. He makes a strong case on flammability, and also that modern wood products are strong enough to do the job, and also that wood in our built
Trees are the biggest and best terrestrial carbon sink. Sustainable timber production is possible
environment makes us happy. It’s natural, and indeed, wood is what nature came up with for organisms to grow really tall. His central claim is that wood is more sustainable than steel and concrete. And he gives green points to Japanese wood pagodas 19 storeys high that are still standing after 1400 years. Mr Charters says the construction industry accounts for about 39% of all man-made carbon emissions – a figure that would be greatly reduced if more buildings, big and small, were made from timber. “As we learned in high school science class, trees have the ability to capture and sequester carbon, and they continue to store carbon when used as a building material,” Mr Charters says. “Recent studies have demonstrated that it is possible to build 20 and 30-storey structures from timber, and hybrid systems would enable builders to build even taller buildings. “Known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is an optimal location for a prototype in mass timber construction,” says Mr Charters. “Similar to the rapid innovation in building technology that occurred in the early 1900s, ‘Big Wood’ is positioned to be a catalyst for a new renaissance in high-rise construction, changing forever the shape of our cities.”
Biosecurity boost for Australia’s plantation forests THE Australian Forest Products Association has boosted biosecurity for plantation forests with two new steps – launching a new biosecurity plan and becoming a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).
Page 14 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
The Plantation Forest Biosecurity Plan was released at the recent AFPA board meeting, revising and updating an earlier plan. The new plan provides the plantation forest industry with a framework for increasing biosecurity
preparedness that includes reducing risks from potential pest incursions. It was produced by Plant Health Australia, the coordinator of plant biosecurity in Australia, in collaboration with AFPA and with financial support from
Forest and Wood Products Australia. PHA brought together experts from industry, research organisations and governments to assess the pests that pose the biggest threat to the industry and to devise ways to reduce the risk.
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Seven-billionth tree marks World Forestry Day in British Columbia
Western white pine success story in forest management TO commemorate the International Day of Forests, Canada’s British Columbia province has planted its seven-billionth tree at the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. The seven-billionth tree, a western white pine, marks a major milestone for reforestation in the province, which has sown 241 million seeds for planting in 2013. British Columbia uses a mix of over 20 different native tree species, which helps ensure adaptable, resilient and diverse habitats. The western white pine species is a success story in tree improvement research. Once widespread across southern British Columbia, the introduction of white pine blister rust in 1914 made the species uneconomical. Collaborative research between the Canadian and BC forest services and industry created a successful breeding program to reintroduce a more rustresistant white pine. White pine from the breeding program is fast-growing, adaptable to a wide range of locations, and cost-effective for reforestation programs. The species is being planted in BC’s forests, improving biodiversity and timber supply. On average, about 200 million seedlings are planted each year in British Columbia. Wildfire and mountain pine beetle impacted areas are prioritised through the Forests for Tomorrow program, which has surveyed over 1.3 million ha and planted more than 80 million seedlings
Seven billion and counting .. Dr Yousry El-Kassaby, head of the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Marc Dalton, MLA, Steve Thomson, Minister for Forestry, Randy Trerise, Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals, and councillors Doug Bing and Bob Masse at the tree-planting ceremony.
on more than 61,000 ha since 2005. An $11 million provincial fertilisation program will begin in 2014, fertilising about 21,000 ha and producing an additional 460,000 cub m of timber. British Columbia’s reforestation programs began in 1930 and reached the first billion trees planted mark in 1981. Since then, a ceremonial planting has been made for every billion trees planted. The secondbillion mark was planted in Surrey in 1989; the third billion in Kamloops in 1993; the fourth billion at the Campbell River Museum in 1997; and the fifth billion at the Prince George Exhibition grounds in 2002. The sixth-billionth tree was
A mature western white pine (Pinus monticola)
planted just four years ago at Knox Mountain Park in Kelowna. The BC Minister of Forests,
It’s a tree that showcases the years of research done by many people to create a disease resistant, high-value, and productive specimen
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Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson said planting the sevenbillionth tree was an incredible accomplishment and showed how hard the province worked to reforest the land. “The International Day of Forests was created to promote sustainable forest management, and I’m proud to say that BC’s forest sector is a global leader.” Dr Yousry El-Kassaby, forest resources management department head, UBC faculty of forestry, said the western white pine was good choice for the seven-billionth tree. “It’s a tree that showcases the years of research done by many people to create a disease resistant, high-value, and productive specimen. The Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is pleased to have this tree as an example of the great work being done for sustainable forestry.” British Columbia is one of the most heavily forested jurisdictions in the world with more than 55 million ha of forested lands. Licensees have been legally required to reforest the areas that they harvest since 1987. Last year, more than 225 million seedlings were planted in BC. The province recently released a 10-year Strategic Forest Inventory Plan, supported with $8 million annually for the life of the plan. Through this plan, 35 million ha will be inventoried in mountain pine beetle affected and other priority areas.
