6356
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 1
Carbon sponges
This Issue • GBCA decision on AFS direct stimulus for timber industry • Bidders on FPQ should be briefed
pioneers championed in display • Timber importers back mandatory code of conduct • Foresters attack red gum lock-up • Membership climbs for new-look TMA in Victoria • Forestry Tasmania’s $9.3 profit
Cypress
1600 cub m of logs in this yard sucked in over 3000 tonnes of CO2 equivalents (See story, Page 10-11)
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 1
industry news
Good news for this wood
GBCA decision on AFS ends a 3-year battle for recognition by stakeholders
Direct stimulus for timber industry, economy THE Green Building Council has finalised the highly controversial issue that has been in debate for more than three years – recognition of the
Australian Forest Certification Scheme that is underpinned by two Australian standards for forestry and chain of custody of wood and wood products, AS
How much pulp will that tree produce? A neW technology to helP Foresters FAst-trAck genetic develoPment Foresters can now precisely predict Kraft pulp yield from standing trees in eucalypt plantations with hand-held devices that use near-infrared radiation (NIR) and provide immediate results.
abundant certified supply of locally produced and processed timber for Green Star projects.” Australian Forestry Standard Ltd is an accredited standards development organisation and is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Standards Development Organisations (ABSDO) to produce internationally aligned Australian Standards. This accreditation ensured Australian Standards retained the quality inherent in the rigorous, transparent and internationally aligned development process, Ms Watts said.
4708 and AS 4707. AFSL greatly appreciates the initiative taken by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and the Minister for Forestry Tony Burke, chief executive Kayt Watts said. This follows demands from industry stakeholders and the CFMEU to review the release of the first draft of the GBCA MAT8 timber criteria assessment framework that was restrictive and prescriptive and helped bring on this positive outcome. “About 90% of Australia’s production forests are certified under the Australian standard,” Ms Watts said. “This recognition will provide the construction industry with
Cont Page 3
Kayt Watts .. AFS credible and fully meets the criteria.
Romilly Madew .. support for timber industry.
www.fwpa.com.au for more information
Email: info@fwpa.com.au
Page 2 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
INDUSTRY NEWS
Level playing field gives wood producers access to green-rated commercial market From Page 2
The company owns the standards development functions and manages the elements of the Australian Forest Certification Scheme. AFSL chair Geoff Gorrie said the supply of Australian wood products certified under the Scheme was high quality and plentiful; its greater use in the Green Star program would provide a direct stimulus for the Australian economy. “There is no stricter process for the development of a forestry certification scheme than one that is based on an Australian standard,” Kayt Watts said. ‘This recognition will provide the construction industry with abundant certified supply of locally produced and processed timber for Green Star projects’
“It is not only credible, it fully meets the criteria of chain of custody, governance, standards development and revision, auditing and certification decisions, and verification of legality. “The next step is to work closely with the GBCA to ensure that the process for assessment adheres to the high levels of governance that the AFSL, public and industry stakeholders expect.” The decision by the Green Building Council of Australia to revise its timber credit to allow equal consideration of the Australian Forestry Standard and Forest Stewardship Council schemes “levels the playing field and gives Australian and New Zealand members hardwon access to the green-rated commercial market,” the general manager of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Simon Dorries said.
GBCA decision good new for engineered wood.
“This is excellent news for the industry. The GBCA is to be congratulated on its rationality in accepting all internationally recognised certification schemes,” Mr Dorries said. “This interim arrangement gives AFS and FSC and equal opportunity going forward to review their schemes to maximise the credit points they can achieve.” The shift by the GBCA means both schemes will now be accepted as part of its green star rating system for new buildings when assessing potential environmental impacts. Mr Dorries said equal recognition between the two schemes would mean more than 90% of the Australian wood products industry, which are under AFS, would now have access to green building projects and qualify for green star points. Only 2.5% of sawn timber products in Australia have FSC certification. The GBCA’s FSC-only proviso in its green building rating system had come under enormous pressure in recent months, intensified by a meeting of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council last month that
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
advocated the GBCA “reexamine a green building rating system that discriminates against the Australian forestry
certification scheme”. The GBCA revised timber credit will be effective from January 1 next year. Chief executive of the VAFI Philip Dalidakis said the announcement was a long overdue win for the timber industry. “This decision took nearly four years to achieve, with VAFI joining other industry bodies, the CFMEU, and the Victorian and Federal Forestry Ministers Joe Helper and Tony Burke in campaigning for a more environmentally responsible certification scheme,” he said “Their leadership on this issue must be recognised along with the joint efforts of Michael Cont Page 4
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 3
industry news
Positive impact on Australian jobs: GBCA From Page 3
O’Connor, national secretary, forestry and furnishing products division, CFMEU.” Chief executive Romilly Madew said the revision followed a detailed review of the GBCA’s timber credit, conducted by an independent timber expert reference panel. With the revised timber credit, all schemes will need to satisfy five essential criteria to be eligible. “We are hoping that the release of the revised timber credit will clarify the issue and dispel any myths surrounding the review,” Ms Madew said. The revised timber credit has the support of the Federal Government and moves away from the recognition of a single scheme to a principlesbased approach where several schemes could be rewarded – as long as the essential criteria are met. This means that
projects using timber from any scheme, including the AFS, will be eligible for points through this credit, so long as the scheme has applied for, and met, the essential criteria. “The GBCA supports an Australian forest industry which produces timber in a sustainable way and one of the aims of the GBCA’s timber review was to ‘shut the door’ on the importation of illegal or questionable timber,” Ms Madew said. ‘There is no stricter process for the development of a forestry certification scheme than one that is based on an Australian standard’ – Kayt Watts “We are very grateful for the support of the Federal Government throughout our review process, especially the Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. “We are aware that any change to our timber credit should have a positive impact on Australian jobs. As we have seen during the global economic crisis, green jobs helped sustain employment, and this sector continues to expand.” The GBCA promotes green building programs, technologies, design practices and processes, and operates Green Star, Australia’s only voluntary national comprehensive environmental rating system for buildings. A certified Green Star rating can be attained by achieving points through a variety of credits within nine key categories. The timber credit is from the materials category which projects can choose to document to achieve a Green Star rating. Many projects had achieved the Green Star timber credit over the
past six years using Australian timber, Ms Madew said. These included the Melbourne Convention Centre (six-star Green Star) and Lend Lease’s The Gauge in Melbourne (six star). As a voluntary rating tool, Green Star also provides the flexibility for projects to achieve a Green Star certified rating without points from the timber credit. GBCA, established in 2002 and with more than 760 member companies, works to develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices. The Green Star environmental rating system for buildings was launched in 2003. The nine categories included within all Green Star rating tools are management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, emissions and innovation.
• • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
Page 4 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
events
WHAT’S ON? DECEMBER 09
JUNE 2010
OCTOBER 2010
8-10: Bioenergy Australia 2009. Radisson Resort Gold Coast. Technical tour on December 8. Contact: Steve Schuck, Bioenergy Australia manager on (02) 9416 9246. Email: sschuck@bigpond.net.au
3-4: AFCA Conference and Trade Expo, Novotel Resort, Coffs Harbor, NSW. www.afca.asn.au
10-13: Australian Forest Growers national conference, Mount Gambier, SA. Chief executive Warwick Ragg. Contact national office: (02) 6162 9000.
february 2010
JULY 2010
3-5: Australian International Furniture Fair Sydney Exhibition Centre, Sydney, NSW www.aiff. net.au
14-18: Interforest 2010 Trade Fair for Forestry Technology Munich, Germany. www.interfrost.de
2-3: National Outlook Conference (ABARE) Canberra, ACT. www.abare.gov.au 5-17: Industry bus tour of Northern New South Wales. Contact: Karen Johnston at TABMA Queensland. Tel: (07) 3254 3155. Email: karen@tabma.com.au 21: World Forestry Day 22: World Water Day
APRIL 2010 18-21: APPITA Annual Conference and Exhibition/Pan Pacific Conference Melbourne. www.appita.com.au
MAY 2010 19-20: Wood Supply Chain Optimisation 2010, Bayview Eden,Melbourne, 6 Queens Road, Melbourne. www.vafi.org.au 21-23: Timber and Working with Wood Expo, Brisbane Showgrounds, Fortitude Valley. 24-25: Wood Supply Chain Optimisation 2010, Rotorua, NZ. www.vafi.org.au
26-27: Wood Energy 2010 (World Reducing Energy Costs & Improving Energy Efficiencies) Melbourne.
AUGUST 2010 25-28: International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) 2010 Atlanta, Georgia, USA. www.iwfatlanta.com
SEPTEMBER 2010 3-5: Canberra Timber & Working With Wood Expo, Exhibition Park in Canberra. Contact: (02) 9974 1393. Fax: (02)9974 3426 Email: info@eee.net.au 6-12: Landcare Week. www.landcareonline.com 8-10: AFAC bushfire CRC annual conference. Darwin Convention Centre Australia. www.afac10.or 15-16: Wood Manufacturing 2010 Profitable Wood Manufacturing - Tooling Technology & Design, Melbourne. 20-21: Wood Manufacturing 2010 Profitable Wood Manufacturing - Tooling Technology & Design Rotorua, NZ.
15-17: Melbourne Timber and Working with Wood Expo, Melbourne Showground, Melbourne. Contact: (02) 9974 1393. Fax: (02)9974 3426
The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) is striving for an ecologically sustainable Australian society achieved through dynamic, internationally competitive forest industries.
Email: info@eee.net.au
NOVEMBER 2010 17-19: ForestTECH 2010 Tools & Technologies to Improve Forest Planning & Operations, Rotorua, NZ. 22-24: ForestTECH 2010 Tools & Technologies to Improve Forest Planning & Operations, Albury, NSW.
Seats filling for industry tour of Northern Rivers THIRTY-SIX of the available 48 seats have been reserved on the industry bus tour of NSW Northern Rivers in March next year. If you want to get on this bus, you better get on the blower fast to Karen Johnston at TABMA Queensland or you’ll be left behind! Call (07) 3254 3155 or email: karen@tabma.com.au
The tour, organised by Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218, and supported again by TABMA Queensland and Timber Queensland, will be over three days – from March 15 to 17.
2009
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
SUSTAINABLE. RESPONSIBLE.
2010
MARCH 2010
18-20: Timber and Working with Wood Expo, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney.
