Australasian Timber Magazine - May 2021

MAY 2021

MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

RECLAIMING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

BUILDING RELIEF

HomeBuilder extended

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NEWS

Pressure eased as HomeBuilder project time extended T

HE extension of the HomeBuilder commencement time to 18 months has been greeted as welcome news for the housing industry, the economy and for those embracing the HomeBuilder grant.

There had been fears that many who applied for the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant would not be able to start work within the initial sixmonth construction deadline and would forfeit the grant.

The HomeBuilder scheme closed for applications on April 14, and under its rules at the time, work had to begin on a project within six months of contracts being signed.

Latest ABS data shows that house commencements surged by 27.0 per cent in the final quarter of 2020 to their highest level since March 2000.

The Australian Forest Products Association was among many groups and organisations appealing to the Federal Government to extend the

commencement timeframe to ease demand and allow time for stock to be produced and delivered.

“By making this sensible, practical change the Government has ensured that the HomeBuilder stimulus can continue to contribute to Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID pandemic,” AFPA CEO Ross Hampton said.

“The domestic industry supplies around 80 per cent of timber used in Australian home construction and ramped up production to keep pace with record the demand, spurred in part by HomeBuilder.

“Extending the timeframe for new builds will take the pressure off and allow more time for stock to be produced and delivered to builders.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset in 2020, HomeBuilder was a welcome stimulus during uncertain times, and while the boom it has in part fuelled certainly is welcomed by our forest in-

Offsite conference on hold

J

■

Extending the HomeBuilder timeframe will take the pressure off and allow more time for stock to be produced and delivered to builders. dustries, it highlights the significant supply constraints of Australian timber,” Mr Hampton said.

“Our sawmills around the nation have greatly increased production by adding shifts and are running flat out – some are producing up to 40% more timber than they were this time last year.

“But even this isn’t enough to keep pace with a tidal wave of demand as Australians are choosing to focus on improving homes or building new ones. This has also been driven by the post-COVID move to much more home-based working environments,” Mr Hampton said.

HIA Managing Director Graham Wolfe said that uptake of HomeBuilder had created a lifeline of work for tradies and helped support tens of thousands of first home buyers to achieve their dream of

owning a home.

“Yet members have been severely impacted by global supply constraints and labour pressures. Builders and their clients have also been juggling delays in finance approvals, planning and building approvals and land title,” he said.

“HIA has been working closely with the Government since Christmas providing on the ground data and up to date information on home sales, building activity and supply chain issues impacting the industry’s capacity to deliver on the enormous success of the HomeBuilder program.

“The good work that HomeBuilder has done to stimulate the economy and retain jobs will be fully realised. Builders can now continue progressing the contracts they have in an orderly way.”

UNE’S Timber Off-

site Construction 2021 conference and exhibition has been postponed.

“With the many exciting developments happening in the world of Timber Offsite Construction, it is very disappointing to announce that Covid safety has forced us to again postpone the 2021 event until later in the year,” Frame Australia director Kevin Ezard said.

It has been estimated that 70% of all events planned for Australia have been postponed.

Mr Ezard said that for the past 23 years the key feature of Frame Australia conferences had been the opportunity to personally network and talk with colleagues in the industry, rating number one in post event surveys.

“This face-to-face experience that is the focus of our conference is now at risk, with the Australian government unable to provide any assurances for the timing of Covid immunisation.

“Under these circumstances we are forced to postpone the event to later in the year,” he said.

For further information on speakers, topics and projects, visit the website www.timberoffsiteconstruction.com

Keep up to date with Australian Forests & Timber and Australasian Timber for free MAY 2021

T

H E past 12 months have proved that good communication is vital. Staying in touch has never been more important.

The timber industry has proved its resilience in the face of fires, floods, export issues and a pandemic.

The processing industry has responded with energy, and the announcement of Australia’s first softwood, state-of-the-art CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) and GLT (Glue Laminated Timber) manufacturing facility to be www.timberbiz.com.au

built in South Australia.

And the building industry has responded, with new home builds booming across Australia on the back of vital Government financial support, and engineered timber featuring more and more in high-rise commercial buildings.

At Ryan Media we want to bring you the latest in up-todate information to keep you informed about your industry from the forest floor to the tallest buildings.

Between now and the end of this financial year, we are

offering readers a FREE full year subscription to Australian Forests & Timber and Australasian Timber magazine.

You’ll get eight editions of the magazines, as well as access to Daily Timber News, the most frequent and upto-date forestry and timber industry eNewsletter.

