Timber & Forestry E News Issue 342

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ISSUE 342 | November 3, 2014

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Rainforest summit must not overlook Australia’s ability to manage forests

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The NATIONAL Initiatives to combat illegal logging must be recognised voice for INDUSTRY is concerned that Australia’s role in developing a legal and sustainable forest sector might be overlooked in the agenda of a major international rainforest summit to be held in Sydney this month.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced the summit in New York at the United Nations Secretary-General’s climate summit.

The Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit on November 12 will bring together ministers from

• Timber Merchants • Suppliers • Manufacturers

Sydney summit .. tackling global rainforest loss.

countries across the region and leaders from business to find practical ways to reduce rainforest loss and restore

rainforest landscapes.

Industry leaders have raised Cont P 2

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NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 1

INDUSTRY NEWS

Government efforts to conserve Asian rainforest ‘insufficient and ineffectual’ From P 1

Innovation 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

concern about the content of the summit, in particular the need to emphasise economic measures directed at forest conservation and sustainable use.

The Department of Environment website had no Australian forest industry speakers listed for the summit when Timber&Forestry enews went on line this week.

With extensive experience in southeast Asian’s forestry and conservation activities, Sydney forestry consultant John Halkett says it is apparent that calls over past decades to ‘save the jungles’ because they represent one of the planet’s ‘priceless biological treasure houses’ have had little real impact.

“Current evidence indicates that rates of deforestation for alternative land uses such a palm oil plantations, and forest degradation because of expanding human population, illegal activities and other pressures are gaining momentum,” Mr Halkett said.

“Also I believe it is more than fair to say that the efforts of successive Australian governments to conserve Asian rainforest values have been insufficient and ineffectual.”

Legality laws only bright spot on a gloomy horizon He said experience pointed to the need to use economic measures to make trees too valuable to fell unless there is a pathway through to legitimate, value-adding timber product markets.

Mr Halkett recently returned for a speaking engagement in China on the illegal logging trade and a visit to Myanmar as part of a trade and technical mission that included principal

PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

Greg Hunt

John Halkett

officers from the European Timber Trade Federation and the US International Wood Products Association, along with representatives of US and European companies.

In large part, the mission was related to a recent decision by the US Treasury Department to grant a conditional licence to allow US timber traders to engage in importing wood products from Myanmar Timber Enterprise.

[Myanmar Timber Enterprise is currently on the specially designated national List and as such US entities cannot engage in trade transactions with this entity].

Mr Halkett said these visits had reinforced Australia’s illegal logging legislation – the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Regulation 2013 – regarded as important global initiatives to combat illegal logging, related trade, associated corruption and international crime.

Mr Halkett, who is general manger of the Australian Timber Importers Federation, said ATIF was developing a ‘tool kit’ designed to help timber product importers and associated businesses comply with the requirements of the legislation that comes into effect on November 30.

This tool kit should assist with about 90% of the solid timber products presently imported into Australia.

“The tool kit will encourage timber product importers to

Peter Holmgren

take a positive approach to compliance with the legislation and realise this is a progressive business opportunity,” Mr Halkett said.

Toolkits offer a business opportunity “There is little doubt that restricting the prospects of illegally logged timber products from southeast Asia and elsewhere being imported into Australia will enhance the environmental credentials of timber products and improve the overall prospects for legal and sustainable timber products trade.

“Given Australia’s less than optimal past assistance towards conserving southeast Asia’s forests and the need for the rainforest summit to reinforce economic measures to improve future management prospects, the passing and implementation of the illegal logging legislation has got to be a bright spot on an otherwise gloomy horizon.”

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the Asia Pacific Rainforest Summit would be held just before the World Parks Conference to discuss ways to slow rainforest clearing and reforestation efforts in a bid to cut greenhouse emissions.

Mr Hunt said the summit would work towards international agreement to Cont P 6

INDUSTRY NEWS

Spending QUALITY time at the EWPAA lab Plantation timber certification scheme under review

By JIM BOWDEN

MEMBERS of the AFPA solid wood processing technology committee took advantage of a Brisbane meeting last week to inspect the Eagle Farm office and laboratories of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

The technical committee is a sub-committee of the Australian Forest Products Association’s processing chamber.

The committee discussed current technical issues in solid wood processing focusing on the Plantation Timber Certification Scheme, a voluntary certification program for MGP and F graded timber administered by the EWPAA and accredited by JAS-ANZ. “This provides the same level of scrutiny as other engineered wood products such as LVL, I-beams and plywood,” said Andy McNaught, EWPAA technical manager, who is directing the program.

“Uptake of the scheme has been excellent with most major producers on board, including the most recent participation by Colac-based AKD Softwoods.”

Membership of the scheme entitles mills to have their AFS chain of custody certification and Australian wood packaging certification completed at no extra cost. Audits for the three certification schemes are integrated to minimise disruption to mill staff and production.

Quality control .. EWPAA laboratory technician Christian Hamlyn (second from left) exlains bond evaluation of plywood to visiting wood processing technology committee members Geoff Stringer of Hyne, Kim Harris, Carter Holt Harvey Wood Products Australia, and Carl Angus, AKD Sofwoods.

rigorous JAS-ANZ accredited product certification scheme that gives consumers the confidence to consider MGP and F graded timber as a true engineered product.”

Mr McNaught said the plywood and LVL industries had always valued the services of EWPAA and the value of the EWPAA brand was something the solid timber industry wanted to embrace.

“Users of the program appreciate the value of EWPAA’s input, both at an audit level and a technical representation level and they see this as value for money,” Mr McNaught said.

“What we’ve done is to pitch it at exactly the same level as our LVL and plywood programs so users can be totally confident that the material they are buying is an engineered product – and the EWPAA brand confirms this.”

“This means EWPAA now provides technical and general input on behalf of the industry to standards development,” Mr McNaught said.

“The bottom line is that producers of solid structural timber can now be part of a

EWPAA technical manager Andy McNaught (left) shows samples tested for formaldehyde emissions to Nick Livanes, Koppers Performance Chemicals, and Gavin Matthew, manager processing, Australian Forest Products Association.

www.certisource.com.au

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 3

WOOD TECHNOLOGY

Earthquake-resistant wood technology used in Japan

JAPANESE Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism has announced its contract award for a 9,000 square metre, five-storey elderly care facility in Adachi Ward, Tokyo.

It will feature a midply shear wall system developed by FPInnovations and researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

The project received funding from Natural Resources Canada and Forest Innovation Investment (then of FRBC).

Construction is expected to begin in February 2015. Once completed, the building will be the largest wood building of its kind in Japan.