Participants on the tour so far are from all eastern states and New Zealand
NAFI’s mission is to represent the interests of members by promoting the environmental sustainability and the prosperity of Australian forest industries. National Association of Forest Industries Ltd (Est. 1987) PO Box 239, Deakin ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6285 3833. Fax: (02) 6285 3855 Web: www.nafi.com.au
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 5
industry news
Forestry Tasmania’s $9.3m profit, but less joy next financial year
Solid result for Tasmanian forestry operations.
FORESTRY Tasmania reported an operational profit of $9.3 million for the 2008-09 financial year, up from $8.6 million for the 2007-08 year. Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon said the return was a solid result, particularly given the challenges of the global financial crisis. However, he said the global downturn would make it difficult to deliver a similar result for this financial year. “So far, Forestry Tasmania has been able to insulate its contractors from the worst effects of the downturn,” Mr Gordon said. “Our priority is to keep the work flowing; our contractors are currently working at about 75% of their quota.” Mr Gordon said the effects of reduced worldwide demand for wood products due to the global financial crisis had been exacerbated by the strength of the Australian dollar, high shipping costs and negative perceptions generated by environmental campaigns.
Page 6 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
“Current indications are that any recovery will be slow and is unlikely to have much effect before the middle of 2010,” he said. “Like other businesses across the industry, we have adjusted our production schedules to reflect demand.” During the four months to the end of October this year, supply of high quality eucalypt sawlogs and softwood sawlogs was at 80% of forecast levels. Hardwood pulpwood and domestic peeler logs were 70% and supply of lower grade eucalypt logs was 40% less than forecast. Norske Skog’s conversion to 100% softwood has meant supply of softwood pulpwood has remained close to 95% of forecast levels. Mr Gordon said Forestry Tasmania was investigating other export opportunities to provide extra work for harvesting and transport contractors and to offset the decline in pulpwood markets.
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
industry news
Potential bidders on FPQ should be briefed by industry TIMBER Queensland is offering to brief potential bidders for Forestry Plantations Queensland on the state’s plantation processing industry to ensure they are aware of the likely issues they will confront before they engage in the formal bidding process. Chief executive Rod McInnes said potential bidders should be aware of the current hostile relationship between Industry and FPQ and understand the reasons behind the bad blood. “Queensland’s $4 billion timber industry and the 20,000 jobs it supports, which are mostly in the plantation sector, are bitterly disappointed at the lack of consultation between the industry and the Government over the proposed sale of FPQ,” Mr McInnes said.
Rod McInnes .. sale of FPQ welcomed, but..
“We welcomed the news of the sale of FPQ when it was announced almost 12 months ago and believed the Government when it committed to consult with industry
regarding the sale.” Mr McInnes said that despite this and apart from a couple of broad brush discussions, the Government had ignored industry while they had: • Negotiated with the unions to shore up a few hundred jobs at FPQ for three years, but ignored the many thousands of jobs in plantation processing that rely on an acceptable commercial relationship between the plantation grower and the processing and value-adding industry. • Done a dirty deal with the Greens to retire more than 2500 ha of plantation for conservation without any discussion with Industry and in the full knowledge that Queensland needs another 100,000 ha of plantation to meet the state’s future timber needs and avoid importing timber. • Created new legislation to ensure the current offtake agreements between FPQ and industry is enforced with the
new owner despite industry’s constant advice to Government over the last two years that the agreements are unconscionable and unacceptable because they do not allow a dispute resolution process to establish a fair price from a monopoly supplier. Industry believes these issues will diminish the value of the FPQ asset and result in a less than optimum outcome for Queensland taxpayers. “We encourage potential bidders to contact us to discuss these issues in more detail before they lock themselves into a formal bidding process,” Mr McInnes said.
editorial inquiries ph: +61 7 3256 1779
Plantation sector .. jobs at stake.
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 7
Skills development key to improved productivity in the NZ timber industry SKILLS development is fundamental to improved productivity in the timber industry. The components of a good training and education system revolve around maintaining quality – in national standards, industry credibility and the perceived value of the industry. Addressing the Forest Futures 2009 Conference in Canberra, Ian Boyd, chief executive of the Forest Industry Skills Council in New Zealand, said training support should include quality materials, mentoring and efficient systems with the emphasis on success. Mr Boyd pitched his presentation with an overview of commercial forestry in New Zealand; it was the country’s third largest exporter in the primary sector, behind dairy and meat. Export earning were $NZ3.2 billion or 3.8% of GDP. Mr Boyd said the industry currently employed 25,000 people and more than 40,000 indirectly. The current harvest was around 20 million cub m with potential to increase by 35 million cub m by 2025. “Almost 50% of the harvest is likely to be exported in log form this year,” he said, “driven by demand from China and a lack of viable processing options.” Mr Boyd noted major issues that were making industry investment appear unattractive: large fluctuations in the exchange rate; uncertainty around the ETS; conversion of land to higher value dairy use; the demise of integrated forest products companies; timber investment management organisations (TIMOs); a decline in wood market share in construction and building; and the Resource Management Act.
Page 8 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
Industry credibility .. attractions for skills development in New Zealand.
Ian Boyd .. positive results will take time to achieve.
