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ISSUE 336 | September 22, 2014
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FIAC to focus on R&D, investment
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Government selects key industry players to The direct newly-formed forest advisory council NATIONAL
MEMBERS of the new Forest Industry Advisory Council – formed to provide recommendations to government on proposed legislation and policies that impact on a $7 billion industry – were announced in Hobart last week. Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck announced the make-up of the FIAC during an Australian Forest Products Association dinner. The establishment of a Forest Industry Advisory Council was
voice for • Timber Merchants
Vince Hurley .. a great initiative being driven by grassroots people all around the country.
one of the Coalition’s key election commitments to revitalise the forestry industry. “The council will advise government on building a
positive future for the forestry industry in Australia,” Senator Colbeck said. He said council members Cont P 2
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 1
FOREST INDUSTRY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Michelle Freeman .. AFIC member concentrating on forestry communities.
Innovation
Council members have wide range of expertise
From P 1
Skills and practices that work
25 March 2015 Canberra
Save the Date The 7th Annual Industry Development Conference followed by the AFPA and ForestWorks Gala Dinner at Parliament House.
www.forestworks.com.au
This program has been produced with the assistance of funding provided by the Australian Government through the Department of Industry. ABN: 39 946 785 543
had a broad range of forestry expertise and were well-placed to inform government about key issues impacting the sector. The councillors come from a range of sectors within the forestry industry and community, including sawmilling, private forestry, plantations, wood product importers, and manufacturers. Six councillors and observers are based in Victoria, three in New South Wales, two in Western Australia, one in Tasmania, one in the Northern Territory and one observer in the ACT. The AFIC will meet in a few weeks to discuss issues including research and development, opportunities for commercial forestry under the Carbon Farming Initiative, investment for new forests and processing, update of the National Forest Policy Statement, and emerging uses for wood fibre and cellulose products. Senator Colbeck will cochair the council alongside experienced forester Rob de Fégely, president of the Institute of Foresters of Australia. Councillors also include: • Ian Dickenson AO (private forestry and farm forestry, Tasmania). • Vince Hurley (sawmilling, Victoria).
PAGE 2 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
Andrew Hurford
Ron Adams
• Andrew Hurford (sawmilling, NSW). • Linda Sewell (plantation management, Victoria). • Nils Koren (timber importation, Victoria). • Andrew Leighton (pulp and paper manufacturing, NSW). • Ron Adams (research and development, Western Australia). • Karina Coombes (indigenous forestry, Northern Territory). • Michelle Freeman (forestry communities, Victoria). Observers on the FIAC are Ross Hampton, Australian Forest Products Association, Canberra; Gavin Butcher, Forest Products Commission, Western Australia; Ric Sinclair, Forest and Wood Products Australia, Melbourne; and Michael Hartman, ForestWorks, Melbourne. Chairman of the Australian Forest Products Association Greg McCormack said the announcement represented a keeping of faith with forest product industries.
Linda Sewell
“AFPA is delighted to be asked to assist the government by joining the other key players from industry and allied bodies who will make up this council and be tasked, in Senator Colbeck’s words, of really getting rubber on the road,” Mr McCormack said. AFPA strongly argues that to enable forest product industries in this country to invest in plant, equipment, people and resources, they must have a national fibre and forestry plan to deliver investment confidence – just like the White Paper process which the government is undertaking for agriculture. “Unlike many businesses, forest product industries rely on a resource which must be planted decades before it is needed, and that will only happen if businesses have certainty that they have a big future in this country,” Mr McCormack said. In Tasmania for briefing sessions with company CEOs Cont P 6
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
Quality in timber design runs deep at awards night 200 applaud winners at Maritime Museum
By JIM BOWDEN
CAPTAINS of industry and a crew of more than 200 wood enthusiasts navigated a course for architectural excellence at the National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour in Sydney last Thursday for the launch of the 15th Australian Timber Design Awards. Special guest Senator Richard Colbeck, federal Secretary for Agriculture, took part in the presentations with entrants and award winners announced by MC Rebecca Gilling, human resources adviser with Planet Ark and well-known Australian actor. The overall Australian Timber Design Award, sponsored by WoodSolutions, was presented to Bates Smart (in collaboration with the Irwin Alsop Group) for Melbourne’s Dandenong Mental Health Facility. The judges agreed the health facility clearly meets these criteria in its recognition of the benefits of timber for functionality as well the importance of sensory experience. “The proportion to detail was exceptional, clearly demonstrating an understanding of the material that they are working with,” the judges said. The building and surrounds
Top prize .. Eileen Newbury, marketing and communications manager, Forest and Wood Products Australia (right) presents the WoodSolutionssponsored overall Australian Timber Design Award to Kevin Masci, representing Bates Smart Architects, for the Dandenong Mental Health Facility. Looking on as Eileen hands over the plaque, a slice taken from a blackbutt burl, are federal Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck and Australian actor and Planet Ark human resources adviser Rebecca Giliing who was MC for the awards night at the Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
texture with its surroundings and offers a new streetscape for residents to enjoy. A domestic-scale interior and the extensive use of ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra) gives the project warmth, drama and texture. “This year’s awards event saw another lift in the application of timber design, the best ever,” said Andrew Dunn, CEO, Timber Development Association, which organised the awards. “The judges had a huge task to find the overall winners as there were many to choose from that had equal merit.” Mr Dunn said the judges had to consult the objective Cont P 4
were an elegant complement to their environment. The judges particularly commented on the understanding by the design team that wood use benefits occupants’ health – “timber for healing”. Set within a suburban residential area, the interface between the acute mental health facility and the surrounding suburban homes created a challenge for the design team. The solution was a defensive perimeter with the perception of public, semipublic and private interfaces. The design breaks scale and Andrew Dunn, CEO, Timber Development Association, Sydney (right) welcomes James Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatrick Partners and his wife Susie to the Australian Timber Design Awards. Mr Fitzpatrick was on the judging panel for this year’s awards.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 3
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
Victorian ash glulam features in People’s Award prize entry
From P 3
of the awards and remind themselves what they were about developing a timber design ethos through the encouragement and showcasing of superlative timber design in a variety of applications. “The awards are not just about finding the building that used the most timber or is the prettiest, but to reward innovative use and development of new markets through timber design,” Mr Dunn said. The popular People’s Choice Award, supported by Intergrain Timber Finishes, was won by k20 Architecture for the Hindmarsh Corporate Centre in Nhill, a town in the Wimmera in western Victoria. This project is the
Enjoying pre-dinner drinks on the wharf at the Maritime Museum are Paul Michael, chairman, Timber Development Association, and Michelle Michael, Lexie Hurford of Hurford Hardwoods, Lismore, NSW, and Jason O’Hagan, Weathertex, Sydney.
