Australian Forests & Timber May 2023

AFCA an important ‘face’ for contractors

Queensland logging contractor James Asher says his operations during Covid was “the best time of my life”.

“That Covid year where everything got shut down, nobody left,” James said.

“Everybody worked 100%. My uptime was 100%. Nobody went on holidays.

“During that time I could almost run the company blindfolded because everybody wanted to go to work.”

Asher Enterprises runs a fleet of around 30 trucks hauling logs throughout northern New South Wales and southern Queensland specializing in chipping and log yards.

The Asher family have been operating in the forest and timber industry since 1981. Starting out as a small family run operation, the business has grown substantially over the years to become one of Queensland’s largest independent logging and log transport companies. It remains a family owned business today.

Asher Enterprises have two large workshop locations; the main office and workshop is at Caboolture with a second workshop at Toolara in the Fraser Coast region.

The company is largely carting hoop pine and southern exotic pine to most of the major mills including AKD, Hyne and Laminex.

“We cart from everywhere to everywhere,” James said.

“We probably do about 1600 movements each month.”

“We don’t skip any services,” James said. “And anything that breaks gets replaced. We don’t patch so the trucks just keep going.”

The company has a core group of 30-33 drivers with a further 26-27 available on call.

“I call them the fringe guys that sort of come and go. And sometimes I’ll go for a few months with no problem at all. Then bang, a few just leave and I’m on the backfoot again but I’m getting there,” James said.

The company has been involved with the Australian Forest Contractors Association for around 20 years and James said it was important for the industry to have a “face”.

“The general manager Carlie Porteous has been good,” he said.

“She’s fighting hard for what we’re trying to achieve. And I know there’s a lot of roadblocks and she’s dealing with a lot of politics at the moment that aren’t helping the contractors, especially with hardwood. But she’s pushing hard with what she’s got and what she can do”

James said the AFCA was the face of the industry.

“It’s basically saying that we’re here, we’re doing a good thing and getting the message out there that we are carbon friendly.

“I think timber will come into its own in the future. It’s starting to now that we’ve got to have somebody there to promote it.”

For information about the Australian Forest Contractors Association visit https://www.afca.asn.au/

MAY 2023

Issue 3 – Volume 34

Established 1991

News 3-12

Accolades 5

Milestones 8-9

Private forests 10-11

Machinery 14-20

Mill profile 22

Front Cover: Southern Cross University graduate Leisa Overs has recently been appointed Nursery Manager at HQPlantations where she oversees the propagation of up to 10 million seedlings per year for plantation establishment in Queensland.

Story Page 12

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AUSTRALIAN

Meeting the need for drivers in forestry

The attraction and skilling of drivers in the forestry industry is a national problem and the simple fact is that the industry is not attracting or growing the talent pool.

The Australian Forest Contractors Association, in order to increase capacity for the future, has recognised the need for an industry specific program that develops the right skills and get participants excited about working in the industry.

With that in mind, AFCA and Skills 360 developed an industry specific program in 2022 in an attempt to fill the log-truck driver shortage in South East Queensland.

The program is funded by the Queensland Government under the Skilling

Queenslanders for Work program, which aims to reengage longer-term unemployed Queenslanders by providing a unique, industry specific program which gets them ready for work.

The program also supports participants with a mentor and wrap around support to ensure its success.

Industry employers, employment agencies, the department, RTOs and AFCA met with the participants recently. They each spoke about why they were so keen to get involved and

complete the course. Each of the participants showed absolute enthusiasm to work in the industry. An industry that many of them really didn’t even know existed previously.

The participants will graduate the course with a number of core and elective units of competency that make up part of the Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage that have been selected by AFCA members in SE Queensland.

Through continual engagement from Skills 360, the Department and AFCA, course participants will also graduate with a Heavy Rigid (HR) license and Machine ticket.

Once the participants have finished in classroom learning they will spend some time with AFCA members getting experience in the field and being exposed to all the job opportunities our great industry has to offer.

‘The program seemed to have a very positive impact on the participants, it was encouraging to see the eagerness throughout the room and a genuine interest in developing new skills and in so doing, making themselves more employable within our industry,” Tom Cooper, Transport Fleet Manager, Sunchip Group, said.

“I especially liked that the program was tailored to each student’s needs and interests and I believe that it will provide all of them with some useful core skills to assist in gaining employment within the wider forestry industry and beyond.” The next intake is September 2023.

Courses included:

• TLID0020 – Shift materials safely using manual handling methods

• TLIF0025 – Follow work health and Safety Procedures

• TLIF2010 – Apply fatigue Management strategies

Driver Awareness Elective Units

• TLIC3037 – Apply safe heavy vehicle driving behaviours

General Elective Units

• TLIC2049 – Operate Heavy vehicle on unsealed roads

• TLIC4006 – Drive multicombination vehicle

• TLIE2007 – Use communications systems

• TLIF0026 – Manage invehicle technology distractions

WA native timber closure ripe for conspiracy theories

Those in the timber industry in Western Australia could easily be converted to the opinion that conspiracy theories do exist.

Take Gavin Butcher’s recent comment piece in Daily Timber News

Now, Mr Butcher is no newcomer to the timber industry in the west. He is a former director of the WA Forest Products Commission. So his opinions carry a bit of weight.

He rather politely says that claims by Premier McGowan and his Forestry Ministers – Jackie Jarvis and previously Dave Kelly – that one of the reasons the na-

tive timber industry in that State had been axed was because the trees were no longer growing was “without substance”.

“It’s time for the government to come clean and admit its decision to stop native forest harvesting was devoid of any science and simply a political play to appeal to its green fringe,” he says in conclusion.

Cue Jack Bradshaw, again no slouch when it comes to the timber industry. He is a former manager of the

Forest Management Branch of the Dept of Conservation and Land Management.

He says that despite evidence to the contrary, the WA Minister for Forests Jacki Jarvis continues to argue that the WA timber industry had to close because it has run out of wood as a result of reduced growth rate due to climate change, quoting reports from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology as evidence.

Mr Bradshaw says neither of these organisations has any involvement in the determination of timber yield.

And as this goes on while the Government continues to support the strip mining

of the jarrah forest for bauxite at ever increasing rates.

So in WA we have the government claiming the native timber industry had to go because:

A) The trees were no longer growing,

B) The industry had run out of wood as a result of reduced growth.

Both excuses seem patently absurd.

So back to conspiracy theories. It not a road worth taking, really.

But its got to make people think.

● Natasha Moore, WHS/Human Resources Manager, Asher Enterprises talks to the program participants.

