Australian Forests & Timber News - November 2016

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AUSTimber in review and towards 2020

Greater industry involvement in planning phase to ensure success I

N EARLY September, Sponsors of the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) and AUSTimber2016 Stakeholders enjoyed a Lunch together while hearing the results of a review completed following the success of AUSTimber2016.

Ian Reid, AFCA Chairman said “It was great to provide an opportunity for those who participated in AUSTimber2016 to come back together to reflect on the week and Expo Days and hear some of the outcomes from a post-exhibition review,” said Ian Reid, AFCA Chairman.

“It’s important that we consider what worked well, what could be improved and we build on these findings to make AUSTimber2020 an even bigger and improved show,” he added.

“There were a number of consistent themes throughout their feedback.

It is clear that exhibitors thought the Flynn site was well prepared, with a great layout and circulation and the proximity to Melbourne made it easy for both interstate and international guests to travel to.”

Ian acknowledged that “the positive feedback regarding the Flynn Site is testament to the contribution of HVP, particularly their Gippsland crews, as well as the AUSTimber2016 team who made every effort to ensure the site was of a ‘world class standard’. HVP should be commended for this”.

On the other hand, some of the things that have been identified to have not worked well is the use of two sites; the showground and Flynn site, as well as the location of some of the facilities within the Flynn site.

Feedback also identified that the event could be improved by better cohesion between the events held across the

¢ Brilliant crowd at AUSTimber2016

week. A number of exhibitors also noted the significant investment that was outlaid for a two-day expo and raised the question whether a third day may be viable.

“Overall, the show has been a great success and this is evident from the feedback, significant number of sales which can be attributed to the show, and the findings of the Economic Impact Report. Both the AUSTimber2016 team and AFCA are extremely proud of what was delivered and are looking forward to working with industry and both Latrobe City and Wellington Shire councils to commence the planning for AUSTimber2020.”

AFCA has also taken the opportunity over the past few months to start initial early planning for the 2020 show.

“I am pleased to confirm that AUSTimber will return to Gippsland

in 2020 and we are working with HVP to again hold the event on the Flynn site. Whilst the format of the week is still to be developed we expect that AUSTimber2020 will be held over a week in March/April 2020,” said Ian. A site concept plan was also presented at the lunch as a means for creating discussion and ideas for the 2020 Expo and comments are being sought from exhibitors.

“Based on the feedback received to date, we aim to diversify the exhibitor type and range and expect to have 120 exhibitor sites available all on the one site in comparison with the 80 across the two sites at AUSTimber2016.

There will also be a focus to increase the haulage representation as well providing greater opportunities to showcase our Native and Plantation industries.

“Other opportunities currently being explored and tested with

industry are to improve engagement with children and young people, who appeared to enjoy training simulators at the 2016 Expo. As well as extending the expo to three days, the inclusion of a technology and innovation tent with seminars and workshops held throughout the expo and the possibility of post-event field trips,” he said.

“We are also creating opportunities for greater industry involvement in the planning phase of AUSTimber and expect to establish an industry committee shortly to assist in guiding the delivery of AUSTimber2020.

“We believe this is an important element for AUSTimber going forward. It allows improved industry participation and it will create opportunities to widen the breadth of industry coverage throughout AUSTimber2020.

“We believe this will add value while complimenting the primary focus of the show which will continue to be the demonstration of machinery and new technology,” Ian said.

The Industry Committee is expected to hold its first meeting before the year’s end and further updates on AUSTimber2020 will be communicated as information becomes available.

AUSTimber results in financial windfall for region

Page 4

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In the news

Softwood plantation expansion follows hub proposal

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HE WEST Australia Government is leading Australia in promoting forestry and the expansion of softwood plantations, according to the industry’s peak lobby group. Australian Forest Products Association chief executive officer Ross Hampton said the industry was delighted with Forest Products Commission (FPC) plans to arrest an alarming slide in the size of softwood plantations in WA. The WA Government will invest $21 million in expanding pine plantations in hubs around Dardanup and Neerabup. Dardanup is home to softwood sawmill Wespine, which produces timber for use in housing construction. The Neerabup hub takes in Wesbeam’s $110 million plant producing laminated veneer lumber.

The Softwood Industry Strategy identified six key steps to provide a foundation for the forest industry’s future: new plantings will be closely connected to the value chain; value will be added through industry-wide certification; assets will be better protected from bushfires; downstream integrated value and innovation will be pursued; and the community benefits of forestry operations will be better promoted.

Forestry Minister Mia Davies said the plantation increase underpinned the Government’s new softwood industry strategy.

“Up to 10,000ha of softwood will be planted by the Forest Products Commission to expand our softwood estate over the next five years, the equivalent of two trees for every one harvested, or 2.7 million pine seedlings annually,” she said.

Ms Davies said sufficient scale in the forest estate was essential to safeguard jobs and avoid dependency on imported timber.

“This strategy demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to forestry as an important and sustainable industry in the state’s future,” said Mr Hampton.

“This is a step in the right direction given the growing demand for renewable and recyclable materials. Much of the strategy is in line with the www.timberbiz.com.au

Sufficient scale in the forest estate essential to safeguard jobs and avoid dependency on imported timber.

recommendations in the final plantations provide more to the Emissions Reduction report by the Forest Industry than 80% of the wood fibre Fund auction process; Advisory Council, delivered and timber for our national development of a national to the Federal Government in forest product industries. farm forestry cooperative; May. However, investment in redirecting Commonwealth “We look forward to new plantations in Australia infrastructure, road and continuing our close has effectively come to a communications funding collaboration with the FPC standstill. to support projects in the and the West Australian “We are now in the crazy plantation hubs; and training Government. With supportive situation where we are to address critical skill policies, our renewable importing more and more demand shortages. forest products industry softwood, for example, to The plantation hubs would can continue be defined by to deliver 100 kilometre lower carbon “WA is really leading the country in turning radius circles emissions, d r a w n back to forestry." while also around the 29 ¢ Ross Hampton, CEO AFPA. providing much major wood needed investment and build our houses because plantation growing and regional jobs in forestry, existing sawmills cannot processing centres in AFPA estimated that the wood and paper product get sufficient resources. It is Australia, which service plantation hubs policy would manufacturing,” said Mr a bad situation which gets domestic or export wood and create more than 4,500 new Hampton. worse and worse the longer paper markets. jobs over the next 10 years.

Mr Hampton said blue we wait,” said Mr Hampton Research into the For every 100 hectares of gum and pine plantations in when releasing the proposal economics of the plantation plantation in Australia, it WA had declined from about details. forest industry has has been shown that around 425,000ha in 2010 to about The new policy proposal repeatedly shown that the 1.5 direct jobs are created 380,000ha. would see the Australian optimal areas to develop in management, harvesting, “We have had virtually no Government recognise 29 new wood plantations are haulage and processing trees planted, not just in WA Strategic Plantation Hubs within 100 kilometres of (Bureau of Rural Sciences but nationally” he said. “WA in which plantations and major processing facilities 2005). These new jobs would is really leading the country downstream processing and ports. be created across the industry in turning back to forestry. would be encouraged These important facilities supply chain, in silviculture, It is a massive growth through a range of well- – including pulp and paper harvesting and haulage, industry around the world targeted measures. mills, sawmills, wood panel as well as in sawmilling, and Australia has been slow The plan capitalises on the plants and port facilities - wood processing and paper to recognise that it has the underlying regional basis and provide the most significant manufacturing. This would potential to really fill some of strengths of the plantation domestic and export market be a major boost for regional the gap left by the downturn forest industry, with a opportunities for the economies and communities in mining with jobs and focus on improved access industry. across the nation. good, high-tech jobs.”

Mr Hampton said the industry did not want to revisit the managed investment scheme era that saw vast blue gums plantings.

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November 2016

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In the news I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R

November 2016 Issue 7 Vol. 25 Established 1991 Features In The News

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ForestTECH

12

Forestry Machines

13-19

Haulage

20-24

Fire

25-29

AUSTimber results in financial windfall for Latrobe and greater Gippsland region

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USTIMBER proved to be a financial windfall for the Latrobe City and greater Gippsland region. According to official council figures, the event had a direct spend economic impact of $5,579,610 with an additional indirect spend of $2,789,805 for a total economic benefit of $8,369,415.

“Many forestry exhibitors are hailing AUSTimber2016 the best prepared forest expo site anywhere in the world. Latrobe City was on the world stage and delivered the best possible face for the industry along with Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) delivering sites for exhibitors that gave them the best opportunity to demonstrate their gear which further enhanced the overall visitor experience,” said the council in a special post-event Impact Report.

The week-long program started with senior secondary students touring certified sustainably managed forests and manufacturing facilities, an international forest research conference, industry field trips to steep terrain logging coups, timber mills, a nursery, a high value saw log plantation and Australia’s largest pulp and paper plant, Australian Paper and culminated with the two-day In-forest Expo.

“The opportunity to host the event concurrently in 2020 and 2024 is a high possibility following the success of AUSTimber2016.

Latrobe City and the greater Gippsland region showcased its diversity and opportunities both nationally and internationally and reinforced our solid reputation as a leading regional event destination,” the report said.

Exhibitors have reported sales being made during AUSTimber2016 and healthy prospect resulting from the event. Exhibitor known sales from AUSTimber2016 is $20M from

International and Australia companies that have a presence and contractors based in Latrobe Valley and wider Gippsland region.

With the event bump-in commencing on 1 April, 2016 many contractors called Latrobe City home until bumpout concluded on 22 April, 2016. Some of the larger exhibitors had teams of up to 30 staff including equipment operators and technical people as well as customer service personnel and VIPs from international head offices.

High emphasis was placed on targeting domestic and international visitors with a view to extending their visitation within the greater Gippsland Region.

Latrobe City Council worked collaboratively with AFCA , Gippsland Regional Tourism Network, Destination Gippsland, Latrobe City Business and Tourism Association and local Business and Community Associations to deliver local leveraging opportunities and tourism options for visitors throughout the event.

High emphasis was placed on targeting domestic and international visitors with a view to extending their visitation within the greater Gippsland Region.

Accommodation across Latrobe City was booked out from 13 April through to 16 April and there was a significant overflow into neighbouring Shire/Councils. With the overflow of accommodation into neighbouring Gippsland Local Government Authorities (LGAs), AUSTimber2016 provided tremendous leveraging opportunities for all Gippsland LGAs. Latrobe Valley Bus Lines were

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

engaged and they played a significant role in the success of the event.

At peak times on the Friday and Saturday, there were 17 buses active on the route from Traralgon Show Grounds to and from the in-forest site at HVP Flynn.

AUSTimber2016 provided Latrobe City with extensive profiling and supported the facilitation of Latrobe City being recognized as one of regional Australia’s most successful, attractive and sustainable events destination.

AUSTimber2016 provided the wider Gippsland region with economic benefits rarely experienced in a regional area. We know there were groups of visitors from Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, China, Japan and Singapore as well as individuals from other countries.

Apart from the goods and services involved in providing these people with accommodation and hospitality, the influx of visitation has brought a projected economic benefit in excess of $29M to our regional economy.

“On 16 April, the HVP Flynn Creek In-forest Demonstration site was a sight to behold when many local families were exposed to the tremendous opportunities that the timber industry presents. AFCA and Latrobe City Council were delighted to see the youth on-site, they’re the future of the timber industry and they need to be exposed to the benefits and opportunities. Consequently, we now have a new generation of local students who have career aspirations of becoming operators within the industry.

“Leveraging off the resounding success of AUSTimber2016, Latrobe City Council is looking forward to working in collaboration with AFCA and key stakeholders to deliver a bigger and better AUSTimber2020,” the report said. www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

Taskforce key to future industry success

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HE FOREST Industry Taskforce has an important opportunity to deliver outcomes better than business-as-usual, including for conservation values, workers, regional communities and the industry.

In releasing its Statement of Intent, the Taskforce said it had made significant progress throughout 2016, reaching common ground about challenges facing the Victorian wood and fibre products industries, secure employment in these industries, and about protection of threatened flora and fauna, including the Leadbeater’s Possum.

The Taskforce will continue discussions over coming months to reach recommendations for government that create security and certainty for forest industries, regional jobs, forests and threatened species, and the wider Victorian community.

Independent chair of the Forest Industry Taskforce, Professor Don Henry, acknowledged the complexity of the Taskforce’s work due to the many differing, and legitimate, views about the future of Victoria’s state forests east of the Hume Highway.

Professor Henry also noted that there were short-term issues of serious concern for all parties involved in the Taskforce, and that the group was making its best endeavours to attend to these immediate challenges, with the assistance of government, while also reaching agreement about longterm durable solutions.

“The Taskforce is together working hard to try to resolve this long-running debate. We think the community is tired of it and wants it ended. The job of the Taskforce is complex and difficult, and we are trying to reach an outcome that’s good for jobs, good for Victoria and good for the environment,” says Professor Henry.

Tim Johnston, CEO of the Victorian Association of Forest Industries, says: “Through the Taskforce we have an important opportunity to deliver outcomes better than business as usual, including for conservation values, workers, regional communities and the industry. Our Statement of Intent shows important progress to date.”

Jane Calvert, National President CFMEU FFPD, says: “Change is now constant in our industries: new technology, shifting world markets, climate change impacts.

The Taskforce understands that many Victorians and regional communities rely on and want healthy forests, viable industries and secure jobs.”

Amelia Young, Campaigns Manager with The Wilderness Society, says: “Challenges facing the industry, coupled with the vulnerability of wildlife to extinction, highlights the urgency of reaching durable solutions for Victoria’s forests and forestdependent industries, workers and wildlife. The Statement of Intent shows our commitment to reaching

common ground on a durable, longterm set of recommendations and proposals to government.”

