Issue 107

6369

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issue 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 1 This Issue • Forest certification best to determine legal timber • Supply chain seminar has strong business focus

reception at Copenhagen • IFA appoints a new CEO • Seats filling for industry bus tour of Northern Rivers • Survival of the greenest at Finlayson’s • Acacia Timber heads west to a bigger spread • Events. What’s on for 2010?

 Big

We wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a joyous and most prosperous New Year

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issue 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 1

events

Connecting the pieces: supply chain seminar has a strong business focus

Sustainable forest management key to climate change THE Timber Merchants Association (Vic) and the Australian Timber Importers Federation are joining forces to stage a special one-day industry supply chain seminar in Melbourne next year.

The seminar – ‘Connecting the Pieces for Business Success’ – will be held at the Radisson Hotel on May 18.

The seminar will cover key aspects of the timber industry supply chain, together with wider aspects of the timber industry’s business environment, woodbased product marketing and matters related to companylevel business success.

Seminar speakers will include leading timber supply chain experts, marketing specialists,

technology providers and regulatory authorities.

“The seminar will reinforce the goals of TMA and ATIF to assist in growing industry capability, and enhancing competitiveness and commercial success,” TMA chief executive Peter Roberts said.

“Our aim is to run a seminar that will update current industry issues, stimulate new ways of thinking and reinvigorate industry enthusiasm.

“It is in this spirit of growth and new vision that we are seeking relationships with a strictly limited number of like-minded companies and organisations to support the seminar as sponsors.”

Mr Roberts said the seminar

Proving the thermal performance of timber houses CAN LIGHTWEIGHT TIMBER HOMES MEET AUSTRALIA’S FIVE-STAR AND SIX-STAR THERMAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS? With support from FWPA, a Tasmanian research team demonstrated that lightweight timber homes can meet the challenge. Download the full research report (PNA001-0405)

Peter Roberts .. a new vision for industry.

would appeal to the broad cross-section of companies and organisations in the timber supply chain, their suppliers, supporters and related businesses and interests.

Leading experts and specialists will cover a range of topics, including the changing nature of housing construction and the timber industry; product innovation and marketing activity; the ‘drivers’ for change, and the emerging factors that will impact on future timber supply chain business performance.

At a broad level, the program will be divided into three parts:

an opening session examining broader generic topics, such as housing trends, timber product marketing, standards and codes, product innovation and economic environment within which the timber industry operates; a session focusing on aspects of the Victorian timber industry operating environment, and changing natures of timber importing, wholesaling and merchandising; and a plenary session examining future timber industry trends and business opportunities.

Limited packages for principal seminar sponsors are available at $1000 (+gst). Associate seminar sponsorships are available at $750 (gst).

The seminar will be free of charge to company members of the TMA and ATIF. A nominal charge will be made for others wishing to attend.

Registration and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Peter Roberts, Timber Merchants Association, on (03) 9875 5000 or John Halkett, Australian Timber Importers Federation, on (02) 9356 3826.

Enews takes a holiday www.fwpa.com.au for more information

IN line with the traditional industry Christmas-New Year break, Timber & Forestry enews will take a holiday from December 21 to January 16. The next edition – No. 108 – will be delivered on January 18.

The editor, management

and staff take this opportunity to wish readers a happy festive season and may 2010 treat you all kindly, peacefully and profitably.

Front cover: Painting by T. St Ledger commissioned in 1994 by Jim Bowden.

Email: info@fwpa.com.au

Page 2 | issue 107 | 21.12.09

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Forest certification schemes best to determine legal timber, says GBCA THE Green Building Council believes that legal timber can be determined through forest certification schemes that comply with the GBCA’s ‘essential criteria’ evaluation.

GBCA has now recognised that both AFCS and FSC certification meet the requirement for one point under the Green Star rating system’s timber credit.

The next challenge for 2010 will be the representation required on the second point and the discussion on ‘significant criteria’ and the recognition of timber’s environmental benefits from a full life cycle assessment approach. [GBCA is already reviewing this].

GBCA chief executive Romilly Madew says there is clear evidence that illegally sourced timber is being used in Australian buildings, particularly in imported engineered wood products and furniture.

“The GBCA introduced revisions to the timber credit to encourage the use of legal timber in Green Star projects,” she said.