NF McDonnell & Sons exceptional Employer of the Year

Green Triangle mill operator NF McDonnell and Sons has been named Employer of the Year at the National Employment Services Associations (NESA) Awards for its role supporting some of Mount Gambier’s most vulnerable community members

About one third of the timber mill’s 125 staff have a disability, suffered from mental health issues, experienced homelessness, had transport issues or a criminal history. Others have experienced long term unemployment and are refugees. The long-standing business has created an inclusive work environment where individuals from a variety of backgrounds can find meaningful and successful employment.

The mill has made extensive efforts to make the worksite an inclusive place of work by undertaking mill tours allowing trialling of jobs, working closely with job coaches, providing flexible working hours,

supporting work transport, delivering immense upskilling opportunities, breaking down language barriers and holding monthly meetings to discuss and address any barriers arising that may impact employment success for its recruits.\

NF McDonnell and Sons’ human resources manager John Martin-Brown said the business had always had a strong commitment to supporting the local community.

The voice of Australian forest contracting businesses for over 20 years!

“The opportunity to be involved in this social enterprise has meant we can support our community while having useful and valuable work completed across our worksite whilst being able to access and assess potential employees,” Mr MartinBrown said.

“It truly has been a winwin situation. People who were struggling to find work have been given an opportunity to work and demonstrate their abilities and we have recruited some excellent employees through the program.”

SYC, a non-profit human services organisation, has worked in partnership with NF McDonnell & Sons over the past eight years delivering recruitment services. It helps people to create a life without disadvantage, to build sustainable independence and to experience wellbeing in all areas of their lives.

In 2019, the organisations partnered to create the social enterprise program, providing people experi-

Gain the strength in numbers by becoming a member today!

AFCA advocates on behalf of our members to improve their business outcomes and the sustainability of our working forests, serving the industry and our members since 2002

ABOUT AFCA

AFCA engages with government, industry stakeholders and the community to represent the interests of our members We play an important role in ensuring members the forest industry supply chain and governments are aware of developments and best practices for a viable forest industry and future AFCA is here for our members to ensure they have an organised and strong representative voice both within the industry and at all levels of government

encing unemployment with access to meaningful work and skill development opportunities.

The NESA awards aim to highlight the commitment the employment services sector has made to improve economic and social wellbeing through employment inclusion.

The Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Jobsbank, credited NF McDonnell and Sons for helping its outstanding efforts to support its recruits settle into employment, noting how thoughtful design of employment opportunities can lead to life-changing benefits for jobseekers.

NF McDonnell Mill Supervisor John Barry said the program gave participants an opportunity to experience working in an active timber mill environment.

“It’s hands on and involved and they get to gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications that they will need to secure ongoing employment outside of the program, which they

wouldn’t otherwise have had a chance to experience outside of our timber mill facility with SYC,” Mr Barry said.

“It also benefits their potential employers by allowing them to gauge an employee’s work ethic, productivity and suitability through work experience before they enter into full time work.

“I have seen a lot of successful candidates go through the program and look forward to seeing many more,” he said.

Josh Praolini, the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub’s new workforce development manager, praised NF McDonnell and Sons for its exceptional work noting the industry would continue to support the development of credible employment programs in the wider region to attract and retain skilled employees.

“The diverse range of roles on offer in forestry means that there is a career opportunity for almost everyone,” Mr Praolini

How AFCA helps its members by:

Advocating - providing advice mediation and lobbying on issues regarding our industry on behalf of our members

Informing - keeping you up to date with industry issues opportunities and events

Promoting - promoting members businesses as well as the forest industry by engaging and educating the community

Training - providing members with access to AFCA projects and other skill based training internally and externally

Connecting - connecting members with other members suppliers and industry representatives

Providing a voice - ensuring our members are heard above the noise surrounding our industry

● SYC CEO Mark HoffmanDavis, NF McDonnell and Sons mill supervisor Jon Barry, Human Resources Manager John Martin Brown and SYC Chief Operating Officer Stacey Dutschke.

O’Toole still a champion with the axe

Key Points

● Laurence O’Toole’s achievements

● •1st Place in the Hard Hitting Championship at the Royal Melbourne Show (2003 – 2022)

● •1st Place in the World Championship at the Sydney Royal Easter Show (8 times)

● •1st Place in the Australian Tree Felling Championship (2016)

● •1st Place in the Stihl Timbersports Australian Championship (2017/18)

● •1st Place in the Stihl Timbersports Champions Trophy (2018/19)

● •1st Place in the Stihl Timbersports Individual World Championship (2018)

● •1st Place in the Stihl Timbersports World Cup (2018/19)

Victorian axeman Laurence O’Toole is this year’s Stihl Timbersport’s Australian Champion for 2023 at the event recently held at Glenelg in South Australia.

There were the usual tough competitors with Brad De Losa and Brayden Meyer running second and third respectively, out of a field of 15 of Australia’s best athletes. The Trophy format is the sport’s most physically de-

manding competition; athletes are required to chop and saw four logs in four different disciplines back-toback in gruelling knockout matchups, the top athletes aiming to do so in under 60 seconds.

When asked for a comment Laurence said, “I’m not getting any younger but

MASTERS OF THE FOREST

will continue competing while ever I keep winning. Komatsu Forest’s support has been crucial in getting to all the events”.

It’s his third title having won the same competition in 2017 and 2018. This win elevates Laurence - who is sponsored by Komatsu - to become Australia’s representative for the Stihl World Cup 2023 held in Rotterdam next June. For those who follow the sport it will be televised on Channel 7 Mate and streamed live on Euro Sport.

“Komatsu Forest has been very proud to sponsor Laurence since 2018 and will continue their support right through 2023 then see where he proceeds from there” said Brett Jones MD Komatsu Forest.

At this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show he was again successful winning the Manny McCarthy Memorial 375mm World Championship Underhand, and the 375mm World Championship Standing Block.

Next stop is the Grafton Show and then Europe.

But it is the situation in Victoria and this year’s Royal Melbourne Show with a lack of suitable alpine ash logs causing concern.

Harvesting ground to a halt in state forests managed by VicForests in November following court action seek-

ing the protection of endangered gliders.

Alpine ash from these areas is the most suitable timber for chopping and is usually purchased from VicForests by the Victoria Axemen’s Council.

More than 100 wood chopping events are held each year in Victoria but with harvesting on hold, the supply of logs has also stopped.

Laurence said that if there was no wood there would be no woodchop event.

“They can source it from other places (but0 it’s just the cost that’s putting the show under pressure,” he said.