development of Hindmarsh Council’s corporate offices and is a new iconic sustainably focused precinct which re-uses the existing 1960s building. The design is inspired by the local rural vernacular of agricultural sheds and storage silos using Victorian ash glulam timber for
PAGE 4 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
primary structure to minimise the use of steelwork across the project. The opportunity to vote on this award was given to visitors to the Australian Timber Awards web site during August and September. All of this year’s entries were displayed
on the site and each visitor was allowed the opportunity to make one selection only of their preferred project. Thousands of votes were cast before the voting system was locked down and the winner found. This category is immensely popular with the general public and designers alike. A special category was instigated by this year’s judges who wanted to acknowledge innovation in timber design and use. The Judges Innovation Prize was presented to Australand’s Green Parkville project on the site of the former 2006 Commonwealth Games Village, part of a master planned development. The first five storey timberCont P 7
2014 AROUND THE CIRCUIT
SEPTEMBER
23-24: Wood Innovations 2014: Timber Preservation – Wood Modification – Composite Products – Melbourne. (www.woodinnovations2014.com). Changes in new wood treatment formulations, processes and systems, standards, legislation with the focus also on wood plastic composites and modified wood products. 25-26: ForestTECH 2014. Melbourne. (www.foresttech2014.com). Remote sensing, field Inventory, forest estate planning.
25: Make the Connection. Engineered wood seminar. Moda Events Portside, Level 2, Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, 2.15 pm-5.30 pm (includes afternoon tea and cocktail function). Free entry for Timber Queensland members and technical subscribers. Non-members $40 p.p. Industry experts discuss the design, specification and realities of developing buildings incorporating glued-laminated timber (glulam), wood I-joists, cross-laminated timber, wood structural panels and some world firsts: posttensioned round timber wall panels, round timber floor panels and hollow timber piles. Guest speakers, panel sessions and live demonstration included. Details at www.timberqueensland.com.au/ events (see notice, Page 16).
OCTOBER
10: Forum for the Future: The Timber Industry in NSW. 10 am-2 pm at National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney. Speakers include Mark Bouris, chairman of Yellow Brick Road and executive chairman of US-based technology company
TZ Ltd; Daryl Patterson, head of operational excellence, Lend Lease’s property business; Ken McBryde, Australian architect, Hassells Architecture; Ross Hampton, CEO, Australian Forest Products Association. Cost: $140 p.p. includes lunch. Booking and inquiries: fpa@nswfpa.com.au
16: Chile Wood Expo – Lake Room, Waterview Conference Centre, Bicentennial Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay, Sydney. Free entry for wholesalers, trade agents, timber merchants, resellers, retailers, manufacturers, builders, technical experts and trade association representatives. Registration brochure available soon. Inquiries to Nicolas Birrell (02) 9262 2326 or nbirrell@ prochile.gob.cl or John Halkett 0417 421 187 or john.halkett@ bigpond.com
17: VAFI annual dinner – Park Hyatt, Melbourne. Theme: ‘Securing the Future”. Speakers include MPs Peter Walsh and Jacinta Allan. MC radio presenter, comedian and author Ian Cover. Inquiries to Jillian Roscoe at jroscoe@vafi.org.au 26-29: Australian Forest Growers 2014 Biennial Conference. Trees: The Future Crop for Changing Climates. Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. More than 40 presentations from leading forest researchers and practitioners, a day of field trips, featuring local forestry initiatives, along with icebreaker and dinner events complete a full conference program. Speakers include Australian Farm Institute executive director Mick Keogh, former Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery, Andrew
EVENTS
Campbell, Charles Darwin University, Prof. Jerry Vanclay, Southern Cross University, and Rob de Fegely, president. Institute of Foresters Australia. Contact Mark Wright, AFG 2014 conference convenor. Email: agconference@afg.asn.au
NOVEMBER
13-14: Engineered Wood Products – From Here to the Future. Australian timber industry seminar. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Gold Coast. Co-hosted by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia and Forest and Wood Products Australia. Australian and international speakers. Contact Eileen Newbury, marketing manager, Forest and Wood Products Australia.Tel +61 (3) 9927 3212. Mob: +61 (0) 41931 3163. Email: eileen.newbury@ fwpa.com.au or visit www.fwpa. com.au for registration and accommodation details.