According to Erol Karacabeyli, adjunct Professor of civil engineering at UBC and an engineer with FPInnovations, the system is designed to perform better than other systems when hit with earthquakes and high winds.

Karacabeyli explained that the improved performance is achieved by the rearrangement of wall framing (dimension lumber) components and sheathing (plywood or oriented strand board) used in standard shear walls.

According to Karacabeyli,

Researchers in Japan conduct a full scale test of an earthquake resistance wall system. The technology has now been approved for use in Japan and in Canada.

the system could be used for platform-frame construction where additional capacity is needed, post and beam construction as an insert to provide lateral resistance, for seismic upgrading of existing structures or in manufactured housing systems directed at areas with high risk of earthquakes and hurricanes.

According to Karacabeyli, the system was developed through a systematic testing and analysis program, where full-scale test specimens were subjected to monotonic (ramp), cyclic and dynamic displacement histories.

The system was also tested at UBC and Japanese test facilities.

The six-storey earthquake simulation test on a sixstorey wood-frame building in Japan further revealed the superior energy dissipation characteristics of the Midply Wall System.

FPInnovations scientists have been collaborating with their Japanese counterparts in seismic research in the past three decades and Council of Forest Industries has been the primary Canadian agency in the implementation of 2x4 woodframe construction in Japan.

Subsequently, the CanadaWood office in Japan, in consultation with FPInnovations and Japan 2x4 Home Builders Association, facilitated the development and acceptance of a guide for use of the system in Japan. The Midply Wall System has recently been implemented in the Canadian Design Code for Wood.

It is expected that this inclusion in the regulatory framework will increase its adoption in Canada and the system was used in a fourstorey Vancouver apartment building.

In the past two decades, FPInnovations staff has also been part of CanadaWood efforts in China.

Engineered Wood Products from here to the future Local & international experts talk about innovation in new products new market applications & how global dynamics will impact Australia 13 - 14 November 2014 Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort Gold Coast, QLD

Find out more & register at www.cvent.com/d/84qdb5 PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

2014 AROUND THE CIRCUIT

NOVEMBER

The Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of information sessions on the due diligence requirements throughout November to provide industry with the latest developments on the federal government’s illegal logging laws. These free sessions will be presented by officers from the department’s forestry branch and will outline the new requirements and what they are likely to mean for regulated businesses. Sessions still to be held are in Adelaide, November 3; Perth, November 5; Cairns, November 18; and Darwin, November 20. Additional information about the sessions can be found on the department’s website www.agriculture.gov. au under: Information Sessions 2014. Participants must register to attend these events. A series of free online webinar information events designed for processors, importers and customs brokers will be presented by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with Forest and Wood Products Australia. Webinar session 2 for custom brokers will be presented on November 10, between 1-2 pm; webinar session 3 for importers on November 10 between 3-4 pm; and session 4 for processors 2 on November 14, between 2-3 pm.

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.

24: Australian Foresters Abroad.

Shine Dome, Academy of Science, Gordon Street, Acton, ACT, 9.30 am-5 pm. Celebrating the work of Australian foresters in countries throughout the AsiaPacific region. Presentations provide a glimpse of the extraordinary impact made by a small number of people working in research, plantation development, forest conservation and economic and community development.

Valuable opportunity for government decision makers, policy advisers and researchers, particularly from countries in the Asia-Pacific region with developing forestry industries, forest conservation issues and community development interests, should all find this event a valuable opportunity to learn about the work of Australian foresters over past decades in many Asia-Pacific region countries. Range of registrations available for IFA members, nonmembers and students. Register online now at www.forestry. org.au/ifa-events/australianforesters-abroad-event-and-agmand-dinner Contact: Institute of Foresters of Australia (02) 9431 8670. Mob: 0414 287 079.

25-26: ForestTECH 2014: Remote Sensing - Field Inventory - Forest Estate Planning.

Melbourne. Visit www. foresttech2014.com

DECEMBER

2: Bioenergy Australia 2014 conference.

Stamford Grand hotel, Glenelg, Adelaide. Technical tour December 3. Visit www. bioenergyaustralia.org 6: All-industry pre-Christmas luncheon.

Saturday, December 6, at the historic Grand Central Hotel, 270 Ann Street, Brisbane Central Station. 12 noon until 2.30 pm.

Gathering of members, past presidents and pioneers of Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 who will welcome guests from all sectors of industry. Special guest speaker: Stuart St Clair, a former president of Club 218 and former president of Hoo-Hoo International JIV. MC Jim Bowden, president and life member of Club 218. Expressions of interest to Jim Bowden at email: cancon@ bigpond.net.au

2015 FEBRUARY

15-20: Gottstein Forest Science Course.

Creswick, Vic. Contact Silvia Pongracic 0418 764 954 or www. gottsteintrust.org

MARCH

25: ForestWorks annual industry conference and dinner 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

EVENTS

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 • Sawmilling and other wood processing • Pulp and paper processing • Forest product exporting

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NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry contribution Rainforest protection to the development of way to cut emissions FSC Australia - Forest stewardship standard From P 2

slow deforestation and replant cleared rainforests ahead of the UN climate change conferences in Lima in December and Paris in late 2015.

“We are taking the fact that some of the world’s great environmental leaders will be coming to Australia to use that congress as an opportunity for a potential rainforest breakthrough,” he said.

Rainforest recovery agreement

On October 17, the AFPA CEO Ross Hampton presented a cheque for $75 000 to FSC Australia which was accepted by CEO Natalie Reynolds.

Ms Reynolds said, ‘On behalf of the board and membership of FSC Australia we are sincerely thankful to the members of AFPA who have made this contribution towards the development of the FSC Australia – Forest stewardship standard. This contribution is fundamentally important to be placed into our separately identified fund, to contribute to the work of the standard development group and all associated standards development processes’.

Mr Hampton replied, ‘In a time of very tight operating budgets with businesses just recovering from the Global Financial Crisis this $75,000 contribution to FSC Australia to use in the in pursuit of the national standard speaks volumes for the important place industry sees for FSC in the national timber markets of Australia and overseas’.

PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

Mr Hunt said nations would likely form a “pledge and review” compact on climate change at the Paris conference, meaning nations might commit legally to reporting their emissions but not to targets post-2020.

He said rainforest protection and re-forestation could be a way for the world to cut greenhouse emissions overall.

“If you look at what the world can do over the next five or six years as a first deposit, the thing that is absolutely achievable is a global rainforest recovery agreement,” he said.

“Why is this important?

Because there is the potential

to reduce annual emissions by between three and five billion tonnes if there is a genuine agreement with incentives for particularly developing nations to be part of that.”

The Sydney rainforest summit will be preceded by a stakeholder dialogue on November 11 for technical and policy experts from business, government and civil society to explore action to slow rainforest loss in the region.