“And the government’s not really coming forward to help out.”

Laurence began his long run of winning events when he won the 2003 Sydney Royal Easter Show Underhand Event. Since then he has become one of the most accomplished wood choppers in the world, and his impressive list of awards and achievements is a testament to his skill, dedication, and hard work.

Obviously Covid has had a dramatic effect on events over the last couple of years.

The O’Toole family has become a household name in the world of wood chopping. Their skills and dedication to this sport have earned them a well-deserved repu-

● •Australian Axeman (9 Times)

● •Timbersports Team Member World Championship (7 Times)

● •Captain Australian Woodchopping (2008-present)

● •Inducted into Australian Axeman Hall of Fame 2019 as a Legend

tation as champions, and their accomplishments have inspired others. Laurence’s achievements are not his alone as he comes from a family of wood choppers, each with their own set of skills and accomplishments. And at the heart of the O’Toole family’s success was his grandfather Jack O’Toole, a highly respected competitor who in his own right amassed over 120 titles around the world which led Laurence’s father and uncles to follow and be very successful in the same sport.

Laurence’s impressive list of achievements is a testament to his skill, talent, and hard work, and he continues to be a dominant force in the world of wood chopping today.

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With a combined 46 years of industry experience, the decisions Optimisation Manager Robert Lindner and Optimisation Supervisor Jesse Davies make on a daily basis ensure Mount Gambier’s Jubilee Sawmill is functioning at the highest possible level.

“We make the first decision on a log and the last

decision on a board going to market,” says Robert, who worked in Tasmania, New Zealand and Victoria, before joining OneFortyOne 16 years ago.

Robert’s decades of experience are a perfect match for Jesse, who had never worked in a timber mill when he began night shift in the Green Mill at OneFortyOne six years ago.

Progressing to the Drymill and a quality control role, Jesse said it was an easy decision when the optimisation position came up three years ago.

“I always liked getting the best out of things,” he says. “There’s a real enjoyment in that and making those decisions in real time and getting some good results. That’s rewarding.”

Working in tandem across the Jubilee site, Jesse and Robert ensure the mill’s multiple machines are optimised and calibrated to the highest standard, utilising computers, lasers and scanners.

Involving multiple calculations, the smallest adjustment can impact the mill’s performance output.

“Our primary job is to extract the most value out of the fibre that comes into the mill,” Jesse says. “The decisions we make affect every element of the supply chain.”

Robert remembers when optimisation scanning technology first arrived in Australia in the late 1980s, revolutionising the industry and reducing worker input.

However, Robert says there’s still a strong human element to the role, which he describes as “the best job in the industry”.

“We spend quite a lot of time on the floor and interacting with operators, as the decisions we make affect those people,” Robert says.

“Every day is a new challenge and you never get bored. We are constantly learning and adapting to equipment, new processes and technologies.”

For Jesse, the culture at OneFortyOne encourages a sense of growth and opportunity.

“People go for it here, they don’t hold back,” he says. “There’s a lot of employees here willing to go above and beyond. There’s a good team dynamic here at OneFortyOne.”

Sharing an office for the past few years, the pair have established a solid daily routine, starting their day with a review of the previous day’s reports but ending with a social moment.

“It always ends with a coffee.” Jesse says.

Big, really big or bloody massive?

Since the mid 60s, Ensign has been designing and building some of the world’s toughest log forks and supplying them to customers all over Australasia. Clamps, kickers, pivots, locks, high lifters… you name it, if it’s a feature that’ll help you pick up and put down stuff easier, faster or safer you can guarantee we’ve already built it. So whether you're in the market for the biggest and baddest or something a bit more modest give us a call and we’ll build your perfect log fork.

OFO making a difference for business, communities and industry

neFortyOne celebrated its 10th birthday in 2022. When the company was conceived it was the beginning of a different decade and those years have moved past at what feels

The business started life with the acquisition of the 105-year lease of 80,000 hectares of plantation assets from the South Australian Government in the Green

We have since built our company to include forests in New Zealand and two highly productive, efficient, and progressive sawmills, the Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier, and Kaituna Sawmill in Blenheim.

OneFortyOne set out to be something different, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, creating value for shareholders while making a positive difference in the lives of employees as well as the communities and environments where it operates.

At times we have been hugely ambitious, and while we have not always achieved our goals, we have certainly made progress and to my mind, the progress we have made is an achievement.

As we reflect on the past years, we can be proud of how we have contributed to our business, communities,

Today we have over 500 skilled and passionate employees who manage more than 160,000 ha of quality plantations and conservation areas, operate two high performing sawmills and we partner with an array of contractors and suppliers

We have a growing list of valued customers who buy our products, and our business is more diverse than ever. Our operations incorporate both New Zealand and Australia, with our log, chip and finished product sold locally and across the

With our growth we have seen changes to our safety record. In previous years we had made strong improvements however in 2022 One-

These capital investments include:

• • $7 million upgrade to the Glencoe Nursery to improve safety, infrastructure and seedling survival rates.

• • $2.5 million for fire protection vehicles.

• • $13 million at Jubilee Sawmill at Drymill A.

• • The continuation of an $11.2 million project at Kaituna Sawmill to expand the kiln and install new scanning technology.

Robust financial performance during a period of uncertainty is not achieved by chance. It is achieved because our skilled people have grown and manufactured quality products, delivered on time and built strong relationships with customers, partners and suppliers.

to reflect the communities where we operate.

In the regions where we live and work, the demographics are very close to 50% men and 50% women.

As well as the fundamental principle of fairness and equity for all, it’s important we are all aware that companies in the top quartile for workforce diversity outperform their less diverse counterparts. Gender, as well as heritage and cultural diversity is linked with both profitability and value creation.

Our actions are generating incremental results:

• • In December 2018, 15% of our full workforce was female. Four years later we are at 19%.

• • In December 2018, 29% of our salaried workforce was female, and four years later it is 35%.

So what next?

As with the trees we grow and process, 10 years is just the beginning of something bigger. We have faced many challenges, but now more than ever we are looking forward to delivering on our purpose which is To Grow A Better Tomorrow.

We will do this with a unified vision that leverages the amazing qualities of our people, forests, and mills.

There have been changes amongst leadership in both New Zealand and Australia however the Lead Team has settled well and are performing strongly.

We are well progressed in our search for senior forestry candidates that will fill our current vacant positions.

There has been change, and there will continue to be change.

FortyOne’s Total Recordable

Injury Frequency Rate increased to 17.3.