That is eight chances to catch up on detailed political news and analysis, and scientific research, as well as the latest in machinery development, building trends and industry association news.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

QUEENSLAND TIMBER

MAY 2021

MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

RECLAIMING THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE

DO WE NEED A GREAT KOALA PARK?

ROUND TABLE

AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

BUILDING RELIEF HomeBuilder extended

CHAINSAWS The best hardware

GLULAM ON THE BIG STAGE

Big builds in Queensland, NZ

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NEWS

australasian

MAY 2021

Issue 3 – Volume 29 Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman.

Established 1977.

News

3-7

Training

6-9 6

Timber Design Awards

8-9

Big Builds Forklifts

11-13

Finance

14 19-22

Associations

Front Cover: Part of the interior of the Marrickville library and community centre which won the coveted overall award at the 2020 Australian Timber Design Awards.

Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Robyn Haworth Editor: Bruce Mitchell b.mitchelll@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9512 Advertising: Gavin de Almeida g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Publication Design: Jarren Gallway Timber classifieds: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9522 Subcription rates One-year (8 editions) $55 Two-years (16 editions) $95 Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Melbourne Office: Suite 2262, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone: (03) 9810 3262 Website www.timberbiz.com.au Printed by Lane Print, Adelaide, SA

Conditions

The opinions expressed in Australasian Timber Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated.

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australasian Timber Magazine copyright 2021 © Ryan Media. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the publisher will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

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First masstimber fire station in Australia A

CO N T RACT to deliver Maryborough’s new $12.1 million fire and emergency services station has been awarded to timber manufacturer Hyne Timber and building firm Hutchinson Builders.

The project will deliver a replacement station for Fire and Rescue Service firefighters, officers and staff as well as a new regional fire and emergency services headquarters at the existing Lennox Street site.

Both will be the first masstimber fire and emergency services buildings in Australia. The replacement station will also retain the existing brick façade.

Hyne Timber Executive Director James Hyne said the project was a great way to support regional jobs while showcasing the many qualities of glue laminated and cross laminated timber.

“Hyne Timber has been a proud part of Maryborough’s history since 1882 with a strong focus on innovation,” Mr Hyne said.

“We know the existing building has local heritage value, so it was important to us to retain and even restore the iconic façade as part of the design.

Maryborough’s new $12.1 million fire and emergency services station.

“From the local plantation forest through to the Tuan sawmill and ending in our new Glue Laminated Timber plant, this building in the heart of our home town will be a showcase of contemporary, mass timber capability, proudly grown and processed right here in the Wide Bay,” he said.

“There are so many sustainable, environmental, structural, aesthetic, safety, health and cost benefits to using engineered timber products in contemporary construction which this project will demonstrate.

“This will be Australia’s first contemporary, engineered timber fire station and regional headquarters, fully supported by fire engineering experts.’’

The QFES Complex replacement project is due for completion in the second half of 2022.

The project is highly innovative and considered an exemplar project by the University of Queensland Centre for Future Timber Structures

(CFTS) who carried out a full 3D scan of the existing structure and have brought a range of intellectual property to the design team.

Professor Carlo Prato, Head of the UQ School of Civil Engineering, emphasised how the project embodies the immense potential for success that the CFTS pursues.

“I cannot think of a better example of the heights that industry and research institutions can achieve when they join forces to pursue their dreams of making sustainable buildings a reality. And similarly, I cannot think of a better symbol of the importance of having architects and engineers work together to the design of the future of sustainable built environment,” said Professor Prato.

The Principal Architect for the project is Kim Baber of Baber Studio who said international benchmarks of similar facilities built using mass timber in Europe and North America were researched ahead of design getting underway.

“It was important for us to understand what has worked well overseas with a number of similar use facilities already demonstrating mass timber as a sustainable and ideal building solution,” he said.

“We then considered the brief from QFES and the current site limitations in order to design a replacement facility which will meet the very specific needs of the first responders and coordinators of emergency response for the region while protecting the heritage value.

“It has been a collaborative and fascinating journey to date and I am delighted to learn that building contracts are now in place and this showcase of innovation and sustainability will be constructed in the heart of Maryborough,” Mr Baber said.

The complex will be built on the existing site on Lennox Street, which means firefighters will operate from an alternative location on Iindah Road during the construction phase.

Fight to save Victoria’s hardwood industry needs to step up

A

RECENT visit to Victori-

an Sustainable Products by The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has highlighted the value of local timber milling and manufacturing jobs.