If a Green Star project selects to use the timber credit as part of its Green Star submission, one point is now available where at least 95% (by cost) of all timber is certified by a forest certification scheme that meets

Romilly Madew .. encouraging the use of legal timber in Green Star projects.

illegally logged timber.

The Congress members - 10 Democrats and independent senator Joe Lieberman - also say action to combat illegal logging is needed to ensure that ‘’criminal activity’’ does not undermine plans to reduce carbon emissions from avoided deforestation in developing countries. ‘’Only through the combined efforts of the world’s major consumer nations will we triumph over this pervasive problem and we look forward to working with your Government to achieve our mutual goals,’’ the letters read.

The letters also state the

Recognised forest certification guarantees that timber is legal. photo - derm Forest Products

the GBCA’s ‘essential’ criteria for forest certification; or is from a reused source; or is sourced from a combination of both.

The GBCA’s equal recognition of FSC and PEFC applies only to the ‘essential criteria’. The ‘significant criteria’ will be released for further consultation in early 2010 with the aim of being implemented in July 2010.

urging him to fulfil an election promise to ban imports of

Cont Page 12

The ‘significant criteria’ for forest certification will focus on best practices in forest management The ‘significant criteria’ for forest certification will focus on best practices in forest management.

In future, two points will be available where at least 95% (by cost) of all timber is certified by a forest certification scheme that meets both the GBCA’s ‘essential’ and ‘significant’ criteria.

The revised ‘timber credit’ was posted on the GBCA website last Friday.

Meanwhile, 11 members of the US Congress have written to the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

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issue 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 3

events

Seats filling for industry tour of Northern NSW TIMBER Queensland’s timber application and use manager Colin MacKenzie and experienced industry trainer and timber grader Bill Kranenburg, formerly of Kranenburg International Timber Training, have joined the industry tour of the NSW Northern Rivers next year as coach ‘captains’.

The tour of sawmijlling and processing facilities and forest plantations from March 15 to 17 has already booked 40 participants, but there are still a number of seats available.

“Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW produce some of the best hardwoods in the world,” Mr Kranenburg said.

“The properties and features of the species in this region are great for construction and decorative uses.

“The tour is so important – to see and touch and to get first-hand information on the resource.”

Tony Wade, state manger

Colin MacKenzie

Bill Kranenburg

Northern NSW for Timber Communities Australia, has joined the program as a guest speaker.

The following companies are booked for the tour with confirmed representatives in brackets: Beveridge Timbers, Qld (David Beveridge), Disprax Pty Ltd, Qld (Rachel Fisher and Andrew White), Timbersmart, Vic, McCormack Demby Timber, Vic (Gary Demby),

Peachester Timber Co., Qld, Boral Timber NSW (Gordon Pearn), Timberzoo, Vic (David Hutchens and Murray Lamb), Urban Salvage , Vic (Andy Mineur), Forrest Timber Products, Vic (Peter Adams), Gill & Co Rocklea , Qld (Craig Titmarsh), NatBuild, Vic (Brett Martin), Forsyth & Romano Group, Qld, PF Olsen, NSW (Phil Lacy), Thora Wholesale Timbers, Qld (Justin Aaron and Danielle Shave), Kennedy’s

Classic Aged Timbers, Qld, Howard Sawmill, Qld (Paul and Sue Deakin), Ford Timbers, Qld, Simmonds Lumber, Qld, Lazarides Timber Agencies, Qld (Troy Lazarides), Porters Home & Building Centre, Qld, Skookum Technology Ltd, Auckland, NZ, (John McLachlan) , Southern Cross Engineering, NSW (Daniel Coombes), Kyogle Council (Lindsay Passfield), Austbrokers Premier (Alan Jones), Kosney Corporation (Peter Camm), Versace Timbers (Graham Leddy).

Other coach ‘captains’ include John Macgregor-Skinner, Private Forestry and Resources Industry and Investment NSW, Don Towerton of Thora Wholesale Timbers, Norm Forbes, formerly of Hyne, Karen Johnston, TABMA Queensland, John Muller, inaugural president, Glue Laminated Timber Association of Australia, and Jim Bowden, Timber&Forestry e-news.