The Statement of Intent identifies agreed opportunities for change relating to parks and reserves, fibre and wood supply security, and jobs and regional employment.

While the scope and scale is yet to be determined, the Taskforce agrees that: • biodiversity values and threatened species need to be appropriately protected across the forest landscape, including by establishing new parks and reserves • a secure future wood supply from a mix of sources best supports investment and jobs in the industry, and that the establishment of new plantations and agroforestry are crucial elements to growing future wood supply • methods for measuring carbon are required for accounting for carbon abatement in native forests and plantations • forest landscapes and forest products industries support direct and indirect employment and businesses which are vital to local and regional communities, that opportunities exist for growth, and where employment changes arise, an orderly and just transition for workers is required • the existing regulation requires transformation and is fundamental to ensuring certainty for industry, conservation outcomes and jobs.

Members of the Forest Industry Taskforce are: Jane Calvert - CFMEU Tim Johnston - Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) Amelia Young - The Wilderness Society Jess Abrahams - Australian Conservation Foundation Vince Hurley - Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Julian Mathers/Peter Williams Australian Paper John McConachy - representing harvest and haulage contractors Alex Millar/Travis Wacey/Anthony Pavey - CFMEU Sarah Rees - MyEnvironment Matt Ruchel - Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA).

As such, the Taskforce is working on a range of processes to inform final recommendations, including: • A Future Industry Plan • A Future Conservation and Parks System Plan • An initial Victorian Environment Assessment Council assessment of forest conservation values • An initial Victorian Environment Assessment Council investigation into the viability of fibre and wood supply • Methods for valuing carbon in plantations and in native forests • A regulatory review and reform process.

Plantation fibre-only wood pellet plant study gets funding THE TASMANIAN Government has allocated $250,000 to help complete a feasibility study into a $115-145 million plantation fibre-only wood pellet plant in Tasmania that would deliver 55 new jobs.

New Forests Asset Management Pty Ltd is progressing the $5 million study and has already completed pre-feasibility work showing encouraging results.

The feasibility study will fully investigate the viability for an advanced wood pellet plan to be established in Northern Tasmania.

Analysis undertaken by New Forests has indicated a significant market for advanced wood pellets in Japan, where there is an active policy framework to support increased renewable energy generation.

Advanced wood pellets are a sustainable and renewable energy option that can be directly substituted for coal in existing large power stations.

“This project would, if it proceeds, open up a new export market for Tasmania, putting our State at the forefront of new renewable energy markets,” said Resources Minister Guy Barnett. www.timberbiz.com.au

The pellet plant would be expected to employ 25 full-time equivalent workers on site, with an estimated 30 jobs in raw material processing and supply.

“The Liberal Government’s funding support for the feasibility study is another example of how we are working constructively with the forest industry to identify and seize new opportunities,” the Minister said.

“Our commitment sends a strong signal to both investors and potential customers that the project is supported by the Tasmanian Government as a long-term, sustainable value-adding enterprise.”

New Forests is a significant player in the Tasmanian forest industry, with its investments in the State including the Timberlink Australia sawmill, the Taswood softwood plantation estate and Forico Pty Ltd. “This commitment by New Forests to exploring new investment opportunities for further value-adding demonstrates why there is growing confidence in Tasmania’s forest industry,” Barnett said.

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

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In the news

New investment models needed for plantation establishment

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XISTING PLANTATION areas are shrinking and new investment has stalled. Rod Keenan (a professor in the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences at the University of Melbourne) examines the economic, environmental and social drivers behind the need for better plantation policy in Australia and the innovative investment models required. Source: Policyforum.net Forest plantations have been part of the Australian landscape since the early 1900s. Australia’s two million hectares of softwood and hardwood plantations provide more than 80% of the country’s wood for forest products industries. Wood demand is continuing to grow with our increasing population and will potentially rise further in a carbon-constrained economy.

Some argue that plantation timber should completely replace native forest harvesting. But plantation investment has stalled and there have been few new plantings in Australia since 2008, raising the question of whether plantations in Australia can meet a growing local and global demand for wood? And if so, how?

In 2002, I chaired a national conference on plantations. At that time, plantation policy was driven by the 2020 Vision to treble the area of plantations from one million to three million hectares. We felt that most technical issues for plantations had been addressed and that the challenges had moved on to other dimensions, including improving biodiversity and environmental outcomes and addressing community needs and concerns.

It’s timely therefore, to take stock of how we have fared.

Plantations expanded rapidly from the 1950s onwards. One million hectares of pine plantations were established, largely on converted public native forests, by state forest agencies with financial support from the Federal Government. In the 1990s in Victoria, and later in Queensland, the public pine estates were sold off to international investment firms and pension funds.

In 2002 we were at the peak of a wave of private investment in hardwood plantations on agricultural land that began in the early 1990s, primarily through companies operating managed investment schemes (MIS). The global financial crisis that began in 2007 saw the demise of these MIS companies, which became highly dependent on cheap debt and the tax advantages of this investment.

International investors acquired

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"We can either increase the plantation area, or increase the growth rate from the existing estate, or both." ¢ Rod Keenan

many of these MIS estates and most of Australia’s plantations are therefore now largely under private ownership by larger international and national investors. With strong local housing markets and high international demand, plantations in the right location and growing conditions are generally making good returns for their owners.

However, investment in new plantations is at a standstill and there has been little new planting since the demise of the MIS companies.

Many of these plantations were established on lower rainfall sites or on poor soils and the productivity does not justify re-planting. Others are too far from mills or processing plants. Tens of thousands of hectares of hardwood plantations are being harvested and converted back to farmland. This has implications for our national carbon budget and for future wood supply.

While we produce most of our sawn timber for housing locally, Australia has a significant trade deficit in terms of the value of wood products. We export a large amount of unprocessed wood as chips and import processed paper and board products. We also export an increasing quantity of raw softwood logs. Most of our pinebased processors are operating older mills and would like to re-invest and expand. There is also the opportunity for more regional investment in pulp and paper plants like the Visy mill in Tumut, New South Wales.

If we want to increase plantation timber production, what are the options? We can either increase the plantation area, or increase the growth rate from the existing estate, or both.

Speaking at a recent industry conference, Dr David Brand, CEO of Australia’s large hardwood plantation company, Newforests, suggested that with the high capital cost of land and the time required to produce a sellable product (at least 10 years for pulpwood and 25 years for a pine sawlog), investment in new plantations is of limited interest to most investors. Increased demand for plantation land would

further push up the capital cost through competition. He argued that focusing on getting maximum production out of the existing estate is the best option.

Others, like Tony Price from woodchip exporters Midway Ltd, suggest that with the right investment arrangements, farmers may be willing to allocate a portion of their land to tree growing. From 10 to 20% of most farms could be planted with trees with little impact on farm output. In fact, trees may actually enhance crop or livestock production, while also providing water quality or biodiversity benefits.

Who might put up the capital and what kinds of investment or partnership models might be attractive to farmers? Financial institutions with longer time horizons, such as superannuation funds or the Future Fund, may be interested but farmers would also need the right incentives through annuities, lease payments or a share of the timber returns to allocated land and participation at sufficient scale.

A payment for the carbon sequestered in forest plantations would increase the investment attractiveness. However, current policies do not allow for Emissions Reduction Fund payments in more productive higher rainfall areas

that are close to existing processing plants. This is a distinct difference to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, which allows carbon credits for all tree growers.

It has been suggested that between 14.6 and 21.3 million hectares will need to be converted to woody tree cover if Australia is to meet ‘deep decarbonisation’ and long-term climate policy objectives.

Models that provide integrated investment in timber production, carbon and biodiversity conservation are being promoted globally through initiatives such as the Global Partnership for Forest Landscape Restoration and the Global Landscapes Forum.

If plantations in Australia are to make a substantial contribution to meeting future demand for wood products both globally and locally, new investment models and approaches to plantation establishment and investment are needed. These could potentially involve partnerships with local farming families through joint ventures, land leases and other arrangements. There is also the opportunity to explore different species, processing approaches, products and markets for plantation hardwoods.

Plantations in Australia have undergone rapid change in ownership, markets and planting rates in the last 15 years. We said in 2002 that plantation policy needs to be dynamic and institutions need to be in regular dialogue with stakeholders to remain effective.

This has not happened. Policy and institutional arrangements need to take account of the changing investment environment to ensure that plantations deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for the entire Australian community.

Plantation plan gaining momentum Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton welcomed the article from Professor Kennan. “The calls for strong plantation policy are gaining momentum. I welcome Professor Kennan’s comments to that body of voices, he has been a well-respected voice in the forestry sector for decades.

“AFPA is working hard to have the Federal Government release the Carbon Farming Initiative Methodology for on-harvest Plantation Forestry for public comment. In addition, AFPA is pushing for the removal of high

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

rainfall area exclusions. A finalised methodology and the inclusion of high rainfall areas would enable plantation forestry to participate in the Emissions Reduction Fund.

“It is clear the AFPA ‘“Plantations: the missing piece of the puzzle’ policy proposal is gaining some traction with the recent announcement by the WA Government of a $21 million investment in plantation forestry.

This funding will not only to put trees in the ground, but will also include funding to develop the farm forestry sector,” said Ross. www.timberbiz.com.au

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In the news

Woodchop champions a chip off the old block

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FAMILY of Woodchopping champions from regional Victoria took home an impressive 23 ribbons at this year’s Royal Melbourne Show.

For almost 70 years now, the Meyers have been competing and making a name for themselves in woodchop events all around Australia and the world.

This year saw Brayden Meyer, fourth generation woodchopper, take home the STIHL Timbersports Champions Trophy in Austria and a number of world titles at shows around Australia.

The family tradition began in 1948 when Les Meyer first competed at the Royal Melbourne Show in the woodchopping event.

Les passed on his skill and passion for woodchopping to his sons, grandsons and great grandsons and this year saw an impressive seven Meyers travelling from Romsey and Broadford to compete at the Show.

Romsey local Brad Meyer, Les Meyer’s grandson and contractor for VicForests, said that woodchopping had become a proud family tradition.

“When I was younger I saw woodchopping as a way that I could really bond with my dad and I grew to love the sport. I think my boys now see it the same way.

¢ (from left to right): Brayden Meyer, Brad Meyer, Blake Meyer, Kyle Meyer, Janet Meyer, Rod Meyer, Luke Meyer.

“My brother Rod and I have been competing in events for 30 to 35years. My sons Blake and Kyle and nephews Brayden and Luke have been competing for around eight to ten years,” Brad said.

But it is not just the men who compete in wood-chopping competitions. It is also a sport that is increasingly attracting more and more women to compete.

“This year my sister-in-law Janet competed in the inaugural

women’s cross-cut sawing at the Melbourne Show,” Brad said.

“There were many women’s events this year and it was great to see so many talented women showing off their skills at such an important event for the sport.

“I think the most noteworthy win for this year’s show was when Kyle won overall handicap axemen of the show,” he said.

In addition to his passion for woodchopping, Brad has also

been working in the timber industry for almost 30 years now and currently contracts for VicForests along with his two sons.

Nathan Trushell, VicForests General Manager Planning, said that VicForests placed a lot of importance on supporting the local communities they work in throughout Victoria.

“Our staff and contractors are members of many local communities throughout Victoria, Mr Trushell said.

“Forestry is a vibrant and essential component to many of these communities and there is a great sense of pride among these timber communities.

“Many timber industry workers, like the Meyers, are the fourth, fifth or sixth generation of forestry industry workers in their family.

“By supporting regional events such as woodchops and regional shows, we are not only supporting the local community but also our own employees.

“We congratulate Brad and his family in their success at this year’s show and wish them all the best with any future woodchops,” he said.

Brad and his sons also supplied and trimmed all 1,400 logs and 40 tree poles used for the woodchop events at the Royal Melbourne Show this year.

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Australian Forests & Timber News

For product and sales enquiries contact GB Forestry P: 03 8353 6655 E: office@gbforestry.com.au or visit us at... www.gbforestry.com.au

November 2016

10/10/2016 10:56:03 AM www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

New General Manager for ForestWorks

D

IANA LLOYD has been appointed General Manager of ForestWorks.

Jane Calvert, ForestWorks Acting Chair, made the announcement this week, saying the Board was delighted to welcome Diana to the new role.

“Diana joined ForestWorks two years ago as the Contracts and Projects Manager and in that time she has demonstrated strong leadership skills.

“Most recently, Diana has been leading the development of the FOLS Skills Verification Program, in response to growing industry need for a platform to manage the skills of employees for improved safety in the workplace. She is also leading the development of a Forestry Better Business Program, currently being trialled in Tasmania,” said Jane.

Diana said ForestWorks would continue to work with stakeholders on new opportunities for industry skills development.

“It is an exciting time for

¢ Diana Lloyd, the new General Manager of ForestWorks

ForestWorks, as we work with industry on new developments,” she said.

“I look forward to driving our

services to support industry skill needs. ForestWorks is a wellknown and respected industry body, that has a strong reputation

and an excellent team,” said Diana.

Diana has a solid background in education and training, and as a practicing Forester in regional Victoria and South Australia. She has been a Director of Forestry SA and Australian Forest Growers.

Her experience in the education sector includes roles at Southern Cross University and TAFE South Australia, in Mount Gambier. As well as being a qualified Forester, Diana has a Master’s degree in Professional Communications and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Former ForestWorks CEO Michael Hartman was earlier this year appointed CEO for Skills Impact. Skills Impact is one of five Skills Services Organisations (SSOs) appointed by the Commonwealth, to cover the skills standards needs for a diverse range of grown and renewable resource industries.

Real horsepower required to overcome difficult forestry work A TEAM of pack mules and horses have become the first in history to take part in a VicForests replanting operation in the Acheron state forest.