The hardwood industry of course faces closure at the hands of the Victorian Labor Government by 2030 and now, with COVID-19 restrictions easing, bureaucratic boots are on the ground to ensure the Government achieves that objective.

She said Victorian Sustainable Products was an example of an established business that The Nationals were

australasian

magazine

backing to rebuild Victoria’s local manufacturing capabilities.

Yet, as Ms Bath points out, the Andrews Government is doubling down with its plan to close the native timber industry, placing thousands of sustainable long-term timber jobs at risk.

Eleven priority communities have been identified to apply for funding to help with the “transition” away from hardwood.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

It’s the same funding model was used to ‘transform’ the car industry.

The Victorian timber industry employs 21,000 people and injects $730 million over 52 weeks of the year. What is the replacement?

Food and fibre, aged care, tourism and even power generation have been mooted by the State Government as replacement industries.

That will still leave hundreds, if not thousands in the timber industry – from the forests to the construction industry – out of work.

And has been pointed out time and time again, what happens to a redgum forest

with no thinning, fuel reduction or sustainable management?

This cannot be allowed to happen, but it will take some clever lobbying from the Federal and State coalitions to prevent it.

The timber industry – the construction industry – cannot afford to sit back and hope that works.

It’s time for the construction industry to raise its voice and tell the politicians what will happen to housing in the metropolitan electorates.

The city MPs just might sit up and take notice then, because it seems they are taking no notice at the moment. www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

March madness sees new home sales spike T

HE number of new houses to commence construction in the December quarter was the second highest level on record, according to HIA chief economist Tim Reardon.

“House commencements surged by 27.0 per cent in the final quarter of 2020 to their highest level since March 2000,” Mr Reardon said.

“This record level of investment in new home building occurred six months after the announcement of the HomeBuilder program. The increase in commencements occurred across all jurisdictions.

“The record volume of home building will continue to retain jobs and absorb workers from across the rest of the economy,” he said.

“This isn’t the peak of building commencements. We anticipate that commencements will reach a new peak in mid-2021. This will see a

very strong level of building activity into the middle of 2022.”

Mr Reardon said that demand for detached housing was also being supported by the record low interest rates and the shift in population away from metropolitan centres towards the regions.

The sudden realised potential of working from home had also opened up new areas for housing demand that previously may have been considered too distant.

“The segment of the market that has driven the bulk

of this record level of demand is first home buyers who have accounted for over 40 per cent of all loans in recent months. This contrasts with the investor-driven demand of the previous cycle,” Mr Reardon said.

“Multi-units starts saw a more modest increase of 4.6 per cent in the final quarter.

This sector is still a long way down from its previous peaks and need an injection of overseas migrants, students and tourists if it is to contribute more to Australia’s economic recovery,” he said.

All states and territories saw gains, led by Western Australia, which saw new house starts double in the

final quarter of 2020 (+108.5 per cent). This was followed by the Northern Territory (+51.7 per cent), Queensland (+33.2 per cent), New South Wales (+21.2 per cent), South Australia (+13.1 per cent), the Australia Capital Territory (+11.7 per cent), Victoria (+9.9 per cent) and Tasmania (5.8 per cent).

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

5

AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

Building on the past to create a future M

ORE than 10 kilometres of tim-

ber was used to create a warm and welcoming environment at Sydney’s Marrickville Library, the overall winner of the 2020 Australian Timber Design Awards.

The library and community centre has been built on the site of the former Marrickville Hospital, which closed in 1990.

The new library is crafted inside and out with timber, which is used for its

columns, façade, screening, internal walls, window and door frames, tiered seating, joinery, ceilings and furniture.

Make it Wood’s David Rowlinson was one of the five Timber Design Award judges. He told the organisers; “2020 has obviously been a very challenging year for all of us. Despite that it’s great to see that the quality and diversity of the projects in the Timber Design Awards has remained extremely high.”

The judges were unanimous in their

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praise of the winning project, saying; “Marrickville Library has a grand scale without being audacious. It’s breath of application and unprecedented use of timber is extraordinary. In particular the round Glulam columns really accentuate the height of the building, and in referencing the forests where the trees grew, create an exquisite biophilic space to read and learn.

Architects BVN and engineers TTW created a beautifully crafted project that not only delivers an inviting and functional community resource, but also showcases the versatility and sustainability of timber and timber products.

As BVN explained in its entry, the use of timber also references the history of the site which was once used to source timber for construction.