It has been positive to see that over the last five months (into 2023) there has been a decrease in the number of Lost Time Injuries when compared with the latter half of 2022. We are focused on reducing the number of injuries and continuing to invest in projects and initiatives that support safe and thriving workplaces.

Performance

OneFortyOne performed strongly throughout 2022. Revenue across the Group was higher in 2022 than the 2021 figures. We experienced strong log pricing in Australia and timber and chip pricing in both Australia and New Zealand. While revenue was up we did experience a decrease in EBITDA due to higher input costs, including freight, labour, chemical and fertiliser costs, and the impact of restoration costs associated with the Nelson flooding event in New Zealand. With the support of Shareholders and the Board, we have reinvested in our businesses ensuring that our operations continue to be modern and efficient.

Inclusion at OneFortyOne

At OneFortyOne we are focused on women’s equality and equity in the workplace.

My aspiration for this business is for our workforce

• • Women hold 38% of OneFortyOne’s Leadership Team roles.

The work doesn’t stop here, and it cannot stop until we reach the aspiration.

What hasn’t changed are our strategic priorities which are pursuing operational excellence, building the best team, creating value through innovation, and making a positive difference.

Peter Brydon Interim Chief Executive Officer OneFortyOne

How planting trees on Fulham Farm will

Fulham, a 3000-acre grazing farm on the Southeast Coast of Dunalley, has been owned and operated by the Gray family since 1926.

Father and son farmers, Sandy and Tom Gray, have both lived the majority of their lives on the farm, with Tom and his family now calling Fulham home. They have run a variety of

enterprises from the farm over the years, including wool (with their main production being merino), lambs, angus beef cattle, olives and more recently, oysters.

After the devastating bush fires of 2013 tore through

their farm, both Sandy and Tom have made it their goal to strategically replant trees to reap the benefits for generations to come.

Sandy has been planting trees on the Fulham farm for around 30 years and has long been aware of the various benefits that trees provide. Sandy has planted between 500 to 1000 trees each year of mixed species for shelterbelts.

“We have been replanting trees to help combat erosion and to regenerate some areas. We lost most of the trees to the bush fires in 2013, so we really wanted to fast-track planting more trees as quickly as possible. We were also looking to diversify from having mixed species shelter belts to something that is commercially viable,” says Tom.

“We are gaining vast new knowledge from being involved in the Private Forests Tasmania demonstration site project. We are not scientists, we are farmers, so it has been really beneficial to work together with the experts at PFT.”

Plantations for shelter

With guidance from PFT, Sandy and Tom will plant 20 hectares of trees to negate the prevailing westerly winds at Fulham and provide shelter for lambing, sheep and other stock.

“Trees play a huge role on a coastal property like ours as we suffer from the wind. I see trees as providing huge benefits to farms, not only aesthetically but envi-

ronmentally,” says Sandy.

“In the windbreaks we are going to plant some blue gums and radiata pine. They have been shown to grow particularly well here, especially in the sandier soils. We will also plant some blackwood in the gullies because they tend to thrive there.”

Strategic planting

Sandy, Tom and PFT have come up with the idea of planting one row of pines on the windward side of the shelterbelt, and six rows of blue gums behind them. This is because the pines grow very quickly in the terrain at Fulham, so they would act as protection for the blue gums.

“While we have planted trees here in the past, it has been really beneficial to have the support from PFT as opposed to doing this on our own,” says Sandy.

PFT helped Tom and Sandy to devise a treeplanting plan that would best suit their property. They plan on planting a 25-width band of radiata pine trees in the windier areas to provide shelter, with the predominant species in the rest of the areas being eucalypt.

“PFT met with us to map out which locations on the farm would be best suited for the trees. They took into account the soil type, wind direction, paddocks most suited for grazing and other benefits we felt the trees might have for the property,” explained Tom.

Planting for the future

“We decided to get involved in the project as it was hard to look past the viable returns that we would benefit from for being involved in this demonstration. These returns include improving

• Tom and Sandy Gray at Fulham Farm.

forests benefit future generations

National network to boost skills training

Skills Impact has established a new organisation, Skills Insight, with the role of a Jobs and Skills Council for a range of industries, including forestry and timber.

As one of 10 JSCs announced by Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor, Skills Insight will be part of a national network of not-for-profit, industryowned and led organisations designed to provide leadership in addressing national skills and training needs.

Working with partner organisation ForestWorks, it will support the voice of industry in the Australian skills and VET system.

As a JSC, Skills Insight will be working to examine all parts of the skills pipeline to analyse what is working and what is not and to describe strategies and solutions on behalf of all stakeholders.

This means its scope of work will be well beyond training package projects. It will also be highly collaborative, working with employers, unions, RTOs, other JSCs and Jobs and Skills Australia to provide strategic leadership and align efforts across industries.

animal and plant production as well as the possible sale of the trees as timber going forward,” says Sandy.

“I will be interested to see

in seeing this one. It is a great idea to get farmers involved in planting trees, as it creates a beautiful living environment while also im-

custodian of this land, and I need to care for it before passing it on to the next generation. So, I believe progress must continue,” says

I look long-term, which is where this project comes in handy. For me, planting trees to increase productivity while providing benefits

Drawing on its networks, Skills Insight will support industry, government and the VET sector to address system-wide barriers and add value across the economy and all education pathways.

Skills Impact is a not-forprofit, industry-owned organisation that collaborates with industry, government and training providers to track industry trends and document skills opportunities and challenges.

• Strategic planning on the 3000-acre grazing farm on the Southeast Coast of Dunalley.

Timber arrives to support Snowy mills

The first trainload of Walcha softwood sawlogs has begun arriving by rail in Wagga bound for timber mills in the Snowy region which have seen their local timber supplies significantly reduced after the Black Summer bushfires.

The rail transport initiative will see Forestry Corporation of NSW deliver around 270,000 tonnes of sawlog timber to Tumut and Tumbarumba processors over the next three years.

This timber was initially set for export, however the impact of the Black Summer bushfires and local timber shortage have meant Australian timber mills have been given priority, said Forestry Corporation’s Sales and Procurement Manager Peter Stiles.

“A minimum of 90,000 tonnes of softwood logs will be railed each year from Walcha to Wagga, and then trucked onto Hyne in Tumbarumba and AKD in Tumut,” Mr Stiles said.

“Both Hyne and AKD are major regional employers who had their locally supplied sawlog volumes significantly reduced after the bushfires, so we are very pleased to support their operations.”

There is an emerging issue with finding and retaining skilled truck drivers in not only the forestry industry but in the wider road freight industry. This task had it been done by road is an 800km journey that would have required another 18-20 drivers.