2015 MARCH
THE AUSTRALIAN FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION The lead voice in Canberra on policy affecting forest, wood and paper products industries. AFPA strives to deliver benefits for the complete industry value chain including those involved in: • Forest growing • Harvest and haulage
25: ForestWorks annual industry conference and dinner in Canberra. Flagship event for the forest, wood, paper and timber products industries. Joining with the Australian Forest Products Association to co-host the popular networking industry dinner at Parliament House. Conference will look beyond the innovative technologies in industry and focus on the people, exploring how they can help to bring about innovation. Further details will be announced in the coming months, including the conference theme, speakers and venue. Contact forestworks@ forestworks.com.au
• Sawmilling and other wood processing • Pulp and paper processing • Forest product exporting
Join us today and share the benefits Call (02) 6285 3833
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 5
FOREST INDUSTRY ADVISORY COUNCIL
‘It’s great to see a strong emphasis on a need for greater forest reseach’
From P 2
from all over Australia, Mr McCormack said forest product industries already provided employment for 80,000 people, keeping many regional towns alive. “If we get the policy settings right that number can grow dramatically,” he said. “AFPA has conducted a survey of members which suggests, right across Australia, green shoots are to be seen. That is not to say that the industry is popping champagne corks, but it is perhaps not premature to say that the worst is behind us. “Based on industry-wide data we have collected, it seems now that, after several years of guarding every cent, some three quarters of CEOs are planning capital investment in the coming year.” During the Hobart event, industry members toured the Norske Skog Boyer mill to understand the process that has been taken to secure Tasmanian jobs by investing, along with the federal and state governments, in an upgrade of its light-weight coated paper plant to allow the printing of higher quality colour catalogues. This is a truly visionary investment by Norske which has been challenged by the decline in newsprint demand over the
Ian Dickenson .. a Tasmanian representing private forestry and farm forestry on the Forest Industry Adivsory Council.
Nils Koren
Ric Sincair
last several years. “Tasmanians are rightly proud of this company’s efforts to maintain an environmentally and economically sustainable operation providing year round skilled jobs,” Mr McCormack said. Recently returned from a trade mission to China, FIAC member Vince Hurley, CEO, Australian Sustainable Timbers, said the council was a great initiative to be driven by grassroots people
PAGE 6 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
Michael Hartman Karina Coombes
all around the country. “This is a great group that will give great feedback on the industry to the commonwealth government,” he said. “It’s great to see a strong emphasis on the need for research and development and it’s encouraging that Ric Sinclair of FWPA is an observer on the council.” Mr Hurley added: “All members of the council represent private industry, on the ground, so we all
will be pulling together for each other in a positive direction.” The Australian Timber Importers Federation has congratulated Nils Koren on his appointment to the industry advisory council. ATIF general manager John Halkett said Mr Koren’s appointment continued a proud Gunnersen family tradition of distinguished service to Australia’s forestry and timber industry. “As the managing director of one of the country’s most successful wholesale and distribution companies, Nils will be able to bring a commercial focus to the council’s deliberations,” Mr Halkett said.
A commercial focus to AFIC deliberations “Not only is the Gunnersen family prominent in the timber products supply chain but also has interests in plantation forestry and wood fibre export activities. “Nils will be able to offer his strong knowledge about international competitiveness and industry marketing trends, and the industry as it operates more broadly across Australia’s economy.
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
Plywood panels helped material minimisation for EWPAA trophy
From P 4
framed residential building in Australia, The Green comprises 57 units and 5100 sq m of apartment space. The development uses a ‘hybrid’ construction technique that combines commercial disciplines with domestic trades. This results in build cost savings of up to 25% per apartment on a much safer building site. The key feature of this hybrid construction is the large format panelised floor system. The coveted Sanderson Memorial Trophy for Engineered Wood Excellence, sponsored by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia, was presented to Grimshaw
Overall excellence in the use of engineered wood .. Jim Bowden, education and marketing, Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (left) presents the EWPAA Geoffery Sanderson Memorial Trophy to Tara Veldman of Billard Leece Architects, Sydney, and Gilbert Yeong, Grimshaw Architects, Melbourne, for the Doherty Institute, while federal Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck joins in the celebration.
Architects (in collaboration with Billard Leece Partnership) for the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity next to
the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Opened this year, the institute houses a coalition of infection and immunology experts to
lead the fight against infectious human diseases. Where possible, timber was adopted as an alternative to materials with high embodied energy. Laser-cut plywood panels and timber battens were used as feature ceilings in prominent areas throughout the building, while meranti veneer was used in the auditorium wall and ceiling linings, foyer seating, fixed office joinery, furniture and feature wall linings. The key brief was material minimisation – omitting ceilings, maximising use of self-finished primary elements, and adopting timber as an alternative to materials with high embodied energy where possible.
Queensland ‘snubbed’ in new forest advisory council
QUEENSLAND’S $3.8 billion forest and timber industry, supporting 20,000 jobs mostly in rural and regional Queensland, is dismayed to learn that the federal government has ignored representation from the state on the new Forest Industry Advisory Council. Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary for Wood Protection ®
Agriculture, announced the council composition in Hobart at an AFPA dinner last week. Rod Innes, CEO of Queensland forest industry peak body Timber Queensland, said it was completely unacceptable for Queensland, which comprised about 25% of the Australian forest and timber industry, to have no representation on an advisory
council that briefs and recommends actions to the federal ministry. “We call on the federal government to acknowledge the significant role that Queensland plays in Australia’s forest and timber industry by ensuring the state is represented on this important advisory group,” Mr McInnes said.
