Issue 272 final

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ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13 | PAGE 1

Who’s going to pick up the Bill?

THIS ISSUE • educating treated wood users • Global timber forum in Rome

Fate of Illegal Logging Act to rest with incoming minister after September 14

Empty seats .. Illegall logging Bill must wait until parliament resumes after September 14 election.

parliament resumes after the election.

The Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 received Royal assent

Cont Page 2

Architects applaud wood scientist • PeFC publishes CoC standard • FrAMe has a new name • nZ institute of Forestry conference

Just Go t ood W

ne ree

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on November 28 last year and is now law in Australia.

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TIME is running out for a decision on the enactment of Australia’s Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill and the eventual fate of the legislation is likely to be the call of the incoming federal minister after the September 14 election.

A final version of the regulations developed by the government was circulated to industry stakeholders last week and it is probable these will be tabled in parliament this week.

However, the current session of parliament concludes on June 17, leaving only eight sitting days to address the Bill, which means the Bill will languish until

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ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13 | PAGE 1

industry news

Decisions .. nation makes its choice on September 14.

A number of key provisions of Act are now in effect

From Page 1

Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) developed regulations on the operational aspects of the Act including the due diligence requirements in consultation with industry and stakeholders. The final versions were circulated last Friday for industry to prepare for their commencement in November 2014.

The regulations outline steps that importers and processors should take to check the legality of the product they are receiving.

Obligations for importers and processors to undertake due diligence do not commence until that time.

A number of key provisions of the Act are now in effect, most notably the prohibitions for importing timber and timber products that contain illegally logged timber; and processing domestic raw logs that have been illegally logged.

It is now a criminal offence to import illegally logged timber and timber products into Australia or to process Australian raw logs that have been harvested illegally.

The Act establishes offences and penalties, including up to five years imprisonment, for the importation or processing of prohibited products and provides government with comprehensive monitoring and

PAgE 2 | issuE 272 | 03.06.13

investigation powers.

Meanwhile, wood manufacturers, forest growers and other industry stakeholders can expect only limited feedback on the progression of the Bill as government moves into caretaker mode.

Industry analysts believe Labor’s leadership fiasco has trashed the office of the Prime Minister and the majority of voters have declared Julia Gillard a ‘lame duck’ leader.

In the first opinion poll seeking a verdict on the wreckage of Kevin Rudd’s final leadership tilt, voters have warned the Prime Minister’s third leadership battle victory has not legitimised her.

A majority 60% agree she is a ‘lame duck’ in the lead-up to the September 14 election and 71% believe the office of the Prime Minister has been damaged.

Support for the Labor Party is unchanged at a rock bottom 32%, a result that would see Gillard preside over the lowest primary vote since the 1930s and lose up to 18 seats.

With an unemployment rate of 5.5% set to rise with more job losses in the manufacturing sector and Ford’s decision to shut down its production lines in Australia at the cost of thousands of jobs has dealt another heavy blow to the ailing minority government.

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treAted tiMBer seMinAr

wood treatment industry must play a greater role in education Most treaters producing a true, compliant product THE timber preservation industry must push on with a relentless education campaign to correct misunderstandings among many end users about what constitutes fit-for-purpose treated wood.

More than 180 design engineers, specifiers, builders and building authorities came away from a Timber Queensland public seminar in Brisbane convinced that the majority of chemical companies and wood treaters are producing true product and complying with Australian standards.

And although speakers, representing industry and builders, admitted a small amount – possibly 20% – of treated timber entering the market did not comply with

Jack Norton, a speaker at the Timber Queensland treated timber seminar, carries out quality tersting at itreatTIMBER watched by operations manager Steven Payne.

current standards, they said it was obvious many end users in the trade were not up to scratch on compliance issues.

The seminar returned to the

Seminars ‘hit the mark’ for builders, architects TIMBER Queensland CEO Rod McInnes said industry was very pleased with the interest and attendance at the Brisbane treated timber seminar.

“Clearly we are concerned about the premature failure of some treated timber products and industry needs to work towards finding a solution,” he said.

“Timber Queensland is of the view that running educational events to ensure designers and builders are specifying and using timber products that are fit-for-purpose is part and parcel of this.”

Brisbane builder Daniel Kondra of DJK Constructions praised the seminar, especially the exhibits that demonstrated the physical chemical penetration of wood.

“We buy treated timber, but

many of us out there are unaware of just how this wood chemistry really works,” he said.

“We are carrying out a lot of renovation and extension work, so knowledge of treated timber is important and seminars like this deliver the message.”

Mr Kondra said a shortage and the expense of a lot of hardwoods had seen builders turn more to treated pine .. “so I can see where adherence to the Australian standard is so important.”

He said a lot of builders were machining and cutting treated timber but they failed to treat the cut ends which would cause a lot of trouble down line.

“I always carry an oil-based primer for treating cut-off joints, balustrades and fascia Cont Page 8

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central issue – education; timber treaters could not be blamed for product failures if builders and designers ignored the common regulations in the

Australian standard.

Building Services Authority deputy general manager Ian White said concerns included incorrect treatment for exposure conditions, break downs due to excessive moisture environment, inadequate treatment or priming of cut ends, and poor paint protection leading to timber degradation and bleeding of resins.

Mr White said proposed BSA strategies would include random inspections by BSA inspectors of decks, balustrades and retaining walls during construction, audits of certifier inspections and approvals in relation to decks and retaining walls, Cont Page 7

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issue 272 | 03.06.13 | Page 3

industry news

Architects applaud scientist’s work with multi-storey buildings

Andy Buchanan presented with top NZ award A SCIENTIST at the international forefront of research into new methods of constructing multi-storey timber buildings has received the New Zealand Institute of Architects President’s Award.

NZIA president David Sheppard presented the award to University of Canterbury civil engineering professor Andy Buchanan at the institute’s awards dinner in Auckland.