Timber products used in the Library include Glulam columns, mullions and transoms, plywood, Sculptform blackbutt acoustic baffling, Supawood Tasmanian oak acoustic panel ceilings, batten balustrading and screens.

Species used include jarrah, red and white mahogany, spruce, tallowwood, hoop and radiata pine and New Guinea rosewood, all from certified sources.

Timber, used in columns, facade, screening, internal walls, window/ door frames, tiered seating, joinery, ceilings and furniture also contributed to Marrickville library’s environmental credentials.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

Architect: BVN Structural Engineer: TTW Builder: Mirvac Construction Fabricator: Rubner Holzbau Photographer: Brett Boardman and Tom Roe Location: Marrickville, NSW

www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

Big River expands national network B industry leader Big River Group is continuing to expand its national network and increase its architectural product offering, with the acquisition of specialty manufacturer, Timberwood Group.

The acquisition sees the combination of the strong and successful operating histories of both businesses to create a larger and more diversified business.

While Big River Group is the recognised expert in plywood and decorative panels, the opportunity to buy a quality U ILDING

player with niche manufacturing and distribution capability across a range of panel products was especially attractive to Big River.

The purchase was consistent with Big River’s strategy for geographical and segment growth, transforming the Group into a major player in the plywood and architectural panels markets across both Australia and New Zealand.

Timberwood has operated in the market for 13 years, and is particularly strong in the architectural product area as a specialty manufacturer and distributor of a range of panel products including veneers, veneered and coloured boards, plywood, particleboard and MDF. “I am excited to announce that Big River is embarking on a significant step in progressing its growth strategy in the specialty panels market, with a transaction that will transform us into a leading player in plywood and ar-

chitectural panels markets,” Big River’s CEO Jim Bindon said.

“This is highly complementary with the expansion the company undertook into New Zealand in 2019, together with the long history Big River has across a range of specialised panels products.”

As well as having a strong, diverse customer network and both local and overseas suppliers, Timberwood has operations across three sites in Victoria and the ACT, as well as customers across all States & Territories.

With the acquisition of Timberwood, Big River Group now owns and manages 21 sales and distribution outlets around Australia and New Zealand, as well as manufacturing and fabrication facilities at Grafton and Wagga Wagga in NSW, Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland New Zealand.

Big River Group has been operating for over 110 years, manufacturing and distributing timber and steel formwork products, timber flooring, building products, structural plywood and related timber products.

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7

DESIGN

How to design a timber building that’s easy to make in a factory IN THE SECOND PART OF OUR SERIES, WE EXPLAIN HOW WE MODIFIED THE DESIGN OF OUR TALL TIMBER PROTOMODEL TO SUPPORT MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY. CARA ECKHOLM

O

NCE we stabilized

the design of PMX at 35 stories, we turned our attention to taking advantage of timber’s potential for use in off-site manufacturing.

Using a computer-directed cutting machine, timber can be spliced into a variety of shapes and sizes, in contrast to concrete and steel, which have to be cast or extruded in custom-built molds. It can then be trucked to a development site, with each truck packed to the brim, as there’s no risk of exceeding the truck’s weight limit. To realize these efficiencies, architects have to proactively consider how to create a building design that lends itself to factory production, an effort known as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly.

The mass timber buildings that Sidewalk is planning will

■

Interior rendering of the ground floor in Proto-Model X, Sidewalk Labs’ prototypical timber building. Image: Michael Green Architecture and Gensler

be produced in a factory that turns out standardized parts, which can be combined to form many different types of buildings. Everything in this “kit of parts” has to be modular and interlocking, including infrastructure like

plumbing. Standardization of the parts enables the manufacturing process to be faster and more predictable, and their interlocking nature enables easy on-site assembly. Collectively, these traits speed up construction, making buildings cheaper to complete and driving affordability for builders and tenants.

The LEGO Group’s production and design process is a close and helpful

analogy. When developing a new LEGO set, the company’s designers must choose from a comprehensive library of bricks and other small plastic components that must click together. Some customization of color, size, and shape is allowed, but creating too many unique pieces causes costs to balloon. In fact, LEGO’s failure to control its piece count in the early 2000s — the number of unique pieces doubled to

■ Representative images of the kit of parts that form the PMX building. Image: Michael Green Architecture 8

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

12,000 — nearly the company.

bankrupted

OPTIMIZING THE “FLOOR CASSETTE” If the basic unit of design for LEGO is the brick, for PMX, it’s what we call the “floor cassette.” The shell of each cassette is made of wood panels with acoustic and insulating layers. The interiors of each cassette house pipes and wires that are part of the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Cassettes are slotted one by one into the envelope of the building, linking up to one another to form new floors.