In a pioneering move

by VicForests contractors ‘Timberwolf’, this equine team was engaged to help carry the thousands of seedlings required to regrow an area of forest that had been recently harvested for timber.

Nathan Trushell, VicForests’ General Manager, Planning, said that VicForests is committed to actively regrowing every area that it harvests and welcomes

any new and innovative ways that may assist in these operations.

“This replanting operation has been a great success thanks to the help of the pack mules,” Mr Trushell said.

“We generally regrow more than 1000 hectares every year in the North East of Victoria. Some of these areas can be very challenging to access, particularly following a wetter than normal winter,” he said.

Accompanied by their owners, JoAnne and John Kasch, the mules and horses were able to help VicForests and Timberwolf access a hard-to-reach area

¢ JoAnne and John Kasch on horse back

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that had been made almost inaccessible by heavy rainfall and steep terrain.

“The replanting of this area was proving to be quite a challenge, so when Timberwolf suggested the use of pack mules to access the area we were all quite happy to give it a go,” Mr Trushell said.

JoAnne Kasch, co-owner of Kasch and Co Pack Saddling, said that she and her husband John were delighted to be a part of this innovative and creative seedling operation.

“Pack mules have been used by people for thousands of years. With the emergence

of technology and equipment they have not been relied upon as heavily as they once had been,” Mrs Kasch said.

“What people forget is that sometimes heavy machinery and equipment cannot access certain areas as it is large and bulky. This is where pack mules and horses really come into their own.

“They are not only trained and skilled in carrying heavy loads and navigating difficult terrain, but they are also a much more environmentally friendly option,” she said.

The generous services provided by the Kasch’s were in return for a nominal donation towards their

ongoing project with the Bicentennial National Trail in which they are raising money to install various facilities for fellow trekking enthusiasts.

“We have managed to raise $12,000 so far and have been able to install toilets, horse yards and an information sign in the near future,” Mrs Kasch said.

“Pack Saddling is fast becoming a popular way to holiday, work and relax and is incredibly environmentally friendly,” she said.

VicForests 2016 regrowing program has planted over 60,000 trees this year in north east Victoria.

¢ Timberwolf contractor and VicForests Regeneration Forester

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

9

In the news

Ensign range of grapples and log forks a huge success in Australian market

G

B FORESTRY has hit the ground running after launching the Ensign Grapple and Log Fork range at AUSTimber2016 earlier this year.

GB Forestry has had quite a number of Ensign attachment sales already right across the range from the new .36 square metre forwarder grapple up to some of the largest capacity log forks able to handle full truck and trailer and bunk loads of logs in one grab.

Pictured are Matt Gregory and Grant Hoffman (both from Hoffman Forest Harvesting) with an Ensign Fixed Top 1570 Rotating Log Grapple supplied to HFH in Portland for their CAT 320. Matt says he is really impressed with the performance of their Ensign grapple and has been equally pleased with the back-up support offered by GB Forestry. Matt has no hesitation in highly recommending Ensign grapples to anyone looking for a new grab.

Michael Kennedy, GB Forestry Managing Director, says the response to GB’s appointment as Ensign’s sole Australian agent has been extremely positive.

“The Ensign brand is well known as a leader in the manufacture of quality log handling attachments, so being able to offer spare parts locally has been an added attraction to potential customers.

“Another key benefit is that GB offers experienced back-up support through its talented sales and support team, in particular Ferdy Cabai who has been involved in the forestry industry all of his working life.

Not only has Ferdy been operating harvesters, forwarders, skidders and dozers but as a diesel mechanic he has also been responsible for the general maintenance and repairs of forestry equipment. Ferdy spends most of his time on the road and out in the field servicing GB’s harvester customers and promoting the Ensign range. Ferdy is pictured delivering

¢ Matt Gregory and Grant Hoffman with their Ensign Fixed Top 1570 Log Grapple.

Jamie Law of Ribbonwood Harvesting one of GB’s patented 15 tooth nose sprocket harvester bars.

“Boosting the support team for Tasmanian customers is the recent appointment by GB Forestry of Quentin and Samantha Bradley (Q & S Field Services) as the exclusive GB Forestry & Ensign Grapple agents for Tasmania. Quentin has 17 years extensive experience in the forest industry with six of those operating harvesters, the last 11 years has been on the repair, maintenance, design and rebuilding of forestry equipment,” says Michael.

“The benefit to Tasmanian customers will be enormous with generous stock levels of GB Forestry and Ensign parts now stocked at their Burnie base enabling next day delivery anywhere in the state. In the next couple of months a new, larger shed will be built allowing Q & S Field Services to keep some of the popular Ensign Grapple sizes in stock for Tasmanian customers,” he said.

This month marks the five year anniversary of Michael Kennedy

¢ Jamie Law of Ribbonwood Harvesting and GB’s Ferdy Cabai.

10

purchasing GB’s Australian and New Zealand business. Michael’s ongoing commitment to the manufacture of harvester bars here in Australia remains as strong as ever with continual investment in his manufacturing facility based in Derrimut, Victoria.

Michael says he’s delighted to be able to carry on GB’s 55+ year history of manufacturing guide bars in Australia, and in doing so customers can be assured that they are receiving the best quality harvester bars in the world.

Quality and backup support has been the key to rebuilding the GB brand in Australia since taking over in 2011. The quality control procedures put in place at the new GB factory are world’s best standard and the talented team of GB backup support staff go out of their way to ensure customers are well taken care of. After four years of hard work by all GB staff, and realising the harvester bar manufacturing side of the business was established and steady; Michael looked to expand the business in other areas.

Having already dealt with the Ensign manufacturer, Engineering Services Rotorua Ltd as GB’s sole distributor in New Zealand for three years, Michael approached owner David Cox about becoming the Ensign agent for Australia.

After a visit by Michael to the Ensign design and manufacturing facility in Rotorua, New Zealand, it was clear that Ensign and GB Forestry shared the same philosophy of quality products and backup support. An agreement was struck between GB Forestry and Ensign which sees two companies who share a similar vision become the sole agent and distributor for each other’s manufactured products in their respective territories. It’s a reciprocal agreement equally benefiting both companies but more importantly offering significant advantages to the customers of both companies.

For more information about GB Forestry call +61 3 8353 6655 or go to their website at www.gbforestry.com.au/

¢ Q uentin & Samantha Bradley GB Forestry Tasmania.

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

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In the news

Forestry experts oppose expansion of Wellington National Park (WA)

F

ORESTERS ARE concerned by a proposal from the Yabberup Community Association to nearly double the size of the Wellington National Park by including adjacent areas of state forest and the Wellington Discovery Forest.

“Changing tenure from state forest to national park does not automatically produce better land management – in fact the reverse is often true,” said Institute of Foresters WA Division spokesman John Clarke.

“Greater wildfire risk, weed and pest infestation as well as loss of biodiversity have all been observed in land tenure changes interstate.

Keeping the current management regime – including multi-use of the Wellington Discovery Forest is the best option,” he said.

“Increased tourism and visitation cannot be achieved by changing large areas of state forest to national park.

State forest has the option for multiple uses, by definition, and recreational activities are perfectly compatible with this type of forest land. There are many important recreation areas close to Collie and Donnybrook on state

forest including the Glen Mervyn Dam Picnic Site, the Yabberup and Lyalls Mill camp sites, and the Stockton Dam water ski and camping area.

“One of the aims of the Wellington Discovery Forest is to showcase sustainable forest management to the community. Many local school groups visit the WDF to learn about sustainable forest management.

Changing the tenure of the forest will preclude many of the activities that occur, and will reduce the capacity to expand visitor facilities,” Mr Clarke said.

“Expansion of the Wellington National Park will significantly reduce the area available for sustainable timber harvesting.

“Timber harvesting and processing has a long history in the South West and many businesses rely on it to employ local people.

“Any expansion of the Wellington National Park is likely to result in job losses, rather than job creation.

“Under current arrangements, the Forest Products Commission (FPC) funds prescribed burning on

¢ Members of the IFA WA Division and the South West Agroforestry Network touring recently thinned jarrah regrowth at Wellington Discovery Forest.

state forest areas subjected to timber harvesting and undertaken by the Department of Parks and Wildlife in the South West. By reducing state forest areas this funding will also reduce which is likely to result in less prescribed burning. A reduction in prescribed burning will increase the size and intensity of bushfires affecting residents.”

Another impact of the proposed tenure change is the ability of residents to collect firewood. “Public firewood

collection is prohibited in national parks, and the areas of state forest proposed by the Yabberup Community Association for tenure change contains several public firewood collection areas. This change will especially affect residents of Collie, where wood fuelled heating is very common. The reduced availability of firewood may also impact local businesses,” said Mr Clarke.

VicForests boss to take up NZ role

Small scale timber harvesting in the Strathbogies

VicForests CEO Robert Green is leaving VicForests to pursue a career opportunity in New Zealand.

Mr Green will be taking on a position as CEO of Kaingaroa Timberlands in New Zealand, one of the world’s oldest and largest softwood plantations. He will remain with VicForests until the end of November.

Michael Humphris, Chair of VicForests board, said that although it would be sad to see Mr Green leave, he was pleased to see him staying in the forestry industry.

“On behalf of the Board I congratulate Robert on his new appointment and wish him every success.

“Although Robert will be missed, he will not be lost to the industry as he continues to play a lead role in the forestry sector in New Zealand.

“It is encouraging to see our talented people deploying skills and experience gained at VicForests to further develop their careers,” he said.

Nathan Trushell will be stepping in as acting CEO while the board begin the formal recruitment process for the new CEO of VicForests.

“Despite another challenging year, VicForests remains in sound financial shape and we have every confidence that the staff at VicForests will continue to progress the company.

“I believe that VicForests will continue to play the important role it does in providing sustainable, renewable timber products,” Mr Humphris said.

A LOW intensity timber harvesting operation is scheduled to start in the Strathbogies state forest using the single-tree selection harvesting method.

However, wet weather has hampered the start date. (The work had not started as we went to press).

“Single-tree selection harvesting is different from other harvesting methods as it removes a much smaller number of trees from an uneven aged forest,” said VicForests’ General Manager Planning Nathan Trushell.

“This style of harvesting has been chosen as a result of discussions between VicForests and the local community that have taken place over a number of years.

“Trees of different ages are selected for harvesting based on their diameter and condition with smaller and younger trees retained to grow on to the next harvest and older trees left for future species habitat.

“Good quality trees will be removed for sawlog, to produce high quality timber flooring and furniture, and poorer quality mature trees will be removed to allow the younger trees to become future sawlogs.

“The intention of selective harvesting operations is to leave behind an uneven aged forest once harvesting has been completed and remaining trees are either retained as habitat trees or to continue to grow on,” he said.

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Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

Mr Trushell said there had been a history of timber harvesting in the Strathbogies since the late 1800s, however, there has been no harvesting in the area since 2006/07.

“Some members of the community have expressed their concern about harvesting recommencing in the Strathbogies and requested a moratorium on all timber harvesting activities in the forest.

“We are unable to commit to no harvesting at all in the area as this would impact on our ability to meet our contractual obligations.

“But as a result of our discussions with the community and the concerns that have been raised, we have chosen to use the single-tree selection harvesting method,” he said.

“The forest on the site will be reestablished through a combination of retained trees, natural seedfall from these retained trees and proactively sowing native seed where needed.

“If any further work is required to ensure the area has successfully regrown, we will continue to treat the site until it has regenerated,” Mr Trushell said.

The area to be harvested is around 27 hectares which should take about six weeks to complete.

11

FORESTTECH Rotorua 16-17 November and Melbourne 22-23 November

ForestTECH 2016 to showcase latest remote sensing technology

T

HE FORESTTECH technology series continues to be the one main event every year that brings Australasian resource planners, operational staff, researchers and the tech developers together.

Delegates at last year’s event commented that “ForestTECH is the main opportunity for knowledge transfer and networking amongst technical forest personnel in Australia and New Zealand. It provides an excellent opportunity for interaction with other practitioners from both countries”.

More than 250 delegates attended the ForestTECH series in November 2015.

Advances in new data collection technologies including satellite imagery, UAV platforms, airborne and terrestrial LiDAR, harvester heads and automated in-field sensors were increasingly being introduced to forestry operations.

Leading communications and resource specialists bought in for the 2015 tech series demonstrated just how

local foresters could best process, analyse and report on the increasing volumes of “big data” that was being collected out in the field.

Advanced and faster processing systems are required to handle “big data” collected from a variety of platforms. The information is now being made available, often in real time, to multiple users. Rapid advancements in smartphones and tablets, the development of user friendly forestry apps along with improved connectivity in more remote locations has changed how forestry companies are collecting, processing and managing this data.

In just 12 months, this pace of change has continued.

In fact, it’s a key focus for most forestry companies right now. Remote sensing along with field data capture and processing is showing significant benefits for operational management as well as tactical and strategic planning. New tools and technologies over the last year have been developed, in-forest trials by leading

technology providers in conjunction with local forestry companies have been completed and are being built into day-today forest planning and operations.

Numerous research projects outlined in 2015 have also been completed and the results are now ready to be presented.

“ForestTECH 2016 is going to provide local forestry companies with a timely, a unique and an independent overview of new data collection tools (including data collected and being processed from UAV’s) along with assessments of systems for better measuring, managing and analysing this information,” says Brent Apthorp, FIEA Director. “In addition, case studies from leading forestry operations (including FCNSW, OneFortyOne Plantations, VicForests, Timberlands Pacific and Interpine) on how they’re integrating this information into their own inventory systems, day to day operations and planning and the very latest results

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from Australasian remote sensing research and trials are going to be showcased in November”.

“This year, in addition to the conference programme, short workshops have been set up in both locations (one hands-on and the other a more practical demonstration) that will guide local foresters on how they can download and process free data collected from Landsat and Sentinel 2 multispectral imagery”, says Brent Apthorp. At the time of writing, the Rotorua three hour practical demo had already been booked out and a shorter one-hour workshop has since been added for ForestTECH 2016 delegates.

