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The Federal Government has taken another important step in preventing trans-border environmental crime with a Bill to more effectively combat illegally logged timber from entering the Australian market passing the Parliament.
The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 implements new timber testing powers, trialled under the Government’s recent $4.4m initiative.
It will help trace illegally logged timber right back to its source, and provide greater control at the border through new notice requirements and stricter penalties for those who do the wrong thing.
The Bill provides for the replacement of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012, set to expire in 2025, with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 under development.
The new rules will streamline the due diligence process for timber importers and processors while effectively combatting illegally logged timber from entering the market.
Around 10 per cent of timber imported to Australia was estimated to be illegally logged before Australia
first introduced its illegal logging prohibition laws in 2012.
Illegal imports impact our local forest growers and can undercut the prices of sustainable timber by 7 to 16 per cent.
“The passing of this Bill demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to combating illegal logging,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said.
“Illegal logging not only has devastating environmental impacts and undercuts legitimate industry – it is the fourth largest illegal trade worldwide after arms, drugs and human trafficking, and it is frequently linked to other criminal activity.
“This is about more than local protections – it’s about discouraging criminal activity and the misery that follows in its wake,”
she said.
Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said illegal timber not only undermined the environmental sustainability of the forest products industry, but also undermined our domestic biosecurity protections that safeguard Australia’s environment.
“AFPA supports the strengthening of the illegal logging laws to ensure Australia has a robust regime that requires importing businesses to source timber harvested from legal sources using sustainable practices,” she said.
“We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, and the Assistant Minister Senator Anthony Chisholm, for the work they have undertaken to give effect to the new laws.
“We also thank Opposition Spokesman Senator Jono Duniam for listening to industry concerns and working with the government in a constructive, bipartisan approach.”
Ms Hallam said the reforms were particularly timely.
She said that off the back of the native forestry industry closures in Victoria and Western Australia, Australia had seen a considerable increase in the volume of
imported hardwoods.
“It’s critical the proper enforcement regime and penalties are in place if there’s any doubt as to the source,” Ms Hallam said.
“To further strengthen the laws we believe Country of Origin labelling must be introduced for timber, in line with the Australian Government’s due diligence importing processes.
The labelling should indicate the country where the timber was grown so Australian consumers can be better informed and aware when purchasing timber products.”
Applying Country of Origin labelling for timber and timber products would: increase transparency of supply, strengthen the effectiveness of illegal logging laws, halt trade from conflict countries and ensure Australian consumers are not supporting deforestation.
“The integrity of our timber and fibre products is paramount,” Ms Hallam said.
“When grown, harvested and processed properly, as we do in Australia, these products represent the height of sustainability, but when corners are cut, it can be environmentally damaging and undermine Australian jobs.”
TFront Cover: A Komatsu 951XC operated by Leeson’s Logging & Cartage in Queensland at work in the Longford area. Story Page 38
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he Resources Energy & Environment Foundation (REEF) has urged the Federal Government to consider the environmental contribution to the nation made by those working in the native hardwood timber industry in NSW, when considering any changes to environmental legislation.
Workers in the NSW native hardwood timber sector create managed forests which encourage koalas to live and eat in them and prevent catastrophic bush fires. They produce around $2.9 billion of hardwood timber for Australian housing, construction, mining, railway and infrastructure.
For every native hardwood tree harvested, more than one tree is replanted or regrown. REEF Forestry Awareness Program chair Noel Atkins said retaining a sustainable and environmentally responsible native hardwood timber industry is essential for Australia’s future, its sovereignty and rural NSW communities.
“Native hardwood timber forest workers are proud environmental custodians, sustaining a precious commodity for future generations. Native hardwood trees take 30-50 years to
reach maturity before they can be harvested,” Mr Atkins said.
“Native hardwood timber is sustainably harvested in accordance with strict regulatory codes to protect the regrowth of forests for the benefit of flora and fauna.
“Harvested trees are replaced with new ones through natural seeding, regrowth or plantation, which provides continual carbon storage. They are the ultimate renewal which can be continually regrown and harvested, reducing the high carbon input where steel, plastic and concrete are used.”
A sustainable, responsibly maintained timber industry helps reduce reliance on overseas products. Australia imports more than $5 billion of timber and wood products, particularly from Southeast Asia.
Hardwood Timber management in NSW is balanced and is responsibly managed. Decisions are made on how to meet the growing demand in the future.
The Forestry Corporation of NSW manages around two million hectares of native hardwood forest, 35,000 hectares of hardwood plantations, and 225,000 hectares of softwood (pine) plantations.
The available harvesting area of State Forests in NSW is less than 12 percent. Of this, a little more than one percent of the forest is subjected to selective harvesting each year, which is then regenerated for future use.
Native plantation forests, while essential, are complimentary to the vast area of native hard wood forest currently available and essential to meet the timber resource needs. They have a different forest ecology (mono forest) and are not suitable for several hardwood species that grow in
a natural hardwood multi-forest such as Tallowwoods.
“It is estimated there are more than 8900 direct jobs in NSW and up to 22,000 people employed across the state considering the supply chain from forest management to retail products,” Mr Atkins said.
Tallowwood, Ironbark, Turpentine, Mahogany are only available in native hardwood forests. They are used in structural and infrastructure projects such as railways, mining, wharves, jetties, bridges, fencing, farming. Specialty hardwood native timbers such as Brush Box and Blackbutt are used as feature timbers in iconic buildings and structures like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Darling Harbour Wharf Precinct at Barangaroo and Federal and NSW Parliaments.
REEF is a not-for-profit research-based organisation, made up of people with a range of skills and interests from a diverse group of communities. Their common aim is to improve regional communities through the environment, its people and future growth.
TWhile
been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the published will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.
he Australian timber industry is a vital part of the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to construction, manufacturing, and regional employment. However, as so many industry leaders have reported for our annual Forestry Now project the industry faces several challenges, including sustainability concerns, climate change, and competition from alternative materials.
A key issue for the industry is balancing timber production with environmental conservation. Australia’s native forests have seen re-
strictions in logging due to deforestation concerns and the need to preserve biodiversity.
This has driven a shift towards plantation-grown timber, which now accounts for a significant portion of production. The industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and reforestation initiatives to ensure long-term viability.
Climate change also poses risks, as bushfires have become more frequent and severe, threatening timber supplies.
At the same time, demand for timber remains strong, particularly in the construction industry, where timber is valued for its sustainability and carbon sequestration benefits.
Government policies are supporting the industry’s evolution, with investment in innovation, research, and the development of engineered wood products like Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam.
These products are helping the industry adapt to modern architectural trends while meeting environmental goals. In this evolving landscape, the Australian timber industry remains essential, but its future depends on sustainable management and innovation.
This year’s Forestry Now project paints a picture of an industry facing challenges, but well prepared and well equipped to face those challenges be they political or climate driven.
Forestry Australia director Monique Blason has been awarded the 2024 Richard Stanton Award.
Ms Blason was honoured for her work with South Australian First Nations peoples, to provide communities access to native trees. The award was announced by Responsible Wood’s CEO, Simon Dorries, and recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable forest management.
The Gottstein Trust’s annual round of capacity building grants are open for applications until midnight Wednesday 16th October 2024.
Their purpose is firmly aimed at further advancing the forest and forest products industry across Australia. The range of grants are awarded to individuals who seek to grow their ability to contribute in positive ways.
Three types of grant opportunities are available. They offer wide scope for industry personnel right along the value chain and researchers and students are also eligible to apply.
Australian Forest and Wood Innovations has announced the establishment of a Research Advisory Committee.
The committee will provide expert advice to the AFWI Board on forest and wood product research and innovation, ensuring that research activities are aligned with industry needs, and maximising benefits for the broader forestry and wood products sectors. Chaired by Professor Rodney Keenan, the committee includes leaders from academia, industry, and government.
The timber and forest industry has celebrated the life of well-known career forester Peter Hopkinson, who passed away recently, aged 94.
‘Hoppy’ as he was affectionately known served for almost four decades with the NSW Forestry Commission. He was well-known in the industry for his service to forestry on the Mid North Coast and in the Northern Rivers and Central West.
Queensland’s Premier Steven Miles has been accused of pulling an election stunt to appease environmental activists with scant regard for its own timber policy, environmentally sound land management and the many regional communities and thousands of people dependent on the timber industry.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard announced on Saturday that 54,000 hectares of greater glider habitat in South East Queensland state forest will be transitioned to a new natural capital tenure. With it, the State will establish a Greater Glider Forest Park.
Of the 54,000 hectares, 7500 hectares are set to be placed into Natural Capital Reserve as a potential strategic advance offset for the critical Borumba Pumped Hydro project.
Queensland goes to the polls on October 26 with most polls pointing to Labor losing power after nine years in Government.
Timber Queensland Hardwood Division Chair Curly Tatnell said the announcement to form a Glider Park in South-East Queensland with predetermined areas
of mapped forest made a mockery of the consultative framework the Premier established less than two months ago.
“The first meeting of the advisory group under the Government’s new timber policy only took place on 15 August. This group is tasked with providing advice on the scope and options for timber supply and protected areas to be worked through to the middle of 2025,” said Mr Tatnell.
“From 2025 the hardwood industry will already face a 40% reduction in state timber supply in the region due to a unilateral decision by the Government in 2019 to cease timber harvesting in the South-East Queensland Regional Plan area,” he said.
“Now we have the Government railroading further forest areas to be taken out of production with no consultation with the group or testing of the scientific validity of mapped areas or other alternatives for glider protection. There is also no information on timber supply impacts. This is disingenuous and an insult to the workers and families in our sustainable native forest industry,” Mr Tatnell
said.
Timber Queensland has written to the Premier seeking assurances for long-term contract certainty for native hardwood sawmillers from state forests which has fallen on deaf ears and put $140 million of planned investment for timber production and 6000 jobs at risk.
“We do not support the locking up of forests where there is clear evidence that well managed state forests provide superior environmental and economic outcomes for the community,” Mr Tatnell said.
“It also makes a mockery of the Government’s aim to maintain current timber supply levels from 2025 to 2034 as an essential building material in the middle of a housing crisis,” he said.
“Grandstanding by envi-
ronmental activists and a rushed announcement by a government to win over green voters should not determine forest and timber industry policy. Decisions on the longterm management of forests should be evidence-based with empirical data and genuine consultation rather than ideological opinion.
“We believe State forests should already be considered part of the protected area system, just like National Forests in the United States and other multipleuse and cultural landscapes across the world, given that state forests are managed in accordance with strict environmental regulation and adopt selective harvesting practices to maintain permanent healthy forests with timber, recreation and biodiversity outcomes.”
Forestry Australia is disappointed the Miles Labor Government is jumping the gun in declaring a Greater Glider Forest Park in Queensland.
Forestry Australia’s Acting President, Dr Bill Jackson, said while Forestry Australia supports conserving threatened species and habitats, the new commitment has been made without consultation, sound evidence or the application of good governance principles.
The comments come in the wake of Environment Minister Leanne Linard announcing 54,000 hectares
of greater glider habitat in South East Queensland state forest will be transitioned to a new natural capital tenure.
“The Queensland Sustainable Timber Industry Framework was established two months ago to provide government advice and it is due to run until the middle of 2025,” Dr Jackson said.
“The Framework’s first meeting was only held two weeks ago yet, the Miles Government has jumped the gun and made this announcement without even taking the time to get appropriate advice.
“Good policy needs to be based on sound evidence and assessments and the proposal of the Queensland Government fails on all of this.
“The assumption that harvesting timber from native forests is necessarily harmful to biodiversity is not correct and there is indeed strong evidence that forests need to be managed actively.
“Well managed forests generate a wide range of ecosystem services, including carbon storage, water, recreational opportunities and fibre, that generate considerable benefits for
people while also conserving biodiversity.
“It is time to move away from the binary approach of commercial forests vs protected areas and consider a more nuanced approach that considers active and adaptive management along a continuum of sustainable management interventions.
“A sustainable future without the use of locally sourced timber, evidencebased biodiversity conservation and effective climate change mechanisms is a nonsense,” Dr Jackson said.
Native timber review
A New South Wales government-appointed panel is exploring the idea of ending logging in NSW native forests within four years.
The government is under mounting pressure over the impact of its own logging business on nature.
The historically divisive issue of taking slow-growing hardwoods from native forests has become even trickier as the government works to deliver its promised Great Koala National Park.