The final session on landscape approaches to maximise social, economic and environmental outcomes will be moderated by Dr Peter Holmgren, director-general, Centre for International Forestry Research, from Sweden.

The rainforest summit will have a focus on: • Better tools to monitor forests, including using satellite technology.

• Combating illegal logging in the region.

• Protecting the unique biodiversity of regional rainforests.

• Building on private sector commitments to reduce or eliminate deforestation from the supply chain.

• Including indigenous and community groups in decisions about forests.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Independent auditor approves the FPC for controlled wood

INDEPENDENT forest management auditor, the Soil Association, has announced the West Australian Governmentowned Forest Products Commission (FPC) has met the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) International Controlled Wood standard.

To comply with the Controlled Wood standard the FPC will undertake staged harvesting of select portions of the forest certificate coverage area of 244,612 hectares under strict provisions, which includes the protection of old-growth High Conservation Value areas.

“Controlled Wood evaluations allow companies to avoid unacceptable wood being mixed with full FSC Certified and/or FSC recycled wood in products carrying the FSC Mix label,” Reynolds said.

Controlled Wood is not full FSC Certification “For many forest managers it is the first step towards achieving full Forest Management Certification and provides assessment against only the FSC’s most fundamental prerequisites, Wood Protection

®

such as ensuring wood is not illegally harvested and harvesting does not threaten High Conservation Values.”

“Wood sourced from the identified harvesting zones cannot carry the FSC label unless they are mixed with fully FSC Certified or recycled wood under strict conditions.

No labelling or claims for promotional or marketing purposes are allowed.”

“Under the FSC Australia High Conservation Values Evaluation Framework, designed to assist in interpreting the FSC Controlled Wood standard, the FPC cannot harvest ecologically mature forest where the effects of disturbances are now negligible, even where they have been logged in the past, but where they retain such characteristics.”

As a result of the additional requirements on the FPC under the Controlled wood standard, at least an additional 84ha of forests with these characteristics have now been protected.

Continued identification of oldgrowth forest is an ongoing requirement of the Controlled Wood standard.

Following a preliminary assessment in January 2013,

“FSC standards have been designed to ensure the fundamental nature and composition of forests remains over time and FSC Australia encourages managers of natural forests to publicly commit to making changes to their forest management practices in line with these standards,” Reynolds said.

FSC Australia CEO Natalie Reynolds said it was important to understand that Controlled Wood is not full FSC Certification and is not an endorsement of responsible forest management.

which identified 15 noncompliances (seven minor and eight major), the Soil Association said the FPC had undertaken significant work to resolve the issues and demonstrate adherence to the Controlled Wood standard throughout the extensive formal auditing process.

Under the FSC International’s rules, the whole forest management area must be assessed, harvest zones and plans within that forest are then reviewed and stakeholder feedback on all forest management practices are taken into account.

Feedback is vital component of assessment All FSC certified forests are audited yearly to check their long-term management plans continue to meet relevant local standards. Stakeholder feedback is a vital component of the independent auditor’s assessment to identify potential issues and provides local communities and stakeholders with an avenue for constant feedback, which wouldn’t otherwise be required.

“We encourage all stakeholders with an interest in the area managed by the FPC to continue to provide feedback to the auditors, enabling them to conduct thorough assessments going forward.” Reynolds said.

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NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 7

OPINION

Make it one billion trees!

Open letter to Environment Minister Greg Hunt

WHEN I hear you declaring that the government will ‘plant 20 million trees’, I find it impossible not to immediately picture your Hawke-era predecessor Graham Richardson, little finger at side of mouth, retorting like Dr Evil, “Make it One billion trees!”

I am sure you remember Bob Hawke and Graham Richardson on the banks of the Murray in 1989 making that billion trees promise? One billion shades your 20 million Greg, but in your defence, no one knows how many of that promised billion were ever in fact put in the ground. Or how many survived their first hot summer.

I note this time you are using operators with know-how and experience to plant most of your trees, which means they should have a good survival rate.

So that gets a big tick.

But I am actually writing to say, sorry, but you are missing something else vital if you are to truly count this a successful program.

We agree on the basics for sure; the environmental benefits of trees are unassailable. Trees suck in and store carbon. They are great for biodiversity. They rebuild eco-systems.

Planting for later harvest Yep all well and good. But have you considered how much better this program would be were you planting at least some of those trees for later harvest?

The fact of the matter is, as good as it is for the environment to plant a tree, quite often it can

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Why would you risk it?

• Legal action • Damage to your business • Possible loss of life • Media exposure

be even better to plan to cut it down again later and then replant it.

That is the more complicated truth which well-meaning planting programs tend to hide under their foliage.

Industry is already doing its bit by the way.

What is the government’s tree planting target again?

Twenty million over four years at a cost of $50 million right?

Consider this. One of our state forestry agencies (NSW to be exact) has just quietly reported that they had a good winter planting season. The teams of forestry workers got into the ground, not one million, not five million, but almost 10 million trees! It is the same story right round Australia. All up Australian forest operators plant more than 40 million trees each and every year. If

Consistent quality Structurally sound and safe Lowest emissions Wood from 100% legal forests Guaranteed to meet government standards Jobs security It’s simple arithmetic.

Add it up and the safest choice is engineered wood manufactured

by EWPAA members.

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

PAGE 8 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

we include the sowing and regeneration of the naturally regrowing bush by native forest operators that number soars up by another 10 or 20 million.

And that will just be the start of the job.

In 20, 30 or 60 years workers will move in and those trees will be turned into sawn timber, house frames, fine furniture, even paper and tissue products.

And all of it will be an ongoing carbon store.

After the harvest the tree planters move back in, and so the cycle continues and the regrowing young trees suck in a great deal more greenhouse gases than older static forests.

So yes it is great to see those extra 20 million government trees coming our way. But how about some government trees Cont P 18

EVENTS

Private viewing .. Ric Sinclair, managing director of FWPA (left) joins Linda and John Harrison, representing TABMA Australia, at the Wood: Art Design Architecture exhibition in Sydney. Mr Sinclair left a few days later to attend the Brazil Wood Products Industry and Export Conference in Curitiba.

Contemporary designers are using our oldest building material - wood WOOD. Naturally Better Program partners were invited to a private viewing of an exciting contemporary exhibition showcasing Australian artists, designers and architects in Sydney recently.

Wood: Art Design Architecture celebrates a long and lasting relationship with wood and presents its diverse properties and qualities, along with the multiplicity of ways it can be used.