    •  •  •  •  •  •  

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 

Page 4 | issue 107 | 21.12.09

     

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events

WHAT’S ON? MAY 2010

3-5: Australian International Furniture Fair Sydney Exhibition Centre, Sydney, NSW www.aiff. net.au

18: Victorian Timber Industry Supply Chain Seminar: Connecting the Pieces for Business Success. Radisson Hotel, 380 William Street, Melbourne.

Contact: Peter Roberts, Timber Merchants Association on (03) 9875 5000 or John Halkett, Australian Timber Importers Federation on (02) 9356 3826.

MARCH 2010 1-2: Future Forestry Finance Conference. Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney.

Contact: 1800 125 388 (free call in Australia) or web sties www.fiea.org.nz or www. forestryfinanceevents.com 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 16-17: 4th Global Wood Fibre Trade Conference, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Visit www. pulpwoodconference.com 21: World Forestry Day 22: World Water Day 24-26: International Wood Products Association annual convention Miami Beach, Florida, USA www.iwpawood.org 31: International wood composites symposium and technical workshop 2010 Seattle, Washington, USA. www. woodsymposium.wsu.edu

APRIL 2010 15: Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show Dubai. www.dubaiwoodshow.com 18-21: APPITA Annual Conference and Exhibition/Pan Pacific Conference Melbourne. www.appita.com.au

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

JUNE 2010 3-4: AFCA Conference and Trade Expo, Novotel Resort, Coffs Harbor, NSW. www.afca.asn.au 18-20: Timber and Working with Wood Expo, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney.

June 28-July 2: 18th Commonwealth Forestry Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland. www.cfc2010.org

JULY 2010 14-18: Interforest 2010 Trade Fair for Forestry Technology Munich, Germany. www.interfrost.de 21-22: Wood Energy 2010 reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiencies.

Rotorua, NZ.

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26-27: Wood Energy 2010 (World Reducing Energy Costs & Improving Energy Efficiencies) Melbourne.

SUSTAINABLE. RESPONSIBLE.

AUGUST 2010 25-28: International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) 2010 Atlanta, Georgia, USA. www.iwfatlanta.com

The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) is striving for an ecologically sustainable Australian society achieved through dynamic, internationally competitive forest industries.

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.

2010

february 2010

OCTOBER 2010

10-13: Australian Forest Growers national conference, Mount Gambier, SA. Chief executive Warwick Ragg. Contact national office: (02) 6162 9000.

15-17: Melbourne Timber and Working with Wood Expo, Melbourne Showground, Melbourne. Contact: (02) 9974 1393. Fax: (02)9974 3426 Email: info@eee.net.au

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 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 5

forest industry news

Cassandra to push achievements of Australian foresters

IFA appoints a new CEO PUSHING ahead with membership growth and building on achievements is the on-going policy direction for the Institute of Foresters of Australia, says new chief executive Cassandra Spencer.

Ms Spencer was promoted to her new position on the retirement of Adrian O’Loughlin who served the institute for seven years.

Addressing present and past directors of the IFA board and expressing thanks for the support shown to him over the years, Mr O’Loughlin remarked on the professionalism of foresters; their kindness and friendship was something that came to him at a late stage in his career.

“It has helped me greatly and I leave the IFA with the highest respect for its members,” he said.

Announcing the new staffing arrangements of the national office, IFA president Dr Peter Volker congratulated Cassandra on her promotion and said he looked forward to her continuing to advance the profile and administration of the institute.

Ms Spencer has worked alongside Adrian O’Loughlin for almost five years. Combined with her strong background in project management, small business and accounting concepts, her elevation to CEO is the logical step for the IFA. “Administratively, the IFA is in a

Cassandra Spencer .. driving IFA forward.

very stable and secure position,” Ms Spencer said.

“With the current infrastructure in place it would be easy for me to sit back, rest on my laurels and let the IFA plod safely along but that is simply not my style.”

She added: “My intention is to keep on driving the institute forward. We have amassed a great number of achievements in the last few years in terms of membership growth, policy direction and recognition in the international arena and we have the potential to increase this activity tenfold.”

Ms Spencer officially took up her new role on November 28.

The IFA national office welcomes new staff member Anne Katalinic who will take on the duties of member services, a role pivotal to the success of the IFA by providing essential services to its membership base.

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copenhagen

Big reception for forestry industry stand at COP-15

Dr Bob Smith and Lisa Marty field inquiries on the ForestWorks stand at Copenhagen.