Rod McInnes
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 7
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
FORUM FOR THE FUTURE
THE TIMBER INDUSTRY Does it have a future?
Arriving at the Maritime Museum for the 2014 Australian Timber Design Awards are Amanda Van Rooyen, Felix Scheibmair of Rothoblaas/Timber Connect NZ, and Silvia Pugnaloni, Rothoblaas Australia Pty Ltd.
Will it be the same in ten years? If and who will be buying timber? Will the product mix change? Is bigger, better and fewer healthier?
Sharing pre-dinner drinks at the Maritime Museum are Richard Hough, principal of Arup Architects and Lynall Hough (second from right) and Sue and David Bylund, Faculty of Architecture, the University of Western Australia.
10 October 2014, 10am – 2pm National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
A MUST ATTEND EVENT! Hear from a select high level presenters that have an insight into the future timber industry. The Forum will be opened by NSW Minister for Finance Hon. Dominic Perrottet. $140 including lunch Mr Ross Hampton RSVP by 2 October (seating is limited) For booking and enquiries email: fpa@nswfpa.com.au CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AUSTRALIAN FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION
Mr Ross Hampton was appointed CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association in May 2013. Mr Hampton is a veteran of the policy and political scene having worked, at various times, as a reporter, adviser and policy advocate for the last twenty-five years in Australia and overseas. Mr Hampton has a long exposure and association with the issues confronting the Forest and Forest Products sector including water policy, climate change policy, trade policy, industrial relations policy and environment protection.
DARYL PATTERSON Head of Operational Excellence | Property | Lend Lease Australia
Daryl Patterson was appointed Head of Operational Excellence to Lend Lease’s Property business in 2012 responsible for overseeing the Property business’s operational improvement, governance and innovation across Australia. Lend Lease’s Property business units span multiple sectors including greenfield subdivision, commercial office towers, high rise apartments, an extensive retirement village portfolio and major mixed use urban redevelopments around Australia.
As Chief of Staff to the Australian Government SPEAKERS (L-R): MARK BOURIS of Yellow Brick Road, Minister for Chairman the Environment in the mid 2000’s, Mr Hampton played a key role in development of forestry policy as well KEN MCBRYDE Lead designthe at HASSELL studio, as policies which impact forestry Sydney industries. During this period Mr Hampton was one of the advisers in the Australian Government’s DARYL PATTERSON Head oflead Operational Excellence, international climate change negotiations at Prior to joining AFPA, Mr Hampton led the United Nations’, and associated, meetings in development of the Australian public sector Washington, New York, London, Buenos Aires market for global networking giant Cisco Lend Lease Property, ROSS HAMPTON CEO of the Australian and Zurich. System, and is credited with a significant share of the multi-million dollar growth Cisco enjoyed. Forest Products Association Mr Hampton grew up in northern NSW. He
Starting his career in architecture, Daryl progressed into construction management, project management and development management of complex landmark projects. Most recently Daryl has overseen Lend Lease’s investment into delivering Australia’s first Cross Laminated Timber constructed building, and the world’s tallest CLT apartment building of its kind. More recently Daryl has lead the formation of a specialist team dedicated to timber engineering and prefabricated solutions for a wide range of Lend Lease projects. Daryl’s experience during his twenty years within Lend Lease has included the development and delivery of major urban renewal projects in capital cities throughout
Australia. These projects are a key competitive differentiator of Lend Lease around the trained as a journalist and spent his early world and typically have multi-billion dollar end values. These projects entail a broad career reporting in the regions and then mix ofcities. asset classes, multiple buildings and substantial civic infrastructure. Daryl’s capital initial attraction to Lend Lease was its long and compelling history of challenging and
HOSTED BY: TIMBER NSW, TDA, TABMA
Mr improving Hamptonhow hasthings achieved a Masters in Public have been done in the property industry. Carrying that as a Policy, majoring in the environment, personal approach to how we create ourfrom projects and how we operate as a business theDaryl ANUhas Crawford School of Economics sought to challenge the status quoand with the first Australian utilisation of cross Government as well Bachelor degree from operated sustainable central laminated timber andas theaintroduction of commercially Curtin University. precinct utility solutions. 24 Napier Close Deakin ACT PO Box 239 Deakin West ACT 2600 02 6285 3833 enquiries@auspa.com.au
Mr Key Hampton is married to attributes Linda and has three achievements and school- aged children (as well as 600 olive • B.Arch, University Auckland trees and four ancientofLand Rovers). • Forté CLT building, Melbourne, VIC • Jacksons Landing, Sydney, NSW
ausfpa.com.au
• Victoria Harbour, Docklands, VIC
@AFPAonline
• Showground Hill, Brisbane, QLD
PAGE 8 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 TDW1902 8/14
Getting together for the design awards in Sydney are Bob Mayo, architectural sales and marketing, Briggs Veneers, Bronwyn Foord, general manager, Window and Door Industry Council, award presenter, and Liam Fitzgerald of Hassell Architects, Sydney.
• Green Utilities start-up business • Timber Solutions start-up business • Recipient 2012 Lend Lease Global Award for Excellence in Innovation
Secretary of the Timber Veneer Association of Australia Allen Broome presents the Timber Veneer Award to Beth Solomon for the Quays, Docklands.