The exhibition comprises 28 exhibits, showcasing work by contemporary Australian artists, designers and architects. It represents a cross-section of current creative practices, modes of thinking and relationships to this fundamental material and combines furniture and functional objects, sculptural works (including wood carving

by Indigenous artists), interiors and architectural work. The exhibition looks at the use of wood through three lenses; place and identity, sustainability and ecology, craftsmanship and technology.

Chief executive of the JamFactory and co-curator

of the exhibition Brian Parkes, sculptor Lionel Bawden and catalogue designer for Drew Heath Architects hosted the private tour.

“Art design and architecture are rarely brought together in a single exhibition, but doing so allows a broader exploration of the relationship to wood and how we engage with it in our everyday life,” FWPA marketing and communication manger Eileen Newbury said.

Forest and Wood Products Australia are the principal sponsors of the exhibition.

“We are delighted to align the exhibition with our Wood.

Naturally Better brand,” FWPA managing director Ric Sinclair said.

“As one of our few truly renewable materials, sustainably sourced wood will be playing a major role in helping us preserve the environment while maintaining the quality of life we seek.

“Today, through activities such as Wood. Naturally Better, we are informing people about the advantages of wood. In the future we will live with the results.”

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NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 9

TABMA QUEENSLAND TIMBER INDUSTRY AWARDS

Among the award winners .. Dee Atkinson, Tilling Timber, Michael Gaske chair, TABMA Queensland, Chris Hay, Northside Trusses and Frames, Jeremy Mead, Hyne Timber, Mal Goatham, Pacific Wood Products, Anita Day, Trussmaster, Brod Garde, Garde Timbers, Jacinta Colley, Simmonds Lumber, Tony Findlay, 5 Star Timbers, and Leonie and Mitch O’Mara, Tradeware Buildings Supplies.

‘Quite simply, we love timber’

Innovative winners at TABMA awards night

“QUITE simply, we love timber,” remarked Mitch O’Mara of Tradware Building supplies when the Capalaba-based retail and wholesale merchant won its ninth consecutive Best Specialist Timber Merchant Award at the TABMA Queensland presentations last month.

“We have a deep respect for the precious resource that is timber,” Mr O’Mara said.

“As such, we treat our timber with the utmost care and consideration with our primary focus on providing the best materials for building and construction, renovations and home projects.”

But Tradware is constantly searching for new ideas and has added three new products –an ‘A-Lign’ DIY custom fencing system; Modwood, a composite decking material made largely of recycled milk bottles; and adjustable joist hangers, a cheap, flexible and simple solution for installing a deck over a concrete slab.

More than 300 guests celebrated at the gala dinner and Queensland timber awards presentations at the Victoria Park Function Centre in Brisbane on October 17.

Organiser of the industry dinner and awards night, TABMA Queensland state Cont P 12

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T2 Blue sets the standard in house frames.

Only available from the 2014 TABMA QLD Sawmiller of the Year, Hyne Timber.

E info@hyne.com.au P 1300 30 4963 W www.hyne.com.au

PAGE 10 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

TABMA QUEENSLAND TIMBER INDUSTRY AWARDS

At Tradeware Building Supplies every step is First Grade, from quote to sale.

With award winning specialised staff, we are all about making sure we supply to specifications of each individual customer.

Quality Merbau Products • Decking

• Screening

• Gates

• Flooring

• Tiles

• Handrail

Simmonds DNA Lumber – HELPING TO STOP ILLEGAL LOGGING

• Laminated Posts & Beams

Visit Our Websites: www.simmondslumber.com.au

www.dnalumber.com.au

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 11

TABMA QUEENSLAND TIMBER INDUSTRY AWARDS

Timber is more than just a hammer and nail Dee rises through the ranks at Tilling Timber

WHEN Dee Atkinson started with Tilling Timber in 2004 as the receptionist, the only thing she knew about wood was that you hammered a nail into it!

“It truly was a man’s world and I was the only woman working in the Brisbane office,” Dee said.

“But I certainly learnt how to stand up for myself and worked hard to prove myself.”

And prove herself she has – Dee was presented with the TABMA award that recognises women in the forest and timber industry at the presentations in Brisbane last month.

Dee has developed a keen knowledge of timber and the industry and has worked her way through all of the job roles within the Brisbane branch – credit manager, cedar champion, despatch manager, internal sales clerk, office manager, and now operations manager.

“I am very grateful to the Tilling family for the opportunities they have given me,” Dee said.

Dee say she had a lot of mentors but singled out David Ferguson, John Deering and Henk Van Zetten as three who helped her develop her

Dee Atkinson .. heart is in engineered wood products.

knowledge and leadership skills.

Over her 10 years with Tilling Timber, Dee took an eight-month break to work with Agora Timbers and learnt a lot about the exotic timber side of the industry.

“But my heart was always with engineered wood products. In 2013, Norm Tilling asked me to

return to the company to join a team has been kicking all the goals.”

Tilling Timber employs a staff of about 50 at its new Crestmead site, a purpose-built facility opened in 2013.

Dee is responsible for the dayto-day operations internally and externally, a demanding role she enjoys.

“I’m very proud of the Brisbane Tilling Team and I wouldn’t be able to achieve what I do without the fantastic staff and the support of the state manager Mick Blyth.”

TABMA entries showcased the industry’s finest

From P 10

manager Alicia Oelkers said the standard of entries this year reached an all-time high.

Tilling Advert Dee.pdf 1 Award winners: Best

Timber

Merchant:

Tradeware Building Supplies.

Best Building Materials Centre: Porters.

Best Timber Wholesale Operation: Pacific Wood.

Best Frame and Truss 30/10/14 10:58 AM Operation: Northside Trusses & Frames.

Best Timber Manufacturing Operation: Timbeck Architectural.

Best Sawmilling Operation: Hyne Timber.

Most Innovative Operation: Garde Timber.

Best Wholesale Sales Representative: Jacinta Colley,

Simmonds Lumber.

Recognising Women in Forest and Timber Industry: Dee Atkinson, Tilling Timber.

Host Employer of the Year: 5 Star Timbers.

Trainee of the Year: Anita Day, Trussmaster

Recognising Women in the Timber and Forestry Industry Award C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Winner: Dee Atkinson - The Tilling Group The management and staff of the The Tilling Group would like to congratulate our very own Dee Atkinson on this wonderful achievment.