Using cassettes to construct floors is very different from how floors of high-rise buildings are constructed today. In a typical site-built building, steel or plywood scaffolding is constructed to form the basis of the floor, with concrete poured on top — a long, arduous, and carbon-intensive process.

Even in prefabricated buildings, which are few and far between, floor pieces are usually just basic concrete slabs, and the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment has to be secured in place separately.

For the cassettes to lend themselves to efficient factory production and on-site assembly, we needed to drive down the number of unique cassettes on PMX, as www.timberbiz.com.au

DESIGN well as the time it would take to produce each cassette in a factory. That meant the cassette-based approach had a couple of substantial implications for the design and the material choices on PMX. First, the column spans on PMX had to squarely fit standardized cassette modules, or else we would have to create expensive, customized filler pieces. A uniform grid that neatly fits identical cassettes is also useful in construction.

When each cassette is interchangeable, you no longer need to keep track of the specific sequence in which parts should be placed into the building.

Second, the choice to use floor cassettes influenced what materials we used. In a typical building, concrete is poured and left to cure on site over multiple days.

But producing cassettes in a factory meant we needed to use materials (such as stone wool) that could be cut and applied quickly to keep the process moving.

The cassettes in PMX can be produced in 25 steps, with each step taking 25 minutes

on an assembly line — and we’re continuing to drive down those figures through process improvements and ongoing R&D. STANDARDIZING THE BUILDING’S ENVELOPE Some people still associate the “prefab” aesthetic with the post-World War II housing boom, when factories turned out cookie-cutter suburban homes. One of the goals of the PMX project was to defy that history, showing that prefabrication can still yield interesting architecture.

Much like all other elements of PMX, the building’s envelope needs to consist of a series of panels that can be produced by a factory. But the envelope can be “skinned” with panels of any shape, material, or design, so long as they meet building code requirements and follow a standardized modular pattern.

In the case of PMX, we began with a very basic module, consistent with what one might find on a typical downtown condo in any growing city — a metal panel with 40

percent window coverage, accompanied by a balcony for each unit. (If 40 percent coverage feels low, it’s actually a reflection of energy-efficient building design trends, which call for less window area and better insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs.)

The team then explored a number of highly expressive designs, with the intention of showcasing a very wide range of architectural possibilities.

Through using different skins, PMX can transform into countless different buildings, including the four shown here. These skins, or others, can be applied to buildings of different shapes or sizes, all produced in a factory.

Of course, the great promise of manufactured timber is that it should help deliver buildings far faster and cheaper than conventional techniques. With construction costs booming in many major cities, timber is one potential solution for delivering more affordability. But instead of leading to generic high-rises, timber buildings can form dynamic neighborhoods celebrated

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for their distinct architecture — not just their efficient engineering.

Cara Eckholm is an Advisor, FactoryCo at Sidewalk Labs.

Sidewalk Labs is an urban

innovation company working to make cities more sustainable and affordable for all. We create products, invest in new companies, and help plan innovative places around the world.

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Hundegger Australasia Pty Ltd Sam Rowe 2 Hi-Tech Place Rowville Victoria Australia 3178 T: +61418561023 Email: sam.rowe@hundegger.com.au

Innovation in timber engineering

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08.04.2021 13:24:54

9

Safety Storage Efficiency

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FORKLIFTS

Mapping the changes in materials handling CHRIS LITTLEWOOD OF COMBILIFT AUSTRALIA TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT ISSUES AND TRENDS ARE DRIVING CHANGES IN MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT (MHE) AND SHINES SOME LIGHT ON HOW YOUR BUSINESS AND PRODUCTIVITY CAN BENEFIT FROM KEEPING UP WITH LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.

B

EFORE the advent of

forklift trucks around 100 years ago materials handling involved a great deal of manual labour, muscle power and physical strain on the workforce.

They consequently became indispensable pieces of kit in the timber sector and many other industries, and still are today. Whilst the original concept remained much the same, forklifts evolved over the decades, incorporating features to ensure a safer and more ergonomic working environment for drivers, and enabling storage to go higher, heavier loads to be lifted, and aisles to become narrower for more efficient operations.

But significant changes are now on the agenda, due to environmental concerns on air quality and the requirement to adhere to ever more stringent safety directives.