The transport units built to carry the logs are a purpose-built log bunk manufactured by Kennedy’s trailers that are fixed to container flats sourced and supplied by Container Options.

“Harvesting contractors C3 and Progressive Felling Services, Brian Smith Timber Transport, PHC Rail, Linx and HR Forestry amongst others were instrumental in getting the 40-year-old pines from the forest to the doorsteps of Hyne and AKD,” Mr Stiles said.

Forestry graduate branches out into major role

Like a seedling flourishing into a towering tree, forestry science graduate Leisa Overs’ career continues to grow.

Leisa was recently appointed Nursery Manager at HQPlantations, the largest plantation forest grower in Queensland.

As Nursery Manager, Leisa oversees the propagation of up to 10 million seedlings per year for plantation establishment in Queensland.

“Plantation forestry is a renewable, sustainable industry that is really making a difference to climate change and supports local communities and regional economies,” Leisa said.

“Every tree we harvest gets replanted for the cycle of carbon absorption to begin again, while the wood products after harvest continue to store carbon for the duration of their lifespan.”

Through her role, Leisa travelled to Vietnam to provide advice and guidance for newly established forestry nurseries as part of an Aus Aid program.

Leisa studied the Bachelor of Applied Science (Forestry) at Southern Cross University, now known as the Bachelor of Science (Forestry Systems), and said she gained the tools and knowledge needed to start her career.

“The subjects I studied were interesting and challenging. I felt that what I was being taught was relevant to my career,” Leisa said.

“I particularly enjoyed the lab and practical components of the degree as well as the field trips.

“The work placements provided the experience needed to understand the industry and helped me obtain employment. I started my final placement 20 years ago and have been with the company ever since.”

Leisa said working in the forestry industry offers continual growth and she enjoys being part of a sustainable industry.

“I’m always learning new things, thinking about innovative ways to improve what we do, conducting trials and developing new techniques to help improve safety and efficiency in the nursery,” she said.

“The trees that get their start here as seedlings supply almost all the structural timber to Queensland, building sustainable homes and communities, so it’s important they get a great start.”

Concern remains over Great Koala Park plans after NSW election

NSW needs to significantly grow its timber and wood fibre supply to meet future housing construction and paper packaging demand, and securing our sovereign capability in these essential products should be a priority for the new NSW Government.

The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed some of the positive commitments NSW Labor made for forest industries before the election, including to ‘immediately begin work on how to expand existing plantation estates across NSW’, work with industry on a potential statewide timber encouragement

procurement policy, and boost the role of renewable wood fibre in the circular economy.

However, the AFPA remains concerned about the

impact of Labor’s commitment to create a Great Koala National Park on the future of thousands of timber jobs and the supply of essential timber products across NSW.

The NSW Labor Party committed $80 million to establish the park between Coffs Harbour and Kempsey during the state election campaign.

The park would connect 175,000 hectares of state forests with existing national parks, creating a nature reserve of more than 300,000 hectares.

The new State Government has said consultation would begin soon, canvassing views from conserva-

tionists and the timber industry. The new minister responsible for forestry, Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos, could not be contacted for comment.

The AFPA says NSW Labor has committed to work with the timber industry and to do due diligence on the implementation of a Great Koala National Park and has urged the Minns Government to listen to the science, which shows that the state’s sustainable, regenerative native forestry operations have no impact on koala numbers while contributing $2.9 billion annually to the state economy.

• HQPlantations nursery manager Leisa Overs.

● Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos.

BRIEFS

Hub manager

The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub has appointed Tony Wright as Executive General Manager, commencing June 26, 2023.

Tony has more than 20 years’ experience in natural resources management, power and water policy and executive leadership.

He was most recently Chief Executive Officer of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association responsible for a suite of priorities including performance, advocacy and the strategic development of regional tourism, sport, roads, and planning.

Forico award

Forico has won a major accolade at the annual Banksia Foundation National Sustainability Awards.

The ‘Small and Medium Enterprise Sustainable Leadership Award’ category recognises businesses who can showcase outstanding achievements that integrate sustainability principles and practices across business activities and outcomes.

‘Canopy’ funding

Timber Queensland has been successful in obtaining $980,000 funding for one year from the State Government to establish “Canopy”, a forest and timber industry training and career hub.

The hub will bring together industry, employers, training providers and employment agencies to deliver training and career education programs and work experience opportunities for school leavers, unemployed and existing staff looking to upskill or retrain.

Inquiry resumes

A State Government inquiry into South Australia’s timber industry is to resume after being suspended due to Covid restrictions.

The committee was established in May 2019 and was chaired by the now Minister for Regional Development and Forestry Clare Scriven.

Current chairperson of the committee is the leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Nicola Centofanti.

Submissions into the inquiry remain open and are able to be sent to sctimberindustry@parliament. sa.gov.au

New Cat makes logging simple, secure, and productive

The new Cat 548 next generation forest machine features several significant design upgrades that make it a top choice for tree work.

“The 548 earned a reputation for reliable performance,” said Brent Uitermarkt, vice president for Caterpillar’s forestry products. “The next generation 548 will take it to an even higher level.”

More production

Available in Log Loader and General Forest configurations, the new 548’s C7.1 twin turbo engine produces 30% more power than the previous series’ engine, enabling the new electrohydraulic control system to deliver 30% more swing torque. Updates to the drive system increase travel speed by 10%, helping the machine cover ground faster than ever.

Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to help maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Cold-start capability of (-32˚ C) and high ambient temperature capability of (52˚ C) enable the machine to work yearround.

Improved comfort and safety

The new Certified Forestry cab with its reinforced structure and large 32-mm thick polycarbonate windshield enhances operator safety. Available in a choice of rear or side entry, the cab’s interior space is 25% larger, allowing most operators to stand without hitting their head.

Field of view from the standard heated and cooled seat is 50% better due to narrower cab pillars, larger panoramic windows, and a flat engine hood.

A standard rear-view camera enhances visibility as do three available cab risers (558 mm), (1219 mm), and (1829 mm). The available Cat easy lock cab tilting system on the Log Loader configuration makes for much easier transport.

Ingress and egress are easier due to the cab’s wider and taller door and tilt-up console on the operator’s seat for the side-entry cab.

The machine’s new dual HVAC system keeps operators comfortable regardless of working in the summer heat or during subfreezing ambient winter temperatures. Its specially insulated roof and improved window and door seals keep in-cab noise levels low.

Operators can start the 548’s engine with a simple push of a button or available Bluetooth key fob and unique Operator ID. Operator ID allows each operator to quickly program and store their own machine settings and attachment function preferences.