A negative perception of the industry and low productivity were other barriers for investment. “But these issues are being addressed by both industry and the government,” Mr Boyd said. He referred to the ETS: the Amendment Bill before a select committee; building crossparty consensus; awareness of the need for an environment conducive to business productivity; a common wish for stable ETS structure for investor confidence; and the intention to deliver final legislation by December this year. Mr Boyd said any negative
industry perception was being addressed by greater industry cohesion; the NZ Wood campaign; and the FITEC Careers function. But positive results would take time to achieve. “Productivity is more difficult and needs new technology and investment, improved skills and improved management and leadership.” Mr Boyd said New Zealand’s decline in wood market share
was now arrested in the domestic structural market. “The NZ Wood promotion is successful and there is excellent research on the use of wood in multi-storey buildings.” Another ‘positive’ was the Structural Innovation Company (STIC) involving NZ and Australian participants. “The Resource Management Act (RMA) is a major initiative for the new Government,” Mr Boyd said. “Phase 1 amendments include cost reductions, speeding up the process, addressing bureaucracy and managing
anti-competitive behaviour. “Phase 2 is under way with greater central direction – consistency across regions.” Mr Boyd was enthusiastic about New Zealand’s primary growth partnership (PGP), co-funded for research and innovation by industry and the government. The government commitment in the primary sector was $30 million in 2009-10, growing to $70 million by 2012-13.
Gunns gets go-ahead to purchase ITC GUNNS Ltd has the go-ahead to acquire ITC Timber Pty Ltd. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which last month opposed the purchase on competition grounds, agreed to a new proposal whereby Gunns will not acquire ITC Timber’s 50% stake in the SmartFibre wood chip joint venture.
ITC has an 80-year history of sawmilling and value-adding timber. It is one of Australia’s largest hardwood plantation forestry managers and timber processors, with in excess of 170,000 ha of plantations under management across Australia and a solid wood conversion capacity of 250,000 cub m a year.
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
industry news
Timber importers back mandatory code of conduct A MANDATORY code of conduct for all timber products imported into Australia is the best option for advancing the Federal Government’s illegal logging goals, asserts lead timber importing and wholesaling body the Australian Timber Importers Federation. Technical manager John Halkett said that in continuing to work with and support the Federal Government’s policy of further restricting illegal logging, directed by Forestry Minister Tony Burke, the ATIF believed that a mandatory code of conduct was now the preferred policy option. “We agree with the economic analysis contained in the Centre for International Economics’ Regulatory Impact Statement that a statutory approach is unlikely to yield the policy outcomes the Government is seeking and that combined with other measures a mandatory code would be the most effective future course of action,” Mr Halkett said. In a letter to Tony Burke, ATIF has presented a case for a mandatory code supported by Government purchasing policies and advocacy programs. “By definition, a mandatory code catches everyone, so all timber product importers would be on a level playing field,” Mr
Halkett said. He said experience in the UK and in Europe had demonstrated that voluntary codes of conduct resulted in less reputable companies ‘flying under the radar’. “By so doing, such companies can gain a cost advantage in the market place. This can lead to an increase in the market share for these ‘free rider’ companies,” he said. “This situation can increase the likelihood of imports of timber from legally suspect sources rising and therefore exacerbating the illegal logging problem the Government is trying hard to arrest. “Mandatory codes are a better policy option as all companies are required to either participate and conform to the code or get out of the timber importing business.” Mr Halkett said that in its letter to the Minister, the ATIF had offered to work with Mr Burke, his department, the timber products supply chain and other interested parties to develop a mandatory timber products importing code. This would be based on the industry research undertaken that had, in some cases, been supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Checking legal compliance in Malaysia .. mandatory code would catch everyone and prevent less reputable companies ‘flying under the radar’.
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
Timber & Forestry e-news is the most authoritative and quickest deliverer of news and special features to the forest and forest products industries in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. Weekly distribution is over 6,000 copies, delivered every Monday. Advertising rates are the most competitive of any industry magazine in the region. Timber&Forestry e-news hits your target market – every week, every Monday! HEAD OFFICE Custom Publishing Group Unit 2- 3986 Pacific Highway Loganholme 4129 Qld, Australia Tel: +61 7 3392 9810 PUBLISHER Dennis Macready admin@industryenews.com.au CONSULTING EDITOR Jim Bowden Tel: +61 7 3256 1779 Mob: 0401 312 087 cancon@bigpond.net.au ADVERTISING Tel: +61 7 3256 1779 cancon@bigpond.net.au PRODUCTION MANAGER Leigh Macready Tel: +61 7 3392 9810 production@industryenews.com.au
Opinions expressed on Timber & Forestry e news are not necessarily the opinions of the editor, publisher or staff. We do not accept responsibility for any damage resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising. The Publisher is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims or damages resulting from content on this e news. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the Publisher- Custom Publishing Group.