A citation for Professor Buchanan’s award says that in the course of his distinguished career he has undertaken work in the fields of structural, earthquake and environmental engineering, as well as fire safety, and in his current research he is drawing upon his experience in all of these disciplines to develop new timber technologies.

“But his timber design leadership is also of national importance at a time when the country is increasingly aware of the need for resilient buildings and environmentally conscious construction,” Mr Sheppard said.

University of Canterbury proVice-Chancellor (engineering) Professor Jan Evans-Freeman says Prof. Buchanan’s work is particularly relevant to the

team,” Prof. Evans-Freeman said.

“Professor Andy Buchanan, along with Associate Professor Stefano Pampanin and Dr Alessandro Palermo, has developed a completely new system of earthquake-resistant buildings using post-tensioned structural timber.

Recognised .. Prof. Andrew Buchanan honoured by architects.

future of his city.

“I am delighted to see Andy’s innovative building design work recognised in this way.

It is particularly timely also in

the context of the Christchurch rebuild and the fact that some of the new structures in the city will embrace the technology developed by Andy and his

‘their work has resulted in a step-change in the use of timber as a structural material, allowing direct competition with concrete and steel for many multi-storey buildings’ – Professor Jan evans-Freeman

“Their work has resulted in a step-change in the use of timber as a structural material, allowing direct competition with concrete and steel for many multi-storey buildings. New buildings of up to 10 storeys are being built in Europe, North America and Australia, with proposals for a 30 storey timber building on the drawing board in Canada.”

Professor Buchanan received the Hideo Sugiyama Memorial Award for timber engineering from the Japan Timber Engineering Society in 2008, the Sjölin Award from the International Forum of Fire Research the same year, and the Queens Service Medal for public services in 2002.

Tenon ‘turnaround’ on US housing gains NEW Zealand-based wood products manufacturer and distributor Tenon confirmed in an announcement to the New Zealand Stock Exchange that it expected a significant turnaround in earnings as the US housing recovery gains further momentum.

US building permits in April exceeded one million new homes, the highest level recorded since June 2008,

PAgE 4 | issuE 272 | 03.06.13

signalling a much stronger level of new building activity than the fewer than 500,000 houses built at the cycle low.

Over the past 12 months, US home prices have, on average, increased 11% (the largest annual gain recorded since April 2006), and the National Association of Realtors predicts further rises of 13% cumulatively in calendars 2013 and 2014.

If such further increases were to occur, they would imply an increase of more than $US2 trillion in US household wealth, giving further confidence to homeowners to spend on home improvement activities.

It is the remodelling segment in the US housing market that drives Tenon’s large home centre store sales.

Harvard’s Housing Studies Leading Indicator of

Remodelling Activity (LIRA) projects much higher activity level in US remodelling in the second half of the current calendar year. This projected is also supported by the strong rise in house prices recorded over the past year. US home prices have now recovered to the level they were at in 2007, and more than $US1.6 trillion has been added to homeowners’ equity over the past 12 months.

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eVents

wHAt’s On? June 5, 6, 7: expan timber technology worshops. Timber systems for lrage span buildings. The three all-day workshops will introduce comprehensive guides on each new timber technology followed by a detailed worked example.

The Structural Timber Innovation Company Ltd has now completed a 5-year collaborative research program into new timber systems for multi-storey and long-span buildings. Presentations will discuss the essential design issues for utilising this technology.

Brisbane June 5 at Engineers Australia, Brisbane Auditorium.

Sydney June 6 at Engineers Australia, Sydney Auditorium.

Melbourne June 7 at Engineers Australia, Melbourne Auditorium.

Cost $150 p.p. includes lunch and gst. RSVP before Friday, May 31, to Jane Letteri 1800 685 519 or jane.l@ tdansw.asn.au 15: Melbourne Hoo-Hoo Club 217 50th anniversary dinner The Point, Aquatic Drive, Albert Park Lake. Accommodation: Bayview Eden Melbourne, 6 Queens Road.

Tel: (03) 9250 222. Special deal for Hoo-Hoo members – $140 room plus $20 p.p. for a full buffet breakfast. Car parking included.

Dinner bookings to Trish Waters on (03) 9799 6790. Email: bookings@ hoohoo.com.au RSVP Before June 7. Please book early.

18, 19: CLt and massive timber building seminars.

Timber products and systems for the commercial building market.

Massive timber buildings made from CLT, LVL and glulam have revolutionised the use of structural

timber in commercial buildings across the world.The seminars are a ‘must’ for those in the design and development industry and guests will be welcome to stay for networking drinks and canapés at the conclusion of the events.

Sydney June 18 at Sydney Masonic Centre. Melbourne June 19 at the Engineers Australia Auditorium.

Cost: There is no cost for design professionals. RSVP before Friday, June 14 to Jane Letteri on (02) 8424 3702 or email jane.l@tdansw.asn.au 30-July 3: the new Zealand institute of Forestry conference and awards dinner– Taranaki.

Venue: The Devon Hotel, New Plymouth. Visit NZIFConference. co.nz website for more detail and registration

AUGUST 24: (saturday): the Cat Goes Gold.

Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 50th anniversary celebration. Fratelli Italian Ristorante, 103 Crosby Road, Albion, Brisbane. Contact 0401 312 087 or 0428 745 455 for bookings.

sePteMBer 3-5: woodeXPO 13 – Albury, nsw.

11-13: woodeXPO 13, Rotorua, NZ. World leaders in wood processing, manufacturing and new product technologies will speak at the region’s first ‘business-tobusiness’ wood industry show.

The new expo will provide local companies – management as well as production staff – exposure to new technologies that can improve their own efficiencies and productive capability. Leading technology providers from Europe, North America and Asia will join

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with each of the main equipment and product suppliers from New Zealand and Australia. Full details on the expo, summit and technology workshops are available on www.woodexpo2013.com

OCtOBer 11: Forest and wood Products Australia (FwPA) AGM and research forum. Time: 8:30-10:30 am. Venue: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney.