A larger 10-in high-resolution touchscreen monitor delivers intuitive navigation through operating

548 FOREST MACHINE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

menus and includes a digital version of the operator’s manual for quick reference. An available Cat PL161 attachment locator assists in finding work tools within a range of (60 m), even when covered by overgrowth or debris.

Lower maintenance costs

Compared to the previous model, the 548 next generation forest machines will consume 50 fewer filters over the course of 12,000 hours, which contributes to lowering maintenance costs by up to 15%.

“We improved our filters and our service intervals, and we improved groundlevel access to service points to make daily maintenance quick and safe,” said Uitermarkt.

“Our new electrohydraulic control system eliminates the need for a pilot filter and pilot oil altogether.”

Fuel filters feature a synchronized 1000-hour change interval – double the service life of the previous model. A new hydraulic oil return filter improves filtration and delivers a 3,000hour service life, which is 50% longer than previous designs.

The high-efficiency cooling fan runs only when nec-

essary, and reversing intervals are programmable to enable the fan to keep the radiator cores clean without interrupting work.

Modern technology

Product Link technology captures critical operating data, fault codes, and machine location information to boost fleet management efficiency. When within cell coverage, the machine’s new remote troubleshoots feature analyses the data captured by Product Link and can share it with the Cat dealer to help save a service trip to the jobsite. Owners can also be sure the 548 is operating with the most current version of software with standard remote flash, which updates machine software around the production schedule.

“More production, greater comfort and safety, and lower maintenance cost is what loggers can expect from our new 548,” said Uitermarkt. “Add in dealer network that’s dedicated to the forestry business and you get a winning combination of machine and support that really can’t be beat.”

Contact your local Cat dealer for more information or visit https://www. cat.com.

MASTERS OF THE FOREST

TYRES FOR HARVESTERS AND FORWARDERS

Nokian Forest King F2 is absolutely the best choice for CTL machines using tracks or chains. Nokian Forest King TRS 2 is an optimum solution where traction and selfcleaning is everything. Both tyres have excellent durability and performance in the most demanding forestry work.

Milestones

Onetrak celebrating 15 years in Victoria Onet rak

Onetrak is the Australian dealer for major brands Tigercat, Hidromek, Striker, Anaconda, Fuchs and Dressta. The company has locations in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

The first Victorian premises were located in Dandenong up until 2016 when the company relocated to 1-5 Marlo Place, in Hallam, a suburb south-east of Melbourne after having outgrown the previous workshop and office spaces.

Onetrak Hallam is always buzzing with activity, the yard is stocked with new equipment and the premises also house Onetrak’s central warehouse distribution for spare parts along with a large rental fleet that comes and goes between jobs.

Rhodes Cousland manages the rental fleet and has been with the company for just under 8 years.

“Onetrak has given me the opportunity to build Onetrak Rental from the ground up. Being a family-owned company, relationships are key to everything we do and at the core of us growing the rental fleet has been the long-standing relationships we’ve built with customers,” he said.

Rental Co-ordinator Melannie Amani is celebrating her own milestone this year having reached 10 years with the business.

“I’m working with a great team at Onetrak and know I have the support I need to

carry out my job. My favourite part of my role is being able to deal with customers on a daily basis, whether it be an engineer or someone from the accounts department I’ve been able to make so many great connections so far,” she said.

Onetrak is a small but flexible company with a can-do attitude across the business. One of the key focuses within the organisation is to ensure all staff have growth and development opportunities available to them.

Jotham Allwright has held a few different roles within the company.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work my way through a few different roles at Onetrak.

Starting as a Field Service Technician working in the Mount Gambier area for several years, this then led into a Service Manager role looking after the service team in Mount Gambier. Now I’m lucky enough to focus on forestry equipment as Onetrak’s National Product Support Manager for Forestry,” he said.

No two days are the same as the company services customers across construction, forestry and industrial material handling.

“The family business culture at Onetrak is what I enjoy the most,” National Product Support Manager Faysal Berdilek said.

“Onetrak also deals in some great products across multiple equipment brands within Construction, Forestry, Materials Handling and Mineral Processing Equipment industries. There’s never a dull day and the opportunities are endless,” he said.

“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, developing product performance solutions and management systems is what I like to do and at Onetrak innovation is always encouraged.”

Being a national company there is opportunity to travel and see different places, something National Sales Manager Industrial Material Handling Sam Powell values in his role.

“I love my role as I get to visit customers all across the country,” he said.

“It’s always amazing how many different ways there are to crush, screen, and move different materials –I’m always learning something new. The best part about working with Onetrak is the teamwork. Everyone’s happy to help, decisions are made quickly and everyone has a voice.”

Regional Manager for Vic, SA and WA Trevor Els said that working at Onetrak was exciting and exceptionally rewarding.

“Being a family-owned business makes us flexible and very responsive,” he said.

“We have a great team and a fantastic support structure

here at Hallam and throughout all our other branches. At Onetrak we like to make the work place a fun and friendly environment. We are like one big family.”

Managing director David Hazell said that in the past 15 years Onetrak had continued to grow into a truly national business with branches, staff, and customers across six states.

“Thinking back, the move to Melbourne in Victoria was a significant step in the businesses development as it paved the way for many future opportunities that followed.

“Hallam in Melbourne remains a significant hub for Onetrak’s national business activities with many of our key management, parts and

product support teams residing there.

“Today I’m very proud to say we have built a strong team at Hallam and we are still focussed on building further capacity into our service offering in Melbourne to assist our Victorian clients better,” Mr Hazell said.

“Our business plan sees expansion of the rental fleet and our specialist product lines into the market. A service centre in the western Melbourne district is on track to be completed by the end of 2024.”

If you are interested in joining the Onetrak team there are currently some exciting job opportunities on the go. Visit www.onetrak. com.au/careers to view all vacancies.

● Mel Amani, Rental Coordinator.

• The Onetrak Hallam team.

● National Product Support Manager for Forestry Jotham Allwright

Never grapple with slash again

Anew take on an old method to deal with forestry slash is set to help New Zealand logging crews more effectively manage skid sites and landings…….with the potential to increase productivity.

The locally developed Falcon Slash Grapple Rake brings fresh thinking to slash control in a typical Kiwi approach.

The Falcon Slash Grapple Rake fits around two of the most common sizes of Ensign grapple and an independent study shows that it can reduce the laborious task by as much as one hour a day, whilst improving safety and environmental outcomes.

Designed by loggers, for loggers

The idea for the new attachment was suggested by Moutere Logging M3 Crew Manager Steve Johnson, who was frustrated with existing methods of managing slash and debris on their sites.