ForestTECH is Australasia’s premier technology series for

November 2016

Australasia’s forest resource managers, planners and inventory foresters. It’s run by the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA). Since 2007, it’s the one event every year that continues to draw in foresters into one central location in both countries.

Forestry companies, researchers and technology providers have been collectively working on the 2016 series over the last couple of months. Programs for both the Rotorua event on 16-17 November and the Melbourne event on 22-23 November have been released.

Further information on the remote sensing technology series can be found on the event website, www.foresttech. events. www.timberbiz.com.au

FORESTRY MACHINES

How to achieve productivity in comfort

T

IGERCAT OFFERS a full lineup of four-wheel and six-wheel skidders that are used for a wide variety of timber extraction jobs around the world.

“They lead the industry in durability, reliability, productivity, operator comfort and ergonomics,” says David Hazel, Managing Director of Onetrak, the Australian distributor and Tigercat specialist.

“All Tigercat skidders are designed and built for extreme forestry conditions with strong frames, robust and well-protected hydraulic cylinders and a sturdy centre section constructed with large pins with tapered roller bearings. Tigercat skidders are all powered by the fuel efficient and reliable Tigercat FPT N67 Tier 2 engine. Best of all, Tigercat FPT engines are fully supported by Onetrak including spare parts, product support and warranty,” he says.

David says Tigercat’s unique hydrostatic drive system increases efficiency and performance while reducing operator fatigue; the skidders operate at variable engine rpm, automatically increasing engine speed when additional horsepower is demanded. Because full torque is available at any engine speed, breakout performance is significantly better than competing skidders. The result is reduced site disturbance, longer tire life and improved performance in soft or steep terrain.

Tigercat’s exclusive EHS® (efficient high speed drive) consists of two variable displacement hydrostatic motors as inputs to the Tigercat transfer case which drives the front

and rear axles. When operating conditions demand high tractive effort, both motors are working.

When tractive effort requirements are reduced -- for instance, when traveling empty or loaded on flat terrain -- all of the pump flow is directed to one motor for higher travel speeds. EHS provides fast travel speeds, extremely high tractive effort and excellent fuel efficiency. EHS is standard on the 610E and 615E Skidders.

“Tigercat now designs and builds its own forestry-grade axles. This gives Tigercat the maximum amount of design control and allows for better commonality of spare parts across different machine models.

Tigercat axles are built from the ground up for tough off road duty and come in a wide variety of configurations supporting single and

dual tire installations to maximize performance in tough terrain,” says David.

The rotating Turnaround® seat provides full rear-facing drive capability and control of all machine functions. An armrest-mounted joystick controls the steering function for improved ergonomics. The operator can drive comfortably with the full speed range available either blade-forward or grapple-forward while well anchored and aligned in the seat.

Six wheel skidders - 615E, 635E David says Tigercat is the only manufacturer producing a six-wheel drive skidder that stands up to the most demanding applications.

“Tigercat’s six-wheel skidders combine the Tigercat driveline with Tigercat designed and built bogies for high traction and low ground pressure. This is a big advantage in soft terrain, sensitive sites and swamp logging applications. They easily handle steep slopes, long distance skidding and oversized logs,” he says.

The 635E six wheel skidder is built for extreme duty and super high production logging operations.

Ideal applications include very soft or steep terrain, long distance skidding, oversized logs and continuous duty cycle around-the-clock applications.

The 615E is a faster, lighter weight model suited to applications where soil compaction is an overriding concern. When lower volumes or tight spaces limit the productivity of the larger 635E, the 615E skidder is the right choice.

The difference is in the drive Hydrostatic drive offers many advantages. Performance in tough terrain is excellent because full tractive effort is available at any engine speed, minimizing wheel spin and improving breakout performance.

The operator www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

appreciates simplified drive control with no gear shifting.

Electronic control technology combined with Tigercat’s unique hydrostatic drive system allows the skidder to operate at variable engine rpm, automatically increasing engine speed when additional horsepower is demanded. The result is improved fuel economy.

Key benefits • Tigercat FPT Tier 2 engine option – reliable, efficient and fully supported by Tigercat • Turnaround® equipped – the unique two-position rotating seat with full rear facing machine control • Optional EHS™ drive system – extremely fuel efficient and capable of higher speeds in forward and reverse • Electronic controlled hydrostatic drive – depress the pedal and go • Smooth, precise, responsive command of machine functions with advanced, robust electronic control system • Maximum tractive effort is always available, regardless of engine speed; high breakout performance with minimal wheel spin • Automatic variable engine speed contributes to excellent fuel economy • Super-durable, long-life centre section is constructed with thick steel plate, large diameter pins and tapered roller bearings • Advanced ergonomics – grapple, arch and steer functions are all controlled with armrest mounted joysticks • High performance, excellent traction and minimal wheel spin in adverse terrain • High capacity Tigercat dual cylinder grapple options with wide tip-to-tip opening to easily gather scattered bunches • Excellent visibility in every direction and clear sightline to all tires 13

FORESTRY MACHINES

Caterpillar introduces 538 forest machine

C

ATER PILLAR FOREST Products is introducing the new Cat® 538 forest machine, the first model in the 500 series to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. The Cat 538 provides outstanding fuel efficiency and optimized work tools while delivering increased horsepower and swing torque.

The machine, powered by a Cat C7.1 Tier 4 engine, is expected to be available in Australia in early 2017.

“The Cat 538 features a new machine design, new engine, and optimized components and work tools that provide exceptional fuel savings and excellent productivity,” said Jared Dunn, Caterpillar Forest Machine Product Application Specialist.

“Engine and hydraulic control logic boost overall machine performance.”

Cat Forest Machines are versatile, purpose-built track machines that can be customized to perform a complete range of tasks for forestry operations. First introduced in the 1990s, this family of machines has become the industry standard in many logging applications.

(The Cat 568, the first model in the 500 Series, has been available in Australia and New Zealand and has proven itself in the marketplace. Equipped with the 319 hp (238 kW) Cat C9.3 Tier 4 Interim engine, it is the most powerful model in the series.)

The Cat 538 is available

in a general forestry version for road building, stroke delimber applications, grapple applications, site preparation and processing.

It is also available in a log loader configuration for log loading, shovel logging, and millyard activities.

The new machine is engineered for durability and reliability with proven Cat components, purpose-built upper and lower frames, and increased cooling capability to maximize machine uptime. The Cat 538 features a wider track gauge and heavy-duty counterweight to maximize stability and operator experience in diverse logging conditions.

Application versatility is enhanced with purpose-built boom and stick arrangements and new grouser options.

The Cat 538 is powered by the 164 hp (122kW) Cat C7.1 ACERT™ Tier 4 Final engine. “The larger engine generates increased horsepower,” said Dunn, “providing the power for strong multi-functioning and improved implement performance – and more production.”

It features uniform speed control, which maintains a constant engine speed regardless of load. Uniform speed control aids in delivering unprecedented fuel efficiency on the Cat 538 machine platform. “We have seen significant gains in fuel economy over the previous model,” said Dunn.

Other features contribute

¢ The new Cat 538 machine in the general forestry configuration; it is equipped with a SATCO SAT318T head and is processing timber at a landing.

14

¢ Kevin Thieneman, president of Caterpillar Forest Products.

to fuel economy, too. For example, with automatic engine speed control the machines will revert automatically to a lower idle speed when there is a lull in operation. Also, the operator can choose from three power modes, depending on the work tasks or application.

The hydraulic system delivers a higher level of efficiency and power.

“Pumps are upsized to maximize hydraulic flow,” explained Dunn, “so while the engine can run at a lower rpm, burning less fuel, the Cat 538 has the needed power to perform more work.”

The main pumps, control valves, and hydraulic oil tank are located close together to allow for shorter tubes and lines between components, reducing friction and pressure drops. Updates to the hydraulic system translate to an impressive boost in performance: maximum flow, greater swing torque, and added lift capacity. The increases mean improved implement performance, lifting bigger payloads with better control -- and more production.

In addition, an electronic boom regeneration valve minimizes pump flow when the boom lowers by regenerating oil from one end of the boom cylinder to the other, saving energy and improving fuel efficiency.

The engine features an improved side-byside cooling system with increased cooling capacity.

The radiator package has been updated, and fin spacing has increased 25 percent to improve airflow and cooling capability.

A standard auto-reversing fan with optimized fan blade pitch increases service intervals

Australian Forests & Timber News

¢ The new Cat 538 forest machine in the log loader configuration and performing shovel logging.

¢ Cat 538 forest machine, log loader configuration, performing shovel logging work in the forest.

and maintains proper engine operating temperature.

The purpose-built forestry machine hydraulics and new boom and stick configurations are capable of operating a wide range of work tools. New grouser options, including single grousers and 900 mm (36inch) tri-track, increase machine applicability on the job site, and ground saw hydraulics are available from the factory.

The cab is designed and purpose-built for tough forestry conditions yet has features for the ease and convenience of the operator to keep him working productively all day. A heated and cooled seat is standard for maximum comfort, and LED lights also are standard. The spacious, quiet, comfortable cab is pressurized and features a bi-level air conditioner, heater, and defroster to keep the operator comfortable in any weather. Other features include satellite radio, auxiliary audio port for MP3 players, and 12-volt power supply sockets for charging.

The Cat 538, optimized and integrated for SATCO and Cat work tools, was designed with the customer and service technician in mind

November 2016

and to be easy to maintain.

Many service locations are readily accessible at ground level; critical maintenance can be completed quickly and efficiently.

Product Link™, Caterpillar’s machine monitoring system, is standard. The user friendly technology enables remote monitoring of equipment.

Caterpillar customers are supported by the industry’s largest network of dealers who will keep them running with parts availability, field services, state-of-the art diagnostic programs, remote monitoring, and more.

For more information, contact your nearest Cat dealer or go to www.cat.com/ forestry.

“We are delighted to bring the new 500 series models of the Cat Forest Machine to the marketplace,” said Kevin Thieneman, president of Caterpillar Forest Products.

“Loggers need machines that will make them money,” he continued, “and we are committed to supplying them with equipment that helps them profit from their work.

We do this by designing and building forestry equipment that lowers their ownership and operating costs and increases their production.” www.timberbiz.com.au

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FORESTRY MACHINES

Komatsu Forest dominates the Australian Forwarder market for over 20 years

K

OMATSU, FORMERLY Valmet, was late to enter the Australian Forwarder market but was quick to become the market leader since the early 90s. This was first achieved with the 892 followed by the introduction of the black 890 in the 90’s and 890.1 in early 2000. This was quickly followed by the 890.2 and the 890.3. The 890.1 was the first Nordic Forwarder trialled and tested in Australia before its global release.

New Komatsu 895 much larger than previous model Komatsu 890.3 There have been well over 500 Valmet / Komatsu Forwarders delivered into the Australian market with more than 220 of the

890 Dot Series since its release in 2000. This included the 890.1, 890.2, and the 890.3 which gained a reputation as one of the best ever 18 tonne Forwarders to be released.

The benefits of a high population are increased parts availability and a strong demand in the used market especially low hour 890.3’s which command a high resale value compared to low population Forwarders. Unfortunately, Australian forestry machine sales slowed during the GFC period which coincided with the development of the Komatsu 895 in Sweden which was release in late 2012.

The ongoing market demand for a larger

Forwarder saw the Komatsu 895 grow to 20 tonne capacity and it wasn’t achieved by just expending the log bunks and increasing horsepower. This capacity increase required a total rethink on the powertrain especially the diffs, bogies and wheel size to handle the increase in power and weight transfer to the ground. In fact, Komatsu Forest working with Nokia Tyres had to develop a total new tyre size 780/50 x 28.5 to meet these demands as the 750/50 x 25.5 created excessive tyre/rim slippage and wear the increased capacity. This new larger tyre size is available in both “TRS” and “F” style tread patterns with the latter suitable for tracks

¢ The 895 has also proven to be very versatile handling any thinnings job

¢ New Komatsu 895 much larger than previous model Komatsu 890.3

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Australian Forests & Timber News

¢ Tumut area requires the extra wide Bridgestone 54 x 3700 Floatation Tyres

November 2016

www.timberbiz.com.au

FORESTRY MACHINES

¢ Big clear-fell job made easy with the Komatsu 895

¢ The second 895 (Leeson’s) delivered in Australia working well in steep wet country

Added to the above there has been the continued development of MaxiXplorer, now a leader in control systems, and the introduction of MaxiFleet, a web-based management system for forest machines. Other new developments are the innovative Comfort Cab which has taken Komatsu to market leadership in Sweden and further improvement in the Load Flex extending bunk system both of which are just about standard on all Nordic machines.

There was a pent up demand for Forwarders created by the GFC resulting in the 895 improving Komatsu Forest’s Forwarder success with 80 units delivered into the Australian market place within three years of it being released with many of the contractors now operating multiple units.

It’s very interesting to note the comments on 890’s and 895’s from the following contractors.

available. They had only been released in the previous 12 months and we thought we would give them a go as the 890s had been such a good machine.

“The new 895s arrived and you could notice the size difference between the two. The ground clearance and bunk size was the noticeable difference but once we started operating there were many other advantages like cabin size, lift capacity and slew torque.

“We have had both machines working in steep clear fall pine operations running full wheel tracks around the machine. The machine travels slower over the ground but with its carry capacity can produce more wood to roadside than the 890.

The fuel economy of the 890s has always been good but the 895s is even better even in the steep and wheel tracks.”

Paul Rosin (Rosin Developments)

Anthony Brown, Mechanised Logging

Matt Mangan, Mangan Logging

“We’ve got two 890s and two 895s and while the earlier (890) machines were superb I feel that the 895 is far superior technically.