Other options include business as usual, reducing native timber harvesting until other sources are found, or putting native forests under indigenous management with extra supply to come from private and public plantations.
Plantation projects
The Federal Government has announced funding worth $5.65 million for eight new plantation projects through round 2 of the Support Plantation Establishment program.
The projects will establish softwood plantations ranging from 40 to 1671 hectares in size located across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Log exports lift
Exports of softwood logs from Australia lifted to a 45-month high in July 2024, screaming up to 265,657 m3 after the prior month saw a 36-month record of over 140,000 m3.
The main recipient is India, with China re-emerging as an export destination after a nearly four-year hiatus. Lafferty retirement
FWPA’s Head of Research and Development, Dr Chris Lafferty has decided to retire at the end of June 2025, after 23 years with the organisation.
Since joining the then Forest and Wood Products Research & Development Corporation in 2002, Chris has been an invaluable team member, dedicating his significant skills and experience to advancing research and development to benefit members and key stakeholders across the entire forest and wood products value chain.
Forest sustainabil ity has taken on dif ferent meanings in Western Australia – chang ing depending on the audi ence.
In one corner the Minister for Forestry, Jackie Jarvis, has repeatedly claimed the closure of the native forest industry was necessary because it was unsustainable.
FPC are confirming the results of the certification that there is sound scientific evidence that WA forests are being sustainably managed. If the FPC didn’t believe that was the case, they should have handed the certificate back in 2021.
Source: Australian Rural & Regional News
In the other corner is Stuart West, the General Manager of the Minister’s agency, the Forest Products Commission, overseeing harvesting operations in the jarrah and karri forests which have been independently certified as being sustainable. Both can’t be right, can they?
Then Premier Mark McGowan announced an end to ‘commercial harvesting’ on 8 September 2021 under the smokescreen of climate change.
Meanwhile, the Minister for the Environment has admitted there were no reports to demonstrate this link and the government’s alternative facts have been shown to be populist opinion.
Despite this lack of scientific evidence, Jackie Jarvis continues to spout the same talking points. The FPC has followed suit and mouthed the government line. Their actions are however very different.
Through all the anti-forestry propaganda the FPC’s operations in the native forest have maintained certification to the Sustainable Forest Management standard AS4708. FPC continues to hold this certification three years after we were told the operations weren’t sustainable.
Responsible Wood oversee the implementation of this standard and ensures independent auditors check FPC’s performance. By maintaining certification Stuart West and the
Anew environmental organisation focussed on restoring degraded forests in partnership with Traditional Owners has been established, headed up by former VicForests CEO Monique Dawson.
Ms Dawson said the Healthy Forests Foundation – which is currently in “start-up mode” - would be professionally led, science based, and action orientated.
The foundation also has Deb Kerr, the former CEO of the Victoria Forests Product Association, on board.
The foundation’s board includes Pentarch chairman Malcolm McComb, Ian
Sedger from Allied Natural Wood Enterprises, Richard Conheady, the corporate governance manager at Pentarch, and David Bartlett who was the premier of Tasmania from 2008 to 2011. The board however is only interim, and the organisation is considering further interim appointments.
Ms Dawson said she had been frustrated by the lack of awareness about what was really needed to make Australia’s forests healthy and resilient.
“The misinformation, mischief and malice in public debate is exhausting and dispiriting,” she said.
“At the same time, Aus-
Instead, the FPC has continued to have its forest harvesting audited in December 2021, February 2023 and August 2023 –confirming that they conform to AS 4708. This certification of sustainability continues until June 2025. Under Standard 4708 sustainability needs to be based on science and includes maintaining, enhancing or restoring ecological processes; carbon, nutrient and water cycles; and the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Forest Monitoring under the acclaimed Forestcheck program has shown this to be the case since the 1990’s. It is clear the left and right side of government don’t know what the other is doing. Independent Auditors for Responsible Wood say the forests have been sustainably managed for timber production based on systematic assessment against defined criteria.
Jackie Jarvis says they aren’t based on the politics. In a bizarre twist Stuart West sits on the Board of Responsible Wood (surely a conflict of interest). He is precariously astride a barbed wire fence. As a Board member he is bound to support and uphold the integrity of the Sustainable Forest Management standard. As a vassal of the Minister, he has to publicly support her position.
This certification fiasco follows on Jackie Jarvis’s confession of being confused over the publication of forestry data, which she has subsequently confirmed will now remain hidden from public view. This lack of transparency and accountability is totally contrary to the requirements of AS 4708 and pledges of open government. As can been seen from the audit findings above the FPC does not deal with stakeholder complaints appropriately, another symptom of the secrecy surrounding the mismanagement of the forest industry.
- Gavin Butcher is a former director of the WA Forest Products Commission.
tralia is wasting opportunities to get on with the work that is needed to address the real threats to forests and biodiversity - pests, fire and climate change,” she said. “We’ll be providing information about what our forests need and getting on with fixing them.
“We would love for members of this community to sign up as volunteers with the Foundation.
“We’ll do callouts to our volunteers to get involved with our projects including through citizen science activities,” Ms Dawson said.
“We’ll also be interested in volunteers who will champion our positive form of environmentalism.”
According to its website the Foundation will establish and maintain a webbased, publicly accessible library of research and knowledge about forest health, management and repair.
By providing a central repository of accessible information, it will facilitate collaboration between knowledge holders and those wanting to take active steps in restoring forest health.
The Healthy Forests Foundation will work with Traditional Owners, scientists, and local communities to identify priority places that are unhealthy or vulnerable.
South Australian Forest Products Association has launched “This is Wood Work” - a powerful campaign shining a spotlight on career pathways in South Australia’s forest and timber industries.
This industry-driven campaign, led by SAFPA, is supported by the South Australian Government’s Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Masterplan, and is about planning for the future and attracting talent to the industry and the regions.
Wood Work is an online tool showcasing the broad diversity of career pathways and job options within the forest and timber industries, ranging from Forest Management, to Harvest and Haulage, Saw and Wood Production
through to Corporate Services.
Forest industries are building our nation and with growing investment in new processing facilities, it’s an industry that requires skilled, technologicallysavvy and environmentally-driven professionals, and the Wood Work campaign will showcase how one can find a career with a diversity of pathways whilst
contributing to a greener, cleaner future by producing the ultimate renewable product – timber.
South Australia’s Limestone Coast is fast becoming the nation’s hub of forestry innovation with the Wood Work campaign designed to inform and attract job seekers about the multitude of forest industries jobs and careers.
The City of Mount Gambier will be decorated in ‘This is Wood Work’ branding, from billboards on the main street, to the back of buses, adverts in the newspaper, on radio and on social media, reaching the core demographic of school leavers and young people looking for meaningful, stable career options.
South Australian Forest
Products Association (SAFPA) chief executive Nathan Paine said he was thrilled to have been involved with the future proofing campaign.
“This really is an exciting project because it is shining a spotlight on all the different and diverse jobs and careers in forestry,” he said. “We are very excited about being able to showcase the industry to job seekers particularly here in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast.
“We know there is need to decarbonise our economy and we also know that wood fibre is going to be one of the critical pathways to ensure that we decarbonise.”
Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forestry Indus-
tries Clare Scriven said she was delighted to partner with industry and in particular SAFPA to be able to deliver the initiative.
“The South Australian Government is putting $250,000 and that’s because this is such a vibrant industry for our area here in the Limestone Coast,” she said.
“We want to see people who are tech savvy, who are skilled, who are environmentally driven because this is one of the most renewable, sustainable industries in our region.
“We want people to know the breadth and depth of different careers that are available and that includes everythins..”
To learn more about the campaign, please visit: www.thisiswoodwork.com. au
The appointment of an expert panel to lead consultation on a Forestry Industry Action Plan, which will outline the path NSW will take to ensure a sustainable timber industry that aligns with the government’s key environmental priorities has been warmly welcomed by the State’s timber industry.
Timber NSW CEO Maree McCaskill said that for too long successive governments had handed a timber or forest industry plan to the industry without any consultation with those businesses and people who effectively live and breathe it every day.
“The Minns government is demonstrating willingness to listen and consult with those most impacted by any change and we welcome that opportunity,” she said.
The Independent Forestry Panel will be chaired by Peter Duncan AM who has more than 40 years’ experience in primary industries, infrastructure and regional NSW. Professor Mary O’Kane AC and former State politician Mick Veitch will also sit on the Panel.
The Panel will be tasked with consulting with a broad range of stakeholders and report to Government on the best options to achieve the balance be-
tween sustainable supplies of timber and our environmental commitments.
Stakeholders include representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.
The Plan will address the following key areas:
• Sustainability of current and future forestry operations in NSW;
• Environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species;
• Community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail;
• The future of softwood and hardwood plantations and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs;
• The role of State Forests in maximising the
delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes;
• Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate change risks; and
• Greenhouse gas emission impacts of different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.
Pentarch Executive Director Stephen Dadd said the independence of the panel members showed a willingness by the NSW Government to allow commonsense and evidence to inform forestry policy.
“It is refreshing that the NSW Government has taken a long-term view for our vital timber industry,” he said.
“We congratulate the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Regional NSW for taking an evidence-based approach in creating a Forestry Industry Action Plan and the panel which will advise it,” Mr Dadd said.
“We’ve seen first-hand the impacts of policy driven by ideology on regional communities in Victoria and Western Australia.”
He said the independence of the IFP members showed a commitment by
the NSW Government to ensure science and commonsense informed future forestry policy.
Ms McCaskill said that the forest industry had been operating in NSW for nearly 150 years and had a long term view of sustainability and the capacity to supply to an ever increasing demand for hardwood and softwood timber for NSW housing, construction, mining, transport, energy and retail while respecting the need for conservation, national parks and reserves.
“NSW can have both, providing there is recognition that the science that underpins selective, sustainable harvesting in state and private forests, supplemented by plantations, will deliver positive outcomes for nature and for living standards in NSW,” she said.
“After all, 88 per cent of NSW Crown forests are already protected in National Parks and conservation reserves and 12 per cent is available for production in state forests”.
The panel overseeing the process represented a diversity and depth of skills and expertise to assist the industry and its vital supply chain to deliver major dividends to NSW and reduce the cost of living.
The Softwoods Working Group has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of the Forest Industry Action Plan and the commitment to the community, workers, and the industry in developing this plan.
“The plan’s development will be overseen by an Independent Forestry Panel, chaired by Peter Duncan AM,” SWG Chair Peter Crowe OAM said.
“We warmly welcome the appointment of Peter Duncan AM as chair of the panel.
"Mr. Duncan’s extensive experience in strategic infrastructure and primary industries will be invaluable in guiding the panel’s work.
“Peter’s leadership, alongside the expertise of Professor Mary O’Kane AC, and the Hon. Mick Veitch, ensures that the panel is well-equipped to navigate the complexities and opportunities for a long-term vision for the success of the forestry and wood products industry in NSW.”
Mr Crowe said the South West Slopes region of NSW
was recognised as the largest concentrated softwood processing area in the state and was a crucial regional economic hub.
“With a gross value of output exceeding $3 billion and supporting approximately 11,000 regional jobs, the SWG and its members are ready to provide expert advice to the panel as it develops the Forest Industry Action Plan,” SWG Executive Officer Carlie Porteous said.
“We look forward to a balanced and robust stakeholder engagement pro-
cess that guarantees the industry has a key seat at the table.
“It is vital that the voices of those who work and invest in the forestry sector are integrated into the final plan,” she said.
Ms Porteous said the Independent Forestry Panel had been tasked with consulting a broad range of stakeholders and reporting to the Government on the best options to achieve a balance between sustainable timber supplies and environmental commitments.
The timber industry in Australia plays a significant role in the economy, but it faces challenges and opportunities.
The sector is grappling with sustainable resource management concerns, particularly due to land-use conflicts, and the effects of climate change, such as increased bushfires.
The demand for timber remains strong, driven by housing construction and infrastructure projects. However, there has been an increased focus on sustainable practices, including certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and initiatives to boost plantation forestry over native logging. This shift aims to balance production with environmental conservation.
Recent government policies have aimed to support the industry with investments in research, innovation, and afforestation projects.
Overall, while the timber industry remains strong and vital, it must continue evolving to meet sustainability challenges and global environmental standards.
As a Tasmanian, I understand the contribution Australia’s forests and forest industries make to our nation’s economy and regional communities. They add about $28 billion to the national income, create more than 50,000 jobs, and are vital to rural and regional communities.