“I was up on the skid for three hours one evening moving slash for management purposes and thought there’s got to be a better way as I continued to pick up small loads,” says Steve.

The Falcon Slash Grapple Rake consists of a one-piece spring lock system to attach

to either side of a standard Ensign grapple commonly used for loading. It can effectively grab huge amounts of slash in one go, which can then be precisely placed in a designated area.

“There was three points which I determined it needed to have when it was designed. One – it must be quick to take on and off. Two – it needs to have minimal maintenance and accessories to ensure it’s simple…. No plumbing. And lastly it needed to be versatile to be able to still be used for logs such as loading or sorting if needed.” Steve told us as we were hooking it up it in the space of 3 minutes flat.

An industry perspective

“Clearing slash from skids and landings can be a real headache,” says Darrin Barr of DC Equipment, the company behind Falcon Forestry Equipment products.

“It can slow down operations and make them unsafe if you don’t keep on top of it. But you also need to deal with slash in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring it doesn’t end up in waterways or impede access. Simply pushing it over the edge of a slope might not be the best way to deal with it.

“Slash grapples aren’t new, but the suggestion made

by Steve for an attachment that fits around an existing grapple is a great solution. The aim was to turn that into a simple piece of engineering that works well in the forest.”

Fitting in with current systems and adding value from day one DC Equipment has designed two versions conjunction with a local engineering company – one to fit the Ensign 1530 and a larger model to fit the En-

sign 1730, weighing 1100kg and 1200kg respectively, in addition to the weight of the grapple. Fitting or removing from the host grapple takes around three minutes.

The grapple rakes are already working well with the Moutere crews and grabbed a lot of attention when displayed for the first time at the recent forestry show in Rotorua.

With seven more pencilled in on order from conversa-

tions during the prototype phase, it has highlighted the versatility of the Falcon Slash Grapple Rake, thanks to its ability to augment an existing Ensign Rotating Grapple, along with ease of use.

“If you have an alternate branded grapple there’s scope to include these during our development with the final solution being a complete grapple product that is versatile across the skid,” says Darrin.

Develop our future workforce

ForestWorks is an industry-owned not-for-profit organisation offering services to support the skills development of the forest, wood, paper, timber and furnishing industries.

ForestWorks works with industry, government and the education and training sector to improve skills standards and qualifications and support the development of forestry-related industries, their people, and enterprises.

www.forestworks.com.au

forestworks@forestworks.com.au

● The Falcon Slash Grapple Rake comes in two models that are compatible with current Ensign Grapples.

The Waratah H212 designed and purpose built for small hardwood debarking and softwood thinning operations. High quality delimbing with the efficiency to be mounted on any 13 - 15 ton tracked or wheeled carrier.

Long life and high-load capacity skidder tyre

One of BKT’s top priorities is to provide the best products for every type of need, and the company achieves this by continuously developing solutions that ensure the best results for each operation.

BKT’s tire range, consisting of over 3200 products, is characterized by its breadth and ability to offer a product for every specific work activity.

In this way, BKT has designed solutions also for working in extremely heavy work environments and on hard surfaces. SKID MAX SR-SKIDDER is an excellent example specifically developed for this type of application. This All Steel radial tire is ideal to equip loaders, skid steers and telehandlers used in road maintenance work or in waste material deposits.

In such heavy-duty applications, the tire requires characteristics that can meet the daily challenges linked to the risk of puncture and abrasion and to the ability to transport heavy loads while maintaining perfect stability.

SKID MAX SR-SKIDDER is a perfect mix of all these requirements and offers longer product life and high load capacity. The robust casing is equipped with an All Steel structure with steel belts which confer greater resistance against aggres-

sion, such as the penetration by foreign bodies. The robust and wide tread pattern is designed with continuous center rib and also the extra thick sidewall helps minimize the risk of punctures and accidental damage and so consequent vehicle downtime.

In addition, the specially designed rim guard guarantees protection against flats and wheel damage in the rim flange area.

SKID MAX SR-SKIDDER guarantees excellent resistance and traction, long product life and also optimal stability and comfort for the operators who drive these vehicles for long periods of time.

It is currently available in two sizes: 260/70 R 16.5 (10 R 16.5) and 300/70 R 16.5 (12 R 16.5).

2020

A REGIONAL forestry group has urged a review into why NSW fuel reduction burning (FRB) was reduced in about 2004, while strongly advocating for a minimum annual 5 per cent fuel reduction target.

The South-East Timber Association made these and many other recommendations in its submission to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.

SETA secretary Peter Rutherford said the review should investigate why FRB levels were not increased in the light of earlier experience in NSW and the recommendations of earlier reports.

2017 WILSON’S Harvesting & Haulage is the first West Australian business to adopt the FOLS Skills Verification Program. Based in Yornup, Western Australia, Wilson’s is a large harvesting and haulage, infield chipping and biomass company, with 110 employees.

Wilson’s Director, Ian Wilson said the decision to adopt FOLS came at a time when the business was looking for a way to verify and demonstrate the skills of their operators.

Wilson’s is also a member of the Australian Forest Contractors Association which became advocates of the FOLS Skills Verification Program in July last year, after signing an agreement with ForestWorks to provide AFCA members and their operators with discounted FOLS fees.

2012

CLAIMS BY the Skills Minister Chris Evans that the National Workforce Development Fund had been largely successful to date has been borne out by the experience of the forest, wood, paper and timber products industry.

The Minister told the National Press Club that the NWDF had achieved success in encouraging and enabling employers to train their staff in new skills to keep pace with the changes in industry.

ForestWorks chief executive officer Michael Hartman said this was certainly the experience in the industries that ForestWorks Industry Skills Council was responsible for.

New niche skidder from Tigercat

Introducing the 612 dual winch skidder. It is specially designed to operate in selective harvesting applications, extracting high value timber in steep or sensitive terrain conditions.

The Tigercat 612 series skidder platform was created to manage the extraction function in challenging terrain selective felling ap-

plications, while preserving the value and quality of the residual stand. The machine can be equipped with a dual winch, a movable back shield and fairlead system, as well as a crane, and front blade tongs.

The 612 is equipped with the Tigercat FPT N67 Stage V engine, delivering 155 kW (208 hp). Combined with Tigercat’s efficient drive system, the 612 impressively handles adverse terrain while minimizing wheel spin.