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS Kate Karnell AO, chair, Australian Forestry Standard (left) presents the award for Australian Certified Timber to Nick and Sunny Wilder of WilderCoyle Furniture & Design for the House of Cupboards. In their entry, the designers described extensively how the timber was sourced and followed along the supply chain accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Juel Briggs of Briggs Veneers, Sydney (right) presents the Office Fit Out Award, featuring decorative sliced veneers, to Beth Solomon of McBride Charles Ryan for The Quays, Docklands. The Quays used a range of timber veneers from spotted gum, Tassie oak and American oak.
Michael Kennedy of Australian Recycled Timbers, a division of Kennedy’s Aged Timbers (centre) presents the Recycled Timber Award to Richard Kirk Architect (Hassell joint venture) accepted by Peter Hastings of Hassell. The award was for the UQ Advanced Engineering Building that used recycled blackbutt extensively throughout the project – timber flooring, stairs, acoustic ceiling and feature joinery.
Andrew Dunn, CEO, Timber Development Association accepts the Timber Windows and Doors Award on behalf of Peter Stutchbury Architects, presented by Bronwyn Foord of the Window and Door Industry Council.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 9
ENGINEERED WOOD
MDF provides stiff competition
EWPAA lab tests confirm strength of product
RIGOROUS stress testing completed at the EWPAA laboratories in Brisbane have confirmed the high structural strength of medium-density fibreboard. “The tests on the characteristic structural properties of a variety of MDF grades shows, in fact, that MDF is twice as strong as machine-graded pine (MGP 10),” the general manager of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Simon Dorries said. The results of the tests on the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture, and shear strength bending and stiffness of MDF, will form part of a new EWPAA technical note and possibly find their way into a national building standard. MDF is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers. It is generally
manufactured MDF products are unsuitable for use as components for staircase construction,” Mr Dorries said.
MDF used in staircases for over 30 years
Product confidence .. Simon Dorries, EWPAA general manager, and Andrew McLaughlin special projects engineer, test MDF samples for structural strength at the Brisbane laboratories.
denser than plywood and is stronger and much denser than particleboard. Simon Dorries said the tests flew in the face of claims
THE INSTITUTE OF FORESTERS OF AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES AN AUSTRALIAN FORESTRY INDUSTRY FIRST!
circulating in some industry sectors that MDF possessed few design properties. “These claims have suggested, quite wrongly, that Australian
“MDF boards have been used in staircases for at least 30 years without any instance of structural failure.” Mr Dorries said it was more than likely that claims against MDF were simply a misinterpretation of Australian standards and information provided on the use of MDF in staircases. He said some manufacturers in the solid wood sector had been using the report to suggest EWPAA did not support the use of MDF boards in staircases. Cont P 11
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MDF used in many load carrying applications Industries. Mr Dorries, who is chair of Australian Standards Committee TM-011 responsible for engineered wood products standards, confirmed that one of the first TM-001 items of business would be an urgent update to AS/NZS 1859.2. “This was last updated in 2004 and does not reflect advancements in manufacturing technologies and the production of more reliable MDF products to clarify their suitability for use in a range of protected load carrying applications,” he said.
From P 10
“This is certainly bending the truth,” Mr Dorries said. He said the manufacturing standard for MDF boards (AS/ NZS 1859.2) specified values for basic structural and material properties of MDF. This allowed many grades of MDF to be designed and be ‘fit for use’ in dry protected applications such as stair components, as had been the case for more than 30 years. Producers of compliant MDF in Australia include Laminex, Borg Manufacturing and Alpine MDF
The right step .. EWPAA supports the use of compliant MDF as components for staircases.
CLT school buildings help de-stress students in Vienna
A TOTAL 44 new primary school classrooms are to be built in Vienna by the end of 2015. The CLT modules for the first school annex were delivered to Vienna in July. There, the modules were assembled within a very short construction time.
“CLT stands for quick and clean construction,” says Herbert Jöbstl, senior vice-president of Stora Enso Building and Living in Central Europe. “The high degree of prefabrication reduces construction time. Dust and noise exposure are reduced and
it saves costs,” he said. At the end of school holidays, the new building should be ready for use so the first Viennese primary school children can take possession of their timber school. Studies show a good indoor climate helps school children destress.
As well as the technical advantages, the timber construction also has a positive effect on the mood and behaviour of school children. A study by the Human Research Institute from 2009 shows that school children who are taught in timber buildings experience less stress.
Trust only tested and certified products that are guaranteed. Untested and non-certified structural plywood, wood panels, LVL and formply can cause serious accidents – even deaths – on building sites, resulting in litigation and can be traced to the source of supply. The risk is too great: • Damage to your business • Possible loss of life • Legal action • Media exposure EWPAA members’ products are independently tested to the highest standard; guaranteed to comply with Australian and New Zealand building codes and standards; certified under JAS-ANZ accredited product certification scheme; guaranteed to be safe and to carry the designated design load; meet the safety and quality requirements of trade unions; meet all workplace health and safety standards.