“It’s a bigger machine, more capacity, the manoeuvrability aspect is tremendous.

“We’re using the 895s in T2 operations ... they’re agile... and also in T1 ... they’re covering the whole spectrum.

“We were very happy with the 890s and then they stopped production of it. We were more than happy with it.

“However, with the 895 came a lot of changes, technically, engine capacity, crane, and far superior cab visibility. Very well balanced. It’s been reliable -- but there have been a few upgrades with programs.

“The product support is second to none and that’s what helps make the product so good.”

Rosin Developments is doing about 530,000 tonnes of harvest and haulage.

The Tasmanian-based operation has four of the Komatsu 895s, in fact, it has 15 Komatsu machines as part of its overall machinery list.

When asked to list some of the major differences between the 890 and the 895, Anthony said... “load carrying -- that’s the big difference, plus the torque and the crane power --- they’re the big ones”.

And he added there was noticeably more power.

Anthony has also been impressed with the visibility in the new machines, and he believes the computer systems are better -- “better viewing on the screens, plus the front and rear cameras -- they’re great”.

Anthony said he had been looking for something to carry a bigger load and that was the reason he opted for Komatsu’s 895.

Mechanised Logging has been providing a specialised timber harvesting service to the softwood and hardwood plantation timber industry since 1994. The success of the services offered throughout the Northern regions of Tasmania and now near Mount Gambier (T2 operation) has been built on developing a systematic approach to harvesting operations that maximises time and production efficiencies.

With more than two decades of operation behind them, Mechanised Logging still uses an equipment selection criteria based on high productivity, low operating costs, innovative technology and an excellent operator environment.

“The last one we got was number five (895s). We had the 890s before them.

“The 895s have a bigger payload and they have more stability. They’re probably the two biggest things between the two, plus operator visibility is a lot better.

“Definitely, operator visibility and comfort is a lot better. Operators are a lot happier hopping out at the end of the day.

“Fuel consumption is a lot better, too. That pretty much sums it up, really,” says Matt.

It was an easy decision to move to the 895s after the success of the 890s. “We probably had 20 of those 890s over the years from the .1 through to the .3 and we always found them to be good, reliable workhorses.

“Our latest 895 was delivered about three months ago .... it’s shaping up as it should. So far so good!”

Ricky Leeson (Leeson Logging) “In 2012 we bought one of the last 890 Forwarders to come off production. We had four before this and found them to be a very reliable machine with good driver comfort. We are still using the one we bought in 2012 and it has been a very good machine.

“In 2013 we bought 895s as the 890 weren’t www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

Komatsu 895 Specifications Load Capacity: 20,000 kg Machine Weight: 23,800 kg Engine Power: 193kW @ 1700rpm Torque: 1100 Nm at 1200-1700rpm Tractive Effort: 26,000 kp Tyres Size (8WD): 780/50x28.5 Load Gate: Telescopic Load Area: 6.1m2 Crane: Komatsu 165F Reach: 8.5 m Lift Torque: 165.2 kNm Slew Torque: 43.4 kNm Control System: MaxiXplorer

It’s obvious from the contractor’s comments that the new Komatsu 895 has been well accepted and a proven winner in performance especially in production and fuel savings.

Komatsu Forest is committed to continual improvements in the current Forwarder range especially with MaxiXplorer control system and MaxiFleet fleet management system. In addition they will be followed by model updates over the coming years keeping Komatsu at the forefront of the Forwarder market especially in Australia.

November 2016

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FORESTRY MACHINES

Reputation for quality and reliability keep business at forefront

B

LUEWOOD INDUSTRIES (formerly Albany Timber Services) has come a long way in relatively short time, and that can be attributed to a strong work ethic, solid support for its workers and an equally strong support of its suppliers.

Clint and Sharon Rayner initially started out in the earthmoving business and learned very early on that flexibility and resistance to adversity would be the keys to success.

“Albany Timber Services was registered in late 2004 and started harvesting operations in January 2005, initially contracting to Great Southern Plantations within the Albany region for an annual production of 80 000 tonnes of Eucalyptus Globulus, more commonly known as Blue Gum,” says Clint.

ATS provided a full stem skid-toroadside harvesting methodology for Great Southern Plantations. Over the next three years of operation, the company secured tonnage increases resulting in the start-up of a second crew in 2008 for combined annual production of 240,000 tonnes.

Albany Timber Services exclusively contracted to Great Southern Plantations until January 2010 when that company went into receivership.

A solid reputation for quality and reliability allowed Clint and Sharon to negotiate some short-term commitments with other companies.

“Between March 2010 and January 2011 we completed various short-term log production projects for Australian Plantation Export Company. This varied between 220 and 550 tonnes per day. We also assisted them to gather data whilst undertaking harvesting of unmanaged second rotation coppice plantations,” say Clint.

In mid-2010, Gunn’s Ltd became the new responsible entity for Great Southern Plantation MIS schemes. The problem was that Gunn’s was looking for in-field chipping and Albany Timber Services was set up to supply debarked six metre logs.

“We started a small logging operation for Gunn’s in October 2010,” says Clint. “However, shortly after we converted our logging systems into two in-field chipping systems commencing in February 2011 with a minimum production of 220,000 tonnes per annum.”

One system utilized roadside processors to stockpile and feed a stand-alone chipper. The other system used a flail and chipper supported by a Feller Buncher and Skidders. Although Clint and Sharon experienced a second setback when

18

¢ Operators like ease of operation

Gunn’s entered into voluntary administration during September 2012, the company had commenced skid-to-roadside log harvesting services with Australian Bluegum Plantations in January 2011 and has continued to provide numerous methodologies in both logging and chipping formats.

“We worked closely with Australian Bluegum Plantations to improve operational efficiencies and quality,” explains Clint. “One recent development was chemical spray bar technology during harvesting to eradicate the need for stump spraying after the event. Not only does this allow a more timely process but to date this has shown a significant increase in the effectiveness of the kill rate of the stumps.”

“The feller buncher (shear type) chemical stump treatment system was developed specifically for time and cost savings for our customers in their post-harvest re-establishment programs” ... that’s what you call innovation and client service!

It was during this time that Clint and Sharon purchased their first Tigercat 630D Skidder in August 2012. They were looking for additional reliability, production and flexibility along with reduced logging costs. Once Clint saw the impressive results that the Tigercat

Skidder had delivered to his operations he purchased his first Tigercat Feller Buncher, an 855C fitted with the 2000 series bunching shear and a 340 degree wrist.

After looking at his options and visiting the Tigercat factory, Clint decided to pull the trigger on the new 5300 bunching saw fitted to an 860C Feller Buncher (Tigercat’s 250th machine sold in Australia).

This purchase allowed him to fully compare the two machines... “both machines are extremely good at what they do and both have their strong points”. The disc saw has a distinct advantage in the coppiced blue gum plantations. The 860C was quickly followed by second 630D Skidder and Clint continues to be impressed with the machines and the service back-up from Onetrak, Tigercat’s Australian dealer.

The business name change came about as the company moved to infield chipping services outside the Albany region. Bluewood started a completely new chipping operation in June 2014, contracting to Western Australian Plantation Resources (WAPRES) and operating around the Bunbury region of Western Australia.

With this expansion, Bluewood purchased an existing chipping operation from WARPRES. In the

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

process, Clint and Sharon acquired two eight-year old Tigercat machines, a 14,000 hour 630C Skidder and a 724D drive-to-tree buncher with the rather unique ability to run either a 2000 series bunching shear for single stem plantations or a 5600 bunching saw for use in coppiced plantations.

Clint reflects that chip specifications have been continually evolving over time, due to changing mill technology and differing customer requirements. “It is important not to dwell on the change but the fact that it is another string in our bow. We are able to provide alternate specifications thereby increasing the potential range in our market. Contractors and harvesting companies must be innovative and proactive in developing processes which improve their overall position in the market.

“Bluewood Industries prides itself in providing outstanding service to its customers by creating stable working relationships [main clients are ABP, PF Olsen and WAPRES).

“Quality, productivity, environmental consideration and providing a safe and neutral working environment to employees are just a few of the commitments we make,” says Clint.

From a business that initially started with six workers, this major player in the West now has 60 workers plus a livery of machines that would be the envy of most ...

47 x Forestry machines comprising of : wood chippers & Flail debarkers , feller bunchers , Skidders, Log loaders, Single grip harvesters , Forwarders, Bush prime movers & wheel loader & slash grab.

8 X Prime movers & Woodchip road trains : 2 X low-loaders and various maintenance support / service and light vehicles One of the latest acquisitions is a Tigercat 630E Skidder. “We’ve built a strong working relationship with Onetrak and Tigercat over the last few years and Bluewood was more than happy to continue that relationship,” says Clint.

“I also had the confidence that the E series Tigercat would be as good if not slightly improved over the D series and to date the D series skidders have a very reliable and productive machine for us.

“Operators like the ease of operation and comfort levels compared to comparable competitor machines, plus the machines have got robust build quality and expected uptime availability. And what about the difference in the all-important bottom line? “ Advantages are mainly productivity and machine availability,” says Clint. www.timberbiz.com.au

INTRODUCING THE NEW & IMPROVED

SP 591 LX G3

The G3 is the third generation of the popular SP 591 LX purpose built debarking head.

With an increased protection of hoses and cylinders as well as an improved hose routing the G3 offers an improved uptime and reliability. The G3 also offer a separate length measuring unit for operations requiring very accurate length measuring results. The length measuring unit can be combined with the standard measuring in the feed roller, offering the possibility to instantly switch measuring type by the press of a button. tree forms from the G2 version not have been changed on the G3, we promise!

Head Office Victoria Randalls Equipment Company 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook, Melbourne VIC Contact: Peter Randalls Ph: 03 9369 8988

Randalls Equipment Company Pty Ltd

Email. randalls@randalls.com.au www.randalls.com.au

Western Australia Randalls Equipment Company 9B Charles Street, Albany WA

Contact: Kegan Powell Ph: 0437 059 477

HAULAGE

Log truck driver awareness to improve safety on Imlay Road

A

LOG truck driver awareness campaign is aiming to drive down the incidence of truck rollovers on Imlay Road and improve safety on local roads used by log trucks.

Forestry Corporation of NSW, who manage Imlay Road, developed the driver awareness campaign in conjunction with Australian Trucking Safety Services and Solutions with the support of the South East Truck Safety Committee, a local committee comprising Forestry Corporation, Pentarch Forestry Services, VicForests, Roads and Maritime Services, NSW

Police, local councils and VicRoads.

Forestry Corporation’s Bombala-based Sales and Haulage Coordinator Tim Gillespie-Jones said the campaign was developed in response to a recent spike in heavy vehicle accidents involving loaded log trucks, including two rollovers on the 57-kilometre Imlay Road alone over the past seven months.

“Imlay Road is a key route for transporting log products from Forestry Corporation’s softwood plantations and native forests to local timber processors, so it sees around 7,000 truck movements a

year. We want to see each and every one of these trips completed safely,” Mr Gillespie-Jones said.

“With more than 500 locals employed directly in the industry, a serious accident on Imlay Road could have lasting consequences for local families and would likely be felt by the whole community.

“While we’ve been lucky that no one’s been seriously hurt, everyone in the supply chain is concerned about the recent spike in truck rollovers and wants to be involved in the solution “We needed a new approach to driver safety, so we have been working directly with drivers to tackle the issue. Earlier in the year we ran training seminars to educate drivers about preventing rollovers and we have now installed a series of banners along Imlay Road that have been designed by drivers to remind them of this training each and every time they use the road.”

Alan Pincott, from Australian Trucking Safety Services and Solutions, who was instrumental in developing and

implementing VicRoads’ successful Heavy Vehicle Roll Over Prevention Program, said increasing driver awareness would go a long way to reducing the likelihood of another accident.

“It’s great to see these guys all working together to look after each other.

These are highly skilled professionals and driving a loaded 25 metre B-Double down the Imlay requires an incredible amount of skill and concentration. A lapse in concentration will bring you unstuck very quickly,” Mr Pincott said.

Mr Gillespie-Jones said new banners would go up every few months to reinforce the safety message.

“Imlay Road is used by the whole community, so we are inviting local schools to come up with safety slogans for new banners. Forestry Corporation and Allied Natural Wood Exports will provide a prize for the best slogan. Contact our Bombala office on 6459 5200 for details,” Mr Gillespie-Jones said.

Banners along Imlay Road designed by, and featuring photos of, local drivers.

Life-saving solution for trucking troubles THE AUSTRALIAN Government must mandate the use of ESC (Electronic Stability Control) in new models of trucks and trailers as it is the key to reducing crashes and improving safety in the trucking industry.

That was the message from Chris Loose, the Australian Trucking Association’s Senior Adviser of Engineering, to the FIEA Wood Flow Optimisation 2016 Conference on Timber Logistics/ Harvesting in Melbourne.

ESC is a superior vehicle safety system that detects the stability and sideways acceleration of a heavy vehicle and automatically activates to slow the vehicle down if it senses risk of a rollover.

Monash University Accident Research Centre data shows that mandated use of ESC in heavy vehicles could reduce fatal heavy vehicle crashes by four per cent, and serious injury crashes involving heavy vehicles by seven per cent.

“ESC is the foundation technology 20

required before we can progress to Automated Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) – so this is a fundamental step Australia must take. AEBS uses additional sensors to monitor the proximity of other vehicles, and automatically apply emergency braking if a collision is imminent,” Mr Loose told the Wood Flow conference.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre estimates AEBS could prevent up to 25 per cent of fatal heavy vehicle crashes, and up to 17 per cent of serious injury crashes. The net result in real terms is that AEBS would save the lives of 67 Australian road users annually if fitted across the whole fleet.