A narrow stance allows easy navigation through tight trails and rough ground conditions. The

movable shield can be used as an anchor while winching. The dual winch and moving fairlead system allow the operator independent control over two separate cables when operating in tight stand conditions. The optional heavy-duty crane and blade tongs offer even more versatility for extracting, maneuvering and sorting logs.

The operator’s cab is spacious with generous sized windows providing clear sightlines. Creature comforts include a climatecontrolled cup holder and dedicated storage. Key to ergonomics and operating the machine effectively is the Turnaround seat. Turnaround provides increased comfort, clear sightlines, and easy entry and exit from either side of the machine. The operator enjoys full control of all machine functions in any position within the 220° range.

First Pronar MRW 2.1010 slow-speed shredder arrives

The much-awaited Pronar MRW 2.1010 mobile slow-speed shredder has finally arrived in Australia. It boasts a versatile design capable of reducing materials of varying bulk and composition by up to 75%.

The MRW 2.1010 is equipped with specially adapted shredding programs for complex and stubborn materials that can be tailored to suit different types of inputs. It also has a 55-inch-wide outfeed belt with adjustable discharge height that can reach up to 198 inches and a tilting hopper to facilitate the direct feeding of extra-long materials. The shredding shafts are also optimised for aggressive in-feed and have four adjustable shredding settings.

The reliable Volvo Penta diesel engine drives the shredding system, which provides exceptional power and performance to handle thick, bulky materials. The engine also features a noise protection system and a

clean fix system for cooling the engine and hydraulic oil.

The shredding shafts measure 96 inches by 33 inches and are constructed from wear-resistant steel for maximum durability and longevity. As for the re sulting shred size of the ma terials, this depends on the input, but it typically ranges from 6 inches to more than 24 inches. It also has several features to improve perfor mance, such as belt speed regulation, signal lights, and a central lubrication system.

In addition to its existing features, a range of optional accessories can be added to further improve the perfor mance and efficiency of the MRW 2.1010. These include

the cross-belt magnet to remove metals, the breaker bar to ensure materials are cut to the right size, the hydraulic oil heater for coldworking conditions, and the track shoes to prevent the tracks from leaving marks.

The MRW 2.1010 shredder is also designed for easy service. Machine draining points are located on the outside for easy access. There is also enough space

recycling processes, as it is highly efficient and has the power to reduce material size quickly. Its versatility allows it to be used with various materials and applications, making it a great addition to any business.

The Pronar equipment has the added assurance of reliable sales, service, and spare parts support from Lincom Group. This means that customers can

Combining old with the new

Running the gauntlet of the Mary Valley near Gympie is the tidy hamlet of Dagun in which Queensland owner, Wayne Morris, in partnership with his son-in-law, Tom Hooper and partner Jason File, has turned a sawmill into a very successful business.

It’s easy to talk about forestry and milling when you are on top of your subject, but after 34 years since he and wife Kaye purchased Mary Valley Sawmill, they have never looked back. Today they employ over 25 people, plus contractors and cleaners, while supporting the local community.

Set in a hilly countryside, Dagun is home to a mere 150 people, and only twelve minutes from Gympie. The mill is an efficient and lucrative business which began about 100 years ago, by Ormes, Thatcher and Kidd who built the original sawmill.

Founder and partner, Wayne Morris, has nothing but praise for his son-in-law Tom, and for all the workers at Mary Valley Sawmill: “This bloke’s a gem. He runs the business as an entrepreneur and empowers his workers through training, paying them well and

providing good working conditions,” said Wayne. Tom and Sara, Wayne’s eldest daughter, took over the running of the business 15 years ago.

Wayne began his career in Warburton, Victoria, spending many years in the Royal Australian Air Force, later joining the family sawmilling business. A love for Queensland’s warmer climate was enough reason for Wayne, wife Kaye and their three daughters, to venture north to purchase their piece of paradise with friends Ken and Maree Walker.

Most of their logs are harvested through the Queensland government’s quota system which will expire at the end of 2024 - a difficult situation to face for any sawmiller. Private purchases amount to approximately forty percent of the sawmill’s production.

The old Dagun Sawmill used to cut lower grades of timber but they are now focussing on first grade logs. The old mill, near Dagun road, still has quite an extensive log yard attached, and the old breast saw bench still operates with a crew of three to four.

Tom is very proud of his employees for their skill and dedication. Wayne’s

philosophy towards staff has always been to remain loyal, show mutual respect, acknowledging everyone is different.

“We built a new automated high-tech mill two years ago and the original old mill is being refurbished. We decided to keep both mills working because they cut different sorts of timber and the new one is very much for high-throughput. The cutting in the old mill is old school but does a terrific job of cutting good timber and the special jobs, so the sawmill business is a combination of the two mills,” said Wayne.

The new mill has a substantial modern building and the old gear that was brought in has been updated. The high-tech mill has carriages and resaws and the old mill is a typical fourman breast bench, which has been modernised to make it more efficient.

“We’ve established very good contracts with private blocks, building the brand and gaining their trust. We are cutting sustainably and re-cutting these blocks with an eight to ten year turn around on the large holdings. Sixty percent of the timber now comes from state forest and forty percent private. Neither forest-

ry or private blocks are clear felled or wood chipped.

“The quota finishes in December 2024 and if we lose this we may have to downsize. This situation would seem like we are throwing away 30 years of development, infrastructure, after training a fantastic workforce, while being a big part of the local community.”

“We’ve also had plenty of logs and sales through Covid and we haven’t missed

a beat. We’ve been very lucky,” said Wayne.

Wayne Morris is concerned about the opportunities for younger people these days, but he is grateful for having a close family business. While he gets along with most people, he is a stickler for accuracy, and believes in upholding principles of honesty, no doubt a strong motivator over his 76 years of service to family and community.

● The Mary Valley Sawmill’s new automated high-tech mill.

● Wayne Morris preparing timber.

Keith Smiley

Komatsu PC300HW

Forestry Cab Options

• Komatsu

• EMS

• Active

• Ensign

WG Boom Set

Internal Hose Routing

Komatsu Integrated Control System

Komatsu HD Cooler Package Options

HD Slew Guard

Komatsu High/Wide

Optional Guarding Packages

Komatsu Forest working closely with Komatsu Ltd Japan have developed two new Forest Xtreme models the PC270HW & PC300HW. These two models feature unique forest specifications from the Komatsu Osaka factory;

• High & Wide undercarriage / Forestry Boom Set / Forestry Cabin Options supplied from KF are;

• Large HD Cooling / Guarding Packages / Forestry Cabins

Komatsu’s unique ‘Forest Combinations’

Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia

T: +61 2 9647 3600

E: info.au@komatsuforest.com