THE ForestWorks stand on Australian sustainable forest management attracted a lot of attention at the Copenhagen climate change talks.

The stand at the entrance to the main auditorium and near the lunch time area was staffed by Lisa Marty, deputy chief executive of the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (representing NAFI), and industry consultant Dr Bob Smith. They were assisted by Marion Niederkofler, A3P’s manger of climate change policy, and Michael O’Connor, national secretary, forestry and furnishing products division, CFMEU.

“We had a lot of queries from the full spectrum of interested parties, including foresters, financial and carbon market companies, environmental NGOs, officials from other countries, academics, students and the media,” Ms Marty said.

“We were also supported by Ian Ruscoe of DAFF [Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry] who provided a lot of materials on the Australia’s State of the Forests Report, which was well received.

“We also had a package of material on the LULUCF [Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry] and REDD [Reducing

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Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation], which was also well received.”

Ms Marty said a lot of delegates at the conference stopped to read the ForestWorks posters and many photographed the exhibit.

The Government of Denmark hosted Forest Day 3 on December 13, an event that helped to ensure forests are high on the agenda for future climate outcomes and paved the way forward in making these outcomes work beyond Copenhagen. ”The forest day saw a gathering of many scientists, academics, bureaucrats, NGOs, business people and others who are interested in forests,” Ms Marty said.

Speakers included Dr Rajendra Pachauri of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Sir Nicholas Stern and representatives of the World Bank, the United Nations REDD Program and the Centre for International Forestry Research.

The event was booked out

months ago.

Speaking after the first week of the Copenhagen talks, Ms Marty said: “We have seen inspirational speeches from the Danes in the welcoming ceremony, aggressive manoeuvring by key players in the negotiations, colourful campaigning by NGOs within the Bella Centre venue, protests on the streets of Copenhagen and other cities and a lot of media.

“There are three sets of numbers which have dominated discussions in Copenhagen.

The first set is the attendance numbers – 33,000 in total.

This includes about 8000 from country delegations and more than 20,000 NGO representatives. There are more than 190 heads of state as well as climate change and environment ministers in town or about to arrive.

“This has been touted as the largest meeting of world leaders and the largest conference ever.

“The second set of numbers is Cont Page 11

issue 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 7

industry profile

Survival of the greenest at Finlayson’s Timber family puts wood at the top of shopping list for new breed of designers QUEENSLAND timber industry leader and fourth generation sawmiller Skene Finlayson sits comfortably in the ‘Green Room’ at his family’s bustling trade centre in east Brisbane.

“It’s working; we’re pulling wood through,” he remarks.

It seems, to this young marketsavvy executive, that ivory tower architects who have snubbed wood are now the weakest link in a chain of new breed designers who realise that in the building business it’s “survival of the greenest”.

More than 300 of them – architects, designers, specifiers – turned up for the launch of Finlayson’s Green Room, a smart concept that provides environmental building solutions by promoting sustainable forestry and legal wood products.

“By using wood products, regrowing the resource and doing this in a highly regulated, environmentally sustainable manner, the building profession, and consumers, can start to understand the immense positive contribution the entire timber industry makes towards the climate change challenge,” says Mr Finlayson who this year completed a fourth term as chairman of Timber Queensland.

“An analysis of greenhouse gas emissions intensity attributed to 115 industry sectors within Australia vividly illustrates the competitive positioning of the forestry sector; it is the only sector that can report a net loss in greenhouse gas emissions.

“Projects like ours, and the Wood Naturally Better program, are driving home the

Customer service manager Roger Went (left) and Michael Finlayson at the East Brisbane trade centre, a mecca for builders and home DIY enthusiasts.

Page 8 | issue 107 | 21.12.09

Relaxing in the Green Room: Skene and Michael Finlayson are driving home the environmental advantages of wood.

environmental advantages of wood as a building material.

And building professionals are listening – at last.”

The Green Room was filled with carefully-positioned ‘Envirowood’ solid timber joinery, a trade mark Skene Finlayson reckons was ahead of its time when it was patented 10 years ago.

Today clients recognise it for what it represents – Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) certified windows and doors, manufactured from third party audited plantationbased hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and tested to ensure conformance to AS2047 [passing strict water and wind load standards].

Finlayson Timber and Hardware,

established in 1875 as one of Queensland’s first sawmills, is now virtually a single species operation.