ESC systems include both roll control and yaw control systems, and can correct potential oversteer, understeer and roll-over situations.

Roll control systems sense the lateral (sideways) acceleration of a vehicle, and reduce the risk of rollover through reducing engine torque and briefly applying selected

brakes. Yaw control allows the driver to point the vehicle in the desired direction, with the brakes operating to assist the driver.

“ESC is an extremely capable stability control system, but can only be fitted to powered units such as prime movers. Instead of relying on driver response, technology enables the system to be predictive instead of reactive; activating preventive action to an impending incident. Often, the driver may not be aware that the system has activated,” Mr Loose explained.

Roll Stability Control (RSC) can be fitted to trailers and also provides significant safety benefits. RSC provides roll control in a similar manner to ESC, but does not include yaw control. While stability control systems will not prevent all rollover crashes, both ESC and RSC allow a driver to maintain control of their vehicle with the aim of avoiding or reducing the impact and likelihood of a rollover.

In 2014, VicForests required

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

operators of B-doubles in specific logging coops to have their trailers fitted with rollover stability systems within 12 months and update their vehicles to include electronic braking systems within five years.

In the years 2006 to 2009 (averaged), there were 40 rollovers reported per year. Following stability system technology fitted to B-doubles, the rollover incidences were reported as nil. The success of the safety system has turned former opponents into advocates and driven widespread adoption of the technology across the industry “Research-backed data and proofof-evidence case studies have demonstrated ESC will save lives, and is a real, practical measure to enhance safety of the trucking industry and all Australians. While the industry’s safety record has increased substantially, even one accident is too many and mandating ESC is a vital factor if we are to save even more lives in the future,” said Mr Loose. www.timberbiz.com.au

HAULAGE

Making hard work just a little bit easier Operator and manufacturer have like-minded work ethic

T

HE HINTON family are no strangers to hard work. In fact, a day in the bush working was considered to be a family day out!

Jamie Hinton (now part of the family-owned and operated Thirlmere Quality Timbers) takes up the story ... “My Mum (Debbie) and Dad (Greg) moved to Thirlmere in 1980. Dad was a Livestock Carrier and on the days he had free from that he cut fencing timber, stockyard timber, shed poles and firewood and basically whatever farmers were needing.

“Back in the early days he had a ridged tabletop Bedford around 1964 model and a David Brown 990 tractor. [Greg passed away in 2005 and the business is now operated by Debbie and sons Jamie and Aaron] “We now have a Hino FD flat top, Western Star Prime Mover 4800, Volvo 20t excavator, Komatsu front end loader, portable sawmill and a firewood processor -- and we’ve just taken delivery of a new Barker log skel.”

Incidentally, it’s like a double take when you look at the Hinton family work ethic and also the work ethic of Barker Trailers which maintains a no-nonsense approach to orders and production combined with good old-fashioned hardwork. This philosophy backs its long-term aim of making all its customers Barker customers for life.

“I’ve seen Barker Trailers travelling the highway and they are light enough to be competitive and built strong enough to handle

the off road conditions of forests we travel in,” says Jamie.

He opted for the 40ft skel because of its ease to manoeuvre on the haul roads ... “there’s not much room on some of them,” he says. And with Elphinstone bolsters and a multi-weigh system, Jamie says that buying a trailer from Barkers allowed them to bring together all the best components, right down to what tyres were fitted.. “It’s only early days but so far so good,” he says.

Established in Woodend in 1974, Barker Trailers now manufactures from two Victorian plants -Woodend and Maryborough -- with total factory size of over 30,000 square metres—making them one of the largest in Australia.

The trailers are designed by a full engineering team using the latest modelling techniques. . Trailer frames are built “from the ground up” by a team of highly skilled boilermakers and welders. Once this stage is completed, the frames are grit blasted and painted – ready for fit-out and delivery to the customer.

Barker Trailers employs around 200 people, with close to 25 apprentices employed at any one time.

Around 7-8 apprentices are brought on board each year as Barker is proudly an active participant in apprenticeship training schemes and contributor to the local regional community.

A well structured team approach is the key to Barker Trailer’s quality. Years of experience and know-how

alongside quality systems that check each stage of a trailer’s manufacture from the drawing board to predelivery ensure a quality product every time.

“Ultimately, it is the client who assesses the quality of the products we produce and they demonstrates their satisfaction with repeat business,” says Ned Jeffery, National Sales and Marketing Manager.

“And we are proud to have a long list of loyal repeat clients, which is key to maintaining manufacturing in Australia.”

Barker Trailers pride themselves on providing a first class product. The major components (e.g. suspension, axles, brakes etc.) are all sourced from premium suppliers who have an extensive Australiawide dealer network. They also use Australian-made BHP steel. “Barkers are one of the last remaining major semi-trailer manufacturers producing premium trailers using only Australian steel and only locally

¢ Back in the early days ....Greg Hinton (Jamie’s Dad on the right) and offsider Old Ned.

manufactured chassis rails- there isn’t any third world junk hanging off our trailers,” Ned says.

“The need to constantly solve problems drives the process of innovation. We understand that there is always a better way to do something at every stage of production, from design to fabrication, to rolling out the door. Client feedback is invaluable – the clients operate the equipment – we only build it – so if a client suggests an improvement or identifies a problem we do what we can to implement the change or modify the design,” says Ned.

“We are the true custom trailer builder; we have a standard list of options if you want, but bring us an idea or application and we have the resources to be able to build you a trailer that will become a reliable workhorse for years to come.”

Thirlmere Quality Timbers is a family operated business and its client base is widespread -- from Sydney’s North Shore through to Goulburn and also the Central West.

“We supply landscape yards, rural supply stores, fencing contractors and the general public,” says Jamie.

SKIMP ON SOMETHING ELSE. BUY QUALITY, BUY .

LO G S K E LS

CHIP BINS

DROP DECKS

Ever asked where your chassis rails, axles and suspension are made? It’s a question every buyer should ask. Rest assured, Barker Trailers is a major semi-trailer manufacturer that uses only quality components and Australian steel, as standard. For goodness sake, skimp on something else. Buy quality. Buy Barker. Call us today – 03 5427 9999.

barkertrailers.com.au ¢ Modern times ... the new Barker Trailer.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

21

HAULAGE

Scania V8s log-on in Mount Gambier

S

CANIA V8 logging trucks are becoming a common sight at forestry operations around Australia. Scania trucks are also ideally suited to all manner of construction jobs, from drilling and pumping to pre-fabricated frame and plasterboard delivery.

In line with timber industry players in Europe, Latin America, and South East Asia, Scania’s local customers are benefiting from high levels of fuel efficiency and low running costs, driver comfort and enhanced safety as well as effortless power, even with the largest loads.

Since the dawn of the 20th Century, Scania has been assisting Scandinavian logging contractors extract timber from forests far from sealed surfaces. In fact, a snowy Christmas-card landscape routinely greets Scania drivers hauling logs up near the Arctic Circle, where slippery, slushy track surfaces demand excellent traction at all times.

While Australian forestry tracks are far less arduous, the same benefits of seamless grip and secure handling appeal to local owners and operators in the forests surrounding Mount Gambier.

For deliveries further down the production process, Scania’s high torque, low revving engines provide plenty of grunt for plasterboard deliveries, with Metropolitan Express, based in Melbourne, utilising a fleet of Scania

¢ Metro Express MSC.

22

6-cylinder powered trucks to pull significant loads of USG Boral’s plasterboard to building sites around Victoria.

Back in the forests, Mount Gambier’s Tabeel Trading has taken delivery of a fleet of five new Scania V8-powered logging trucks, teamed with locallyassembled Canadian Titan Thin Wall wood chip bins.

The alloy bins increase the payload the trucks can pull to 68.5-tonnes, and the Scania 620hp V8 engines use their low down torque to safely haul the loads out of the forests and down to the terminal in Portland.

“Scania has been able to specify our new trucks to our exact requirements,” says Adrian Flowers, General Manager at Tabeel Trading, a well-known Mount Gambier based business.

“Scania’s Paul Riddell offered us a demo truck when we had an issue with an older vehicle, and we took the opportunity to have a close look at how the trucks would perform in our working environment.

We were very impressed, achieving much improved fuel results. We then bought a couple of trucks and I was surprised by how good the uptime rate was.

In the first 100,000km the trucks covered we have had downtime only for routine maintenance. And because Scania makes all of the components in the truck, there’s only one place to go if there’s a problem,” Adrian says.

“We have the trucks on the Scania Maintenance

¢ Scania V8 in the forest.

¢ Adrian Flowers of Tabeel Trading.

and Repair program so we know our monthly costs up front and have nothing but peace-of-mind.

“We have had some Scania Driver Training to fine-tune our driver’s understanding of how to get the best from the vehicles, and this has had a positive impact on fuel use,” he says.

“Another Scania

¢ Ashley Miller Tabeel Driver.

advantage is that the trucks come with built-in weigh scales so we know exactly how much we’re carrying to ensure we’re not over the limit.”

Paul Riddell, Scania’s Account Manager for new trucks, says he is finding more Mount Gambier haulage operators are showing interest in the Scania V8 offer.

“We have plenty of power for any job, low fuel consumption and the drivers love the comfort and quietness inside the cab. Even drivers shifting from bonneted trucks who never thought they would ever drive anything else have been converted within a short space of time. You’d struggle to find one who’d want to go back,” he says.

¢ Metro Express DSC.

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

www.timberbiz.com.au

YOU

SCANIA

HAVE PURPOSE BUILT POWER & RELIABILITY

With a heritage in logging that began in the snowy wastes of the frozen Arctic, Scania can deliver a purpose-built, V8-powered solution to your specific application. There is 3000 Nm of torque available at low revs, matched by low fuel consumption, so our R 620 V8 is the ideal solution for Australian forestry hauliers looking for power, durability and fuel.

So contact your local branch or authorised dealer to find out how a Scania Total Transport Solution can work for your business.

VICTORIA

NEW SOUTH WALES Scania Prestons Tel: (02) 9825 7900

QUEENSLAND

Scania Richlands Tel: (07) 3712 8500

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Scania Dandenong Tel: (03) 9217 3600

Scania Newcastle Tel: (02) 9825 7940

Scania Pinkenba Tel: (07) 3712 7900

Scania Bunbury Tel: (08) 9724 6200

Scania Laverton Tel: (03) 9369 8666

K&J Trucks, Coffs Harbour Tel: (02) 6652 7218

Spann’s Trucks, Toowoomba Tel: (07) 4634 4400

NJ’s of Wagga Tel: (02) 6971 7214

RSC Diesels, Cairns Tel: (07) 4054 5440

Scania Campbellfield Tel: (03) 9217 3300

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Scania Wingfield Tel: (08) 8406 0200

Scania Kewdale Tel: (08) 9360 8500

HAULAGE

Non-stop innovation ... and there’s more to come!

T

HIS YEAR sees Graeme Elphinstone and his team at Elphinstone Engineering celebrate 40 years in business and they couldn’t let the milestone go by without designing something new and innovative for the log transport industry.

As a result, the Elphinstone Lodec trailer became a reality. The key features are a low rear deck frame for lower centre of gravity giving better stability. Coupled with the latest in bolsters aptly named the Enviro bolster, this is a practical unit for customers requiring a low lightweight trailer that is easily maintained. On the rear bay, from the ground to the top of the bolster is 1230mm and 3 bays of 3.9 wood or 2 bays of 6.1m is easily catered for in the standard configuration.

The design team is always looking at ways to improve Elphinstone trailers and other equipment that will maximise payloads without comprising on safety and quality.

The single trailer is built on BPW axles with 19.5” wheels (and is available on 20” wheels) and with the anti-rattle high tensile tapered peg and enviro bolsters is a great addition to the Elphinstone stable of innovative logging trailers.

This particular trailer design works exceptionally as a flat tow tri/ tri B-Double on BPW axles for those customers requiring 2 trailers.

Graeme said: “With this new trailer design we are able to give customers a unit that suits their particular need that not only handles exceptionally well but is lightweight.”

Regardless of the configuration, single or flat tow B-Double, like all Elphinstone trailers this new model features options that bolt onto frames and the Elphinstone Easyweigh, one of the most accurate on-vehicle weighing systems on the market today. With options for extra bolsters to suit multi-bay applications, fold down dolly bolsters to suit long logs, bolster sliding kits and a myriad of other options, the latest Elphinstone trailer design not only looks good but is a cost effective unit.

All Elphinstone trailers have the ability to have the Elphinstone Easyweigh on-vehicle weighing system incorporated in the configuration and this new trailer design is no different. Elphinstone’s pride themselves on the accuracy of their on-vehicle weighing systems.

The Easyview application to remotely view and log weights on Android smartphones or tablets is the way of the future.

Over the years, the company’s products have diversified into other specialist trailer areas including both small and large pole trailers primarily for the cartage of electricity poles.

The tandem pole trailer has a multi-

24

telescopic extendable pole whilst the tri-axle configuration features multifit quick release bolsters to suit large beams or pipes.

During what has been an exceptional and successful 40 years in business, Elphinstone’s has produced some specialist trailers that have stood the test of time in their particular application including Zinc-a-Skels which are a purpose built trailer for carting zinc ingots that feature fast load/unload with a ‘Gull Wing’ load restraint system and the special purpose “Sandgroper” log trailer with 4m wide bolsters and 747 aircraft (high flotation) wheels for soft sandy conditions.

The most recent specialist product is the ‘Roadrailer”. This is a frame and bolster assembly connected to a standard intermodal rail wagon by twist locks. The frame has fork pockets for ease of moving the frame on and off the rail wagon; loaded or empty. Bolster assemblies are raised and lowered by simple hand operated hydraulic pump. Frames can be stacked 6 high in one container position on a standard container rail wagon. It is an innovative and cost effective way to increase productivity and carrying capacity on a rail route although it can be manufactured to suit either rail or road use.