Dee says, “Over the years I have developed my knowledge of Timber and the Industry and have worked my way through all of the job roles within the Brisbane branch from the Credit Manager to the Cedar Champion to the Despatch Manager to the Internal Sales Clerk to the Office Manager and now to the Operations Manager. I am very grateful to the Tilling Family for the opportunities that I have been given within the company.”

illing PAGE 12 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

®

TABMA Queensland Chairman Michael Gaske presents to Dee Atkinson

www.tilling.com.au

TABMA QUEENSLAND TIMBER INDUSTRY AWARDS

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 13

TABMA QUEENSLAND TIMBER INDUSTRY AWARDS

an expanded specie offering presented with new image and web site upgrade Timbeck Cedar Products has consolidated its foray into a wider range of timber species and adopted a totally new image and web site upgrade to herald in the changes.

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The new web site continues to house the voluminous range of technical data for which TIMBECK is well renowned and includes expanded content covering the additional species and aspects uniquely related to them. There are 16 in all including Spotted Gum, American Oak and Victorian Ash. These additional products together with Timbeck’s existing pre-coating facilities provide timber merchants and building material suppliers with added reasons for sourcing their finishing timber product needs from

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PAGE 14 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tiwi Islanders prepare for historic timber harvest A FEDERAL Government grant of over $6 million has paved the way for timber to be harvested from the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory.

The Traditional Owners of the Tiwis are in charge of nearly 30,000 hectares of Acacia mangium trees, which are destined to be sold into Asia as woodchips after a deal was signed earlier in the year with Japanese company Mitsui.

It was hoped the first shipment of woodchips would leave Port Melville this year, but a range of issues delayed the harvest.

Funding from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) has allowed the Tiwis to buy the necessary equipment needed for the harvest.

About $4.8 million has already been spent on ship-loading equipment and the first harvest unit, which includes a chipper, skidder and feller buncher.

Chair of the Tiwi Land Council, Gibson Farmer Illortaminni,

Gibson Farmer Illortaminni and Andrew Tipungwuti from the Tiwi Islands in one of the region’s Acacia mangium plantations.

planted some of the original trees by hand, and has mixed emotions heading into next years’ historic first harvest.

“It’s a bit sad to see these [trees] cut down, because they’re like my kids,” he told ABC Rural while standing in one of the plantations.

“But the woodchips will make money for everyone on the Tiwis. It’s a good project, it’s an ongoing project... and it’ll create more jobs for our people.”

Mr Illortaminni says the first harvest is due to start in February or March next year,

with the first shipment of woodchips scheduled for late April/early May. Japanese company Mitsui, has confirmed its ships (which can carry 40,000 tonnes of woodchip) will be able to successfully enter and berth at Port Melville.

Director of Port Melville Pty Ltd, Andrew Tipungwuti, says the port is a hive of activity with around 40 contractors on site building a 120-person workers camp and other port infrastructure.

He says the ABA funding

has been a major boost for the forestry project.

“Without this funding we couldn’t go to harvest, we couldn’t get the harvesting equipment,” he said.

“So the ABA funding has been vital for this operation to continue.

“It’s been a long road for us all, but now that everything is coming to fruition, we’ve got everything on order and it’s full steam ahead for next year.”

The Tiwi Plantation Corporation hopes to harvest around 3,000 hectares each year and replant each site the following wet season to allow for a continuous harvest program into the future.

Alternative trees to Acacia mangium are already being trialled and the current market conditions for exporting woodchips is looking rosy with a falling Australian dollar and global woodchip prices on the rise.

Do you import or process timber products?

Legislation to promote the trade in legally logged timber is now law.

If you are a business importing timber or timber products into Australia or processing domestically grown raw logs, you need to be aware of your new responsibilities.

From 30 November 2014, you will need to undertake due diligence to minimise the risk that the timber you are importing or processing has been illegally logged.

The department recognises it may take time for some businesses to transition to the new requirements. For this reason, for the 18 months following the regulation’s commencement, the department’s focus will be on helping importers and processors to comply with the regulation requirements.

To find out more visit agriculture.gov.au/illegallogging or call 1800 657 313.

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 15

NEW ZEALAND NEWS

Potential for forestry biofuel confirmed New Zealand Government gets behind biofuel with subsidy

THE NZ government has met half the cost of the $13.5 million Stump to Pump project, led by pulp and paper processor Norske Skog and fuel company Z Energy.

It identified the potential to develop a biofuel industry from sawdust, bark and other forestry residue.

Meanwhile, the Bioenergy Association said organising a guaranteed supply of raw material is a key part of getting a wood-based biofuel industry up and running.

Executive officer Brian, Cox said the Stump to Pump project, has provided valuable pointers to what needs to happen now to turn the idea into reality.

“We know from the number of forests and farm forestry that there is enough feed (wood material) that can be used. The crucial issue is getting it so it’s

The study has identified the potential to turn forestry waste into biofuels.

turned from a waste product into a fuel.”

He said that means thinking about how to work collectively to get economies of scale.

He said having a number of farmers working together to enter into a contract to a biofuel producer is something that the rural sector needs to be working on.

Ministry for Primary Industries

PGP Director Justine Gilliland said a further two to three years’ work now lies ahead.

“Having gained the confidence that it is technically feasible, the next stage that the industry partners will be taking forward is firming up the commercial viability and making sure the products can meet specifications, for example, for New Zealand fuels.”

Government funding has also finished for another PGP project, investigating ways of reducing and eventually replacing the highly toxic chemical, methyl bromide, used to fumigate logs.

It is being phased out internationally because it is an ozone depleting substance which has also been linked to some diseases.

Ms Gilliland said the project found that methyl bromide treatment rates could be reduced by 40 percent.

“The Environmental Protection Agency has set a deadline for 2020 for no release of methyl bromide and the work that’s been completed in this programme will now allow the industry to basically keep going with looking at alternative treatments and ways to reduce emissions to meet that deadline,” she said.

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info@forestry.org.au | www.forestry.org.au PAGE 16 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

FORESTRY NEWS

TIMOs remain a huge force in the area of world forest procurement Changing dynamics in the global plantation forestry investment market

THE recent announcement that United States REIT Potlatch Corporation has acquired 201,000 acres (80,000 hectares) of plantation forests in Alabama and Mississippi from affiliates of United States TIMO Resource Management Service, LLC for $384 million, is just another step in the direction of a changing REIT to TIMO balance of timberlands ownership in the United States.

Co-author of the recently published RISI market analysis study, “International Timberland Ownership and Investment Database”, DANA Director Dennis Neilson has been analysis timberland ownership trends for over 25 years now and is closely watching a possible significant change in the status of TIMO ownership.

Neilson observes: “TIMOs have dominated a change in timberland ownership from forest product companies to institutional investments over the last 20 years and remain a huge force in the industry.

40% of top 30 TIMOs outside North America The RISI study identifies that the top 30 TIMOs in the world have a combined US$57 billion in assets under management although this has become very concentrated. For instance, the top five TIMOs account for 54% of this total and the top 10 for 77%. However, there is a clear trend in TIMO expansion in the United States slowing and possibly reversing, while REIT expansion is increasing.”