Inquiries to Ric Sinclair, FWPA (03) 9927 3200 or ric.sinclair@fwpa. com.au 11: Building stronger value chains – Australian timber industry seminar. Time: 10.30 am-5 pm.

Venue: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney. Joint hosts: Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA); the Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF) and Timber Merchants and Building Material Association (TABMA). This will be the industry’s ‘must-attend’ event for 2013. Inquiries to John Halkett, ATIF (02) 9356 3826; Colin Fitzpatrick, TABMA (02) 9277 3100 Ric Sinclair, FWPA (03) 9927 3200 or Eileen Newbury, Leading Edge Events International (03) 9597 0948.

Seminar sponsorship inquiries to John Halkett.

11: Australian timber industry annual gala dinner and awards presentation. Time 7:30 pm onwards. Timber and Building Material Association (TABMA) Doltone House, Pyrmont, Sydney.

Pre-dinner drinks 6:30 pm. Inquiries to Colin Fitzpatrick, TABMA (02) 9277 3100 or colin@tabma.com.au

Australia’s forest, wood, pulp and paper products industry now has a stronger voice in dealings with government, the community and in key negotiations on the industry’s future, as two peak associations have merged to form a single national association.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has been formed through the merger of the Australian Plantations Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI).

AFPA was established to cover all aspects of Australia’s forest industry: - Forest growing; - Harvest and haulage; - Sawmilling and other wood processing; - Pulp and paper processing; and - Forest product exporting.

For more information on the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) or to enquire about membership , please call (02) 6285 3833.

ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13 | PAGE 5

industry news

Responsible timber trade goals reached at global forum in rome

Key conduit for addressing illegal logging issue NEW collaborative actions for fostering responsible timber trade internationally were supported at a gobal timber forum convened in Rome by the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s forestry division.

The program, the first of its kind, was shared by the European Timber Trade Federation and The Forest Trust, a global environmental charity that helps companies run responsible supply chains.

Australia was represented at the forum by John Halkett, general manager, Australian Timber Importers Federation, and Stephen Mitchell, sustainability program manager, Timber Development Association, who was visiting the region on a Gottstein Trust assignment.

Responsible timber trade is being seen as a key conduit for

Pictured at the FAO headquarters in Rome .. back row, from left, Hugh Speechly, UK government, London, Bob Johnston, Tropical Forest Foundation, Washington, USA, Stephen Mitchell, Timber Development Association, Sydney, and Mike Jeffree, Timber Trade Journal, London. Front row, from left, Rachel Butler, G2RP, Brussels, Sheam Granzella-Satkru, Malaysian Timber Council, London, and Michael Buckley, Turnstone Communications, Singapore.

– Picture by John Halkett.

addressing illegal logging and its impact on deforestation. It is important that the international timber trade community keeps

pace with the latest market requirements and new voluntary and regulatory measures, such as the EU Timber Regulation

(which came into force on March 3, the Voluntary Partnership Agreements under the FLEGT Initiative of the EU, and the US Lacey Act. The proliferation of green building schemes and public and private procurement policies also requires constant attention from the timber industry and trade. There are some concerns that the combined impact of new regulations and the current economic climate may induce a decline in tropical timber trade, including in legal and sustainable trade flows.

The Global Timber Forum will be an important future platform for sharing experiences on the changing timber trade conditions from all over the world.

Further reports next issue.

Investors reject sell-off plan by Gunns’ liquidator A PLAN by Gunns’ liquidator to sell the failed timber company’s plantation schemes has been rejected by investors, says an ABC report.

Liquidator PPB Advisory wants

PAgE 6 | issuE 272 | 03.06.13

to include Gunns’ managed investment schemes in a selloff of the company’s assets.

The Macquarie Group is trying to take control of nine schemes, worth $500 million.

Investors, or growers, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the bank’s takeover.

Macquarie still needs to convince the Victorian Supreme Court the deal is in

the best interests of growers.

If approved, it means six of the schemes will continue and PPB Advisory will not be able to include them in a sell-off of the company’s assets.

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tiMBer treAtMent seMinAr

if treaters comply with standards the product will be fit for purpose From Page 3

education sessions for contractors and certifiers on correct construction methods of decks, balustrades and retaining walls, and the support of industry-based third-party quality control systems.

Timber Queensland manager, timber application and use, Colin MacKenzie said the TQ timber treaters group (treater members and preservative suppliers) was working to address a range of issues.

“We will be proposing a strategy to address all the issues – from current codes, standards, and short-falls in regulations to delivering a place-compliant QA product,” he said.

“This will be put forward on a national basis for progress through standards and regulations.

“We want to encourage relevant and new products and systems development R&D to address current and future regulatory and consumer expectations and encourage the uptake of third-party QA systems for treated timber.”

Chairman of the treated timber standards committee (TM-006) Dr Harry Greaves agreed the industry needed “to beat a big drum” on consumer education.

“If treaters comply with standards and treat using a registered brand then the product will be fit for purpose,” he said.

“If a builder goes away and stuffs up the application, then we can’t blame the treater. It’s an education issue, both for the industry and the end user.”

Dr Greaves said it appeared some members on the seminar panel were not aware that all parts of AS 1604.1, with the exception of Part 1, had requirements for H2 and H3 treatment, particularly warnings about the failure to after-treat

machined and cut timber.

He said some builders were not aware of these requirements in the standard.

“But we must determine if the responsibility here lies with the treatment industry, the national body TPAA, the individual treater or the people who buy the product such as the big home stores,” Dr Greaves said.

“Either way, we’ve got to be out there pushing the message, the way Timber Queensland does so well in its forums.

“It wasn’t too long ago that

industry set up education seminars, partly funded by chemical suppliers, directed at the HIA, architects, builders and the big DIY stores.

“This all needs to be re-visited in my view.”

Dr Greaves referred to the TPAA’s market awareness initiative that followed concerns that badly-treated timber reflected on the whole market.

“The action was designed to make suppliers aware of the requirements of Australian standards for preservative

treated timber and to convey to the market channel for treated timber the importance of selecting treated timber products which were fit for end-use purpose.”