The choice is obvious. Specify EWPAA products stamped with the approved certification. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Unit 3, 106 Fison Ave West, Eagle Farm 4009 Qld Tel: 61 7 3250 3700 Fax: 61 7 3252 4769 Email: inbox@ewp.asn.au Web: www.ewp.asn.au
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 11
EVENTS
A day of forestry camaraderie among the trees at Lavington
Barbecue building at Foresters Grove honours local identity A $50,000 barbecue building at the National Foresters Grove at Lavington outside Albury, NSW, was opened on September 14 in honour of the late managing director of Greenfreight Logging Geoff Green. About 90 foresters and allied industry representatives of the sawmilling, harvesting and trucking sectors attended the event which saw 23 people from industry across Australia recognised through the planting of 23 native trees with plaques attached. The trees and plaques were donated by colleagues, relatives and forest industry companies. Chairman of the National Foresters Grove committee Peter Crowe said about 220 trees had now been planted at the grove
Trees grow for them in Albury.. back row, from left, David Flinn, Bernie Evans, Jim Stewart (for Jack Stewart), Curly Humphries, Alan Cummine, and, front row, Spiro Notaras, Bill Hurditch Sr, and Bob Grant, sawmiller of Narrandera.
dedicated to past foresters, sawmillers, logging contractors and industry supporters. The barbecue building, which
info@forestry.org.au | www.forestry.org.au PAGE 12 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
‘This is the only memorial grove I know of in Australia that honours forest industry people’ – Peter Crowe is a joint venture between National Foresters Grove and the Albury City Council, was opened by Geoff Green’s wife, Gerry. “The barbecue and the newly planted trees will contribute to what is already a fabulous park, frequently visited by travellers and locals alike,” Peter Crowe said. “This is the only memorial grove I know of in Australia that honours forest industry people – people who have done a huge amount to build a sustainable and renewable forest industry into the future.” A dinner at the Commercial Club on the Saturday preceding the event was attended by more than 100 people representing the forest industry, as well as local members of parliament, Albury City Mayor Kevin Mack and Member for Albury Greg Aplin. Forest industry identities also acknowledged on the
day included Fred Green from Greenfreight, red gum sawmillers Gavin and Alex Rowe, and the former chief of the Bush Fire Council of NSW, Bill Hurditch senior. Mr Crowe thanked Grants Sawmill at Narrandera for donating $10,000 worth of sawn cypress posts to replace existing posts on the Wagga Road fence. Albury City Council is building the fence as well as undertaking major landscaping and tree and shrub planting. “The National Foresters Grove committee really appreciates the efforts of Albury Council senior staff members David Armstrong and Stephen Wilson for their unflagging support for this joint venture project,” Mr Crowe said. The barbecue building project has been supported by North East Victoria Hoo-Hoo Club 236, Lavington Lions, Norske Skog, Visy Pulp and Paper, Hyne Timber, the Forestry Corporation of NSW, the University of Melbourne, Alpine Truss and Frame, Hanson Concrete, BlueScope Steel, ARC Steel and Ryan and McNulty. Individuals recognised by the tree planting ceremony were: • Bob Grant, cypress sawmiller of Narrandera, NSW. Founder of Grants Sawmilling Co. Respected innovator within the sawmilling industry developing new techniques and procedures now widely accepted as standard practice. Well respected by all who know him. • Allan Cummine BScAgr (Syd), MEnvSt (ANU), Treefarm Investment Managers Australia CEO (2000–2009), Australian Forest Growers executive director (2000–2002), national policy Director (1994–2000). • John (Jack) Pendleton Stewart (1929-2009) BSc(For), Dip, forester at Tumut, Bathurst and regional forester on the NSW Cont P 13
EVENTS
Twenty-three trees and 23 men who lived and grew with forests
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North Coast. Appointed NSW assistant forestry commissioner in 1981 working with and providing a steadying hand for long-term friends, commissioner Wal Gentle and assistant commissioner Roy Free. • David W. Flinn BSc (For) (Hons), forester, forest scientist, director of forest research in the Victorian government, associate professor (University of Melbourne).
Pioneers of red gum industry • Victor Ian Pearce Eddy. A life dedicated to forestry and the healthy growth and wise use of red gum forests. Personally responsible for the management
Celebration of a life .. Geoff Green’s family – son Ben, wife Gerry, daughter Alana and grandchildren.
of resource and environmental value of numerous western leaseholds in the region, notably Yanga Station, now Yanga national park. • Ian Danckert, third generation of the Barker family running Gulpa sawmill at Deniliquin. Over 75
years of timber production from the Millewa forests, originally in the township of Yalama. • Chris Crump, third generation of 150 years of growing red gum forests from the swamps. Founder of the red gum industry at Mathoura producing railway
sleepers. Survivor of NSW government decisions in 2010 and still going strong. • Harry Edward Barker, original owner of Gulpa sawmill, now at Deniliquin. Purchased timber licences from the Millewa forests and sawmill at Gulpa in 1938. • Alan Brewer Barker and Colin Edward Barker, second generation of Barker family running Gulpa Sawmill. Over 75 years of timber production from the Millewa forests, originally Gulpa, now at Deniliquin. Colin worked the forest while Allan ran the mill. • Fred Green (1937-2011), founder of Greenfreight in 1973. Inducted into Australian Forest Contractors Hall of Fame in 2010. A great innovator and entrepreneur in the timber industry. An irreplaceable leader Cont P 14
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 13
EVENTS
All of them dedicated to forests
run. Largest forest contractor in northeast NSW, suppling logs to mills from Kempsey to Queensland. Straight as an arrow, his word is his bond. Forest road builder, trainer and mentor to many.