This is why the Albanese Labor Government supports sustainable forestry, and is investing in forest industry innovation, manufacturing and skills.
We are delivering the most significant forest industry support package in Australia’s history, including more than $300 million to help improve the capacity and capability of the sector.
Our plan will see government working in partnership to deliver outcomes for the Australian forest industry, workers and consumers.
This includes $3.4 million from the 2024-25 Budget for long-term planning initiatives to:
• review the 1992 National Forest Policy Statement to ensure it meets contemporary forest management objectives;
• Support the Strategic Forest and Renewables Material Partnership and develop a Timber Fibre Strategy, including conducting a roundtable with the forestry sector, industry bodies, states and territories.
We are also funding 27 new plantation projects worth more than $15 million through the first two rounds of the Support Plantation Establishment
program. The program is providing $73.76 million in grant funding over four years to establish new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests.
This will increase our domestic timber supply, particularly for construction and manufacturing and will create and retain regional jobs. We often hear timber described as ‘the ultimate renewable’, and the role trees play in carbon capture and storage is a practical and effective step towards Net Zero.
In another positive development for our forest industries, more than $100 million has been granted to 33 recipients across Australia under the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation Program. This program supports the medium to long-term sustainability of wood processers by stimulating investment in upgrades to existing manufacturing lines, as well as supporting innovation. It aims to enhance the forestry sector’s ability to supply more of Australia’s wood demands into the future.
The Albanese Labor Government also understands the importance of growing and strengthening the forestry work force, which is why we are investing $10 million over four years in the Forestry Workforce Training Program to support the delivery of skills and training, we have recently contracted ForestWorks Ltd to deliver a suite of activities over the next two years to improve access to qualifications and credentials needed.
The Albanese Labor Government has also signed an agreement with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to establish and manage the Australia-wide National Institute for Forest Products Innovation until 2026-27. Headquartered at UTAS in Launceston, the institute will operate under the new name of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), with three regional research centres. AFWI will support transformative research, development and innovation for Australia’s timber industry, while also supporting the training and development needs of researchers.
The 11 Regional Forestry Hubs will continue their strategic work until June 2027 with an additional $8.6 million. The hubs provide strategic planning, technical assessments and analyses to support forest industry growth in their regions. The role of Hubs is being expanded to include informing local industries and landholders of the outcomes of research and innovation work, particularly from AFWI.
Ensuring sustainable trade is another focus for our government. That’s why I’m pleased the Parliament has passed our legislation that aims to strengthen the protections in place for preventing illegally logged timber entering our market. Changes to the laws include the ability to trace timber illegally logged right back to its source through innovative testing methods recently trialled by the government under a $4.4 million budget measure.
As the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, I look forward to continuing to work with the sector to grow this fantastic industry.
The forest and wood products industry in New South Wales has had a dynamic 12 months. As the state grapples with a housing supply crisis, the timber industry is positioned to play a crucial role in addressing construction demand.
Simultaneously, the sector faces pressures from environmental concerns, resource security, and regulatory uncertainty.
However, recent policy announcements by the NSW Government offer a framework for growth, sustainability, and innovation in both the timber and bioproducts industries.
NSW is currently focused on addressing a significant housing shortage. The NSW Government has responded with new policies aimed at stimulating construction and cutting through red tape. These initiatives include streamlining approval processes, targeted regions for higher density housing and investigating modern methods of construction which promise to accelerate the pace of home building across the state.
The timber industry is poised to play a central role in these efforts. Softwoods, in particular, are essential for housing construction, providing sustainable, durable, and cost-effective materials. AFPA NSW continues to remind politicians and the media about the critical role of the native hardwood industry in the housing construction and renovations sector and the role it plays in supplying critical materials to the energy, mining, transport, marine and construction sectors.
New South Wales is positioning itself as a leader in softwood plantation expansion. Under the Commonwealth Government’s Plantation Establishment Program, NSW received 70 percent of the grants in the first round
of funding, which will enable the planting of an additional 3,500 hectares of softwood timber.
This initiative will directly address the state’s housing crisis by expanding the availability of constructiongrade timber.
The Support Plantation Establishment Grants and improvements to the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) Plantation Methods are helping to support the expansion of NSW’s timber industry.
These efforts underscore the growing demand for sustainably sourced timber products and highlight the commitment to leveraging timber to meet housing and economic growth.
The Australian Forest Products Association NSW has been actively advocating for the critical role of timber in housing construction.
One of its primary focuses is ensuring resource security, which is vital for sustained timber supply.
AFPA NSW works closely with politicians and government agencies to highlight the role of timber as a sustainable solution to the housing crisis, pushing for policies that secure long-term access to timber resources.
The NSW Government has responded by committing $13 million to enhance resource security, particularly in the key plantation region of the NSW Southern Slopes. This investment, which includes funding for bushfire mitigation assets, aims to protect timber plantations from natural disasters, ensuring a stable supply for years to come.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition by the government of the timber industry’s importance in not only meeting housing needs but also supporting the
Looking ahead, the NSW Government has announced the development of a Forestry Industry Action Plan.
This plan will set the vision and policy for the state’s timber and wood products sector, focusing on key areas such as resource security, expansion of plantations, and support for the native forestry industry.
It will also address the demand for timber across multiple sectors, including housing construction, mining, transport, energy, and retail.
The Action Plan is expected to embed long-term policies that ensure the sustainability of timber resources and promote innovation in the bioproducts sector.
The proposed establishment of the Great Koala National Park on the NSW mid-north coast has created uncertainty for businesses reliant on native hardwood supplies. The mid-north coast region provides over 70 percent of the nation’s power poles and approximately 80 percent of timber used in Australia’s underground coal
mines.
It is also a key supplier of hardwood for the state’s housing construction sector.
AFPA NSW is working with the government through an Industry Advisory Panel to ensure the future of the hardwood industry remains intact while the park is established.
AFPA NSW is pushing for clarity on the size and location of the park by the end of 2024 while supporting a proposal from the Industry Advisory Panel that has developed a unique proposal for a Great Koala National Park. This decision will be crucial in delivering the governments election commitment with the needs of the forestry industry and the communities that rely on it.
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding the Great Koala National Park, the native timber sector is grappling with regulatory challenges linked to the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (CIFOA).
A review of the state’s native forestry rules has been delayed due to legislative uncertainty, compounded by a series of amendments prompted by the up-listing
of several threatened species. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has shown a preference for rolling amendments to the CIFOA rather than engaging in a broader review that includes public consultation. These ongoing changes have created significant disruption to forestry operations on both the south and north coasts. Ensuring stability and transparency in the CIFOA process will be a critical area of advocacy for the native timber sector as consultations for the Forestry Industry Action Plan progress. The forest and wood products sector in NSW is navigating a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities. While the housing crisis has underscored the importance of timber as a sustainable and essential material, the industry must contend with regulatory uncertainty, environmental concerns, and resource security issues. However, with strong government support, new policies, and a commitment to innovation, NSW’s forestry sector is well-positioned to grow, meet demand, and continue contributing to the state’s economy and environment.
In 2022-23, the volume of logs harvested fell by 3.9% compared to 202122. Average unit values (prices) increased significantly over the same period, resulting in the nominal gross value of production (GVP) of logs harvested increasing by nearly 7% to $2.44 billion in 2022-23.
However, much of the increase in unit prices has been driven by recent high levels of inflation across the economy. Inflation stood at 7% in 2022-23 as measured by the consumer price index, resulting in the real (that is adjusted for inflation) value of logs harvested being stable in 202223 compared to 2021-22.
The volume of production from hardwood plantations increased by 10.3% but production from softwood plantations fell by 5.4% in 2022-23 compared to 202122. Unit values for both sectors increased significantly, especially for softwood, resulting in the nominal value of production increasing by 12.9% to $800 million for hardwood and 11.8% to $1.35 billion for softwood in 2022-23. In real terms, the growth in value was more modest at 5.6% for hardwood and 4.5% for softwood.
Native harvests (includ-
ing native cypress) volume fell by 29.2% in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22.
Similar to the plantation sector, unit values also increased resulting in the nominal value of production falling by less at 20% to $296 million in 2022-23.
The real value of production fell by 26%.
The value of forest and wood product imports rose by 1.8% in nominal terms to $6.9 billion (but fell 4.9% in real terms), reflecting a slowdown in the residential construction sector.
The value of exports of forest and wood products has continued a declining trend with a reduction of 7.7% in nominal terms to $2.8 billion in 2022-23 (and a 13.8% fall in real terms).
The area of Australia’s softwood plantation estate remained stable in 2022-23, while the area of hardwood plantations continued to decline as the rate of conversion to other land uses have outpaced new plantation establishment. However, the rate of decline in the hardwood plantation estate has eased significantly compared to recent years.
In 2022-23, new plantation establishment increased by 4.5 thousand hectares compared to 202122, representing a marginal
share of 0.3% of the total estate. There were 3,800 hectares of softwood plantations and 700 hectares of hardwood plantations newly established. The majority of establishment in 2022-23 was softwood plantations in New South Wales, 2,900 hectares.
The gross value of logs harvested remained steady in real terms in 2022-23, at $2.44 billion, with increases in the value of logs harvested from softwood and hardwood plantations offsetting the decline in value of logs harvested from production native forests.
In 2022-23, the total value of production from softwood plantations increased by 11.8% (4.5% in real terms) to $1.35 billion. This increase in value was driven by an increase in the unit value of softwood logs and occurred alongside a 5.4% reduction in harvest volume.
Softwood sawlogs, mainly destined for the domestic residential construction sector, are the major product category from the softwood plantation sector. In 2022-23, the production volume of softwood sawlogs declined by 6.7% to 8.1 million m3 compared to 2021-22 and the real value increased by 1.7% to $916
million.
Increases in the cost of production, specifically harvest and haulage costs, of softwood products appear to be driving the increasing unit value of production (log price index).
The value of production is calculated at the mill door, so costs of production, harvest and haulage costs are included in the final log price and these costs do influence the final value of production calculation.
On the demand side, demand for softwood sawlogs is driven by residential construction sector activity, with sawlogs predominately used in wall framing, trusses, and internal applications such as floorboards. Therefore, interest rates and government stimulus of the residential construction sector significantly affects demand for wood products.
The effect of removing the COVID-19 stimulus of the domestic residential construction sector and rising interest rates on housing demand has been evident since the Reserve Bank of Australia started increasing interest rates in May 2022.
The cash rate changed from 0.35% in May 2022 to 4.35% in November 2023 (RBA 2024).
As of April 2024, the seasonally adjusted estimate for approved dwellings fell 0.3% to 13 thousand dwellings, continuing a downward trend since the peak in March 2021 (ABS 2024a). Similarly, dwelling commencements have been falling since 2021 from 231 thousand dwellings to 182 thousand dwellings in 2022 and 169 thousand dwellings in 2023 before they are expected increase to 197 thousand in 2025-26, in seasonally adjusted terms (HIA 2024).
Between 2012-13 and 2016-17, the real value of production from softwood plantations increased steadily, primarily driven by strong domestic demand from the residential housing sector and a strong export market for softwood roundwood to China. The sector then experienced a period of relative stability between 2016-17 and 201920, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and a closing of trade in roundwood to China from November 2020 to March 2023.
In 2022-23, hardwood plantations produced 78% of the volume of all hardwood logs produced in Australia. The vast majority of logs harvested from hardwood plantations (87%)
Continued page 26
The past 12 months has been bookmarked by victories and challenges for the Tasmanian forestry sector.
Pleasingly, the industry continues to receive bipartisan support from both sides of politics. However, attacks on our flanks over the continuation of native forest logging, the long-term sustainability of the public estate, and growing concerns about plantation forestry means the Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) have been kept busy fighting for our industry.
The biggest Tasmanian event of the last 12 months would surely have been the re-election of the Rockliff Liberal Government for a record breaking fourth term.
The TFPA’s election wish list was embraced by both
major parties, with the industry securing several key promises – including a further $5m towards on-island processing grants and an increase in local benefits test to 30 per cent for all government timber contracts.
During the campaign, the Liberals promised to extend the post-2027 native supply contracts to 2040, as well as a rewrite of the Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT) Ministerial Charter. Both these announcements have been welcomed by the TFPA and industry.