The TPAA campaign over several months informed the major group timber merchants as well as wholesale, trade and retail timber merchants about the importance of stocking and selling treated timber products that complied with TPAA treatment process guidelines.

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issue 272 | 03.06.13 | Page 7

industry news

Rod McInnes

Colin MacKenzie

Daniel Kondra

Yara Barrozo

Garrie James

Seminars help architects promote use of light timber frame buildings From Page 3

boards. Because of the capillary structure of timber, the untreated sections of wood are where the trouble really starts.”

Melbourne timber merchant Garrie James of Outside Timber Treatment said there were still too many negative aspects on treated pine, rather than the benefits of the product.

“It’s good industry is addressing these issues and Timber Queensland does it well. In fact, I don’t think there is a seminar like this anywhere else in Australia,” he said.

“TQ is not scared to tackle the hard issues – they’re a good organisation and very proactive.

“And I agree a greater educational role by industry is needed, especially when you see staff in the ‘big boxes’ scanning code bars when they don’t know what they are scanning or what the product does.”

Brisbane architect Brazilianborn Yara Barrozo says she attends all the Timber Queensland seminars which help her in her promotion of light timber-framed buildings.

“Regular updates on standards are a great help and this is something I can pass on to the people I work with – form workers, carpenters, labourers, engineers, surveyors and other professionals in the building

trade,” Ms Barrozo said.

Her Australian experience in the building industry has been developed over the past 10 years. She migrated to Australia in 2002 and in 2004 was sponsored as a skilled migrant by Latemore Design, a company specialising in residential renovations, particularly for Queenslanders.

“During this time, I not only learnt about this country’s culture, technology and the habits of the people, but associated with outstanding professionals in the industry – builders, manufacturers, industry associations and professional bodies,” Ms Barrozo said.

“I have learnt lots about Australian building materials, the impact of the weather, industry standards, working relations in this country, and most importantly, budget constraints.

“In particular, I gained expertise in designing light timberframed constructions, and this exposure, combined with an extensive understanding of concrete and steel construction, gave me an edge in creating innovative designs.

“It also gave me the confidence to explore different possibilities and advance my design skills.”

ABAres report confirms forest products growth A REPORT by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences – a preliminary longterm forecast of wood products demand in Australia – indicates encouraging growth in wood and paper products.

The Australian Forest Products Association CEO Ross Hampton said this projected growth was consistent with expected growth in overseas economies as people looked to wood and paper products for their housing, construction and daily consumer needs. These products also contributed to improving the environment

PAgE 8 | issuE 272 | 03.06.13

through their renewability, recyclability and low carbon footprint.

“The challenge for Australia is to grow domestic supply to fill the gap between current production and growing demand, without relying on imports that do not support Australian jobs and carry the risk of lower environmental standards,” Mr Hampton said.

“The report forecasts sawnwood consumption to increase from about 5 million cub m in 2010 to 6.5 million cub m a year over 40 years, mostly influenced by new housing driven by increasing

consumption sees a steady increase from 4 million tonnes in 2010 to 7.1 million tonnes a year over the next 40 years.”

Ross Hampton .. challenge is to grow domestic supply.

population.

“In for

addition, the forecast paper and paperboard

Mr Hampton said Australian industry stood ready to accept the challenge of filling the gap between current production and meeting the growing demand for sawnwood, but that would require policy makers to encourage plantation and processing investment and recognise the low carbon footprint of wood compared with many other building materials.

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industry news

Hope .. interest cuts may revive housing.

Building industry stays in doldrums as housing drops

‘On hold’ until after election CONSTRUCTION figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm trading conditions in the building and construction industry remain worryingly in the doldrums.

The overall value of completed construction fell by 2%, seasonally adjusted, in the March quarter due to a fall in all three sectors. The value of work done in the engineering construction sector fell 2.5%, residential building decreased 1% and the non-residential building fell 1.2%.

“The most worrying aspect of the statistics is the drop in new housing activity,” Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“The March quarter fall in activity across all three sectors reflects growing caution and uncertainty about the economy.

“Regrettably, uncertainty and caution is widespread throughout the industry and the broader economy.

“Feedback from builders and contractors is that new home buyers and clients are putting their decisions on hold until after the election in September.

“The March quarter

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Wilhelm Harnisch .. government policies must be in place to complement interest rate cuts.

construction work figures justify the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut interest rates to record lows in May. “The building industry remains hopeful that the impact of Reserve Bank interest rate cuts will help the fledgling the housing recovery over the next few months.”

Earlier in May, Master Builders forecast a mixed recovery for the building and construction industry over the next three years. This was underpinned by the assumption that interest rate cuts and government policy would improve consumer and investor confidence.

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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 272 | 03.06.13 | Page 9

new reseArCH

Lasers check the pulse of forests and unlock environmental secrets IN an isolated pocket of the Wombat state forest, 50 km west of Melbourne, Anne Griebel is using laser sensors to uncover environmental secrets concealed in the trees.

The sensors detect minute changes in the canopy of the forest.

Ms Griebel, a Melbourne University PhD student, is measuring these intricate details so she can learn how the forest responds to climate change.

Eucalyptus trees thrive in this part of the Wombat forest, so the study could have major implications for the management of eucalypt forests throughout Australia.

Whether the forest is foggy and dripping with rain in the cold or wilting in summer heat, the laser sensors scan the surroundings and take regular measurements every night.

Ms Griebel says this system offers a unique method for detecting movement and growth in the canopy. ‘’That’s important because trees take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the more leaves there are the more

Taking a reading .. Melbourne University’s Anne Griebel says laser measurements help to reveal how forests respond to climate change.

carbon dioxide they can take up.’’

Ms Griebel set up three laser sensors in August in different parts of the forest and began recording data. She will leave the sensors in place until the middle of next year, allowing her to capture a full range of seasons.

She also uses scientific instruments called point dendrometers that measure subtle changes in the tree trunks and bark. The dendrometers began recording data from November 2011.