Managing director Skene Finlayson and his brother Michael, a director, are direct descendents of Charles Patterson of Aberdeen, Scotland, who set up one of Queensland’s first sawmills in 1875.

Today Finlayson Timber and Hardware is a truly vertically integrated company, drawing an unlimited supply of araucaria from AFS plantation forests and then processing and manufacturing products through to final distribution.

More than 85% of all timber processed in Queensland is Cont Page 9

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industry profile

Family has invested in new technologies From Page 8

from certified forests, and Finlayson’s is proud to hold chain-of-custody certification.

The family has invested heavily in new technologies – log-scanning and optimising docking at their hardwood flooring and decking mill at Linville .. a finger jointing facility at Yarraman. And they have the best mouldings machinery at Sumner Park, one of the few fully-computerised joinery factories in Australia.

Finlayson’s bought its first lasercutting machine in 1990 – still one of the most sophisticated in the world – and has invested more than $2 million in upgrading windows and doors manufacture.

Three trade centres – two in Brisbane and one in Sydney – are open six days a week providing builders and home renovators with everything from araucaria mouldings and hardwoods through to hardware lines, building products and home accessories.

Finlayson’s is embarking

on another wood marketing initiative that will put its Envirowood products before an audience of many thousands.

“We have signed on television personality Jamie Durie as a partner,” Skene Finlayson said. “This means all Jamie’s environmental renovation projects on his national Outdoor Room show will use Envirowood products.”

Meanwhile, on the marketing scene, Mr Finlayson reports a new ‘kick’ in the housing market.

“There are encouraging signs everywhere and we’ll keep focused on our export markets for furniture components in China and Japan.”

In a final observation, Mr Finlayson says although the industry is making good inroads into the timber design sector and architects and specifiers are anxious to take the environmental pathway, timber producers must remain price competitive.

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.

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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

Michael (left) and Skene Finlayson say their Envirowood concept for solid wood was ahead of its time.

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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 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 9

TIMBER MERCHANDISING: COMPANY PROFILE

Acacia Timber .. headin’ west to a bigger spread as Sydney trade orders show rise MOVING out west is the plan for Sydney timber wholesale success story Acacia Timber.

The company has outgrown its Ingleburn premises in southern Sydney and is moving to Minto in Sydney’s west.

According to general manager Garth Smith, Acacia Timber is getting set for an exciting, expansive year in 2010.

“Our new Minto facility will be up to 18,000 sq m under cover,” he said.

“The new site is close to completion. Some remaining site works and an administration complex still needing some attention, but we are close to being ready to shift.”

Mr Smith said the company was confident about a January startup at its new Minto complex.

“The new facility will function much better for us and allow for our planned business expansion. In anticipation, we have already increased our own truck fleet to five.”

He said the company’s present Ingleburn site had some limitations given the company’s level of business activity and growth plans.

He added that he expected 2010 to be another challenging

been the enormous amount of broken pack orders,” he said.

“That part of our business has gone ‘gang-busters’ and has made our on-site jobbing area very important to our overall business performance.

“Our broken pack business works well for everyone. We can effectively operate as an extension of the reseller’s yard and their ability to place just-intime orders helps their logistics and cash flow.

Acacia Timber director Andrew Smith, general manager Garth Smith and sales executives Ben Thomson and Darren de Joux join with some willing helpers in planning the company’s shift to Sydney’s west.

year for the timber supply chain.

“However, I am optimistic and the early signs for orders for next year are very pleasing.”

Acacia Timber will be expanding its building supplies product range in 2010. “I anticipate that we will be in a position to make some exciting announcements in that regard early in the new year,” Mr Smith said.

Acacia Timber has performed well in the tough economic climate in Sydney this year.

The company has developed a market and customer service formula that has won praise from customers and admiration from industry competitors.

Mr Smith attributes the company’s performance throughout 2009 to a combination of factors.

He points the company’s “exceptional sales, technical and support team” and to their broken pack service.

“A real feature of the year has

“Or course, we can also deliver immediately – getting orders to customers when they want them. Or, if they wish, resellers can take advantage of our drive-through service.”

Acacia Timber’s shift to Minto and its product expansion plans for 2010 will assist the company in retaining its innovative and service reputation. “Yes – continuing our strong networking, unparalleled customer support and participation in timber industry affairs will all be part of our approach next year,” concluded Mr Smith.