Following the election the Labor Party changed leader. Newly installed Dean Winter has turned his party’s focus
industry gives our members a level of stability – ensuring confidence that the prosperity and growth of our industry will continue over the coming years. It also means, despite the usual suspects trying to oppose our industry, the TFPA can work constructively with the two major parties to ensure any legislation is dealt with fairly and with the best interests of our members in mind.
to protecting and growing jobs. Along with this new focus, the Labor Party has reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable and renewable Tasmanian forestry sector. So, despite a growing and more dysfunctional crossbench in the new parliament, having both major parties publicly back our
Since the election, the TFPA continues to work constructively with STT to ensure that our members get a fair and equitable deal in all post-2027 public estate harvesting contracts.
Ensuring an equitable supply for Tasmanian businesses after the new contracts begin is a key focus for the TFPA, and essential to ensure the Tasmanian busi-
nesses are not unfairly impacted following the closure of some mainland state’s native forest sectors.
We’ve also seen an ongoing campaign to end native forest logging, run by the extreme environmental groups. Despite their mistruths, the TFPA has been joined by business, environmental and academic leaders to dispel they wild and untrue claims.
The TFPA is also working behind the scenes to ensure that leaders and key decision makers are presented with the facts on the forestry industry. While the coming 12 months will be a challenging time for the Tasmanian forestry industry, the TFPA is committed to ensuring that our respected, responsible and renewable industry continues to build on its strengths for the future.
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Like many Australian industries, the forest and sawmilling sectors are subject to market cycles. This year has been economically challenging for businesses right across these sectors, many of which are regionally based and family owned.
Trusting that the market will lift can be challenging, yet if we continue to invest in our sector, we will be ready for the return of better times, ready to get back to work safer, more efficient and with enhanced technology.
Despite the economic downturn, South Australia’s forest industries have a number of significant projects on the agenda that will positively place the industry front and centre amongst the decision-makers, metropolitan stakeholders and regional communities. As the peak advocacy body for the forest industries in South Australia, the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) has worked closely with our members to ensure our
values and targets are sharp and relevant to deliver maximum benefit to all sectors of the industry.
SAFPA has been well recognised by how we engage with our political parties to secure positive outcomes for the industry. In 2022, our inaugural Policy Platform secured the industry almost $25 million in commitments from the Government and since the election, we are pleased to have secured many more commitments, not least of which is the Connecting up the South East project where SAFPA worked with Telstra to bring together six of the seven local governments in the Limestone Coast along with the State Government and the Federal Government and which will see
the profit from your timber with Koppers.
as well as the recent launch of This Is Wood Work campaign - an industry awareness campaign, celebrating the diversity of jobs and careers in our industries and to make sure the forest industries are front of mind for school leavers and job seekers.
We all know that forestry is one of the most diverse and inclusive workplaces, and we want the South Australian Limestone Coast residents to know that too. We want them to know that one can find a long-term, team-oriented, satisfying career whilst contributing to a greener, cleaner future by producing the ultimate renewable product – timber.
To learn more about the campaign, I encourage those to visit thisiswoodwork.com.au.
If you have Poles available from your forest harvesting operations and want to maximise the return from it then give Koppers a call today.
Mark Hitchins (NSW) – 0439 291 163
Rhys Riddell (NSW) – 0409 674 372
Shane Griffin (NSW) – 0429 447 223
Daniel Jacobs (QLD) – 0475 890 087
Justin Mackie (QLD) – 0473 316 045
www.koppers.com.au | poles@koppers.com.au
almost 30 mobile base stations installed across the region to make it the most connected up region in the nation.
The South Australian Government has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to forest industries throughout the previous election and during this term. Last financial year, the SA Government continued to invest in significant projects to showcase the industry in South Australia not only as a premier softwood plantation hub, but a hub of forest innovation.
Tree Breeding Australia in Mount Gambier received joint funding to expand their facility and strengthen their reputation as Australia’s leading forestry genetics research centre. Fennell Forestry received funding to deliver the second stage of the electric log truck trial – bringing a realistic carbon reduction solution for the heavy transport industry.
And, next month the Forestry Centre of Excellence will celebrate its next milestone with the aim of having the Centre building opened in early 2026. This will elevate research outcomes and catapult forestry businesses into the development of new wood-fibre innovative solutions, which in the long-term will enhance our global competitiveness and ultimately increase economic and employment opportunities for the region.
In addition to those exciting projects, the South Australian Government’s Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Masterplan is supporting the upcoming deep-dive into our sovereign capability to grow enough fibre for our future needs,
And, with South Australia as the birthplace of commercial plantation forestry, it’s exciting to share that next year, in 2025, South Australia will celebrate 150 years of plantation forestry.
SAFPA look forward to delivering an exciting and memorable campaign that showcases our beloved forest with the state and the nation. We look forward to working with our members, stakeholders and all levels of Government to celebrate and acknowledge the historic achievements and future opportunities within our industry. Whilst we have a number of exciting and worthwhile projects on the horizon, politically South Australia will have two major elections within the space of 18 months –the Federal election and the State election which will be held on 21 March 2026.
As we look towards the 2026 State Election, SAFPA has refreshed its in-depth, solutions focused Policy Platform and will work with all political parties and candidates to ensure the voice of South Australia’s forest and timber industries are heard and positive outcomes can be delivered for the region and the industry.
Investment into the future is paramount, and despite the global economic headwinds there are a number of significant programs on the agenda that will drive growth in the forest industries. Our industry can be assured that SAFPA and the AFPA family are more connected up to support the industry. With us, you are in good hands.
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The Victorian Government’s decision to accelerate the closure of timber harvesting from state forests has been the dominant event of the past 18 months.
With a little more than 6 months notice, commercial harvesting officially ended on 1 January 2024 although in reality the machines had sat idle from November 2022.
Activities under the banner of Community Forestry were due to conclude at the end of June 2024, but these businesses were given three weeks notice to leave the forests and stop their work in early February 2024. At the same time these businesses were pouring their significant skills and equipment resources into actively combating bushfires.
Meanwhile the Victorian Government has now racked up a bill of $1.5 billion for the series of programs designed to support workers, communities and businesses cope with the loss of this industry
and move into doing something else. For many it continues to be a question as to what that something else is in the medium to long term. When it is all boiled down, the Victorian Government has shifted the cost and management burden for the state’s forests from consumers (through industry) to the taxpayer. It’s deeply ironic that anti-industry activists have long espoused the myth of state government subsidies given the reality that has now been created. It is arguable that none of the contracting businesses who have had their investments, careers and very identities destroyed through this process have received anything that could be defined as compensation. This is despite the fact
that the government’s own policy said industry would continue with step downs until 2030, and that their own agency was actively encouraging, promoting and facilitating investment up until the day the announcement was made.
The government’s view has been that unless there an explicit requirement in the agreements they wrote, the state bears no obligation to the businesses at all for the investments they had made or the income they would have received.
Contrast this to the commercial fishing license holders of the Gippsland Lakes where the Andrews Government provided income recognition payments of three times the average value of the catch. Or closer to home, contrast the position for business against support for workers made redundant through this sorry saga who could receive payments of up to $200,000. These payments recognise that if your job is removed from you at short notice, you will more than likely need some help to get through to what’s next for you.
If your job was business owner you now have to make yourself redundant.
It is still too early to say what all of the anger, angst, activism and lawfare has actually achieved other than diminishing a heap of jobs in regional areas, reducing our capacity to fight fires and increasing costs to the state. Given that preservationist conservation has a poor record of protecting biodiversity, the outlook for the plants and animals actually isn’t great.
One unforeseen perverse outcome is a decrease in passive surveillance of remote forest areas as the roads haven’t been maintained. Less traffic and more difficult conditions encourages use by people who are not doing the right thing. If there is any good news arising out of the Victorian decision it is recognition that management of the forest is not an optional extra. While there is no native timber industry in Victoria anymore, a new class of forest management activity has been created as forest and fire services. Budget papers show the anticipated annual cost to the state is $72.5 million. At the time of writing the exact program of work to be completed remains unclear.
Reputational risk remains high for forest tenure managers, forest contracting businesses and forestry workers. The work of contracting businesses is the most visible source of disturbance outside of bushfires. Certification such as AFCA’s ForestFit™ scheme will ensure contracting businesses have systems and processes in place to minimise and mitigate operational, environmental and safety risks, but can demonstrate it to an independent third party.
Forestry has seen a changing landscape over the past year with the NSW timber industry rising to meet many future opportunities and pressing challenges.
From the introduction of updated harvesting protocols to new possibilities through renewable energy projects, the management of state forests continues to rapidly evolve.
The one constant is the market demand for timber and the ability of NSW state forests to provide high-quality products across both the hardwood and softwood divisions. Our native forests have been harvested and regenerated many times over the past century and careful planning and management continues to ensure they will continue to produce sustainable supply of timber well into the future.
On the planting front, Forestry Corporation has marked a significant milestone. Under an accelerated replanting program 50 million seedlings have been replanted
across our hardwood and softwood plantations since the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020. Every tree raised from seed, graded and dispatched from our Tumut and Grafton nurseries has been planted to continue a legacy in timber.
Biodiversity and wildlife protection remains at the forefront of every forestry operation we oversee. Our ecologists are collecting an incredible body of work. Their broad area monitoring programs highlight just how important state forests are in protecting threatened species. An extensive catalogue of images and sound recordings details millions of wildlife interactions collected across 600,000 hours of state forest surveys. Using sensor motion cameras, thermal
We manage impactful R&DE and industry data to grow the market and productivity for the forest and wood products industry. Learn more about our programs at FWPA.com.au
image drones and sound recorders, this scientific work has surveyed 400 state forest sites over the past five years. Highlights of the research indicate a strong recovery in koala populations on the North Coast, an explosion of small mammals in South Coast state forests and the ongoing monitoring of forest owl glider, bat, frog and migratory bird populations.
State forests have continued to experience increased visitation and investment. Working with our tourism, First Nations, conservation, and timber industry partners, we are developing the drawcard tourist attraction Guulabaa. Guulabaa means ‘place of the koala’ in local Gathang - the language of the Biripi people, the traditional owners of the land in Cowarra State Forest, west of Port Macquarie. Set for completion later this year, Guulabaa will be home to the world’s first wild koala breeding facility run by Koala Conservation Australia. It will also serve as the latest addition to the Australian roadmap of Big Things to see on a family holiday road trip. The Big Koala standing at 2.5 metres welcomes visitors to the Wild Nets adventure park and tourist facility, which has been built to tell the story of timber production on the Mid North Coast highlighting the amazing architectural timber that the industry produces
from state forests.
Another landmark tourist site, which has just opened to the public in the Snowy Valleys, is the Sculpture Forest in Bago State Forest. An addition to the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, the Sculpture Forest unveiled at Laurel Hill and Pilot Hill features 13 large sculptures completed by Australian and international artists.
Accessibility to our forest estate
has been a key focus for Forestry Corporation under the largest ever infrastructure program rolled out across NSW state forests. The $60-million Forest Infrastructure Repair program has seen 157 road, bridge and culvert projects planned, constructed and completed since 2022. Funded by the State Government, the program is improving weather damaged roads across the 60,000km state forest road and fire trail network. These road works will improve state forest access for the public, harvest and haulage crews and our firefighting fleet.
Looking to the future, and Forestry Corporation is exploring the potential of public pine plantations contributing to the NSW transition to renewable energy. Chief Executive Officer Anshul Chaudhary announced in May that several companies had been awarded permits to investigate wind farm opportunities in pine plantations in the Central West and Southern Inland regions. The proponents include Neoen, Iberdrola Australia, TagEnergy and Mainstream Renewables Power and a joint venture involving Someva Renewables. These permits enable the proponents to investigate windfarm opportunities in state forest pine plantations around Bondo, Orange, Black Springs and Sunny Corner. Wind farms can co-exist with plantation forests without having any longterm impact on tree growth or plantation operations, as the wind turbines are situated well above the top of the trees. The pine plan-
tation sites have been considered for wind turbine projects because these state forests have existing infrastructure in place, such as roads and powerlines and are often located some distance from neighbouring residential estates.
These renewable projects highlight the changing landscape of forestry in NSW where state forests as nature’s carbon stores can further play a role in addressing the impact of climate change.
In 2025 Timber Queensland will remain committed to pushing ahead with key policy reforms and programs to ensure long-term growth in our sustainable forest and timber industry.
The reform agenda includes keeping Governments accountable and focused on what is required to remove regulatory roadblocks and harnessing the opportunities for timber supply chains to address critical housing shortages while contributing to the circular and low carbon economy.