The research has revealed the extent of movement and growth in the Wombat forest. ‘’In Australia, forests are active all the time,’’ Ms Griebel says. By contrast, forests in the northern hemisphere often lie dormant for long periods to survive the extreme cold.

Ms Griebel is also documenting the forest’s reaction to different levels of rain and how it behaves throughout the day. ‘’During the day, the tree shrinks because the water is going upwards through the trunk. Then, through the night,

the trunk replenishes its water storage again, so it expands.’’

The laser system provides an automated and efficient method for gathering data, compared with many previous studies that have relied on painstaking manual measurements. ‘’I just go out once a week and download the data,” Ms Griebel said.

Melbourne University associate professor Stefan Arndt says the research is also measuring the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed at different heights in the forest. ‘’It allows us to figure out where the carbon ends up in the forest,’’ he says.

Much of the carbon dioxide that forests absorb is eventually stored in the soil.

Professor Arndt says the project will help researchers determine how the Wombat forest can best withstand climate change and help to mitigate its damage. ‘’Then we can predict what potential consequences this can have on forest systems in Australia.’’

– The Age

Bright outlook for ewPs in north America as economy, housing continue to improve GROWTH in wood production, including a 17% boost in I-joist manufacture, is expected as the North American economy and housing continue to improve.

The small but positive rise in the economy and residential construction closed 2012 on an optimistic note for the first time since the recession began, and that slow-but-steady growth is expected to continue through 2013.

With indicators pointing to rising housing starts through the year and into 2014, APA-The Engineered Wood Association predicts a second straight year

PAgE 10 | issuE 272 | 03.06.13

of growth in all four of the wood product sectors it represents.

“Last year saw across-theboard increases in structural panels, I-joists, glulam, and LVL, APA market research director Craig Adair said.

“In 2013, not only will that trend continue, but at a slightly faster pace in most cases,” he said.

“Residential construction will drive much of that growth, with pent-up demand for housing, moderately rising house prices, and growing consumer confidence having the most influence.”

Wood products demand is expected to accelerate as rapid housing growth is followed by renewed repair and remodelling energy, an upturn in the nonresidential construction cycle, and industrial demand that increases with consumer spending and higher GDP growth.

Domestic (US and Canada) production of OSB and plywood is expected to reach 30.5 billion sq ft in 2013, a 10% rise over 2012. Glulam is predicted to see a 10% increase over 2012, reaching 248 million board ft.

The growth is due entirely to

housing, with little support from non-residential.

Growth in the I-joist market is forecast around 17% in 2013 to 651 million linear feet, slightly slower than the 22% increase in 2012. Most of the gains will come from housing, with raisedfloor construction continuing to provide a notable boost.

Increased housing starts also will drive demand for LVL, the majority of which is used for beams, headers, and rimboard.

LVL production should reach 54.9 million cub ft. in 2013, a 10% growth over 2012.

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enGineered wOOd

EWPs that tick ALL the boxes Engineered wood products manufactured

by EWPAA member companies top the list

Name change .. FRAME re-jigged for 2014 event

new name for FrAMe gives a wider appeal THE major national event for engineered wood and building fabrication was given a new name at a launching ceremony in Melbourne recently.

The biennial FRAME Australia has been changed to the Prefab Timber and Engineered Wood in Building Construction Conference and the dates – May 19 to 20, 2014 – mark the 16th year for this national event.

Conference director Kevin Ezard said the new title was more descriptive of the contents of the 2014 program.

He said the event would cover the complete supply chain of structural timber, engineered wood products, prefabricated frames right through to the detached housing and multiresidential building market.

“It embraces the key industry sectors that are involved,” Mr Ezard said. “So the conference will embrace manufacturing, importing, distribution, fabrication through to building design, specification and construction and that’s the new part that we’re merging into now.”

A new flexible delegate

registration system will also be in place to cater for companies or individuals who have specific interests, lack time to attend the whole event or want to reduce costs. Delegates will be able to choose to register for one, two, three or all four sessions.

As before, the conference will include an expanded sponsors’ display and exhibition area where delegates can interact with sponsors on products and services available to the wood products and residential construction industries.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of companies providing displays on timber frame construction and panelling systems, design and manufacturing software, estimating services and software, structural timber and engineered wood products, nailplates and timber connectors, manufacturing equipment for frame prefabrication and panel building systems, and timber treatment and preservation.

More information on the event is available at www. frameaustralia.com.au

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Consistent QUALITY LOWEST emissions Structurally SOUND and SAFE Wood from 100% LEGAL, CERTIFIED forests GUARANTEED to Australasian Standards JOBS security

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* Independently tested to the highest standard; guaranteed to comply with Australian standards; certified under JAS-ANZ accredited product certification scheme; guaranteed to be safe and to carry the designated design load; complies with the Building Code of Australia; meets safety and quality requirements accepted by unions; meets all Workplace Health & Safety requirements.

ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13 | PAGE 11

eVents

Andrew McEwen

Jo Goodhew

Guy Salmon

Basil Chamberlain

Al Morrison

Conference charts 200 years of agricultural development Taranaki talks focus on farming and forestry

TARANAKI in the west of New Zealand’s North Island may seem an unusual place to hold the NZ Institute of Forestry conference, considering the region contains only just over 1% of the nation’s productive plantation resource.

This resource is largely situated in the eastern hill country and southern reaches of the province and supports a timber processing industry of a couple of medium size sawmills and a smattering of smaller wood users.

The Port of Taranaki has been a periodic exporter of logs over the past 20 years or so.

Taranaki is predominantly a patchwork of intensively farmed dairying land that surrounds the prominent Mount Taranaki, which lies within the Egmont national park. To the east, the hill country consists of a mix of productive and marginal hill farming country, modified and virgin indigenous forest and a smattering of production plantation forestry.

About 300 rivers and streams drain from the mountain to the sea which, in combination with the intensively farmed ring plain, creates significant challenges for the control of diffuse pollution.