Logging trailers and on-vehicle weighing will always be the backbone of this company but the design and development of equipment for use in Antarctica is close to Graeme’s heart.

He is about to embark on his 4th trip to the frozen continent that gives him first-hand knowledge of just how well Elphinstone equipment stands up to the harsh environment.

With dedicated teams in Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia who embrace change and Graeme’s passion for innovation, new and exciting products will always be part of what is the Elphinstone brand.

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

www.timberbiz.com.au

FIRE

Fire fighting liquid makes every drop of water count

A

LIQUID that greatly improves the ability of water to douse a blaze is helping firefighters battle wild fires in North America and Europe.

Developed in South Australia by BioCentral Laboratories, BLAZETAMER380 has been used this fire season in the air and on the ground in five states in the US while testing of the product has begun in Portugal and France.

BioCentral Laboratories Managing Director John Stepancic said mixing BLAZETAMER380 with water binded molecules together, increasing the effectiveness of air drops by up to 44 per cent.

“What you want to do is hold that body of water together as best as possible so that it hits in a uniform manner which gives it the capacity to absorb as much energy as possible without leaving behind patchy areas that continue to burn,” he said.

“You can get the same job done with just a single drop and that’s what the pilots like about it most, we’re finding they’ll use the product in one state and then when they fly in another state the next month they’re asking to use BLAZETAMER380 again.”

BLAZETAMER380 is also one of the most environmentally friendly fire fighting agents in use, approved by the EPA and Australia’s Water Quality Centre

as the only product that can be used near water catchments and other sensitive areas, provided that manufacturing instructions are followed.

The liquid is designed to be mixed with water in low quantities, ranging from 2 litres per 1000 for ground based fire fighting to 6.5 litres in 1000 for aerial drops from fixed wing aircraft.

The BLAZETAMER380 required to mix a standard 3000 litre would cost about $A400.

“That means we’re about a third of the cost of the most commonly used fire retardants, which are about $A1300-$A1500 per 3000-litre load,” Stepanic said.

“It’s also cheaper because aircraft are in the air for less time, because they can eliminate more of the fire with a single drop.”

Stepancic said the efficiency of BLAZETAMER380 mixed water made the liquid more effective at not just containing fires, but eliminating them in initial attack water drops.

As a result, pilots and ground firefighters were able to more easily control fires before they began to burn out of control, he said.

“The problem is trying to manage a fire doesn’t work all the time - fires are by nature very unpredictable and you’ll get wind shift.

“So the whole idea is to stop the fire with those initial attack drops

¢ This is BioCentral’s custom designed aircraft filler, The ¢ FastFiller (designed and manufactured by BioCentral Laboratories Ltd), connected to a water pump, which is connected to the FIRE BOSS (or other aircraft that requires to stop and fill).

www.timberbiz.com.au

¢ John Stepancic (right) Managing Director BioCentral Laboratories Ltd and Steve Giles Operations and Technical Support from G5 BioSolutions LLC, the current U.S.A distributor.

rather than it getting out of control and then looking at how you can manage it best when there’s property and lives at stake.”

The 2015 United States fire season was the worst since 1960, with more than 11 million acres of land burned, according to the National Interagency Fire Centre.

The rise in fire damage has been attributed to a greater number of homes in fire-prone areas and hotter, drier seasons.

BioCentral Laboratories hopes to

expand usage of BLAZETAMER to more states in the US during the next fire season.

“The States have been very encouraging at using new technology and looking at how best to adapt it,” Stepancic said.

“We’re still going through the process of educating firefighting authorities about BLAZETAMER380, but the pilots who have actually used our product have really championed us to different area commanders.”

FastFiller: The BLAZETAMER380 concentration IBC is connected to the FastFiller. The FastFiller measures the required amount of product dependent on the water holding capacity of the aircraft tank/s. The product is pushed through the hose to the water pump, which in turn is pushed/sucked directly up into the aircraft tank.

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

25

FIRE

Vehicle fire protection standard revised

F

IRE PROTECTION specialist Wormald is urging owners and operators of mobile and transportable equipment to familiarise themselves with the recently published Australian Standard AS 5062-2016 Fire protection for mobile and transportable equipment.

With changes to maintenance procedures (including routine service tolerance frequencies and baseline data reporting requirements), the revised standard promotes improved fire safety for mobile plant used in transport, mining, forestry, civil works and port facilities.

“The combination of heat, flammable liquids, turbo chargers, and hot exhaust and electrical components in an enclosed engine compartment can put vehicles at a high potential risk of a devastating and costly fire,” said Steve Oxley, National Product Manager for Vehicle Fire Suppression at Wormald.

“A vehicle fire suppression system can provide early detection to allow extra time for the operator to

safely evacuate in the event of a fire and help to minimise damage to the vehicle. Wormald urges mobile equipment owners and operators to adopt AS5062-2016 as best practice and familiarise themselves with the revised standard,” he said.

AS 5062-2016 specifies the minimum requirements for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of vehicle fire suppression systems.

It is intended to be applied to new equipment, and can also be applied to existing equipment for maintenance activities.

The key changes include: New provisions for tolerance testing and routine service, which have been introduced from Australian Standard AS1851-2012 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. These specify how often equipment must be serviced and outline tolerance periods should routine servicing occur outside the scheduled date.

This change is designed to encourage timely routine servicing, helping to ensure

¢ Wormald offers a range of Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems and inspection and testing services.

that fire protection systems will perform as intended in the event of an emergency.

Additional reporting requirements are now in place. The Standard specifies the requirement for ‘Baseline Data’ to be provided for any installed fire protection systems and equipment.

This data provides benchmark performance criteria and includes details on how the system is installed, what it

is designed for and how it is intended to perform.

It is later compared to the results of subsequent periodic servicing activities to determine whether the fire protection system is still performing as per its intended purpose.

A consultative risk assessment approach still forms part of AS5062-2016.

Risk assessments should be undertaken by qualified personnel in conjunction

with many stakeholders, such as equipment operators and maintainers, owners, the manufacturer’s representative, suppliers, hirers, insurers and specialist fire consultants may also be involved, as applicable. This process recognises that fire hazards and risks associated with mobile and transportable equipment are often too complex to be fully understood by one person.

NASA satellite data to forecast forest fires RESULTS FROM University of Calgary engineer Quazi Hassan’s initial research have led the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to renew his funding to continue his multi-year research into forecasting where forest fires might strike.

Source: UToday Imagine being able to accurately predict where forest fires might strike — even in the most remote locations in the province — using freely accessible data from a NASA satellite.

This is the work of Hassan, a geomatics engineering associate professor in the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, whose NSERC funding has just been renewed.

“There are only so many weather stations in the province, so there are remote areas where we don’t get very much data,” says Hassan. “My idea is to use remote sensing to forecast where forest fires are likely to occur so we can mobilize resources and get to the areas earlier.”

Currently, the system for forecasting forest fires is reliant on weather stations where data is captured on rainfall volume, 26

¢ Q uazi Hassan’s research is pinpointing danger zones in remote areas.

Photo by Colleen De Neve.

temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. Using data captured

by NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite, Hassan’s team has been able to capture data on precipitable water (the amount of water vapour in a column of the atmosphere that could fall as rain) as well as surface temperature and moisture of vegetation, to create five classes of forest fire risk.

Multi-year study to better understand forest fires Using historic data, his team found that their high, very high

and extremely high classifications coincided with 77% of the fires in Alberta from 2009 to 2011. His findings were promising enough that after five years of NSERC funding, his project has received money for another five years. As this project continues, his team will tackle more questions including how wildfire behaves, and smoke migration patterns.

Hassan’s hope is to develop his research into an accurate system that can augment what is already in place to provide forecasting for areas that are less accessible while

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

also bolstering the reporting from established weather stations.

“We’re trying to better understand where fires happen so firefighters can be prepared and react more quickly and effectively,” says Hassan.

Currently, Hassan’s research team includes a postdoctoral fellow, three PhD students and two master of science students. This project is one piece of a broader interest Hassan has in finding ways to use technology to help mitigate natural disasters caused by fire, drought and flooding.

“These natural hazards can have a huge impact on our existence on the earth’s surface,” says Hassan.

“And especially with the effects of climate change now being felt, finding solutions is very important.”

The University of Calgary is driving advances in earthspace discovery and technology development through The New Earth-Space Technologies Research Strategy. Building on decades of national leadership, researchers from across disciplines are enabling better decisions for industry, security and society. www.timberbiz.com.au

FIRE

VicForests staff recognised for bravery as new fire season nears

A

S EXPERTS predict another difficult fire season, VicForests staff who bravely battled the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires have been publically recognised.

The 50 staff members from VicForests, both past and present, who fought against the fires were recently presented with the National Emergency Medal at a special commemorative ceremony.

Robert Green, Chief Executive Officer of VicForests, said he had immense respect for all his staff who play a role in fire management.

“These are highly skilled, courageous men and women who often put their lives on the line during a bushfire,” Mr Green said.

“Our contractors also play a very critical role in these events by supplying vital equipment and invaluable knowledge of Victoria’s forests.

“As we move into the hotter months, we are reminded of tragic events such as Black Saturday that

many of our staff battled through leaving lasting effects on communities, jobs and lives,” he said.

Matt Potter, Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer at the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP), presented the medals and acknowledged the recipients for their bravery.

“The VicForests staff and contractors are not only skilled fire managers but they also bring with them exceptional safety practices and experience and knowledge of the forest they operate in every day in their jobs,” Mr Potter said.

“On behalf of DELWP, I thank all VicForests employees for their contributions in the 2009 fires and for their ongoing commitment and support to bushfire management in Victoria,” he said.

Jaala Pulford, Victorian Minister for Agriculture, wrote a heartfelt letter thanking VicForests for their bravery on that day.

“The National Emergency

¢ The National Emergency Medal.

www.timberbiz.com.au

¢ Fire fighters preparing to tackle the Marysville fire in 2009.

¢ V icForests staff at the ceremony.

Medal is an important public recognition of the sustained efforts made by VicForests staff during an exceptionally difficult period,” Minister Pulford said.

“Thank you to all VicForests staff and their families. A long and intense fire season not only affects those with direct fire roles, but also those who maintain VicForests’ day-to-day operations. My gratitude goes to all of you.”

There are 33 current employees at VicForests who are skilled and trained in dealing with bushfires and every year they work together with the Country Fire Authority, DELWP and Parks Victoria to help minimise the risks and devastation that major bushfires bring with them.

The Black Saturday bushfires were the worst in Australia’s history. Across Victoria, the Black Saturday Australian Forests & Timber News

fires took 173 lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and directly affected almost 80 communities and almost 430,000 hectares of land.

The National Emergency Medal is an operational service medal which recognises significant or sustained service to others in a nationally significant emergency.

VicForests staff members, past and present, who recieved a National Emergency Medal were: Paul Agterhuis, Jeremy Allen, James Anderson, Rebecca Bailey, Kim Barned, Judith Blakeney, Rhodey Bowman, Nicholas Bush, Peter Campbell, Dane Carozzi, Josh Chikuse, Marc Conte, Mark Crouch, Glenn Dooley, Patrick Dowling, Ben Drouyn, Peter Elms-Smith, Adam Green, Adam P Green, Michael Hansby, Leigh Hender,

November 2016

Tom Hill, Peter Jenkins, Matthew Kavanagh, Darrul Kennedy, Ian King, Paul Kneale, Constatine Kontos, Mikhail Leikin, Jarrod Logue, Basil Lyon, Ray Mackey, Hubert Mapleson, Fiona McDermott, Andrew McGuire, Graeme Mitchell, Liz Monea, JP Morice, Bryan Nicholson, Trevor Nicklen, Helen O’Brien, Stuart O’Brien, Emma Orgill, Quinton Pakan, David Pollock, David Potter, Ross Potter, Nigel Reid, Bernard Robb, Ross Runnalls, Craig Rutherford, Michael Ryan, Tim Sanders, Peter Scales, Jason Schaefer, Daniel Sedunary, Mark Shepard, Leigh Smith, Charles Stansfield, Andrew Stanton, Paul Sund, Col Tutty, Rodney Walker, Gregory West, Vincent White.

27

FIRE

Mechanical trials for another tool in forest management

By Senator Anne Ruston Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources

T

Industry News Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

RIALS TAKING place in three states are aimed at assessing the effectiveness of mechanical bushfire fuel reduction as another potential tool in fire and forest management.

The Coalition Government has allocated $1.5 million from the $15 million National Bushfire Mitigation Program for mechanical fuel load reduction trials at in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

All rural and regional communities understand the need to manage fire in the landscape, to prepare for the fire season and build fire-risk mitigation capabilities.

The program recognises that state emergency management agencies are best placed to identify bushfire risks and to undertake mitigation measures appropriate to each situation, and provides funding for the implementation of long-term bushfire mitigation strategies and improved fuel reduction activities.

State and territory governments are also supporting the trials with funding and other contributions, with activities including constructing and maintaining fire trails, implementing prescribed burning, and implementing strategies to preserve critical infrastructure.

The mechanical fuel reduction trials are investigating whether there are operational and economic advantages in the mechanical removal of fuels in addition to, or as an alternative to, prescribed or planned burning. They’re focused on peri-urban areas where there may be community concerns that could prevent prescribed burning because of issues associated with smoke and air quality. The trials are also targeting areas with specific conservation values, where the use of fire may not be appropriate.

Mechanical removal of fuels may reduce fire risk without impacting on a specific conservation value being protected.

The Coalition Government has partnered with the NSW Government to coordinate and manage the trials, which are scheduled to begin in spring 2016.