A key factor in the political landscape will be the results from the Queensland state election on 26 October 2024. At the time of writing the Liberal National Party (LNP) has been consistently leading in the polls which suggests a change in Government is in the wind. However, nothing is guaranteed in politics with the Miles Labor Government on the ropes but not out of the fight while the Greens and Katter Australia Party (KAP) will also pick
up inner city and regional votes respectively. It is for these reasons that Timber Queensland has been briefing and campaigning with both major parties and the KAP on key policy and program needs for the industry. Key industry priorities include: long-term resource security for the native hardwood sector; workforce development and training; wood processing innovation and supply chain efficiency; new investment drivers for plantations and farm forestry; and indigenous forestry opportunities.
As the result of an ongoing campaign by Timber Queensland including targeted radio on commercial networks, the Miles Labor Government announced a major timber policy in June via the Queensland Sustainable Timber Industry Framework. This new policy announcement commits to main-
taining as a minimum baseline current timber supply levels from 2025 to 2034 to help meet an ambitious housing target of 1 million new homes by 2046. The Government also announced a funding envelope of $200 million to support the implementation of the new timber policy across both the native forest and plantation resource and wood processing sectors, including landholder extension and education on best practice forestry. If re-elected the Labor policy will be finalised by mid-2025 with input from an advisory group established in early August which comprises representatives from the timber and building sectors, forestry experts, unions, First Nation peoples and environmental groups. However, on 31 August the Government ignored its own advisory process and unilaterally announced pre-determined areas of state forest to be set aside for a Greater Glider Forest Park. This was contrary to the intent of the policy and Timber Queensland publicly called this action out purely as a pre-election policy stunt. We continue to remain vigilant and will call out poor public policy and governance issues that adversely impact the timber industry.
At the same time the LNP have committed to a “landmark Queensland Timber Action Plan” which “will secure the sustainable timber supply needed to build homes in Queensland”. In his budget reply speech the Opposition Leader, David Crisafulli, said the LNP will ensure industry has access to the materials required to build one million homes over the next two decades. Timber Queensland has been advised a detailed forest and timber industry policy will be released prior to the election with funding commitments.
These commitments are significant in terms of recognising the critical role of timber supply chains for the housing and building sector.
Timber Queensland will hold the next state Government to account to ensure that timber supply chains are supported and developed to meet future population and building needs.
In addition, we have made good progress on the jobs front in 2024 with the release of the Wide Bay Workforce Development Plan developed jointly with Jobs Queensland, and with our own industry driven workforce program known as Canopy. This program will continue to be implemented to improve recruitment, retention and training pathways for a skilled future workforce and has state government funding support through to at least April 2025.
Another key area of focus in 2025 will be the intersection of agriculture and forestry and the work Timber Queensland has been leading with research partners in agroforestry research, development and extension. A general impediment to new planted forest investment and farm forestry uptake in Queensland has been a lack of readily available and relevant information on the net financial returns and other productivity and environmental benefits of incorporating wood production trees on farms. With more relevant case studies and verifiable information made available over time we expect to see a greater uptake by farmers, particularly with beef graziers who recognise the synergies for carbon, timber and beef productivity. For the Timber Queensland biennial conference in 2025, we plan to hold a twoday event with the first day dedicated to the farming sector and related forest growing activities and the second day to wood processing and timber building systems and innovations in using more timber in the built environment.
In the face of evolving risks and opportunities, impactful research and reliable data are crucial for advancing the forest and wood products industry.
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) plays a pivotal role in this endeavour as an industry-owned, not-for-profit Rural Research and Development Corporation (RDC). Our focus is to drive innovation and enhance the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of our sector.
FWPA collaborates closely with the Australian Government and industry stakeholders, leveraging this partnership to invest in research, development, and marketing. This collaborative approach enables us to address industry challenges and seize opportunities ef-
our grower, processor, and importer members.
Our strategic focus is on managing influential research and development (R&D) initiatives and insightful industry data. One key part of this is our Statistics and Economics Program, which provides reliable, independent data to support decision-making and business planning for stakeholders across our industry. This ensures that our industry has access to critical and unbiased information needed to make informed decisions to drive their business success.
Another cornerstone of our work is the Codes & Standards Program. This
and maintaining essential standards, codes, and handbooks. These resources are created through a consensus-based process, ensuring they meet industry needs and promote the effective use of wood products.
FWPA’s further R&D priorities and programs are
experts. This collaborative approach helps us identify the best opportunities to future-proof and grow our industry while managing risk.
In addition to these core programs, FWPA manages three key initiatives designed to support and advance the understanding of, and appreciation for the forest and wood products industry:
1. ForestLearning: This program is dedicated to providing educational resources about Australian forests and wood products. It serves primary and secondary school educators with engaging and factbased classroom resources, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of forests in our environment and our economy.
2. The Ultimate Renewable™: This campaign is at
the benefits of wood. By disseminating FWPA’s factbased information, The Ultimate Renewable™ aims to educate the public and advocate for the use of renewable wood, contributing to a more sustainable future.
3. WoodSolutions: Designed for professionals and companies involved in building design and construction, WoodSolutions offers education and information about how to utilise timber and wood products. This initiative provides practical guidance and resources to support informed decision-making and provide user confidence to use timber in the built environment.
Through these programs and strategic initiatives, FWPA is committed to con-
were pulplogs produced for export as woodchips. The real value of hardwood plantation log production increased by 12.9% (5.6% in real terms) to $800 million in 2022-23.
As the value of domestic hardwood plantation production is driven by international demand for woodchips, there has been steady year on year growth in the value of production following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and reopening of the global economy in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Between 2012-13 and 2018-19, the real value of production from Australia’s hardwood plantations grew on average 16% per year. This growth was due to strong demand from China for Australian woodchips. Demand from China remained strong until the
economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on woodchip trade with China and, in turn, hardwood plantation log production, was seen from the 2019-20. A slow recovery in trade and production values has been seen from 2021-22 onwards.
The value of hardwood native logs harvested declined by 21% (26% in real terms) to $278 million in 2022-23. The decline in value was driven predominantly by a 30% reduction in harvest volume, with both sawlog and pulplog harvest reducing by 25% and 37% respectively (Figure 3). The sharp fall in the real value and volume of production from Australia’s native forests in 2022-23 is a continuation of the trend observed over the past two decades. The area
of Australia’s native forests available and suitable for commercial wood production has been declining since at least 1995-96. Between 1995-96 and 2015-16,
Native forest harvest volume and value will continue to fall over the coming
the decrease mostly resulted from the transfer of areas of multiple-use public native forest to the nature conservation reserve system as a part of the Re-
gional Forest Agreement process (ABARES 2018).
In 2022-23, the reduction in hardwood native logs harvested was driven predominantly by a 78% reduction in harvest volume in Victoria, from 957,000 m3 in 2021-22 to 206,000 m3 in 2022-23. VicForests has reported that financial performance, and harvesting activity, was significantly impacted by litigation actions brought against them by environmental groups (VicForests 2023) which limited forestry operations in 2022-23 through restricting the areas available for harvest.
As the production figures presented here are for the 2022-23 financial year, they do not yet include the full impact of the Victorian government decision to cease public native forest
- from page 14
harvesting and the Western Australian government decision to end commercial harvesting in Western Australia’s public native forests (Government of Victoria 2019, Government of Western Australia 2022). Both of these decisions came into effect from 1st January 2024. Further, native forest harvesting in South East Queensland Regional Plan Area is scheduled to cease from January 2025 (DAF 2023). Consequently, national native forest harvest volume and value will continue to fall over the coming years as native log supply declines from these states. Collectively, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland accounted for 756,000 m3 of native hardwood log production in 2022-23, or 32% of the total volume of production.
Andrew White
CEO Victorian Forests Products Association
Whether it’s innovation in product development, manufacturing processes, logistics or harvesting technologies, in my first few weeks in this role, the ingenuity I’ve witnessed within the hardworking forest products industry has been impressive.
A number of people have asked me ‘why forestry?’ The answer is simple. The industry is now at a critical juncture. After a profoundly difficult year following the closure of native forestry and notwithstanding some huge challenges ahead, there remains reason for optimism as the industry emerges with new opportunities on the horizon.
Victoria’s wood fibre industry including harvesting, processing and manufacturing of wood products, is making a substantial contribution to the State’s economy, especially in rural communities.
Unfortunately, this is rarely acknowledged.
As the home of plantation forestry, Victoria leads the way, accounting for ~22% of the national plantation estate. In 2020/21, Victoria’s plantation wood fibre sector was estimated to contribute $2.2bn in value added output and directly supported around 24,000 jobs statewide.
A month or so into my role, I have been on the road meeting with our members right around the state to understand the policy areas that are most important, to ensure the industry can evolve, grow, and make an even bigger economic contribution in the future.
There is no doubt the industry has demonstrated an incredible level of resilience in the face of much adversity over the past 12 months. Remarkably, but unsurprisingly, however, Victoria now finds itself in a perilous position. It has a timber shortage.
Major manufacturer Opal notably made the decision to end white pulp and paper manufacturing at its Maryvale Mill, as it had insufficient wood to continue to manufacture white paper.
There is a message in this for all Victorians.
As we witnessed with the critical shortage of timber for housing, pallets for logistics and toilet
paper and other household paper products during COVID, Australia is becoming increasingly reliant on imports, which have become more expensive and more difficult to source.
Imported timber is highly susceptible to supply chain issues caused by factors that are outside of both the industry and Federal Government’s control.
Increasing overseas timber imports into Victoria to fill a void could therefore pose a major risk, particularly at a time when local timber for housing and increasing our sustainable plantations for greater carbon sequestration, have both never been more important. Thankfully, Victorian businesses can play a key role in a solution.
Our leading plantation businesses are continuing to invest in best practice sustainable forest plantations. Industry members are diversifying and investing in new product development. And there is now a prime opportunity as we approach the next Victorian election in 2026, to build bi-partisan support for a future forestry plan that could include expanding our plantation estate and casting a positive new vision for our industry.
Forecasting ahead, there will be an increased need for paper and cardboard products as countries move to decarbonise, and this will result in increased economic benefits to jurisdictions who are agile and look to servicing these markets.
Victoria’s forestry industry can also value-add through the development of hardwood and softwood engineered wood products, which could provide much needed, sustainable carbon positive materials to the local construction sector. A number of businesses are already moving into this space. This includes leading plantation growers
from the Green Triangle region, who following research into the use of Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) and Pinus radiata (radiata pine) logs for engineered products, are hoping to conduct a feasibility study into the creation of a new manufacturing hub that would allow them to diversify into the domestic market.
Now is the time for Victoria to get on the right trajectory for the decades to come. To become a leader in wood fibre products though, we need to invest in new manufacturing capacity and associated industries that will drive jobs and economic development in rural communities and the regions.
This is why VFPA is currently developing a comprehensive roadmap for Victoria’s future wood fibre industry to 2050. This future wood fibre roadmap is intended to support VFPA’s vision of positioning the forestry sector as a key contributor to a resilient Victorian economy through a range of new
products and supply chain innovations.
If Victoria is to hit its housing targets, achieve net zero emissions and continue supporting regional economies and jobs, a healthy sustainable forest industry is not only essential, but it could be a gamechanger for the state.
Over the coming months, VFPA will build out its new strategic plan and develop a new policy agenda, with an eye to a state election in 2026. More trees planted. More carbon projects. A solution to the housing crisis. Better roads and bridges. Improved fire management, supporting local communities. Regional cooperation on biosecurity. These are some of the issues that have been flagged, and more.
It’s time to tell a positive story about our industry – because now more than ever, we need political parties of all persuasions to take action and invest in our future.
Maree McCaskill
CEO Timber NSW
The change in government in March 2023 to the ALP after three terms of the Liberal/ Nationals coalition meant that Timber NSW quickly determined that it needed professional advocacy that was closely connected to the ALP. Fitzpatrick Advisory were engaged. Upheavals and changes in bureaucracies and direction became obvious such as ramped up surveillance of any native forest activity undertaken by Forestry Corporation NSW by both the regulator – EPA and third party ENGOs with stop work orders, injunctions and court cases. This had started in 2020 under the previous government but it is now a real focus.