The local response to this is Taranaki Regional Council’s

PAgE 12 | issuE 272 | 03.06.13

NZIF conference takes a walk down Taranaki’s road to economic development and environmental and landscape protection.

riparian management program that delegates will hear a lot about at the NZIF conference at the Devon Hotel in New Plymouth from June 30 to July 3.

This conference, however, is not just about riparians and water quality; it will explore the ecological changes that have taken place over 200 years of agricultural development.

There is acute awareness in this region that problems and land use decision making to protect and enhance this environment require multidisciplinary resources.

The need for economic, social

and environmental values to be the responsibility of all land users will be a core component of the conference.

The fact that these decisions are increasingly made in a collaborative manner to ensure all interests are considered is a feature of the Taranaki approach.

Delegates will be welcomed

by NZIF president Andrew McEwen. Keynote speakers include Jo Goodhew, New Zealand’s Associate Minister for Primary Industries; Guy Salmon, executive director of the Ecologic Foundation; Basil Chamberlain, chief executive

There is acute awareness in this region that problems and land use decision making to protect and enhance this environment require multidisciplinary resources

of the Taranaki Regional Council; and Al Morrison chief executive and director-general, Department of Conservation.

The conference will explore how one region attempts to balance the drive for economic development against the ever increasing demands for environmental and landscape protection.

Delegates will hear about the mechanisms used in a practical way to implement national environmental policies at a regional level. Included will be presentations on the role of farm plans and their voluntary implementation of protection and riparian creation works to mitigate the diffuse pollution caused by modern day intensive farming practices.

Registration inquiries can be directed to admin@nzif.org.nz.

Visit www.nzifconference.co.nz for programs and information on speakers, CPD workshop and field trips.

The New Zealand Institute of Forestry was founded in 1927 to provide a forum in all aspects of forestry, including forest management, utilisation, processing, research, education and consulting. It has more than 880 members, including professional foresters, graduates and students.

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industry surVey

timber Communities Australia under review in questionnaire Helping to frame the future structure of TCA THE Australian Forest Products Association has funded a comprehensive review of the current structure and performance of Timber Communities Australia.

The aim is to develop an effective and reformed structure for timber community representation and advocacy.

Tim Woods of Fitzpatrick Woods Consulting is leading the review and undertaking broad consultation with industry.

“The survey asks genuine questions and the answers wll help frame the future structure of TCA,” Mr Woods said.

The following is a sample of the questionnaire.

For further information, email twoods@fitzpatrickwoods. com.au what is the reason you are a member of tCA? which of the following is most accurate?

• We currently need a national community organisation as much as ever • W e currently need a national community organisation more than before • We currently need a national community organisation less than before • We do not need a national community organisation • Unsure which of the following is the most important activity for tCA to be involved in?

• Assisting local communities to engage in and with the forest industries • Supporting networks of community organisations in Australia’s forestry related communities • Lobbying government • Communicating about

• Year • Never involved in a TCA activity what level of annual membership fee for individual members is most appropriate for an organisation like tCA? • $0; $5; $25; $50; $100; $250 or more.

• unsure Tim Woods .. broad consultation with industry on Timber Communities Australia

forestry issues in communities • Other (specify) How often does your tCA branch meet?

• Weekly or fortnightly • Monthly • Quarterly • Twice a year • Annually • Does not meet what is the best way for you to receive information from tCA? • Email; post; text (SMS) alerts;TCA website; other.

when were you last involved in a tCA activity (other than a branch meeting)?

• Last week • Month • Quarter • Half year

Developing an effective and reformed structure for timber community representation.

‘the survey asks genuine questions and the answers will help frame the future structure of tAC’ – tim woods

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Keeping in mind your answers to the earlier questions, for tCA to operate effectively, what structure does it require? (choose one only) • National office only • National office and state coordinators • National office state coordinators and TCA branches • State coordinator only and affiliations with likeminded groups • Other or combination of the above thinking about governance, which of the following should be able to be represented on the national tCA board? (you can choose more than one) • Iindividual TCA members • Branch presidents • Local community organisations • National community organisations • Other national organisations • Forest contractors • Timber companies • Councils • Industry leaders is there a different name that would be more suitable than timber Communities Australia? if yes, what options can you think of?

issue 272 | 03.06.13 | Page 13

CertiFiCAtiOn

PeFC publishes chain of custody standard, aligned to eu regulation

Scope of prohibited material to include conflict timber THE 2013 PEFC chain of custody standard, published last week, offers companies an efficient mechanism to demonstrate compliance with EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requirements.

The standard was revised over the past 18 month to satisfy the specific conditions of emerging and existing legislative and regulatory processes, with a particular focus on the EUTR. The EUTR, which entered into force in March 2013, prohibits illegally harvested timber from being placed on the EU market. It sets out mandatory procedures designed to minimise the risk of illegal timber being sold and applies to both imported and domestically produced timber and is therefore relevant for companies globally.

Key changes to the 2013 standard include: • Expanded definition of controversial sources to include EUTR-specific requirements such as compliance with trade and customs legislation in addition to legislation relating to international, national, or local legislation concerning forest-related activities.

Compliance .. the PEFC due diligence system is now an integral element of the PEFC chain of custody standard.

• Additional information requirements on tree species and origin to satisfy information needs of various legislative and regulatory processes such as the EUTR. • The PEFC due diligence system (DDS) is now an integral element of the PEFC chain of custody standard and mandatory for all certified entities and all material, including certified material.

• Enhanced scope of prohibited

material to include conflict timber.

• PEFC will provide extensive

extensive support to ensure a smooth transition

support to ensure a smooth transition to the 2013 standard, including webinars, FAQs, and face-to-face training sessions.

More information will be published shortly.

The 2013 PEFC chain of custody standard was developed in a multi-stakeholder process, in line with PEFC council technical documents development procedures (PEFC GD 1003:2009), and benefitted from more than 300 comments received during the global public consultation.