The trial results are likely to be available late in 2017, depending on the length and severity of this coming fire season – as those involved in the trials may also be called on to respond to fires or fire risks.

Three trial locations and providers have been contracted.

Trials on the Mid-North Coast of NSW will be delivered by Forestry Corporation of NSW. The trials in East Gippsland will be delivered by VicForests, and the trials in south west Western Australia will be delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast

¢ S enator Ruston.

in partnership with the Forest Products Commission Western Australia, the Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia, and Western Australia Plantation Resources.

In addition, consultants have been contracted to collect data and information from all three trial sites to determine whether mechanical fuel load reduction, compared to fuel reduction burning, is acceptable to the community, cost effective, mechanically feasible, and critically able to reduce fire risk across the landscape.

By undertaking trials we will be able to implement evidence-based prevention and management. Our hope is that these trials will give us another tool in the arsenal—like planned burning—especially around key assets or high conservation value areas where planned burns pose too high a risk.

Developing these tools has potential to benefit communities who currently deal with smoke haze during planned burns, as well as forest managers and potentially the front line—our hard working fire management agencies and volunteers.

Further information is available on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ website at agriculture.gov.au/ forestry/national/nbmp

$32 million upgrade for fire fighting vehicles

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AN OVERHAUL of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) fire fighting vehicles is creating jobs, improving crew safety and bolstering forest fire fighting capability.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today inspected the first of more than 70 new fire fighting vehicles, with the remaining trucks scheduled to roll off the production line in Melbourne’s west over the next four years.

The Andrews Labor Government will invest Australian Forests & Timber News

$32 million to upgrade fire fighting vehicles across Victoria, which are based on a Mercedes Benz Unimog cab chassis and have been fitted out with equipment designed for Forest Fire Management Victoria’s fire fighting and planned burning needs.

This project has created 34 jobs within Quik Corp, nearly half of the jobs going to redundant workers from the car and manufacturing industries.

The upgraded Unimogs will include: • Water carrying capacity of 4000 litres • Ability to tow an additional November 2016

8,000 litres of water in a trailer behind the vehicle • Capacity to carry 4 fire fighters, double the previous tankers • In-cabin fire fighting capability and fire curtains • A Falling Object Protection Structure over the cabin.

The design of the vehicles was chosen after a comprehensive field testing program of different types of vehicles and equipment.

The Unimog upgrade is in addition to the overhaul of the Ultra-light fire fighting fleet, of which 270 will be delivered over the next three years.

www.timberbiz.com.au

FIRE

Emergency services working together ahead of 2016/17 disaster season

A

S THE nation heads toward the 2016/17 bushfire season, it is critical that Australian firefighters and emergency response agencies are able to call on additional support from across the country to meet the heightened resource demands in the face of an emergency.

For the first time they have the backing of the National Resource Sharing Centre, working within the National Aerial Firefighting Centre and part-funded by the Commonwealth AttorneyGeneral’s Department, to support the facilitation of interstate and international sharing of personnel and equipment.

Paul Considine, Manager of the National Resource Sharing Centre outlined how the organisation, established in February 2016, supported the coordination of interstate and international deployments.

“Fire and emergency services are resourced to meet the foreseeable demand in each state and territory.

It’s not economical or achievable to resource each state for every possible crisis or disaster that

¢ The NSW Rural Fire Service and Tasmania Fire Service fighting the Tasmanian fires in early 2016. Photo credit: Mick Reynolds and the NSW Rural Fire Service

may occur; for many years Australian and New Zealand fire and emergency services and land management agencies have worked together to share resources in times of high operational activity.

“Created in early 2016, the National Resource Sharing Centre exists to support the deployment of resources between jurisdictions, in response to conditions that the receiving state or territory is unable to manage by itself.

“As we continue to grow, we may look at regional demand to support the movement of resources for prevention activities such as planned burning,” said Mr Considine.

“In times of crisis, when bushfires burn for significant periods of time, or if a large cyclone hits, personnel are fatigued, or specialist skills or equipment are required, other states can be activated to rapidly deploy and support. Fire and Emergency

Services in Australia and New Zealand operate using a common incident management system, making skills transferable and resource sharing very effective,” continued Mr Considine.

A major initiative actioned by the National Resource Sharing Centre, is the Australia-Canada framework - a bilateral arrangement, the first of its kind endorsed by both governments at a national level, to support international deployments when required.

“With the National Resource Sharing Centre on hand to support agencies and jurisdictions through the upcoming disaster season, we have the systems in place to expedite action when required – allowing them to obtain resources from across the nation or overseas.

“We are a step forward on the journey to effective resource sharing in Australia. It’s a constant evolution, if we can relieve some of the burden on agencies during a crisis and support them to receive more personnel and equipment, then Australia is better prepared to battle our natural hazards,” he concluded.

Planning may cut ‘late evacuation’ bushfire death toll BETTER FORWARD planning techniques could have dramatically cut the death toll during Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, according to new RMIT research.

More than half those evacuated during the crisis were late evacuees – people who stayed on their properties only to leave at short notice.

One third of all bushfire deaths in Australia over the past century have been among late evacuees.

A team in RMIT’s School of Business IT and Logistics, led by Professor Prem Chhetri, looked at the Murrindindi Mill fire, which affected Marysville, Narbethong and Buxton.

“We modelled evacuation plans based on the number and capacity of shelters and the number of vehicles available,” Chhetri said.

“We looked at all the variations that could be caused by the spread of fire and the way it could cut off roads and access to shelters.

“When we ran the www.timberbiz.com.au

program, we discovered that it would have been possible to have evacuated all late evacuees during Black Saturday, even if shifts in the fire fronts had disrupted some roads at the time.”

Evacuating people once a major fire is under way is a major challenge for emergency services.

They need to assemble people who stay to defend their property, those with disability, those with younger children, the elderly and people with no personal vehicle and move them to shelter, often by bus.

“The emergency services do a tremendous job in dangerous, challenging conditions. We hope this research will help them in their main task of saving lives,” Chhetri said.

“Our findings demonstrate that shortnotice evacuation is manageable via advanced planning and the efficient allocation of limited resources.

“Of course, the bestlaid plans can be impacted by people’s behaviour and variations in bushfire propagation. But we are confident our approach can help in a range of disaster scenarios, including

hurricanes and flooding.”

Chhetri was helped in the research by colleagues Associate Professor Babak Abbasi, Dr Ahmad Abareshi and Shahrooz Shahparvari.

Their findings, “Enhancing emergency

evacuation response of late evacuees: Revisiting the case of Australian Black Saturday bushfire”, have been published by the journal Transportation Research Part E (Elsevier).

¢ (l-r) Dr Ahmad Abareshi, Professor Prem Chhetri, Shahrooz Shahparvari and Associate Professor Babak Abbasi.

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

29

Log on Today! Visit www.timberbiz.com.au/dtn to sign up today.

Madill 122 Grapple Swing Yarder Build: November 1988 Mechanically A1, very well maintained machine.

Approx. 12,000 engine hours.

Several spares with machine; grapple and slack pulling carriage.

Location: Tasmania, Australia

$POA Contact: Kevin 0428 144 984 or musketts@bigpond.com

FIREWOOD MILLS

For Information, please, call 0419-536 804 or email your postal address to info@firewoodmills.com.au

Valmet 378 Processing Head 12,700 hours – in good working order.

Comes complete with Maxi Computer System.

Many spares including Hardwood and Pine Rollers.

$38,500 + GST

Contact: Kevin Muskett 0428 144 984 - Tasmania

FOR SALE

CLEARANCE

Milling & Processing Machinery Anthon 1.8m wide belt sander

Very heavy duty, high production machine. $15,000+GST

Loser - Dowell cut off machine x 2 No. 220

$3,500+GST Each

Loser - Dowell rod sander

McKee one man bench

Volvo FC2421C

complete with roundabout and transfers $42,000+GST

2008 model, 3920hrs, A/C ROPS Cab, Log Max 7000 processor, serviced, cleaned & detailed.

New model Easy50 available now!

$170,000+gst

Winsor Log Twin edger

Different sizes of mills with optional feeding table and drum cleaner. Tractor, Diesel Power Pack or Electric Power Pack driven models.

LOGGING BUSINESS

FOR SALE

Hardwood Harvest contract until June 2019 with a possible extra 2 years.

45,000 m3 annually in Toolangi, Marysville, Alexandra region.

$4,000+GST

inc. all handling gear and log positioner and end dogging carriage $55,000+GST

Tilt Hoist pack destripper

with multi Bundle infeed and strip conveyor very good unit. $32,000+GST

Komatsu 931.1

Harvester with 365 head, 2011 model, 5860hrs, comes with a crate full of parts including hoses, bushes and sensors for the head.

Rex Planer

600x200, VG condition $35,000+GST

$340,000+gst

Contact: Oliver James 0407 930 237 or james@hcma.com.au Used Equipment Manager - Qld/Nth NSW

MK Impianti

RF continuous laminated timber press line, (came out of Door component factory), good sound condition $42,000+GST

Austral Timber Group Contact: Ken Baker 0438 643 992 or ken.baker@ubteam.com

Call 0427 803 570 to discuss further.

Industry News Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

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Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

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Classifieds

Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Michael Dolphin on (03) 9888 4834 or email: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au

FOR SALE

- For Sale -

Forest Equipment Specialist TIGERCAT 630C 11,000 hours, fresh engine & good cond.

$132,000 inc. GST

Cat D353 Series E 312 KVA Generator: 380 HP, 7573 hours. In good condition. $12000.00 ONO.

D CE DU RE

Contact Duncan: 0409 521 264

Tigercat 1075 Forwarder

Madill 2850C

$187,000 inc. GST

$165,000 inc. GST

FOR SALE

Komatsu XT450L Harvester (PL62) 2013 Komatsu Forest, XT450L with 6420 hrs, 398 Harvesting Head 23-24” Capacity. Maxi XPlorer full optimisation with Callipers. 3/4 main saw with 404 Topping Saw. Base – Closed Loop Track Drive – 4 x Way levelling- Designated hydraulics pump for Harvesting Head. 9” Track chain, Single Bar Grousers plates, IQAN Control system, KAB Seat. Hand controls electric over Hydraulic. Chain wear 50%.

This machine can be viewed working through an appointment.

Machine available late October. Machine being sold due to contracts ending and contract restructure.

Price is $456,500.00 including GST.

D CE DU RE

Komatsu PC270-8 Harvester

Dressta TD15M

$302,000 inc. GST

$198,000 inc. GST

Cat 545C Skidder

2009 model, 7902 hours, spare rim & tyre, serviced, checked & inspected. Located Hitachi Dandenong.

Dressta TD14M

Valmet 445EXL Log Harvester

$328,900 inc. GST

$209,000 inc. GST

D CE DU RE

HYUNDAI R210LC-7 & Southstar Processor $214,500 inc. GST

Komatsu XT450-2. Harvester (PL83) 2011.

Komatsu Forest, XT430-2. year 2011.S/N: A1001, with a Waratah 622b head S/N: 1517.

The Machine has a Cummins Tier 3 engine 8.3ltr. Machine has 9075 hours, full service history available from new. Running Timber rite system.

Machine is located in Rosedale VIC machine and can be viewed through an appointment. Machine being sold due to contracts ending and contract restructure.

Price is $247,000.00 including GST.

Contact: 1300 448 224 or email taylorc@hcma.com.au

FOR FOR SALE Kennedy trailers

1-3 Trailers 19m3 trailers Pacific scales EXTE Bolsters EXTE load binders ally load rack

2009 Nissan Navara D22 4x4 .Steel tray (fuel cell not included) 5 Speed manual, 4 Cylinder Diesel Turbo intercooled 2.5ltr. 2 Doors, 3 seat cab chassis. There is small cosmetic damage,We have had it from New 191,770 km on clock. serviced every 10,000kms 4 New Tyres Air conditioning . sold with NO RWC. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding the sale. Price : $10,000 with NO RWC.

$77,000.00 inc GST

SALE Trastank - Brand new

BUNCHING GRAPPLES

If you are looking for a heavy-duty grapple that will sort, bunch and load all day, every day, then you need a Rotobec.

Onetrak offers the complete range of Rotobec Bunching Grapples, Heavy-Duty Log Grapples and Multi-Stem Grapple Saws.

Give us a call for more information.

1300 727 520

www.onetrak.com.au

$37,000.00 inc GST

Hultons 404 cut off saw - Brand New

$9,000.00 inc GST

ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED

Valmet 921 Harvester (PL08) 2001.

Valmet 921. Year 2001.S/N: 13196, with an 370 head S/N: 11550. The Machine has a SISU Diesel engine. Machine has 28486 hours, full service history available from new. Comes with spare tractor for parts.

Machine is located in Rosedale VIC and can be viewed through an appointment. Machine being sold due to contracts ending and contract restructure.

Price is $33,000.00 including GST.

LEESON’S LOGGING & CARTAGE

Contact: 03 5199 2768 and ask for Terry.

Email: terry@leesons.com.au 133 Mill Lane Rosedale. 3847

Contact: 0427 584 564

www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

November 2016

31

THE GIANT A new era in a wheel harvester

A NEW ERA IN: SIZE PRODUCTIVITY OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT ECO-FRIENDLINESS MANOEUVRABILITY

Komatsu Forest Quality Wheel Harvester The new Komatsu 951 is the market’s largest wheel harvester with tons of new technology for increased production capacity, operater comfort and friendly to the ecology. Features such as; • New 3-pump hydraulics regulated with the engine for more power and work capacity.

• New power-optimised transmission and bogie for improved climbing and crawling speeds.

• New noise reducing cab with superb visibility, keyless system,media hub and auto level.

• New Stage 4/Final engine with low emissions and fuel consumption. (Stage IIB for Aust & NZ).

All do wonders for your profitability.

www.komatsuforest.com.au

Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com