Announcement of the Great Koala National Park and Industry Panel
The industry panel consists of Andrew Hurford, Steve Dobbyns,
Donna Layton, Mark Hitchins, Marius Heymann and Maree McCaskill (representing Timber NSW), Steve Dadd (Pentarch) and James Jooste (AFPA NSW), Nick Cameron (NENSW Hub), Dr William Jackson (Forestry Australia), Tim Lester (AFCA) to add to the three union representatives, Alison Rudman (CFMEU Manufacturing), Joe Hutchins (AWU) and Tony Wright (PSA).
● Dr Brad Law, an eminent forest ecologist with NSW Department of Primary Industries, has shown that pre 2019/20 wildfires, the koala was found in equal numbers in National Parks and working State forests around the Coffs Harbour region and the north coast.
Semi-regular meetings have been held since December 2023 under the control of National Parks & Wildlife Service with Atticus Fleming as Acting Director of the Department of Environment chairing the meetings and the Steering Committee. The assessment process is very much what, how and when the NPWS wishes to assess, commission or determine with little reference to the industry.
The panel pressed for data to model the real impact of removing all or parts of the 176,000 ha of State forest. FCNSW was prevented from supplying data through NPWS until recently when FCNSW was permitted to work with the industry to develop options. Initial detailed modelling was undertaken by Pentarch for the Industry Panel.
Again NPWS and the Director of Environment manoeuvred Professor Mcintosh from ANU to undertake carbon methodology and modelling for the GKNP and then ensured it became the only model submitted by the NSW government to the federal government for review as an accredited methodology. Professor Mcintosh is well known for his opposition to native forest harvesting and his preference for avoided harvesting methods.
NPWS advised that all assessments are on track and would be completed by end of July 2024.
• Interim results showed that since May surveys have been completed at a further 53 sites –18 on national parks (NP), 35 on state forests (SF).
• From those surveys, a further 113 koalas were detected (at 32 of the sites).
• This included high-density detections
• A further 443 greater gliders were detected (at only 26 sites) including at very high densities at many sites. Further resistance from the NPWS occurred to extend the surveys to coincide with Dr Brad
Law’s surveys during breeding season or utilise Dr Law’s or CSIRO published research.
Significant politics are playing out in this space especially as the koala population is stable or increasing.
The Minns Labor Government released its response to the statutory reviews of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the native vegetation provisions of the Local Land Services Act 2013. The response signals a shift in the way the state fulfills its responsibilities to protect the environment and manage native vegetation across the State, now and into the future. It reflects a remarkable similarity to the federal government Nature Positive Plan. The plan will deliver on three key election commitments this term: to reform the biodiversity offsets scheme, to end excess land clearing and strengthen environmental protections. It also outlines the legislative, policy and program directions the NSW Government will take to respond to the statutory reviews and deliver on its commitments.
CIFOA Protocols Amended
Late on Sunday 26 May the NSW EPA amended site-specific biodiversity conditions for Greater Gliders. The new rules took effect immediately. FCNSW stood down 15 operations - 11 operations in the north of the state and 4 in the south.
Several weeks previously, FCNSW and the NSW EPA discussed the interpretation of the search and survey requirements for Greater Gliders. In the week prior to the stand down, ENGOs issued a notice of intent to FCNSW that further court actions would be launched to seek additional injunctions to prevent harvesting. Amendment of the biodiversity conditions could not occur while a court action was underway. As the amendments apply immediately, FCNSW moved to stand down crews while a review was undertaken of the updated requirements.
FCNSW must implement a 25-metre exclusion zone around any tree in which a Greater Glider is spotted. This is in addition to the previous requirement to leave a 50-metre exclusion zone around identified den trees. Changes made to how nocturnal search and surveys must be conducted, including that a first transect must be undertaken within 30 minutes of sunset to increase the likelihood of seeing gliders leaving their dens.
TNSW immediately went into ad-
vocacy with the Minister Moriarty’s office to ensure stand down payments were made and harvesting crews were not disadvantaged. An email campaign to Cabinet and ALP MPs was launched using similar tactics to the ENGOs.
For the red gum industry contracts ending in June 2024 and volume review and cypress contracts (ending 30 June 2025) critical issues were:
• Riverina (red gum) contracts were offered an extension for 12 months only – flooding and lack of resource access meant no secure employment and more business closures in the area.
• Arbuthnot Sawmilling purchased another sawmill and faced little prospect of timber supply. They are the HQ sawlog processor specialising in railway sleepers, structural timber and furniture.
• Both Riverina and Western IFOAs are being reviewed by the EPA. Volume supply assessments had been held up for 4 years with the issue being passed back and forth between the EPA, Chief Scientist and FCNSW
• There will be no investment in the Riverina/Western division timber industry without long term resource access guaranteed
TNSW advocacy for those companies resulted in advice that the EPA has given a new approval to conduct thinning operations in Red Gum up to 2030.
Thinning operations currently account for 50% of the volume industry has
available to harvest on an annual basis. The industry was concerned that they would lose the thinning completely or only achieve a 12 month extension and any loss in Red Gum would lead to shedding of 50 to 60 jobs.
NSW Dept Environment – Listing under the Biodiversity Act.
On 8 July the NSW DECCW placed on exhibition a proposed listing of the koala (and other fauna and flora) as a species ‘at risk of serious and irreversible impacts’:
If the species was listed, it would severely limit any forestry (or any other) development consents where there is preferred koala habitat. TNSW notified allied organisations across agriculture and minerals/mining who were unaware of the proposals as combined weight is important in producing balance.
Labor Environment Action Network has another tilt. TNSW working through Fitzpatrick advocated with Unions NSW and NSW Labor Council to assist the motions crafted by CFMEU Manufacturing and AWU to support the timber industry and the native state forestry operations at the NSW Labor conference in July. LEAN had a series of motions for closure and these were not successful. ee as mistakes made in WA and Victoria. However the intense campaign waged by the ENGOs, using the politics of outrage and fear, have both native and plantations in their sights. No room in NSW for complacency.
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In August this year, ForestWorks was selected to deliver the Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP) through a $9.5 million grant from the Australian Government. The FWTP is a key pillar of the Government’s “A Future Grown in Australia” plan announced ahead of the 2022 Federal election.
The FWTP is set to run for two years, concluding in June 2026. The program will include 22 targeted projects to identify, pilot and promote long-term sustainable solutions, including integration of stackable micro-credentials, flexible training models, strategic coordination of workplace trainers and assessors, and boosting workforce diversity through greater inclusivity of women, underrepresented groups, and First Nations people.
The forest and forest products industry is one that deeply values our people and the communities we work in. With more than 52,000 people directly employed in the sector – and tens of thousands more indirectly employed throughout the supply chain – our industry is amongst the most significant for rural and regional communities across Australia.
However, the geographical location of many in our industry has meant that traditional Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivery models are often not suitable, attractive, or sustainable for training providers, employers, workers, or job seekers looking to upskill.
In the pulp and paper sector, for example, employers cannot find a registered training organisation (RTO) willing to deliver training. With less than a dozen major worksites across Australia, the sector is a prime example of a thin training market which poses an expensive and high-risk proposition for RTOs.
Similarly, the forest and wood products sector are a victim of a thin training
market, with remoteness, dispersed workplaces, and insufficient demand due to low workforce turnover posing a significant barrier to encouraging RTOs to invest in training and assessment resources.
Studies conducted by ForestWorks have found that, in addition to these barriers, there is also a view in the industry that the VET system is overly complex or difficult to interpret and that formal training available do not appropriately cover regional or specialised skill needs in the sector. At the same time, employers report that productivity losses are too high when employees undertake off-the-job formal training, whilst many workers are put off by the large distances, they need to travel to receive training from an RTO.
All of this is not to say, however, that there is a dearth of training in the industry. Where VET training is not occurring, training still takes place on the job, provided by in-house subject matter experts, often utilising the frameworks of nationally endorsed standards and competencies to develop company specific standard operating procedures. Many in the industry remain strongly committed to engaging with the national VET system and are open to testing solutions that will allow formal qualifications and credentials to
be delivered to upskill the workforce and provide formal recognition of developed skills.
In this sense, the FWTP represents a once in a generation opportunity for us to address the barriers hindering access to and the attractiveness of the VET training sector in our industry. The program comes at a critical juncture, where a competitive labour market provides an extra incentive to better attract and retain workers. A tried and tested way of achieving this is by becoming an ‘industry of choice’ for workers and job seekers; offering good jobs and career pathways through provision of training and accredited recognition of our workforces’ unique skills.
The forestry and forest products industry has consistently called for reforms to the VET system that address the sector’s specific requirements. In the pulp and paper sector for instance, workplace training delivered by subject matter experts, workplace trainers and assessors is the primary method of skill development for workers. For example, learning the intricacies of operating complex paper making machinery can take a minimum of 8 to 12 months, underscoring both the complexity and skill requirements associated with such machinery, but also how workplace training in the sector allows employees to develop practical skills and knowledge relevant to their specific role.
It is essential that the value of this kind of training is properly recognised and that the limitations of the current VET system be overcome. Such recognition could be achieved through the establishment of partnerships which, whilst assuring sufficient quality in training, are not restricted to a worker’s physical presence within the TAFE system. By facilitating recognition of informal training delivery and prior skills and aligning the
existing training opportunities with the VET system, our industry will be far better placed to effectively address skills gaps and create pathways for career progression.
As it currently stands, the forestry industry is an ageing one, with a significant proportion expected to retire over the next five to ten years. At the 2021 Census, more than 59% of forest and wood products employees were over 40 years of age, and 38% over 50. Similarly, in the pulp and paper sector, 71% of workers were over 40 and 45% over 50 in 2021.
With so much of the workforce close to retirement, there is a significant risk that the industry will lose valuable experience, multi-skills and extensive knowledge spanning different areas and job roles. These skills could be retained through transitioning older workers who are closer to retirement into training positions to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of forestry workers. However, there has been somewhat of a reluctance on the part of many employees to transi-
tion into such roles, as the remuneration available for such work is far lower than they receive through their ordinary employment.
The FWTP will respond to these challenges by providing resources and financial support to upskill existing and potential workplace-based trainers and assessors, One of the FWTP’s priorities is to support the embedding of these trainers and assessors into major sawmilling and processing facilities, as well as deployment of assessors during specific periods to minimise production downtime and other disruptions in sectors such as the harvest and haulage sector.
This program is an exciting opportunity for our sector to resolve many of the issues we face in the training sphere. With sufficient buy-in from industry the FWTP will enable us to deliver sustainable outcomes for all sectors in the industry and illuminate pathways for other industries which face similar challenges to ours when it comes to engagement with the VET system.
Forestry machinery suppliers in Australia play a crucial role in supporting the country’s timber and forestry industry.
They provide a wide range of specialized equipment necessary for harvesting, processing, and transporting timber. These suppliers offer machinery such as harvesters, forwarders, skidders, feller bunchers, and wood chippers, which are essential for efficient logging operations. Many suppliers also offer maintenance services, spare parts, and after-sales support to ensure the longevity and productivity of the equipment.
Major forestry machinery brands like John Deere, Caterpillar, Ko-
matsu, and Tigercat have a strong presence in Australia through local dealerships. These suppliers cater to large-scale commercial logging companies, as well as smaller, independent operators. In recent years, there has been growing demand for advanced machinery equipped with technology like GPS tracking, automation, and remote diagnostics, which improves operational efficiency and safety in the field.
One of the key challenges for forestry machinery suppliers is adapting to the industry’s push towards sustainable forestry practices. This includes offering more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly machines that help reduce
the carbon footprint of logging operations. Suppliers are responding to these changes by offering electric and hybrid machinery, as well as equipment designed for plantation forestry, which minimizes environmental impact.
In addition to traditional sales, many suppliers provide flexible options such as leasing or renting machinery, allowing smaller businesses to access high-quality equipment without the financial burden of ownership. As the timber industry evolves, forestry machinery suppliers are expected to play a critical role in driving both operational efficiency and sustainability in Australia’s forestry
We have access to the best from the best.
More importantly these suppliers have gained the trust of the industry and have shown their commitment in many ways, including being strong supporters of FORESTRY NOW and FORESTRY EQUIPMENT NOW for the past four years.
It’s worth taking the time to check out the digital profiles in FORESTRY EQUIPMENT NOW which include details on company information, products and services.
You can use the QR code to easily access the digital profiles included in each listing.
with its
It
an extensive network of branches and agents covering all major Regions within Australia and NZ.
Komatsu wheel harvesters & forwarders from Sweden, Xtreme hydraulic excavators from Japan and TimberPro track and wheel machines from USA.