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 9
resource
Old science pushes for new recognition of harvested wood products as a carbon sink Hardwoods suck it in at busy Beaudesert sawmill By JIM BOWDEN
“WE can only guess how many tonnes of carbon are still stored in this mighty log,” remarked Mark Enright as he slapped the side of this monument to sound forest management. The comment appeared in an article I wrote in September on the Enright hardwood sawmill at Beaudesert on the Mount Lindesay Highway, 65 km south of Brisbane. Mr Enright was referring to the 15m section of a giant old Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna) on display alongside the sawmill. Well, last week I went to the mill with two foresters from Griffith University’s Environmental Futures Centre – Dr Gary Bacon and Dr Tim Blumfield. We met up with the mill’s coowners Rick Enright and Gerard O’Reilly and Gerard’s son Paul who manages the mill. “Let’s start with the big fella outside,” Dr Bacon said. He began his carbon counting process with the old blue gum; the stem was calculated to contain 11 tonnes of carbon and over its life it would
A day in the timber yard .. Enright’s mill manager Paul O’Reilly, Dr Gary Bacon, Rick Enright, Dr Tim Blumfield, and Jim Bowden.
have sucked in more than 70 tonnes of carbon dioxide (Co2) equivalents. ’If you count the tree itself – crown, stem, roots, the lot – then you can just about double those figures,” Dr Bacon said. “We now have the answer to Mark’s guesswork.” “These carbon calculations are something we are very keen about,” said Dr Blumfield, who is a research fellow at Griffith’s School of Bimolecular and Physical Studies. “And
that’s this whole business of harvested wood products and how they are affected under carbon trading schemes.” Warming to the subject, he said: “We know that in these carbon schemes, harvested wood products are not counted. Once a tree lies down and is machined into materials, then it is considered the carbon somehow is eliminated. “So you have a forest and you cut it, and you lose carbon credits. Science can give us
the carbon storage figures over the life of the tree and also the carbon content in its future life as a building material. “This has all been in the ‘toohard’ basket for too long. Our long-term aim is to get harvested wood products counted as a carbon sink.” Back to the salinga. Dr Bacon had completed his calculations: “When this old fella came down [from the Burnett Creek state forest in 1984] it had just about sucked in its last breath of Co2, and was ready to expel carbon dioxide. But all that good carbon was captured. “It had made way for new growth under a clear canopy and its offspring would start the whole air-cleansing operation again. What an amazing machine the tree is, and using just the energy from the sun.” Dr Bacon echoed his colleague: “Carbon sinks go beyond the forest because there’s the utilisation of the wood. The stems are utilised as pieces of timber that are placed to store carbon for many, many years. So it’s a carbon bank.” Next we walked through the Cont Page 11
Be SURE about INSURANCE Trusted brokers to the timber industry since 1985
Tel: (07) 3010 1823 Mob: 0419 754 681
Page 10 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
Contact Alan Jones Email: alan.jones@premier.austbrokers.com (Licence No. 238123)
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
resource
‘Forests as thick and dense as they ever were’ From Page 10
timber yard at the Enright mill. Paul O’Reilly told us that it was holding about 1600 cub m of hardwood – spotted gum, blue gum and some ironbark. The two foresters came up with another set of figures: “Just in those logs, there is more than 800 tonnes of carbon or the equivalent of 3000 tonnes of carbon dioxide absorbed to produce them.” Adding to the story, Rick Enright said: “After a century of selective logging, the hardwood forest stands around here are as thick and dense as they ever were.” The Enright sawmill draws 15% of its resource from state forests; the balance, now from private landholders, is from smaller trees – just as dense but without the heavy vegetation. The mill processes about 50 cub m a day, treated and cut to
Carbon count .. Dr Gary Bacon measures a thick blue gum at Enright’s Sawmill to calculate the amount of carbon sequestered in the log. Measurements were 15.1 m length, 5.25 m butt, 3.8 mid-log and 3.8 m top.
any size for heavy construction, bridge decking and the building trade. The sawmill, bought by the Enrights in 1963, has been cutting E. saligna, or Sydney blue gum, ironbark (E. paniculata) and spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) from the ‘scenic rim’ forests above Beaudesert since the pioneering Irish Lahey brothers established their timber business in the town in 1884. But the owners of this busy sawmill couldn’t hide the concerns they have about ongoing pressure on the state’s hardwood resource. “You know, I could take you up to the first logging coupes our contractors worked in 40 or 50 years ago and the regrowth there now is strong and thick,” said Rick Enright. “But the forests we used to work in before they went over for
‘protection’ into national parks are the real worry. Without true forest management, thinning operations and contractors building road access, this timber is in a sorry state, much of it strangled by weeds like the insidious creeping cat’s claw [Macfadyena unguis-cati]. “That stuff is everywhere.” “But we’re standing our ground against urban development that is swallowing hundreds of acres of private forest each year, and the constant claim on a diminishing resource by national parks and reserves,” Mr Enright said. “When it’s all gone, how will they replace these magnificent timbers, still thriving after more than a century of harvesting – from illegally cleared forests in Indonesia, Burma or Madagascar?”
We’re ready to provide your timber needs! Homebush Bay Timber is a leading supplier to merchants and manufacturing businesses in New South Wales
l l a c a s u e v
Contact: Alison Scott on 0448 447 420. Email: alison@hbt.com.au Scott Brechin on 0448 447 436. Email: scott@hbt.com.au
Gi
– our product range and service will surprise you
Homebush Bay Timber 5 Benson Road, Ingleburn NSW 2565 PO Box 336, Ingleburn NSW 1890 Tel: (02) 9625 8988 Fax: (02) 9625 8622
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 11
tribute
Cypress display recognises contribution of Western Downs pioneering sawmillers By JIM BOWDEN
heated drying kilns.