issue 263 | 01.04.13 | Page 15
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
Forest industry set to reap benefits of skyrocketing timber prices in US Sawlogs create more active forest management WHILE the Colorado, USA, forests continue to suffer from beetle epidemics at high altitude and the hangover from a century’s fire suppression at lower altitude, there’s some good news out there for those who believe in active forest management. Timber prices, which were bottomed out during much of Colorado beetle kill epidemic, are set to skyrocket, and the state’s timber industry may be rising in time to take advantage, industry experts say. And while there are millions of hectares of standing dead timber that may never be harvested, there’s also some good news out there for at salvaging at least some of the beetle-kill pine, as well. “In general, we’re still suffering the impacts of a century of fire suppression, so at this point active management makes a lot of sense,” says Mike Eckhoff, a PhD candidate in forest science at Colorado State University. “We’ve lost 80% of our (timber) productivity since the 1980s,” Mr Eckhoff said. “This could be a boon for Colorado’s timber industry provided that timber is actually made available for the industry to use.” Timber prices hit an eight-year high in March, largely due to the rising US housing market. Research by the International Wood Markets indicates the US and Canada probably will not be able to fulfil that timber demand in two to three years, creating even higher prices and perhaps prompting imports from Europe. Canadian timber production was hurt by the pine beetle epidemic, the report said, but also by permanent mill closings during the recession and the loss of two large mills due to fire.
Page 16 | issue 263 | 01.04.13
Salvage .. workers load pine beetle killed trees on a truck to haul them to a Colorado sawmills.
The past failure of the Colorado timber industry is usually blamed on the US Forest Service making fewer trees available in light of environmental resistance to logging. While the beetle-kill epidemic and catastrophic wildfires may have taken some of the edge off the latter concern, forest industry experts are now more worried that cuts to the Forest Service’s budget may hinder making wood available through forest management. “We just went through a hit in the national Forest Service budget in the sequester (and the US House of Representative may cut more), and very unfortunately that is cutting timber management dollars,” says Nancy Fishering, the Colorado timber coordinator for the Intermountain Forest Association. “Obviously they don’t understand what’s going on out here. We have new investments in a growing market.” Ms Fishering said new faces
Here he is .. the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), a native to the forests of western North America.
were brining energy to the industry. But while everyone looked at the millions of hectares of dead lodgepole pine, and the extremely valuable upland spruce trees that were now dying in higher elevations, the Forest Service still was not making enough wood available. “Everyone makes money when
The US and Canada probably will not be able to fulfill that timber demand in two to three years, creating even higher prices and perhaps prompting imports from Europe
you do that (create saw logs), but there’s also a sweet spot that allows more areas to be treated,” Ms Fishering said. “The trees that you can’t use for logs can go into biomass energy.” Ms Fishering said the new mills had state-of-the-art equipment and would be extremely competitive. “Our industry is pretty diverse, and we’re a lot more competitive than we were in the ’70s,” she said. “We are extremely optimistic.” Colorado may also be able to salvage much more of the standing dead lodgepole pine, than previously thought, Mike Eckoff says. While most industry experts thought that after three or four years the beetle-kill trees were not sturdy enough to create dimension timber, new studies indicate that doesn’t appear to be the case for trees that have not fallen. The upland spruce trees that are now being killed by the spruce bark beetle are highly prized in the industry, though not all the acreage will be available to loggers. In fact, about twothirds of the state’s 1,821,000 ha of spruce fir forests are off limits to management because of wilderness or roadless designation, according to a study by the Colorado State Forest Service. Still, Mr Eckhoff believes there are plenty of areas in need of management that could be producing forest products. “Colorado produces an annual net forest growth of 1.5 billion board feet, but we only harvest 6% of that, or 87 million board feet,” he said. “In other words, the removals do not significantly reduce the interest nor do they touch the principal.” – The Aspen Business Journal.
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