Neilson adds: “TIMO interest continues to expand offshore although to date offshore United States REIT interest is very limited – we think to date to only Rayonier in New Zealand.

Changing trends in ownership of Plantation Forests in the United States highlighted in a study.

Even then United States tax law specifically related to REITs may not apply.”

The RISI study reveals that, again, while United States investments are still paramount in the TIMO space, 40% of the top 30 TIMOs are based outside North America with 10% based in Brazil, while 11 of the top 30 TIMOs have actually invested in Brazil (compared with six in Australia and five in New Zealand and also in Chile).

Three are invested in Uruguay and two in each of Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama.

The largest institutional investment in timberlands outside North America, surprisingly, is in Sweden followed by Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Finland and Uruguay.

However, REITs in North America continue to grow and are now some of the largest global forest owners. These include Weyerhaeuser at number two and Plum Creek at number three. However, while the latest Potlatch acquisition takes its assets to nearly 1.6 million acres (650,000 hectares), it still has a long way to go to reach a top 10 forest ownership status; while three TIMOs can claim to be in that

By DENNIS NEILSON

top 10, including Hancock Natural Resources Group, The Forestland Group and Campbell Global.

Of note more locally is the amazing success of Sydney based TIMO New Forests which has grown from almost nowhere in 2010, to securing an internationally important forestry portfolio with more than US$2 billion in assets under management, which includes over 500,000 hectares of land and forests. While most of its forestry assets are in Australia, New Forests also has an active Asian fund which is acquiring an increasing area of forestry assets in that region.

New Forests management was probably the first to identify

a once in a life time opportunity to “cash in” on the failed Australian MIS investment era, which came to an abrupt end in 2009. As a result, New Forests assets in eucalyptus plantations on both the mainland and in Tasmania, should result in it becoming a globally important player in the marketing of both hardwood pulpwood and solidwood in future years.

The RISI study identifies timberland owners in 74 countries covering 250 million acres with an estimated value of US$370 billion.

DANA is now involved in organising an increasing number of regional and international timberlands ownership and investment conferences, including meetings in New York City, Melbourne, Rotorua, Rio de Janeiro and London in 2014; and is in the process of organising/co-organising 2015 meetings in (at least) New York City, Melbourne, Wellington, Rio de Janeiro and Durban.

For DANA conference details contact Julie Bell at admin@ dana.co.nz and for information on the new RISI Timberland Ownership and Database Report contact Brian Doyle at bdoyle@risi.com .

Any readers who would like to contribute a speaker or panel presentation to the August 2015 DANA Melbourne Conference on the Australian Forest Industry Sector, are welcome to contact Julie Bell.

Upcoming global wood trade conferences DANA is involved with organising include the 7th international woodfibre trade conference in Santiago, Chile in early November 2014 – see www. woodfibreconference.com – and an augural international log trade conference to be held in the United States in late 2015 – for details contact Julie Bell.

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Queensland chain of custody support scheme AUSTRALIAN Forestry Standard Ltd is pleased that the Queensland Government and Timber Queensland’s Chain of Custody Support Scheme has been extended.

Up to $5000 worth of funding support per business is now available for companies to obtain chain of custody certification.

Industry is already doing its bit Chain of custody (CoC) certification is the formal

Chain of custody certification is the formal process of tracking timber and forest products from a certified forest to the end product sold to customers.

process of tracking timber and forest products from a

certified forest to the end product sold to customers –

similar to an inventory control system. The support Scheme reimburses costs directly incurred in obtaining chain of custody certification. Eligible businesses can claim 100% of eligible costs to a cap of $5000 excluding GST. Eligible businesses have until 31 December to apply to participate in the scheme, and until 30 June 2015 to obtain certification and submit a funding claim.

More information can be obtained from Timber Queensland, contact Clarissa Brandt clarissa@ timberqueensland.com.au

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to also underpin our regional economy with year-round jobs?

Where are the mechanisms in the Direct Action plan to

kick-start some expansion of our hardwood and softwood plantations?

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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 18 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

intervention – it takes too long for the returns to flow. We are running our industry well but we cannot grow. If we don’t do something soon we will start to run short of timber

for our house frames and fine furniture and yet more imports will flood onto the shelves of our hardware stores.

– ROSS HAMPTON, CEO, Australian Forest Products Association

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FRIENDS OF FORESTRY

Trees soar above politics

National political support for sustainable forestry

IN a remarkable show of crossparty national political support for the sustainable forestry and forest products industries of Australia, dozens of senators and House of Representative members joined together recently to launch the Federal Parliamentary Friends of Forestry and Forest Products group.

The event was attended

by Labor Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry Senator Richard Colbeck, independent senators Ricky Muir, John Madigan as well as members of parliament from the Liberal, National and Green Parties.

The parliamentary group was co-convened by the Member for Barker Tony Pasin and Joel Fitzgibbon, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Forestry.

Tony Pasin said the forest and forest products sector was one of the most sustainable industries.

‘It is the only carbon positive sector’ “In the new low carbon economy, it is the only carbon positive sector,” he said.

“To strengthen and diversify our regional economies, we need to continue to support this environmentally sound industry.”

Joel Fitzgibbon said, “This is a bipartisan event filling a very important policy space.”

He added: “We should be talking about the ‘fibre-boom’ and imagining a future filled with enormous opportunities to help meet the building, biofuel and fibre needs of the region.”

Andrew Leighton, Norske Skog managing director Australasia and deputy chair of the Australian Forest Products Association hosted the event.

“For far too long forest

when the next election was coming around,” the senator said.

“To make it an industry that could get on with the job and not have to continue coming to government for assistance because it was being readjusted.

Solidarity .. getting together in Canberra for the launch of the Federal Parliamentary Friends of Forestry and Forest Products group are, from left, Ross Hampton, CEO, Australian Forest Products Association, Joel Fitzgibbon, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Tony Pasin, Member for Barker, Andrew Leighton, managing director, Australasia Norske Skog and deputy chair of AFPA, and Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry.

product industries have found themselves caught up in political debates,” Mr Leighton said.

“There will always be work to do to improve our practices in places, but the formation of this group proves that most of our political leaders understand that we operate at global best practice.

“What we now need is crossarty policy agreement which will ensure a vibrant future for our sustainable, renewable, carbon friendly businesses.

Some 80,000 Australians work in the forestry and forest products sector and contribute about $22 billion to the national economy.

“Those jobs remain secure and can grow if we get the policy settings right. Our industries are delighted that our co-convenors have taken on this additional responsibility and stand ready to assist them in any way we can as they grapple with our future.”