ExTe is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of log bolsters and automatic tensioners. Forest-proven in Australia for over 30 years, ExTe combination log bolsters with steel base and aluminium stakes continue to evolve providing the ultimate combination of high durability and payload capacity.
Visit the stall online: www.forestrynow.com. au/2024-2/exte
Promoting responsibly sourced forest products
We promote the responsible sourcing of forest products through independent third-party certification. We develop globally recognised standards that are based on science and have been tailored to national operating conditions. Certification to our standards ensure forests are managed sustainably - socially just, ecologically sound, and economically viable.
Get in touch 02 6947 2833 sales@forestcentre.com.au www.forestcentre.com.au/highway-equipment
Manufactured in Finland, TMK Machinery attachments provide contractors with unique solutions for cutting and handling timber. Today, the TMK product range includes simple and efficient tree shears for 1 ton right through to 30 ton excavators, plus the new Multigrab series, which can all be customised with a range of options to best suit the work ahead. Visit the stall online: www.forestrynow.com. au/2024-2/tmkmachinery
Get in touch 02 6947 2833 sales@forestcentre.com.au tmkmachinery.com
Visit the stall online: www.forestrynow.com. au/2024-2/responsible-wood
Get in touch (07) 3359 1758 info@responsiblewood.org.au responsiblewood.org.au
Nokian Forest King F2 is absolutely the best choice for CTL machines using tracks or chains. Nokian Forest King TRS 2 is an optimum solution where traction and self-cleaning is everything. Both tyres have excellent durability and performance in the most demanding forestry work. Visit the
Designed for the toughest outback conditions, our sawmills feature sturdy construction and easy assembly, proven to cut hardwoods. From portable sawmills to industrial machines, we provide solutions for all your sawmilling needs, ensuring reliable performance and efficiency in every project. Experience topquality sawmilling with our versatile range.
Get in touch 0491 184 699 ilendrum@woodmizer.com www.woodmizer.com.au
FWPA is a not-for-profit industry services company funded by the Federal Government, member levies and research grants. We work closely with members and industry stakeholders to determine strategy, invest in effective and relevant R&D and deliver programs to grow the market and productivity for the forest and wood products industry. Visit the stall online: www.forestrynow.com.au/ 2024-2/fwpa
The QB4400 large capacity Quadco Fixed Fellinghead is purpose-built to handle the toughest of felling applications. With a large customized slew bearing and 225 degrees of saw bar rotation the well-proven QB4400 is the right choice for controlled felling applications.
Supplying Hultdins grapples and saw units in Australia for over 30 years, Forest Centre continues to support contractors both in and out of the forest with their equipment and repair needs, stocking a huge inventory of SuperGrip, SuperSaw and SuperCut spare parts from their base in Tumut, NSW.
Trimble’s Connected Forest® is designed to improve productivity and provide visibility to stakeholders. Our solutions cover spatial planning, planting, growing, harvesting, transportation, inventory and billing, helping you streamline your business and connect every stage, the forest, to the customer.
in touch +64 7 348 0308 forestrysales@trimble.com forestry.trimble.com
Deere builds forestry harvesting systems for cut-to-length applications, with wheeled and tracked harvesters and forwarders and for full-tree-length products include tracked and wheeled feller bunchers, skidders and forestry swing machines designed as processors, log loaders or road builders. Visit
and
Komatsu Forest Australia was not initially involved in the development of the Komatsu/ Bracke tree planter.
However, it became aware of the mechanical planting progress prior to Komatsu Forest’s takeover of Bracke in 2022.By that time the Brazilian trials had advanced from the initial tests of the Komatsu D61EM-23 Planter to using Komatsu excavators fitted with either single or double Bracke 12b Planters.These proved more suitable and efficient in Brazil’s varied terrains and conditions.
In early 2023, Mark Blackberry from Carbon Chip P/L approached Komatsu Forest to inquire about a suitable tree planter.
Carbon Chip is a relatively new company set up to carbonate forestry residues to produce feed stock and soil remediation products in S.E. Queensland. Due to its synergies within the forest industries Carbon Chip is planning to widen its operation to include mechanical tree planting for forest companies.
After several meetings with Komatsu Forest, it was agreed that KF would build a tree planter using a Komatsu PC270HW with a Bracke 12b planter attachment.The Komatsu PC270LC, which comes with the factory High/Wide undercarriage standard in the KF forest specification which offers superior stability and ground clearance while retaining the standard excavator booms for the planter application.
Several PC270 modifications were made: the counterweight was replaced by a 3000-litre water tank for irrigation, two water pumps were added, and a 1,200-seedling carrier was attached to the water tank.
The Bracke 12b planter was fitted with the optional 80 cm ripper, a 196-seedling canister, and a fertiliser canister was optional.
To formalise the project, KF and Carbon Chip held several meetings with HQP
to confirm their planter proposal.
The proposal was for a three-month trial, which was later extended to six months. If successful, Carbon Chip would purchase the machine for a planting contract with HQP.
Carbon Chip partner
Brendan Manhken would supervise the planter trial while HQP would evaluate the planter’s progress and suitability for commercial operation in their plantations.
The Komatsu PC270HW/ Bracke 12b Planter began planting Araucaria (Hoop Pine) seedlings in the Mary Valley District in Southeast Queensland at the end of September 2023. It was replanting a previously forested area with unprepared ground and terrain with slopes up to 27 degrees. The planter would prep the ground with the ripper, plant the seedling, irrigate simultaneously, and fertiliser was not required.
During this dry season, HQP specified four litres of irrigation per seedling at planting time to maintain soil moisture for at least five weeks. This approach potentially allows for an earlier start to the planting season, aligning with the seasonal arrival of soaking rains.
HQP found that debris impacted planting productivity more than the slope of the area. Initially, the machine planted at a rate of 133 seedlings per hour, but this increased to around 200+ seedlings per hour due to adjustments in planting techniques and seedling specifications, as well as increased operator experience. Rocky areas, however, still caused lower productivity and mechanical issues. HQP reported noticeable improvements in planting quality, with seedlings showing good compaction and combined with the irrigation system survival rates increased from 75% to 90%. They now plant younger seedlings than required for manual
planting, saving time and resources in the nursery.
Additionally, the Hexagon GPS system provides precise data for planning and productivity mapping, allowing for detailed monitoring of planting progress.
Overall, the Araucaria trials were successful, resulting in the sale of the planter and a new contract for Carbon Chip. Recently, HQP
arranged new trial plantings of southern pine species across various sites, including mounds, flat areas, and sandy soils. While the planter will soon return to Araucaria areas, the easier flat terrain has increased planting rates to over 300 seedlings per hour. Reports from HQP and Carbon Chip have been very positive, noting that
initial teething issues were resolved. All parties agree that mechanical planters represent the future of planting as manual methods are phased out.
The planter’s key feature is its one-man operation for soil preparation, planting, irrigation, and fertilisation, all contributing to higher and quicker seedling success rates.
Bioherbicides Australia’s Di-Bak AM (Aminopyralid/metsulfuron methyl) capsule product has gained Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority registration and is ready to provide assistance in forestry industry.
Di-Bak AM has been thoroughly tested for its efficacy by a large number of trial participants including the University of Queensland, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, several councils, land care groups, many landholders, the forestry industry and independent contractors. Trials have been conducted in every state and territory, in all seasons and weather conditions.
BHA is excited to report that it is yet to find a weed tree on which Di-Bak AM has not been effective. The list of species on the product label is impressive, and
is far from complete and testing on additional species continues.
Prof. Vic Galea from School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability at the University of Queensland, with his team, have been active in trialling Di-Bak AM and other Di-Bak herbicides, and is excited about Di-Bak AM’s potential.
“We’ve benchmarked Di-Bak AM against leading woody weed herbicides on a vast number of often hard-to-kill species.
We have conducted trials in the tropics, western rangelands, southern and central QLD and forestry plantations and the results have been impressive. DiBak AM is equal to or outperforms all other tested herbicide products. Its dual mode of action makes it effective against a wide range of species.
An important benefit of Di-Bak AM is its low envi-
ronmental impact. Unlike traditionally applied herbicides which can harm non-target species, Di-Bak AM capsules are designed to be placed internally in the plant stem where they are sealed and therefore affect only the treated tree or shrub. This targeted approach minimizes the risk of unintended consequences caused by leakage and runoff allowing for the safe treatment of woody weeds in sensitive areas like riparian zones or parks.
By combining high efficacy with low environmental impact and excellent operator safety, Di-Bak AM represents the future of effective and environmentally responsible vegetation management.
Bioherbicides Australia MD Peter Riikonen told Rural Business Magazine this method of weed control was practical, portable, and far more convenient
than other approaches.
“It has the added benefit of greatly reducing, if not eliminating safety risks to
workers and harm to the surrounding landscape,” he said.
● Di-Bak AM has been thoroughly tested for its efficacy by a large number of trial participants including the University of Queensland, and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Our service and support team are on hand to keep your operation running at peak efficiency.
The new Komatsu 951XC harvester has its design concept dating back to the early 1980’s with the introduction of the 901 in 1984.
It was the world’s first single grip harvester specifically designed with a harvester chassis, as up to then all were based on a modified forwarder chassis. The “901 concept” continues to be the foundation for the entire range of Komatsu wheel harvesters today.
The Komatsu 951XC is a new harvester for final felling or late thinning operations in steep terrain and/ or soft, loose ground conditions. Its eight-wheel design, combined with the stable Komatsu harvester concept, ensures excellent stability, manoeuvrability, and low ground pressure. It is optimised to use the Komatsu C164 designed for larger trees, although it works just as well with a range of other heads.
“Now we have a complete range of eight-wheeled machines, specially designed for demanding conditions,” Joakim Johansson, Product Manager Harvesters at Komatsu Forest says.
While the 951XC shares much of its design with the standard Komatsu 951, there are several key advantages;
• Compact Design: The 951XC has the same wheel size as the 931XC, making it a more compact design. The total machine length 270mm shorter than that of the 951.
• Increased Tractive Effort: The 951XC has higher tractive force of 242kN. A unique interaction between engine, control system and power transmission ensures the engine power is fully utilised, offering considerable advantages in difficult terrain as well as excellent climbing ability.
• Hub Reductions: The machine is equipped with hub reductions which enhance performance in challenging conditions, such as steep, snowy, or wet terrain. These extend the lifespan of the bogie and improve machine reliability.
• New Working Hydrau-
lics: The 951XC features new working hydraulics designed to better utilize the diesel engine. These hydraulics allow for faster feeding from start to maximum speed and enable the saw motor to operate more efficiently. Despite these updates, the 951XC retains Komatsu’s proven 3PS (Three Pump System) design.
• Improved Work Area:
The distance from the centre of the crane to the front wheels is significantly shorter, providing a larger working area in front of the machine and enabling the operator to work with shorter reaches.
• New Smart Crane: The new Komatsu Smart Crane for harvesters debuted on the first 951XC in Australia. This system simplifies the crane function by taking it to another level, where the crane is controlled with a single lever movement, from the main boom all the way to the tip of the telescopic arm. This results in faster, more precise crane operation and improve the efficiency of the operator.
“What is special about the 951XC is that it combines the strength of a 951 with an extremely compact design so it can be used in denser stands,” Joakim said.
“And the larger working area in front, means more powerful crane movements with excellent precision and improved production with the Smart Crane.”
In terms of operator comfort, the 51XC, like all other Komatsu harvesters, offers a high-performance operator environment. Key fea-
tures include a spacious cab, excellent visibility, and a comfortable cabin climate. Thanks to the machine’s stability and the levelling cab, the operator remains seated level, reducing the strain of maintaining a good seating position. Additionally, the eight-wheeled XC series harvesters have a double oscillating bogie on the rear frame providing the machine unique handling characteristics.
The Komatsu 951XC entered production in January this year, following a rigorous 12-month period of trials and testing which is standard procedure despite the 951 6WD version having a proven track record. In June of last year, Ricky Leeson from Leeson’s Logging & Cartage, accompanied by KF’s Nigel Howard, travelled to Sweden to observe the
pre-series 951XC machine in operation. Leeson’s companies –based at Rosedale near Bundaberg - have a long history with Komatsu Forest wheel harvesters dating back to 1993 with their first 901 model. Since then they have continued through the complete model range of every model in the series, 911, 921, 931, 941, and 951 acquiring a total of twelve harvesters. Additionally, they have taken over a dozen Komatsu forwarders in the same period.