Five companies, Papernet, Puumerkki, Steelcase, Weyerhaeuser, and Zellstoff Standal, volunteered to pilot test the requirements, adding on-the-ground experiences to the deliberations of the multistakeholder working group.

Chain of Custody of Forest Based Products - Requirements (PEFC ST 2002:2013) officially entered into force on May 24, with a transition period of nine months. Companies currently certified to the 2010 PEFC chain of custody standard can also align their existing system to EUTR requirements until implementation of the 2013 requirements

Opportunity: new engineered product

Project seeks access to on-going timber resource ThIs engineered product is manufactured from small diameter treated true round plantation logs that would normally be chipped or destroyed. Resource cost is minimal.

The production system is low capital cost and can be set up in a minimum of time and at a minimum of cost. Compared with current systems such as LVL, sawn timber etc. this product has unrivalled versatility, fire resistance, projected longevity and sustainability.

This product has the ability to lower the costs of floor and wall framing in modern homes, as well as being ideal for low-cost housing The entire buildings can be erected on site using unskilled labour.

The product has undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney under the guidance of internationally renowned timber engineer Prof. Keith Crews.

Engineered Timber Products

Loggo products have undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney.

PAGE 14 | ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13

The project is keen to establish a plant near a guaranteed resource.

Contact: (02) 4256 4767 or email pat@loggo.com.au www.loggo.com.au

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CeLeBrAtiOns

sunshine Boys toast a Grand Master at tatts Austis luncheon in Brisbane ELEVEN friends in industry and forestry – members of an exclusive ‘club’ that meets at least twice a year – gathered for a special luncheon in Brisbane on Empire Day, May 24.

The ‘Sunshine AusTIS Boys’, who met at the historic Tattersall’s Club, are connected through their involvement with the Australian Timber Industry Stabilisation Conference held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast 31 years ago.

• Seated, from left, are three of the original AusTIS committee members Jim Bowden, Gary Bacon and David Armstrong.

Standing, from left, are Brian Schaumberg, Bill Philip, Don Towerton, Norris Lewis, Charlie Henry, Keith Jennings, Charles Achilles and Dick Pegg.

The get-to-gether was also an opportunity to toast the installation on July 6 of Dr Gary Bacon as the 28th Grand Master of the Queensland United Grand Lodge of Masons. This will follow a ViceRegal reception at Government House on July 5.

Dr Bacon is currently adjunct professor, Environmental Futures Centre, Griffith University. He studied at the University of Queensland and the Australian National

University in Canberra where he graduated with first class honours in science majoring in Forestry. He later returned to ANU and undertook a threeyear doctoral program in forest science receiving his PhD in 1978.

Dr Bacon worked within both the NSW Forestry Commission and the Queensland Forestry Department, rising to the positions of assistant commissioner and chief executive respectively.

He was chairman of the organising committee for the first world forestry congress held in the southern hemisphere, an event that brought more than 2000 scientists from 90 countries to Brisbane in 2005.

of Australia and in 2000 was awarded the William Jolly Medal for services to Australian forestry.

Dr Bacon has held a number of appointments within his forestry profession, including national secretary, national president and deputy president of the international body. In 1989, he was made a Fellow of the Institute of Foresters

Dr Bacon’s love of forests began on the family dairy and banana farm at Gympie, established by his grandfather, Sam, a 9th battalion Anzac veteran. Dr Bacon’s father, Jack, joined the police force – and Freemasonry – at Burleigh Heads after service in World War 2 but returned to Gympie to take up forest logging.

At the close of the Brisbane luncheon, the AusTIS group borrowed the Tattersall’s Club motto: Amicitia vita est – friendship for life.

Global access to graduate certificate in building ENROLMENTS are now open for the second semester entry into the Graduate Certificate in Timber (processing and building) course at the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood.

The second semester starts on July 15.

This flexibly-structured, online course provides specialist study for those involved or interested in the design, construction, maintenance and management of timber-rich

buildings and structures or the production and distribution of timber and wood products.

“Because it is an online course it is accessible for students all over Australia and internationally,” the centre’s director, associate professor Gregory Nolan said.

“Students in the course are from very different backgrounds, such as architects, timber producers and sales staff, foresters, engineers and teachers. But all have a keen interest in using wood.”

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The semester can be completed part-time from work, home or anywhere with an internet connection.

“Potential students without degrees working within industry are encouraged to apply.

“There are structured pathways for their entry,” Prof. Nolan said.

The fully online units cover timber: its origin and characteristics; timber in building construction’ timber and durability in exposed applications; board processing: hardwood and softwood; and

engineered wood products.

Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood operates out of the School of Architecture and Design at the university’s Newnham campus in Launceston. It houses nationally recognised researchers, laboratories, test buildings, and advanced design and fabrication tools.

Contact Gregory Nolan on (03) 6324 4478 or email to enquiries@arch.utas.edu.au

issue 272 | 03.06.13 | Page 15

High-tech mills help manage post-beetle wood supply drop Necessity mother of invention in British Columbia BRITISH Columbia’s interior forestry industry is counting on cutting-edge sawmill technologies to soften the blow of the heavily reduced annual allowable cut anticipated in the wake of Canada’s mountain pine beetle infestation.

“The worst-case scenario is that the [annual allowable cut] might drop as much as 30% to 40%,” acting president of the Council of Forest Industries Doug Routledge said.

He said the sector hoped to reduce that number to 5% or 10% by harvesting trees in the right order – using affected pine trees first, for example – and reforestation.

But he said that improvement would be impossible if companies hadn’t also invested heavily in technology that allowed them to process wood that would have previously been viewed as worthless.

“There really isn’t an aspect of our business in the province that we haven’t focused on and either applied a strategy or a technology to utilise the mountain pine-beetle logs,” the vice-president of wood products at West Fraser Timber Ray Ferris said.

Mr Ferris said his company had spent between $3 million and $10 million to update the technology at each of its BC sawmills.