NOVEMBER 21 was a big day for the cypress industry in Chinchilla on the Darling Downs, 290 km west of Brisbane. It marked a celebration of the ‘golden wood’ with the opening of a cypress pine centre that pays tribute to the region’s timber pioneers. The Historical Society and Western Downs Regional Council opened the display at the Chinchilla Museum in Villiers Street to honour pioneering sawmillers who drew cypress from the Barakula state forest, the largest state forest – 300,000 ha – in the southern hemisphere. Barakula for more than 100 years has produced most of the state’s cypress, a native timber prized for its termite resistant qualities. Sawmillers have harvested the forest sustainably over the century, contributing to the welfare of many towns in the region. The interpretive cypress display was funded by $200,000 from the State Government, matched by the Chinchilla Shire Council, as part of Queensland’s 150year celebrations.
“Of course, the danger here is presenting too much information – not everyone wants to know how many super feet a mill produced each day. The trick is to balance the display with more general interest stories. To do this we talked to the families of the sawmillers, to get the broader stories of the lives of the sawmillers themselves, from the sawmill owners down to the man on the benches.”
Avis Matheson (nee Emmerson) looks over tributes to the Emmerson family at the Chinchilla Cypress Pine Centre.
Page 12 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
The result is a magnificent testimonial to cypress families such as the Hollands, Simons, Emmersons, Turners and the Hynes. A plaque at the display tells an interesting story: “This historical steam-powered sawmill, typical of the year 1900, was donated, renovated, and erected by N. & P. Emmerson, sawmillers, in 1975.
Cypress champion Charles Achilles inspects items at the Cypress Pine Centre. Mr Achilles was manager of Hyne’s cypress sawmill at Chinchilla from 1974 to 1984. He spent 29 years with Hyne at Chinchilla and in Brisbane. The Hyne family bought the hardwood and cypress mill in Chinchilla from the Emmerson brothers in 1974, closing the operation in 1992. – Picture by John Farmer.
“Telling the story of sawmills is like making a laminated beam – you need several layers to make it strong,” said Mark Nebauer who helped put the display together. “Creating the displays for the Chinchilla Cypress Pine Centre and another project, Straker’s lower mill at Cooroy, involved telling the stories from various angles. “First, we talked to the historians: they gave us the historical layer of who did what and when – when did the first timber getters arrive? Where were the sawpits? Who built
the first sawmill and when did bullock teams give way to trucks? They also gave us a good idea of how important the timber industry was to the town. “These layers have to be strong – historians are notorious at testing facts and dates down to the tiniest detail.” Mark said the next layer was the workings of the sawmills on display. “For this information we turned to retired sawmillers who were only too eager to share their knowledge about boilers, Canadian benches and steam-
“The vertical saw log frame, donated by Hyne & Son, Gladstone, was transported, renovated and erected by Emmerson Bros. Age of the engine: 100 years. Boiler: 55 years. Frame and bench: 75 years. Flywheel: 100 ft, 8 tons”. The high-speed Bellis-Morcom steam-electric engine and Brush steam engine were renovated and installed by P. Emmerson. Acknowledged for their valuable help with the project were Charles Achilles, ex president and life member of the museum, Murray Brett, Bob Kemp, Dick Jeremy, Avis Matheson (nee Emmerson), Peter Taylor, Bob Zerbst, Forests NSW, Moxon and Co, DPI Forestry, the State Library of New South Wales and TTF Floor Sanding and Polishing.
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
FOREST INDUSTRY NEWS
Foresters attack state’s decision to lock up red gums in national parks THE Institute of Foresters of Australia, with more than 1350 members nationally, and many employed in scientific roles, has urged the NSW Natural Resources Commission in its current review of NSW public red gum forests to take a proactive management approach in addressing the declining health of the forests. “The decision on December 3 to declare 42,077 ha of the Millewa Group red gum forests as national park makes a mockery of due process and consideration of the views of stakeholders,” the president of the Institute of Foresters of Australia Dr Peter Volker said. “Many submissions have been made to the NRC, which was due to make its recommendations to Government on December 21,” Dr Volker said. “Every local community along the Murray and Murrumbidgee, represented by their local
THE launch this week of a new industry-focused website will reflect the strength and expansion of the Timber Merchants Association in Victoria. TMA has grown rapidly under the stewardship of chief executive Peter Roberts – more than 80 members, almost doubling membership since March this year. A rebuilding process over the last two years has also seen expansion of the timber advice and display centre and technical book shop at TMA’s Whitehorse Road offices in Blackburn, now housing 42 exhibitors. “Traffic is currently 1200 inquiries per quarter and this will grow after the launch of the new web site,” Mr Roberts said. The web site is being developed by TMA’s Ingrida Matulis.
governments, has made submissions opposing the reservation of red gum state forests into national park. “The announcement by the outgoing Premier Nathan Rees has ignored the wishes of those communities, along with many other stakeholders including the timber industry and the IFA.” Dr Volker said the IFA deplored the announcement, “because the concept of ‘saving’ these forests by creating new national parks flies in the face of scientific evidence about the interaction of future water flows and management of the number of trees per hectare to preserve a healthy forest. “Expansive areas of the regrowth river red gum forest are dead or dying from a lack of water. If water supply to these forests continues to be inadequate many more red gum trees will die without active
Dr Peter Volker .. a mockery of due process.
intervention.” The IFA is concerned that transferring the red gum forests into national park will not achieve the desired conservation outcomes or restore the forests’ health. The IFA promotes pro-active management so that regrowth forests under threat are thinned
out and the remaining number of trees per hectare is reduced to a level which retains forest structure, but trees survive. Under national park tenure there are no current provisions for thinning for timber. Forests reserved in national park will not be permitted to be harvested and the dead trees that remain in the forest may be expected to become a serious fire hazard. The IFA understands that timber supplies will need to reduce but the levels of reduction are largely dependent on the tenure of the forests and policy for future management. The institute believes that retaining tenure for these forests, which allows for timber harvesting and continuing timber supply at a level which meets the range of objectives, is a far better socio-economic and environmental outcome than the alternative of locking up the forests.