After returning from Sweden, Ricky placed orders for two Komatsu 951XC harvesters, which were delivered to the Longford area in June and July of this year. The machines were initially deployed in HVP clear-fall operations, with plans to move into thinning operations in the near future.
The first machine began work immediately with no startup issues, which was a positive indicator for reliability. The operator, transitioning from a Komatsu XT460L, quickly adapted to the new harvester especially being assisted by the Smart Crane functionality and improved stability. The second unit operator came straight form a 951 6WD and noticed the major upgrades straight away. Improved stability, Smart Crane and feed power are all huge improvements over his previous 951 6WD.
“They’ve performed exactly as we had hoped—reliable and productive,” said Ricky. “We expect each unit to harvest 70,000 to 80,000 cubic meters per year in clear-fall operations.
“Looking ahead, it would be hard to choose anything other than this setup.”
Whether on mud or rocks, in the desert or forest, over ice or wet ground, operators may have to work in an endless myriad of places, weather conditions, and situations.
In challenging conditions such as these, the machinery used must be equipped with specially designed products to make the work as smooth and safe as possible.
The Indian multinational BKT, specializing in OffHighway tire manufacturing, prides itself on an ever-evolving catalog of 3,200 products, encompassing solutions for every specific need and situation.
The company has developed specific models dedicated to forestry, a particularly difficult environment characterized by uneven surfaces, sometimes muddy terrain and obstacles such as logs and branches
that can easily damage tires.
Forest operations therefore call for durable, powerful, and stable tyres with a high load-bearing capacity; in short, tyres capable of rising to the considerable challenges in forestry.
Fully aware of these needs, BKT has four different lines of highly specialized forestry products: FORESTECH, FS 216, F 240 and TR 678.
They are perfect for equipping various forestry machinery, including loggers, skidders, timber loading machines, log extraction machines and transport vehicles, so they can deliver maximum power.
FORESTECH, perfect for forwarder (self-loading) machinery, taking the fear out of stumps and obstacles: rugged strength with a powerful drive traction comes from the steel belts,
strong bead and reinforced shoulder area, which also ensure excellent product durability.
A powerhouse of strength, durability, and high loadbearing capability, the FS
216 is also a tyre featuring a robust lug design with an optimized, wider angle to enhance traction performance for forwarder (self-loading) and skidder machines.
$185,000
Log handlers should look no further than the F 240, a durable tyre featuring a wide contact patch that ensures excellent stability and a tread pattern delivering excellent traction.
Former Victorian Chief Fire Officer, Ewan Waller, has called for an urgent national approach to fighting bushfires, labelling the three most recent bushfire inquiries conservative and inadequate.
“Bushfire is now a national issue and it’s got to be approached that way. What we need is really strong direction and policy, built largely around prevention, not response,” said Mr Waller, who has more than 40 years’ experience as a forester.
A major new study that records forest sounds has found evidence for up to 10 times the rate of koala occupancy in NSW’s northeast forests than previously estimated.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) project, which focused on the iconic marsupial’s response to timber harvesting, involved more than 14,500 hours of audio recorded over three years to measure the bellows of male koalas.
DPI Principal Research Scientist Dr Brad Law said the new technique saw SongMeter devices installed at 171 sites in the north-east, in many State forests, National Parks and reserves.
The study region spanned more than 1.7 million hectares of mapped koala habitat from the ranges and tablelands of north-east NSW, to the Hunter River in the south.
More than 4 million pine seedlings have been planted across OneFortyOne and ForestrySA plantation land as part of the 2013 planting program.
Close to 500,000 seedlings were planted every week during the eight-week planting “window” which provides seedlings with the best possible chance of survival.
A total of 3.4 million seedlings have been planted across 2,000 hectares in the Green Triangle, and 600,000 over 430 hectares in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Mid North.
With thirty-five years of experience in the renowned plantation forests of Tarawera, Lake Taupo, and Kaingaroa, Mark Lealand has witnessed firsthand the evolution of ground-based logging machinery.
Today, his company, Lealand Logging Ltd, operates as a logging contractor based in Rotorua. The company employs 20 logging professionals, more than three 3 crews and utilizes 21 pieces of John Deere equipment, including a 450J bulldozer imported from Canada.
Mark Lealand was the first contractor to introduce the advanced 624P wheel loader to New Zealand’s forestry sector. He favours John Deere machines for their exceptional durability.
“In the past, we worked in challenging hill country, and there was scepticism about using a grapple skidder for head pulling,” Mark recalled. “We decided to invest in a John Deere Grapple Skidder, and it proved to be a game-changer. Its direct drive and no torque converter performed exceptionally well on steep hills.”
Wheel loaders became a significant addition to their operations much later. Then, in late 2021, Lealand Logging collaborated with AGrowQuip Rotorua (now Brandt) to acquire the first 624P wheel loader. “It’s outstanding—much quieter than our old loader and significantly faster with more powerful hydraulics,” Mark noted.
Mark’s journey in the industry began as a cross cutter in a production thinning crew in Tarawera Forest in the early 1980s. At that time, their equipment included a single extraction machine, a skidder, and three cutters. After becoming foreman and purchasing the company in 1988, Mark expanded the crew’s capabilities, moving from a cold deck loader to a small wheel loader. With the advent of clear felling in New Zealand, Mark embraced mechanization. The company upgrad-
ed to the 648E John Deere Grapple Skidder and transitioned to more advanced machinery, eventually moving from Tarawera Forest to Kaingaroa and introducing mechanization at Lake Taupo. For 16 years, they collaborated with NZ Forest Managers.
About six years ago, Mark was tasked with establishing a third crew in Kaingaroa, working for Timberlands Ltd, which manages the 200,000-hectare forest estate owned by Kaingaroa Timberlands Partnership. This expansion required new machinery choices. Lealand Logging operates primarily ground-based systems, with one crew handling flat terrain and the
other two working on flat to rolling blocks.
The current operation produces around 450,000 tonnes per year in Kaingaroa, with average piece sizes down to approximately 1.7 tonnes. They cut to length at a skid and load onto off highway trucks, transporting up to 130 tonnes at a time, to the rail head and eventually to the port.
“We run a night shift five nights a week, where a loader driver takes over when the day shift finishes. This setup allows us to keep the wood moving efficiently,” Mark explained.
Mark remains highly impressed with John Deere’s reliability and ensures a service contract is in place for
all new machinery. “I value the predictability of costs with a service contract. Paying a monthly fee through the warranty period works well for us,” he said.
He also praises the longevity of their older machines.
“I’ve got a 909 leveller in the yard that’s never had its boom replaced and has clocked 14,000 hours. In contrast, we’ve had other brands that had turbo issues at just 4,000 hours.”
Mark Lealand’s extensive experience and commitment to durable equipment highlight his dedication to advancing the efficiency and reliability of groundbased logging in New Zealand.
Nestled in the heart of New South Wales, the Warrell Creek Sawmill has been a cornerstone of the local community since its establishment in 1947. For 77 years, this family-run business has provided essential timber products and woven itself into the region’s history and development fabric.
The area around Warrell Creek has long been used for agricultural purposes, with sawmills playing a crucial role in servicing the timber industry. The Warrell Creek Sawmill has been a significant part of this history, providing timber for various uses, including pallet work, roof battens, fencing, and structural timber.
The story of Warrell Creek Sawmill is deeply intertwined with the Cockburn family. Jim and Margaret Cockburn purchased the sawmill from Jim’s brother in the 1960s, bringing a vision of growth and community engagement. Margaret, who met Jim while working in town, believed he needed looking after, and their partnership blossomed personally and professionally. They married in 1960, and the family came along soon after and were raised in the house behind the mill.
Mark Cockburn took over the sawmill’s operations after his father’s passing, continuing the family tradition with dedication and innovation. Margaret still remains an active part of the business ensuring the mill’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.
The Warrell Creek Sawmill is more than just a business; it is a vital part of the Macksville community. Employing 20 dedicated individuals, the mill has consistently contributed to the local economy and community activities. The sawmill also supplies byproducts, such as woodchip and saw dust, to other businesses in the poultry and feedlot industries, creating a circular economy that maximises the use of its resources.
The mill’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its Chain of Custody certification from the Responsible Wood certification body, valid until July 31, 2028. This certification ensures the mill’s products meet stringent environmental standards, reflecting the Cockburn family’s dedication to responsible forestry practices.
Under Mark’s leadership, the Warrell Creek Sawmill has embraced technological advancements to enhance productivity and efficiency. The mill has invested in new saw benches and larger multi-saws, ensuring it remains competitive in the modern timber industry.
CJD Equipment’s Key Account Manager, Peter Marshall, has been close with the Cockburn family for over 32 years. He has witnessed the mill’s growth and evolution and provided essential equipment that has helped it maintain its high operating standards.
Integral to the mill’s operations is a long-standing relationship with Volvo wheel loaders, a partnership built on trust over decades. This collaboration began in December 1989 when Neville Marni, a Regional Sales Manager from Volvo Construction Equipment at that time offered a used L50 loader from the Wauchope Sawmill. However, Jim and Mark recognize their need for as larger capacity Volvo loader and the hunt was then on for a good condition used Volvo log loader spec.
Neville set to work to find one for them and returned a few months later with a very tidy used Volvo BM 4400, the predecessor to the L90. The mill’s fleet expanded in 1994 with the addition of a new L90B sold to them by Peter. They operated the two L90’s simultaneously to unload log trucks, load live decks, stack and dispatch sawn timber products using the Volvo Hydraulic attachment bracket on both loaders to operate with log grabs, buckets and pallet
forks and frames.
Mark still operates from time to time the 1994 L90B, which today boasts an astounding 35,000 machine hours of operation. Despite its age and hours, it continues to run on pretty much all its original components other than a turbo that has been changed—a testament to Volvo’s durability.
The current workhorse is an L90E, purchased in 2005, which has impressively clocked 23,000 machine hours also without any major repairs. And the latest acquisition, the L90F is now going to work to give the L90B a bit of a rest.
For the mill’s interior operations around the benches, they use an L35B compact Volvo wheel loader, which has accumulated 5,000 hours. Its compact size and mobility make it ideal for cleaning up and moving timber in tight spaces, and it can exchange some attachments with the L90’s.
Mark mentions that the operators appreciate the comfort and vision of the Volvo cabs on all their loaders, especially along with the loader frame parallel lift arm action which started with the 4400 and was updated to the TP (Torque Parallel) linkage of the
L90F for fantastic handling and rollback with load and carry for bucket applications for wood chip and the need for fine handling stacked sawn timber with pallet forks. The operator humorously mentioning that he discovered the heated seat feature after 30 years.
This enduring partnership between Warrell Creek Sawmill, Volvo CE and CJD for wheel loaders highlights the importance of reliable and versatile equipment in the timber industry. It demonstrates how the right machinery can significantly enhance operational efficiency, longevity, and profitability.
It’s been a training ground for generations of local youth, teaching them how to mill timber and the value of hard work and community spirit. The Cockburn’s have always been the first to lend a hand during tough times, whether donating materials for community projects or organising fundraisers for needy families.
But now, as Mark and his partner survey their beloved mill’s familiar sights and sounds, there’s a bittersweet note in the air. After decades of early mornings, calloused hands, and the constant hum of saws,
they’re ready to take some time for themselves.
Mark says, “We’ve given it our all, and now it’s time to pass the torch.” The decision to sell has been tough. The Cockburn’s aren’t just selling a business but entrusting a legacy.
They’re hoping to find buyers who understand that Warrell Creek Sawmill isn’t just about profit margins - it’s about preserving a way of life. “We want someone who’ll see the value in keeping these jobs local and maintaining the relationships we’ve built with suppliers and customers over decades,” Mark explains. “Someone who’ll appreciate that when you buy this mill, you’re buying into the heart of our community.”
Mark takes a moment to reflect as the sun sets on another day at Warrell Creek Sawmill, casting long shadows across piles of freshly cut timber. “We might be stepping away, but the spirit of this place - the hard work, the mateship, a fair go – will live on. That’s the real legacy we’re leaving behind.”
For anyone interested in learning more about Warrell Creek Sawmill, please reach out to CJD Equipment.
The Komatsu 931XC & 951XC provide considerable advantages logging in steep terrain and soft ground. The compact eight-wheel design with high underlying tractive force and unique interaction between engine, control system and power transmission combine to provide;
• Great climbing ability & stability
• Excellent manoeuvrability
• Low ground pressure