Stephen Mackie, director of business optimisation for Canfor, said his company had likewise invested in mills throughout the province, in both beetle and non-beetle areas.

High-tech scanning technologies can now detect

PAGE 16 | ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13

Beating the beetle.. cutting-edge sawmill technologies are softening the blow of a heavily reduced annual allowable cut in British Columbia.

cracks in wood, and saw blades can do a better job of following the grain of a twisted log. Since dead wood tends to have more cracks and to twist more, it means mills can extract more value out of beetle-killed wood.

Humidity sensors help make kiln drying more exact, a part of the sawmill process in which pieces of wood are straightened by heat.

West Fraser Timber has also invested in equipment to handle timber more gently.

“The logs and lumber easily break apart in the mill and create more broken pieces and more dust and debris,” Ray Ferris said, adding that mills had also had to invest in dust-mitigation

Valuable samples .. collecting tree inventory data – height, diameter at breast height, mountain pine beetle status – in an even-aged stand in the southern British Columbia.

Mechanically, every mill has spent millions of dollars in additional handling equipment to better handle shorter, smaller pieces of lumber

measures.

“Mechanically, every mill has spent millions of dollars in additional handling equipment to better handle shorter, smaller pieces of lumber.”

The technology has helped the company produce both more high-quality lumber, usually destined for the Japanese market, and lower grades, more likely to be sold to China.

“We’re able to adjust our processing to produce a wider range of products,” Mr Ferris said, “to focus more on certain product widths and lengths, and specifically around markets like China.”

While the beetle infestation is winding down, Doug Routledge says the technology and methods that had been developed in response to the crisis would help the industry in the future.

“Some stands that may have been [unsellable] at a certain market level could now be merchantable with a lot of this new technology,” he sad, adding that it could make it possible to get usable lumber out of firedamaged or dead trees.

Two-thirds of British Columbia’s land base – 60 million ha – is forested and more than 90% is publicly owned. Forest activities on public land must follow strict forest management laws.

About 96% of the forested land is coniferous, giving British Columbia about half of the national softwood inventory.

Coastal forests provided about 30% of the harvest while about 70% is from the interior.

– Business Vancouver

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internAtiOnAL FOCus

Europe harvesting wood in USA to meet demand for pellet power

A shift from coal-fired to wood-burning plants A SHIFT in Europe from coalfired to wood-burning power plants is helping to create jobs in the US logging industry, while at the same time driving environmentalists crazy who see wetlands and decadesold forests being destroyed in North Carolina and other states.

According to The Wall Street Journal, European energy companies – under pressure from governments there to reduce reliance on fossil fuels – are turning to US forests to harvest wood because of tight restrictions on logging in Europe, where forests are in short supply to begin with.

As a result, US jobs are being created in an industry where growth had come to a standstill because of the decline in the housing market and less demand for wood products in general. In North Carolina and other states where logging was once a major employer, forests are being clear-cut again to furnish pellets for burning in European power plants.

“The logging industry around here was dead a few years

pellet producers and logging companies that the operations are environmentally sound and only harvest low-value sections of forests.

Pellett power .. major European producer German Pellets is moving forward with a new $500,000 plant in Texas. The company, which operates 13 pellet plants in German and Austria, is also eyeing other locations for southern USA pellet mills, looking to produce up to 2 million tonnes overall annually.

ago,” Paul Burby, owner of a firm called Carolina East Forest Products, told the Journal.

“Now that Europe is using all these pellets, we can barely keep up.”

But conservationists here worry that the new clear-cutting in many wetlands and swamp

areas and, in some cases, in forests more than 100 years old, is upsetting the delicate ecosystem. They do not believe that replanting can make up for the amount of forests, not to mention animal and other plant life, being lost. And they dispute claims by wood-

the demand for us wood pellets is expected to remain high in europe, where the european union Commission has set a goal to reduce emissions by 20% by 2020

The demand for US-produced wood pellets is expected to remain high for some time in Europe, where the European Union Commission has set a goal of reducing emissions by 20% by 2020. It can’t be done by replacing coal with wind and solar, according to the Journal.

Energy companies that convert to wood are being rewarded.

For example, the Journal reported that Drax, a large power company that burns coal in its plants that was mined in the Yorkshire area of England, has converted half of its coal units to wood pellets, nearly all of it harvested in the US. Once its plants are fully converted, the company expects to collect $US600 million annually in renewable energy credits from the government.

– Newsmax

drones could help fight forest fires UNMANNED planes could soon be helping fight forest fires in Canada’s northwest if a university professor’s research pans out.

Dr Abdelhamid Tayebi, an electrical engineering professor at Lakehead University, Ontario, has received a $225,000 research grant to look at ways to fly vehicles into dangerous places to perform a specific task.

He said a series of drones with sensors to respond to smoke or rising temperatures could be

left in strategic locations in the forest.

“For example, one drone [would have] some kind of smoke [detector] .. and .. send a triggering signal to the [another] drone,” Dr Tayebi explained.

Currently drones are semiautonomous and require human supervision. Dr Tayebi said he and his students would work to program drones to respond and fly without that supervision.

“We have the technology, we

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Remote control fire fighters .. drones to fly over Canadian forests.

have the drones, we know how to program them, so we need probably some time to test some of those things,” he said.

Dr Tayebi will receive a Discovery Accelerator Supplements Program grant of $120,000 over three years for his research.

The program provides resources to “a select group of researchers in Canada whose proposals suggest and explore high-risk, novel, or potentially transformative concepts and lines of inquiry.

issue 272 | 03.06.13 | Page 17

PAGE 18 | ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13

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0428 745455

To donate, please post your donation to: The Secretary, Brisbane Timber Industry Hoo-Hoo Club 218 PO Box 3236 Sunnybank South QLD 4109 Bank: Suncorp BSB: 448-799 Account No.: 50-297900-4 Ref.: Car253, with your phone number and we will call for your address to post a receipt.

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ISSUE 272 | 03.06.13 | PAGE 19

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