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Page 10 | issue 107 | 21.12.09

Contact Alan Jones Email: alan.jones@premier.austbrokers.com (Licence No. 238123)

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copenhagen

Copenhagen: without a deal on financing, there cannot be a deal on climate change From Page 7

the financing. This is a threshold issue in whether these talks are a success. Developing countries have made it clear they will not accept a deal which provides inadequate or only short-term financing.

“Secretary-General of the UNFCCC Yvo de Boer told the conference he thinks $15 billion a year in fast-start financing is required to make a new climate change deal work.

“The European Union last week pledged $3.6 billion a year for six years. Developed country governments are balancing taxing their own citizens to provide financial assistance with imposing costs on their citizens to meet national emission reduction targets.

“However, the pledges to date fall well short of what is being demanded by developing countries to support the costs of their adaptation to climate change and low-carbon development. Without a deal on financing, there cannot be a deal on climate change.

“The third set of numbers is the mitigation commitments of developed countries. Most developed countries and some developing countries have put numbers on the table either within or outside the negotiations. However, those numbers are often ranges, conditional on comparable action by other countries and the availability of offsets. This is a bottom-up game based on pledges. An aggregate global ambition is also still contested.

deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD) were progressing more positively and a deal was likely in Copenhagen.

“The work on methodological issues has been completed,” she said.

Marion Niederkofler .. A3P’s manger climate change policy

“There is only agreement on the first set of numbers; agreement is required on the second two before any outcome can be achieved.”

Ms Marty said discussions on reducing emissions from

“The policy work has been progressing through intensive negotiations and there is certainly more good will within these negotiations than any other area of the climate talks.

“We believe the scope is likely to be broad and include sustainable forest management, which is supported by Australia.”

We’re ready to provide your timber needs!

Homebush Bay Timber is a leading supplier to merchants and manufacturing businesses in New South Wales

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Contact: Alison Scott on 0448 447 420.

Email: alison@hbt.com.au Scott Brechin on 0448 447 436.

Email: scott@hbt.com.au Homebush Bay Timber 5 Benson Road, Ingleburn NSW 2565 PO Box 336, Ingleburn NSW 1890 Tel: (02) 9625 8988 Fax: (02) 9625 8622

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issue 107 | 21.12.09 | Page 11

industry news

Agreements focus on Increase in timber certification schemes certification in UK From Page 3

were encouraged by the Rudd Government’s 2007 commitment to ‘’source forest products from sustainable forest practices and ban the sale of illegally logged timber imports and we look forward to the implementation of those policies’’.

The US recently amended its wildlife trading laws - the 100-year-old Lacey Act - to make importing illegally logged timber a criminal offence.

In the 2007 election, Labor promised it would ‘’seek to ban’’ imports of illegally logged timber, but this year the Forestry Minister Tony Burke approved a change to the policy to instead ‘’promote the trade’’ of legal timber.

Mr Burke has said the first step

in combating illegal logging was to identify legally logged timber and develop certification schemes.

The Government has signed a number of bilateral agreements with countries such as Indonesia, PNG, China and Malaysia to develop such certification schemes. ‘’How you then restrict the sale of illegally logged timber, including whether you go down the path of the Lacey Act, are options canvassed in the regulatory impact statement that was released in October,’’ Mr Burke said in a report in the Sydney Morning Herald last week.

The regulatory impact statement found banning illegal timber would impose large costs on importers and increase timber prices in Australia.

You can rely on EWPAA certified products – other certifications are just not the same

A REPORT published by the Timber Trade Federation shows the level of certification in the UK timber industry has increased significantly between 2005 and 2008.

The certified proportion of the 8.18 million tonnes of softwood round wood harvested in the UK in 2008 increased to 83.9% from a level of 80.5% in 2005.

The report also found that the certified proportion in the UK of the 14.40 million cub m of timber and panel products produced and imported in 2008 grew to 83.6%, from a level of 66.7% in 2005.

Other key findings in the 44page report showed imported softwood lumber certification has been the area which has seen the most significant growth, from 58% of imports in 2005 to more than 90% in

2008. The level of certification of timber and panel products imports to the UK has risen from 55.8% in 2005 to 81.4% in 2008.