The Parliamentary Friends of Forestry and Forest Products group will meet periodically and provide a cross-party forum to discuss issues impacting the sector.

In a message of appreciation, Senator Colbeck thanked and welcomed “all my parliamentary colleagues”.

“When we talked about this Parliamentary Friendship Group back in March in the Great Hall the discussion and aspiration then was to take forestry out of the political cycle and to make this industry one that didn’t have to be concerned about

Taking forestry out of the political cycle “My aspiration is that we can get to the stage where we do have a strong bipartisan policy where we take the political cycle out. The Forest Industry Advisory Council is not just a forest and wood products plan, the question that I’ve put to the council is how we meet the demand that is coming our way. That is the real question we have to ask.”

Rural Research and Development for Profit The Australian Government’s Rural R&D for Profit programme is now open for applications. Applications close at 11.59 pm on 15 December 2014.

The Rural R&D for Profit programme aims to realise productivity and profitability improvements for primary producers through: • generating knowledge, technologies, products or processes that benefit primary producers • strengthening pathways to extend the results of rural R&D, including understanding the barriers to adoption • establishing and fostering industry and research collaborations that form the basis for ongoing innovation and growth of Australian agriculture.

Research projects must address one or more of the research priorities, which fall into four areas: • Increase the profitability and productivity of primary industries • Increase the value of primary products • Strengthen primary producers’ ability to adapt to opportunities and threats • Strengthen adoption and improve information flows The full list of priorities can be found in the programme guidelines at www.fwpa.com.au. The programme guidelines require Research and Development Corporations, including FWPA, to be the contracted party for administration of funds awarded under this programme. Project proposals require a minimum of 50% co-investment (cash and in-kind) by researchers and project collaborators.

FWPA invites potential research providers and project collaborators interested in developing proposals for this funding opportunity to make contact with Chris Lafferty, FWPA RD & E Manager via (03) 9927 3220 or chris.lafferty@fwpa.com.au as soon as possible to discuss potential submissions. Final proposals will need to be received

by FWPA by 21 November to allow for FWPA review and Board endorsement.

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 19

INDUSTRY NEWS

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PAGE 20 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

Government ‘confident’ of passing watered down anti-protest laws

Tasmanian Government move to water down controversial anti-protest laws THE move was met with a mixed response as unions were worried industrial action could be caught up in the laws, while industry threw its support behind the changes.

The laws would still see onthe-spot fines, and mandatory jail sentences for people who trespass on workplaces.

But the changes would see the laws confined to five areas: forestry, mining, agriculture, construction and manufacturing.

The Government has also added a safeguard that would give protesters a “fair opportunity” to stop their actions meaning police would need to give a warning before making arrests.

On-the-spot fines have also been reduced from $2,000 to $280 for first-time offenders.

“We have listened to the concerns from within the community and also from the Legislative Council. But the underlying strong principle of the bill is retained,” Mr Paul Harris Resources Minister said.

Opposition MP Michelle O’Byrne said the bill was rushed.

“It’s a trap for new players to come into Government and race poorly-thought legislation through, and what happens is you will be held to account,” she said.

She said questions still remained over the rights of striking workers.

“Workers taking industrial action are still not protected by

Resources Minister Paul Harriss

Opposition MP Michelle O’Byrne

this legislation,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Steve Walsh from Unions Tasmania said the bill is still far too broad.

“The Government has a mandate to introduce laws in relation to protests in the forests, but what these amendments do is broaden the scope quite significantly,” he said.

But industry advocates have questioned unions’ opposition to the laws.

The director of the Master Builders Association, Michael Kerschbaum, said the bill protected workers.

“I would have thought that unions above all other people would want to ensure that those workers who aren’t part of a union or aren’t part of a protest still should be able to get to work,” he said.

The Government said the Legislative Council would have more briefings on the laws next week with the bill to be debated in the Upper House in coming weeks.

- ABC News

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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Indonesia to merge forestry and environment ministries

INDONESIA is set to merge its Forestry and Environment Ministries into one entity, in a move aimed at better managing deforestation and the haze.

President Joko Widodo gave notice of this change and a reorganisation of several other ministries in a letter to Parliament obtained by the media.

Dr Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, former head of the presidential delivery unit, told The Straits Times that the revamp was welcome and would help improve efficiency and law enforcement.

The new Ministry for the Environment and Forestry would be better able to handle forest fires and look at how forests can help tackle climate change, he said.

“But you need somebody with a good understanding of how to manage the sector… and also how to address climate change - a big issue internationally,” he added.

In a letter to House Speaker Setya Novanto outlining the changes, Mr Joko wrote: “The changes are based on

considerations of improved performance, proportional workload, sustainability, harmonisation and integration in carrying out tasks, as well as the need to manage certain government matters more independently.”

MPs have met to discuss the proposed changes. Under the law, a change to the names of ministries must be submitted to the House for consideration, and consideration is deemed to have been given if there is no reply within seven days. This means Mr Joko is expected to announce his ministers only next week.

He will also revamp the Ministries of Education and Research and Technology - the Education Ministry will focus on primary and secondary education; higher education will come under the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education.

Other changes include merging the Ministries of Public Works and Public Housing.

As for the environment, Mr Joko told The Straits Times in August he would enforce

President Joko Widodo.

measures to fix the haze problem, saying the local authorities knew the culprits and whether they wanted to act was a matter of political will.

Indonesia is the world’s thirdlargest emitter of greenhouse gases. Its forests are also in a dire state. Some 58 per cent of Sumatra was covered by forest in 1985, but the figure fell to 29 per cent by 2009, partly from rampant illegal logging.

Open burning to clear land saw the worst haze on record blanketing Singapore in June last year.

But not everyone is happy about merging the Forestry and Environment Ministries.

Mr Abetnego Tarigan, executive director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), fears the interests of bureaucrats handling forestry will prevail over those overseeing the environment.

“On the one hand, forestry officials are concerned with the exploitation of natural resources to increase funds for the state,” he told The Straits Times. “On the other, environmental officials are focused on conservation, which often incurs costs. We’re not hopeful that conservation will win.”

Gadjah Mada University political scientist Ari Dwipayana was more optimistic, saying bureaucrats managing forests will be compelled to factor in ecology.

He said: “This will take time, but there will be greater coordination, which will mean better management of issues like the haze.”

– The Straits Times

U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Program to provide roughly $5 million to help create new products THE U.S. Forest Service has published a Federal Register Notice seeking proposals to expand wood energy and wood products markets to support sustainable forest management, especially in areas of the country with high wildfire risks.

‘We must find new ways to use wood’ “We must continue to find new, economically valuable ways to use wood,” said U.S.

Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “The biggest threat to forests is conversion to nonforest use. Harvesting wood can be used to help forest managers protect forests from hazards, such as insects, disease and fire.”

Proposals will be evaluated through the agency’s Wood Innovations program, which will provide roughly $5 million to help successful applicants increase or stimulate markets for wood energy and wood products in a manner which helps enhance forest sustainability while providing

useful products and jobs for people.

The funding is available for a diverse range of activities such as completing the final engineering design for a renewable wood energy system or establishing statewide wood energy or wood utilization teams to demonstrating wood as a primary building material in commercial construction.

Bioenergy is the use of organic material, such as materials from forest thinning, residues, agricultural waste or urban wood waste, to generate heating, cooling and/

or electricity.

Since 2005, more than 160 grants, typically for individual projects, have been awarded to small businesses, nonprofits, Tribes, and State and local agencies to improve forest health while creating jobs, green energy, and healthy communities.

Since 2013, 16 cooperative agreements with individual states have been awarded to establish Statewide Wood Energy Teams that promote conversion of fossil fuel systems to wood energy for heating, cooling, and electricity.

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 21

ON THE ROAD

Kia Cerato on the right track

‘You don’t need to go to top of the tree to find the best fruit’ AS we revved up the motor in the Kia Cerato, the soft sound was swamped by the roar of the V8 supercars competing at the Gold Coast event just over the barrier that divided the race track and the Pacific Highway at Surfers Paradise.

Why not give them some competition? After all, Kia race motors have reached the chequered flag on many occasions ahead of the world’s heavy hitters such as Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Ford, and Porsche.

In fact, Kia Motors has just claimed the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge Grand Touring Sport and Touring Car Manufacturer Championships at Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, USA. The slow bumper-tobumper trek through Surfers soon opened up for a dash to Coolangatta and the NSW border.

The engine is smooth and quiet Australia has welcomed the Kia Cerato hatch and sedan – a new mid-range special joining the local Cerato collection at around $24,590.

Kia has added sat-nav to the line-up and has cut the manual shifters from all but the entry grade. For the 2014 model year, only the entry S hatch and sedan will offer a six-speed manual option.

The 2013 range offered a manual across the range, rare in the modern market. The S Premium, Si and SLi models, however, can now be had in sixspeed auto form only.

The SLi, also now standard with sat-nav, is priced from $31,490 for the new model year.

To the base S Cerato, the Premium model has added sat-nav, reverse camera, 7 in. touch screen, 16-in. alloys, auto headlights, and a DVD player.

Positive driving .. the Kia Si Premium Cerato sedan.

Features already standard with the S include six airbags, ABS, ESC, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, six-speaker audio system with remote control, Bluetooth streaming and hands-free, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, trip computer, air conditioning, 60:40 split fold rear seat, power windows and a keyless remote.

Kia has kept the price down by using the earlier, nondirect injection 1.8-litre engine that still achieves a handy 110kW/178Nm output while consuming between 7.1-7.4 litres/100km of regular 91 octane petrol. The engine has variable valve timing to boost efficiency and passes EU 4 emissions regulations.

Si and SLi models in sedan and hatch will continue to offer the 129kW/209Nm 2.0 litre GDi petrol engine.

The arrival of the Cerato S Premium model follows

the debut in May of the new Sportage Si Premium model, bringing a similar gap-filling feature set to the SUV’s line-up The Cerato Si Premium drive was positive, thanks in part to the local suspension and dynamic calibration input. The engine is smooth and quiet and has plenty of zip off the line and throughout the operation range.

It has seats for five and can actually accommodate five adults relatively comfortably.

Numerous storage options dot the cabin and the boot is a good size with a full size alloy spare under the floor.

The driving position is widely adjustable and all switches and in-car functions are easy to find and use.

“The addition of the S Premium grade again underscores Kia’s philosophy that you needn’t go to the top of the tree to find the best fruit,” says new Kia Australia

Kia Motors America is jumping into motor sports with a Kia Cerato Coupe, and with the slogan ‘one hot ride’ and racing trim it certainly looks hot.

PAGE 22 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

chief operating officer Damien Meredith.

A key architect of Hyundai’s strong sales growth in Australia, Damien Meredith fills the slot created when Tony Barlow left the company at the end of February.

Reporting to Kia Motors Australia president and CEO Sang-Hyun Cho, who came on board in January, Mr Meredith has spent the past nine years working for Kia’s South Korean sister brand (and rival) and has more than three decades’ senior management experience in the industry.

The Kia Motors Corporation is headquartered in Seoul, and is South Korea’s second-largest automobile manufacturer after the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of more than 2.7 million vehicles in 2012 and almost 2.75 million vehicles last year.

Meanwhile, Kia has joined forces with the Kinetic Group to build the Cerato race car and run it in the Grand Am Koni Sports Car Challenge Series, a series that Kia felt best matched the demographics of their target market.

So the next time you pull up at a set of lights and find a Kia Cerato alongside give it a little respect – it’s not just a great small car for oldies like Orson Whiels, but it can get out there on the race track and put down some hot laps too.

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A position of Senior Manager, Resources and Projects is now available for a committed professional.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the company resource procurement and analysing business opportunities to achieve Ta Ann Tasmania’s operating and financial objectives. He or she will have extensive experience in all aspects of strategic planning for general resources sourcing. It is desirable that the candidate has knowledge or experience in the forest products industry.

The key duties and responsibilities include: • Developing effective plans and scheduling of raw materials while ensuring strong chain of custody requirements; • Establishing and maintaining strong client relationships; • Identifying and analysing new business opportunities; • Improving on product quality through product research and development with key stakeholders and technical experts in the field; • Provide feedback and guidance to clients on mill production requirements; • Ensuring effective communication and contribute to the Senior Management team including on business structure, systems and OH & S policies The role will involve regular intrastate travel and is based in Hobart.

The remuneration package offered will reflect qualifications and experience.

Applicants must already be eligible to work in Australia.

Apply, in confidence, by sending your application letter and CV to: General Manager Ta Ann Tasmania P/L 150 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 or email: hr@taanntas.com Applications will be accepted until COB: Friday14th November 2014

NOVEMBER 3, 2014 | PAGE 23

Now it its sixth year, Timber&Forestry enews has grown to be the most informative and up-to-date magazine in the timber and forestry industries and a leader for industry news.

The magazine is read by timber merchants, sawmillers, wood processors, foresters, members of national and state organisations and associations, builders, specifiers and selected architects.

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ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dennis Macready PAGE 24 | NOVEMBER 3, 2014

m: 0429 508 050 | e: dennis@industrye-news.com a: PO Box 569 Ormeau QLD Australia 4208