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whose infectious character took staff, customers and suppliers on a great journey. • Geoff Green BSc (For) Melbourne (1948-2013), Managing director of Greenfreight Logging 19812013. Inducted into Australian Forest Contractors Hall of Fame in 2010. Trusted, respected and valued member of the timber industry. Teacher, mentor and leader. Fondly remembered by friends and colleagues in the industry. • Alexander Archibald Rowe, pioneer of Murray River red gum production in the Riverina. Founder of red gum industry on the Lower Murray, ‘bidgee and Darling Rivers. • Gavin Malcolm Rowe, Bonum Sawmill Pty Ltd. Creator of red gum timber processing technology. Developer and producer of fine red gum furniture, red gum veneers and precision
Elder statesmen of north coast NSW hardwoods
Recognition .. past president of the Institute of Foresters of Australia Peter Volker (right) introduces the founding chairman of the National Foresters Grove Bob Newman.
engineered products. Succeeded in doing the impossible. Red gum manufacturer decades ahead of time, industry and science. • Douglas Birkin Rowe, last Red Gum timber producer on the Lower ‘Bidgee, Murray and Darling Rivers. Leader of the industry association in the region for 35 years.
Being a TABMA member gives you: • Group buying discounts • Assistance with the placement of trainees & apprentices • CoC certification advice • Industry specific staff recruitment at competitive rates • National networking opportunities • An exclusive trade credit insurance plan • Technical advice and assistance • Industrial relations advice • WH&S audits • Annual Timber Industry Dinner Call 1800 822 621 for membership enquiries PAGE 14 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
• Bill (W.E.) Hurditch BSc (For) Dip. For (Canberra). A fine forester and bushfire manager – Urbenville (1953), Bowen Fells (1964), Kendall (1966), Wauchope (1967). Chief coordinator, Bushfire Council of NSW (1970-86). • Allan Wilfred Greensill, Australian bushman began on Toowoomba to Birdsville mail
• Clive Price, deputy director of Queensland National Parks from its inauguration until his retirement. He was also very involved in Greening Australia and Men of the Trees. • B. T. (Bernie) Evan, forester, Forests Commission Victoria 1957-84, Daylesford, Erica, Orbost, Noojee, Melbourne, Myrtleford. Regional manager, Conservation Forests and Lands 1984-93, Wodonga and northeast Victoria. Later involved in sawmilling and private forestry Cont P 15
Australian-grown sandalwood wins big market in Asia
AUSTRALIA’S largest producer of Indian sandalwood has found a buyer for the timber from its plantations and it’s fetching top dollar. Tropical Forestry Services says it is selling its wood to Asia and some of it is proving more lucrative than the oil itself. The oil from the timber is still the company’s main focus however the timber itself is attracting international attention.
Deal worth $½bn for oil product In the last few months it was announced TFS had signed a deal worth half-a-billion dollars for its oil with pharmaceutical company Galderma. But in some cases the timber was fetching double the price of the oil. TFS head of global products Mario Di Lallo says it’s a much desired product. “There’s a huge demand in China for the good solid ‘heartwood’ as we call it, to make carvings and bracelets like the beaded types,” he said. “Typically, the wood sells for $200 a kg and above.”
Currently, TFS sells the heartwood to the Middle East and Asia. Mr Di Lallo says TFS is trying to tap into the market further. “We are engaged with them; we have supplied samples of products already that have been made into finished products,” he said. They certainly want to deal with us on a long term basis.” To be suitable for carving the wood needs to be free from imperfections like markings from termite activity, which means only 5-10% of the plantation is suitable. TFS has also found a buyer for the wood from which the oil has already been extracted. This byproduct is called ‘spent charge’ and is also being sold to Asian buyers. The limbs of the sandalwood tree are yet to have a definite use, but Mr Di Lallo says TFS is looking to try to sell this product also. “We have started to engage with global markets which might be able to use them. “It will take us a few years I believe, to get some demand for the branches and the sap wood, but we’ve started working on it now.”
They’re dedicated to forests
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• N. (Curly) Humphreys. Forestry career spanned 1950 to 2008. Marketing manager, NSW Forestry Commission, wood supply manager, ANM and Norske Skog, both in Albury and Tasmania. Innovator in mechanical harvesting and introduced farmer joint ventures. Later worked in Malaysia and as consultant and lecturer at ANU. • Charles Isaac Demby (18831939). Served in 4th Light Horse Regiment in World War 1. Worked as logger and paling splitter in
Toolangi (Vic) district. Appointed officer in charge of Toolangi forest district, serving in that role until his death in the 1939 fires. • Brothers the late Lambrinos (Bruno) John Notaras and Spiro John Notaras. As elder statesmen of the North Coast NSW hardwood industry, the brothers were at the forefront of timber innovation and technical advancement, leaders of small log processing and producers of the world’s best flooring. Served the Grafton community with distinction.
INDUSTRY NEWS
In this event the kids are always the winners
Thanks a million!
Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 has raised more than $40,000 for sick and underprivileged children in three Variety Queensland Bush Bash charity events – 2012, 2013 and 2014. This contributes to the total of $1 million raised by the club in cash donations and timber materials supplied for special children’s building projects since Club 218 was established in 1963. Hoo-Hoo is alive and well in Queensland! The club thanks the many donors who contributed to the monies raised in the Variety Bush Bash events, and here they are. Thanks a million! • Advanced Timber Systems • Alan Jones • AustbrokersPremier • Ben and Viv Hardwick • Bill Nutting • BobbieThomson • CHH Wood Products • Caboolture Facility Social Club • Christine and John Tonetto • Cliff Ryan • Deckmaster • Derek Simmonds • Dorothy and Ken Ferris • Earl Murray • Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia • Frank Withey • Garrie James • Gerry Gardner and Dave Alcock • Guy Feest • Hoo-Hoo Club 218 • Hancock Plantations Queensland • Independent Verification Services • John and Bronwyn Parkin • Jeremy Ferris • Jim Burgess • John Crooke • Lucas Mill Pty Ltd • Mark Kapper • Noel Wootten • Northern Territory Open Education Centre • Patsy and Tim Evans • Penne Evans • Peter and Carolyn Mort • Peter and Pru Macmillan • Peter Duncan • Pinewood Products • Quicksilver Limousines • Rebecca McGregor • Ringwood & Ply • Robertson Bros • Ross Plowman • Spiro Notaras • Timber&Forestry enews • TimTechChem • Thora Wholesale Timbers • Wilson Timbers • Zenith Timber
Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218, inc PO Box 3236, Sunnybank South, Qld 4109 SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 15
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Exhibitor
Date Thursday 25 September 2014 Time 2.15 – 5.30pm (Including afternoon tea & cocktail function) Location Moda Events – Portside Level 2, Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton Cost TQ members & technical subscribers FREE $40 non-members
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER www.timberqueensland.com.au/events
PAGE 16 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
Canada kick-starts green building link with China after signing MOU
CANADA’S Ministry of Natural Resources has signed a memorandum of understanding at the Canadian embassy in Beijing to kick-start a greenbuilding relationship between the two nations. According to reports, in the next five years, other industries in Canada will have opportunities to provide wood, as well as green-building solutions and technologies in the district, according to the MOU. Greg Rickford, minister of NRcan, who visited China to participate in this month’s AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) energy ministers’ meeting, said: “Canada sees the tremendous demand for green-building materials and technologies for China’s urbanisation. Canada’s wood can and should play a significant role in China’s green building goals.” An official with China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-
the past decades. Wood export from Canada to China has seen dramatic rise in the past decade, from $104 million in 2004 to $1.9 billion in 2013, making Canada China’s biggest softwood supplier by replacing Russia.
Environmental, energy-efficient construction
Tectonic Timber Intensive Studio at the South East University is part of a larger program to reintroduce the use of wood as a structural material to top professional architecture schools in China.
Rural Development said the country would launch its new standards for green building in 2015. The Chinese government is promoting using environmental and energy-efficient construction material and
technology, including wood. Though the Chinese have a long tradition of wood building, for instance the Forbidden City, the scarce forest resources and large need of housing have made it impossible to develop wood housing and technology in
“China has the world’s largest and fastest-growing construction market, so It is wise to use wood to meet the construction needs and fulfil the government’s promise on cutting emission,” says Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada’s ambassador to China. “Canada leads the world on sustainable forest management, which ensures stable domestic and overseas supplements and environmental protection of forest land,” he said.
Wildfire costs nearing $300m in British Columbia
THE British Columbia Wildfire Management Branch says the Canadian province has now spent $277 million battling blazes in this province. A breakdown of centres gives the costs:
Prince George $71 million; Northwest $21 million; Southeast $19 million; Kamloops $17 million; Coastal $9 million; Cariboo $7 million; and Headquarters $130 million. The provincial budget for
fighting wildfires this year was $63 million. However, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations says when actual costs exceed the direct fire budget, the Wildfire Management Branch has
statutory authorisation to receive additional funds. The 10-year average (20032013) when it comes to the cost of fighting wildfires is $170.4 million, the busiest year being 2009 when $382 million was spent.
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 Engineered Timber Products
| PAGE 17
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
New CLT timber technology game-changer for Singapore
AUSTRALIAN developer Lend Lease is introducing cross laminated timber technology to Singapore, which promises productivity and cost savings in addition to environmental benefits. The Singapore Civil Defence Force has revised its fire code to allow the use of CLT for structural components in buildings after a thorough safety assessment. This change came about thanks to the efforts of international property and infrastructure firm Lend Lease, which has been leading efforts to promote the use of CLT technology in Singapore as a cost-saving, environmentallysustainable building system. Lend Lease noted that the use of CLT technology will reduce reliance on foreign
manpower and imports of sand and aggregate, which is good news for Singapore’s construction industry. Over the years, the government has been cutting back on foreign manpower quotas to soothe the growing friction between locals and foreigners in the denselypopulated city. The price of sand has also jumped as several southeast Asia countries have banned the export of sand and granite to Singapore, citing environmental degradation caused by sand extraction. Lend Lease in Australia had done three years of due diligence on CLT technology before embarking on its Forté project, comprising 23 CLT apartments in Melbourne, which was completed in 2013. Forté was completed
PAGE 18 | SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
CLT captures imagination of Singapore building authorities.
30% faster than if reinforced concrete had been used. The SCDF and the Singapore Building and Construction Authority granted their inprinciple acceptance of CLT technology last year after 18 months of discussions, presentations and overseas study trips.
But even then, they stipulated that CLT buildings could not exceed four storeys. Eventually, the height limit for CLT buildings was increased last November to a maximum of 24 mm, or six or seven storeys, after authorities conducted a further European study tour of CLT buildings. Earlier this month, Singapore’s Economic Development Board launched a new platform called the ‘PreProject Innovation Consortium’ to promote integrative design and enable building industry players to collaborate on sustainable buildings early in the design stage. Under this initiative, Lend Lease will be leading a consortium and plans are under way to test-bed the use of CLT in Singapore.
ON THE ROAD
297x210mm Vertical 254x93mm Horizontal 125x190mm Vertical 125x93mm Horizontal 73x190mm Horizontal 73x190mm Vertical 140x44.5mm 110 Vertical 34x44.5mm
297x210mm Vertical 254x93mm Horizontal 125x190mm Vertical 125x93mm Horizontal 51x93mm
Mob: 0401 312 087 SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 | PAGE 19