Membership climbs for ‘new-look’ TMA
New web site launched this week Established in 1883, TMA Victoria is the longest continually running timber merchants association in Australia. Commenting on the recognition of AFS certification by the Green Building Council of Australia, Mr Roberts said it now brought a level playing field to standards, although there was some apprehension about the awarding of Green Star points. “Our next step is to encourage as many members as possible to take up AFS certification to allow them to access green
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
building projects and qualify for green star points,” Mr Roberts said. Mr Roberts is a past president of TMA and has 38 years’ experience in the industry with many successful management positions. The TMA represents businesses from the merchant, wholesale and manufacturing sectors of the industry and provides secretarial/industrial services for the Victorian Timber Importers Association. The TMA timber advice and display centre.
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 13
tabma annual dinner
TABMA Halloween night a howling success MORE than 200 ‘friends in industry’ kicked up their heels at a ‘monster’ dinner and dance at Brisbane’s Royal on the Park on Halloween Friday, October 31. More than anything – including an amazing magician and a hot dance band – the evening celebrated a unity among key stakeholders and executives from all sectors of the industry.
“It was an incredible night recognising not only the achievements of individual TABMA Queensland members, but the solidarity and resilience of our industry in a time when our unified voice is more critical than ever,” chief executive Karen Johnston said. ‘Monster’ sponsors were Thora Wholesale Timbers, Timber Queensland, Tasman KB
Catching up at the TABMA Queensland’s Halloween dinner and dance are West Hill, West Hill Consulting, Brisbane, and Charlie and Heather Henry of Charlie Henry Enterprises Pty Ltd, Gold Coast.
Troy and Angie Baker, Peachester Timber, and Lynn and Dave Wuiske, Langs Building Supplies.
and NTP Forklifts. ‘Mummy’ sponsors were Asian Pacific Timber Marketing, Gow Gates Insurance, DPR Hardwood (Ford Timbers), Tilling Timber, and AWX. Lucky door prizes went to Diane Dunshea of Manufacturing Skills (portable DVD player sponsored by Tilling Timber) and John Borg of Lindsay Meyers (Esky, sponsored by AWX).
TABMA Queensland has continued to expand its involvement in all areas affecting its members and has made great strides in the areas of management education and technical training. The organisation was established in 2001 due to an expressed need for a merchant-based member organisation in the Queensland timber industry.
Happy group at the TABMA (Qld) dinner are Wayne Norman, Wayne Norman Timbers, Alan Ford, Ford Timbers, Brisbane, Debbie Payne, Dindas Australia, Mal Gotham, Pacific Wood Products, and Rachel Fisher and John Menagh of Disprax Business Software Solutions.
Jeannie Alamkara, Lifestye Trader, Gold Coast, meets up with Jenny Williams, Alan Jones, and Kyla Wood of Austbrokers Premier, Brisbane.
Luke Gaske, Ozline Timbers, and Pat Conduit and Melanie Hilcke, Hyne.
Boral Timber Grafton
Hardwood Sawmilling
Alicia Oelkers, TABMA Queensland, welcomes Gary and Diane Dunshea, Manufacturing Skills Australia, and Kersten Gentle, executive officer, Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association, Healesville, Vic.
Page 14 | issue 105 | 07.12.09
* Subject to confirmation
TABMA Queensland glamour Karen Johnston (chief executive) and Kelly Everett out front of the executive team, from left, Myles Forsyth, Forsyth & Romano Group, Mal Goatham, Pacific Wood Products, Keith Maitland, Tasman KB (TABMA Queensland chairman), Roger Healy, Simmonds Lumber. and Michael Gaske, Ozline Timbers.