The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) dominate certification in the UK, with each building upon their strengths in their specialist areas. The PEFC schemes share of UK imports was around 50%, with FSC having a 30% share.

The PEFC share of timber and panel products produced in the UK and imported rose to 32% in 2008, from a level of 18% in 2005. The share of FSC products increased from 48% in 2005 to 52%.

Around one in three customers now specifically request certified goods.

They meet Australian standards that are tested, certified and

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EWPAA Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Plywood House, 3 Dunlop Street, Newstead 4006, Queensland, Australia Tel: 61 7 3250 3700. Fax: 61 7 3252 4769 Email: inbox@paaa.asn.au

Web: www.ewp.asn.au Page 12 | issue 107 | 21.12.09

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ON THE ROAD

Z-car with zip: Nissan sport coup a ‘shift’ to real power and refinement WHAT a jolly good way to drive into 2010, the Year of Biodiversity. .. through a thousand ‘Christmas trees’ – the hoop pine forests in the Mary Valley – behind the wheel of a Monterey blue Nissan 370Z sports coup We were about 160 km north of Brisbane when we pulled up at the old Railway Hotel in Imbil, the largest of the original timber towns in the valley. Before we could reach for “the best beer in a country mile” in the Back Paddock Room, two barflies wanted a look at the low-slung Z. After a run-down (an inappropriate euphemism for a motoring writer) by the Nissan guys, I could speak with some authority on the 370Z’s revmatched downshift. Now this is innovative. The system makes a manual transmission easier to use for the average driver; it automatically ‘blips’ the throttle when you initiate a downshift. If you depress the clutch, lift off the throttle and move the gear change lever to a lower gear, Synchro Rev zips the engine up to precisely the right speed for that gear.

“So you get smooth downshifts?” asked barfly No. 2. “Yes, every single time,” I intoned in a smarty-pants manner.

It was soon time to try out the ingenious synchro rev – a steep haul to the Imbil Lookout for incomparable, near 360deg views to the mountains and the Sunshine Coast. The match system operates like an automatic heel and toe delivery; it can be switched off, but when racing the 370Z around the top of the ranges, the throttle ‘blip’ between changes not only sounds superb, but ensures the cogs mesh smoothly.

Some history: The original Z-car by Nissan Motors was

sold in October 1969 in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z and was exported as the Datsun 240Z. [I owned one of these in 1976. It used a twin one-barrel carburettor and was named No. 2 sports car of the 1970s

by Sports Car International].

Nissan Z cars hold the record for the best selling sports car

series of all time with around 1,685,000 in five generations.

Every Z car has been sold in Japan as the Fairlady Z and elsewhere under the names 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z and 370Z. The 370Z is a real driving experience; the most obvious difference between it and the previous generation is more sophistication .. and more

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grunt: the 3.7 litre V037VHR V-6 engine pumps out 245kW of power and 363 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Z ever. Add to that standard satellite navigation, renowned BOSE audio and the choice of 7-speed paddle shift auto or the world’s first 6-speed manual.

The 370Z entry levels ports

package comes with racing breaks, electronic vehicle dynamic control and sat nav as standard. The only options are manual (about $73,000 on road) or automatic (around $76,000).

We reckon we consumed about 45 litres on the 400 km round trip, including the climb to Imbil

Lookout and a 25 km round-trip through forest and cultivated creek flats, alive with deer and embracing Lake Borumba, home of the aggressive Saratoga, the true barramundi.

As a sports car with plenty of oomph under the bonnet, it’s no surprise that safety is a big factor in the new Z makeup. Dual-stage front airbags, seat mounted side-impact and curtain airbags protect driver and passenger, as do active head restraints.

Nissan’s intelligent Key system is also standard along with an alarm, immobiliser and automatic door-locking.

Another ‘plus’ is a practical boot that, thankfully, is larger than the 350Z storage zone.

The 370Z has a much improved version with the cross-brace moved under the boot floor, freeing up space. It can now cope with at least luggage for two.

We left the cool araucaria forests – there are about 44,560 plantation-grown hoop pines in this neck of the woods processed for high grade plywood and sawn wood products – and headed home.

The subdued burble from the exhaust coaxed my lead foot, but discipline prevailed.

Nissan 370Z .. the world’s first sporty coup 6-speed manual..

issue 107 | 21.12.09 | 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 107 | 21.12.09

* 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.

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