Bookings: 07 3254 3166
+61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au WorkingAdvertising: TogetherTelto Benefit all of Industry
Chain of Custody I N F O R M AT I O N S E M I N A R
Brisbane • Thursday, August 20, 2009
Chain of Custody INTERNAL SALES POSITION 433 On Logan Conference Centre 433 Logan Road, Stone’s Corner LIMITED INFORM A T I OTO N60SSEATS EMINAR
• Thursday, August 20, 2009 This Brisbane important and timely seminar, organised by TABMA Queensland, 433 OnofLogan Conference Centre willWe help reduce some the confusion relating to chain of are looking for an experienced internal salescustody. personIt 433 Logan Road, Stone’s Corner willtoensure the Queensland timber industry has the information required join our team.LIMITED TO 60 SEATS for compliance with legislation,Key speakers will present information This Ideally, importantyou andwill timely seminar, organised by TABMA Queensland, have had onforum. the trade counter and and there will be a question and time answer will help reduce some of the confusion relating to chain of custody. It be conversant with a wide range of timber products. Speakers include: will ensure the Queensland timber industry has the information required
Colin application use, Timber Queensland for•compliance legislation,Key speakers will present information TheMacKenzie, role with will manager, includetimber liaising withand customers over the • Simon Dorries, Engineered and there will be a General questionManager, and answer forum.Wood Products Association of phone, some clerical work and generally helping ensure Australasia Speakers include: • Kayt Watts, chief executive, Australian Forestry Ltd Queensland (AFS) our delivery promise is maintained. • Colin MacKenzie, manager, timber application andStandard use, Timber • Simon Dorries, General Wood Products Association of • Michael Spencer, chief Manager, executive, Engineered Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
If you are energetic, bright and enthusiastic then please Australasia • Kayt Watts,your chief executive, Australian Forestry Standard Ltd (AFS) send resume Registration fee: $65 pp (TABMAto: member) $80 pp (non-member) • Includes hot breakfast • Michael Spencer, chief executive, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and morning tea. Note: Arrival 7:30am. Breakfast 7:45 am. Presentations begin at 8 am. RSVP by Friday, August 14, to: Registration fee: $65 pp (TABMA member) $80 (non-member) • Includes hot breakfast POQueensland, Box 450, Narangba, Qpp4504 Tabma PO Box 532, and morning tea. Note: Arrival 7:30am. Breakfast 7:45 am. Presentations begin at 8 am. 500Attn: Street, Valley 4006 Dave Alcock RSVP byBrunswick Friday, August 14,Fortitude to: Tel: (07) 3254 3166. (07) 3254 4599. Tabma Queensland, PO Fax: Box 532, Email: dave@aptm.com.au 0438 295 136 Fortitude Valley 4006 500Mob: Brunswick Street,
www.tabma.com.au
Why taking an ad with us is the best value for you! • More than 6,500 deliveries and 15,000 viwers each week • Read and re-read everyday as the most authoritative industry information medium • Best rates, best service - unbeatable • Faster, wider penetration of your message in Australiasia than any other industry publication • Adverts take readers and potential clients direct to websites Contact Timber & Forestry Enews Tel: +61 7 3256 1776 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
Tel: (07) 3254 3166. Fax: (07) 3254 4599. Mob: 0438 295 136
www.tabma.com.au
WIN WIN WIN
ADVERTISERS ADVERTISERS This is a winning time for This is a winning time for smart marketers
smart marketers
NOW is the time to increase your business market share in the NOW is the time to increase your most cost effective manner business market share in the
most cost effective manner
AD PACKAGE RATES NOW AVAILABLE CONTACT +61 7RATES 3256 NOW 1779 AVAILABLE AD PACKAGE
CONTACT +61 7 3256 1779
reach your market weekly s direct delivery s very affordable
Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au reach your market weekly s direct delivery s very affordable
issue 105 | 07.12.09 | Page 15
Timber & Forestry e news is published by Custom Publishing Group. Timber & Forestry e news is a full colour e magazine emailed every Monday to Decision Makers within the Australian and New Zealand Timber and Forestry sectors. Advertising is booked with a minimum 4 week booking with discounts for 12, 24 and 48 week bookings.
RATES
12 week- 7.5% Discount 24 week- 10% Discount 48 week- 15% Discount Classified ads can be booked in a per issue basis. All advertisements link to customer websites or email address with an option for rich text (flash). BENEFITS:
DIRECT PENETRATION via email. WEEKLY opposed to monthly alternatives. NEWS that is up to date that will ensure readership. COST EFFECTIVE advertising rates.
S
Display Ads
Display Ads Minimum 4 issue booking
Full Page Bleed Half Page Vertical Half Page Horizontal Third Page Horizontal Quarter Page Vertical Eighth Page Front Page Third Horizonal Front Page Masthead
Rate per Issue + GST $330 $182 $182 $143 $120 $72 $176 $77
Size Specifications Height x Width 303mm x 216mm 254mm x 93mm 125mm x 190mm 73mm x 190mm 125mm x 93mm 60mm x 93mm 73mm x 190mm 33mm x 45mm
Classifieds
Classified Ads per week
Half Page Vertical Quarter Page Vertical Eighth Page Horizontal Full Page Bleed
$182 $120 $72 $330
220mm x 93mm 107mm x 93mm 51mm x 93mm 303mm x 216m
Extras: Video and Animated ads - Add 20% per issue Artwork Specifications: Please supply all artwork as High Resolution (300dpi) Pdf’s or jpegs. Send artwork to production@industryenews.com.au
DEADLINES Booking – Noon Wednesday for Monday edition. Material – Noon Thursday Terms: Account Clients- 14 days New Accounts: Payment on Booking All Classifieds- Payment on booking (Credit card preferred)
All prices quoted plus GST and based on Art being supplied. We can create artwork if required – Eighth/Quarter $44 Half $66 which will be billed if complete art is not supplied to our specifications. Video: Maximum 3 meg swf file. Animation: gif file Due to the regularity of timber & forestry e news and the tight deadlines no customer proofs can be sent.
Advertising Sales
Production
T: (07) 32561776
e: production@industryenews.com.au
9810Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au Page 16 | issue 105 | 07.12.09 Custom Publishing Group Advertising:T: Tel(07) +61 73392 3256 1779 e: cancon@bigpond.net.au
www.industryenews.com.au