ELECTRIFICATION Diesel was long regarded as the reliable and economical power source for forklifts and other industrial vehicles, but guidelines or legislation on emissions has influenced the shift to greener operations. Diesel trucks can be equipped to reduce emissions, with fuel additive systems, exhaust after-treatment systems and particulate filters for example, but these come at a cost.

Although there is still a continued demand for diesel trucks in certain countries, the move towards electric power has been much faster than had been predicted.

This is reflected in Combilift’s global orders: over 50% of units produced at its manufacturing HQ in Ireland are now electric powered, comwww.timberbiz.com.au

pared to around 25% five years ago. In Australia in general over 50% of all trucks sold in the market year to date were electric.

Australia has somewhat lagged behind the EU on non-road diesel engine (NRDE) standards but there has been progress over the last six months towards policy implementation. A recent workshop briefing from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment on NRDEs, including those used in forklift trucks, stated that these emit more than twice the particulate pollution than the entire on-road fleet. The impact on ambient air quality and the associated health risks are therefore not insignificant.

Good reasons then to rethink your options on MHE. The “electric inside/diesel outside” school of thought is now outdated, as is the perception that electric trucks can only be used for lifting lighter loads, thanks to improved technological advances in batteries and chargers which improve longevity and lifespan.

Innovation in forklift design by companies such as Combilift has also expanded possible applications for electric trucks, offering an extra level of versatility, combined with the performance that used to be associated with diesel engines. Replacing vulkollan tyres with rubber super-elastic ones for example, enables electric models to work outdoors, and allows operation on less than perfect surfaces

inside too, without the need for super flat floors. Quieter operation and the consequent reduction in noise pollution is a further benefit of electric power, welcomed by operators as well as those living or working nearby, particularly in urban areas.

Combilift continues to increase the lift capacity of its electric range, and recently supplied a fleet of 8t electric multidirectional models to a Spanish customer handling long loads of plywood. Customer feedback is a major driver for new products or variants at Combilift, and this has prompted the development of even higher capacity 12t electric models available on request.

When it comes to the issue of lead acid (LA) versus lithium ion (LI) battery technology, the jury is still out on this.

Due to the prevailing use of LI technology in electric cars and consumer goods such as AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

phones, there is a tendency to think that this is now the solution for any battery powered equipment, but this is not necessarily the case for MHE. We have noticed more recent interest in LI, but cost is a major factor and take-up may be slow until it becomes more affordable. Recycling is a major issue too: 95% of LI batteries cannot be recycled as the technology to do so has not yet been developed, compared to the 95% + recycling rate for LA. Having said that, all Combilift’s electric models are now designed to be LI ready, so we can offer the choice for customers.

CONTROL YOUR CONTAINERS If you deal with a lot of containerised loads, having the independence to handle these whenever and wherever you want can be a real boost to productivity. This

also enables substantial cost and time savings by cutting out the reliance on services from third parties. This was a driving force behind the development of Combilift’s Straddle Carrier (Combi-SC) which offers a level of versatility, safety and ROI that cannot be achieved with other methods.

The Combi-SC’s light own weight and reduced ground pressure, its ability to carry loads horizontally in narrower areas and low fuel and operating costs were quickly recognised as major benefits. Safety is also enhanced as complete loads can be preparing and placed onto the trailer with just one lift.

The avoids staff having to work at height and reduces the number of forklift movements for an overall safer working environment.

The many variants and customised build of the SC range ensure efficient, costeffective handling of timber and other products such as CLT, floor cassettes or prefabricated modules. Companies in the latter sector such as Timber Building Systems (TBS), part of the Meyer Timber Group, benefit from lift capacities of up to 100t + as they typically deal with long and heavy raw materials such as steel, timber and concrete, and also have to cope with the challenges of moving the very bulky and oversized loads from the production area to trucks for dispatch. All these procedures can be effectively carried out using a Combi-SC. 11

FORKLIFTS

Komatsu celebrating 100 years of

■

The Baumann Sideloader range has been specifically designed to handle long loads with minimal isle widths.

T

year Komatsu celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Komatsu was named after the city of Komatsu, in Japan where the company was HIS

founded in 1921. From humble beginnings the company has evolved, and grown into a worldwide group consisting of Komatsu Ltd. and 258 other companies.

One thing that has stayed constant throughout the century has been Komatsu’s relentless drive for quality and reliability in all their products, it’s in their DNA.

MEET THE HYDROSTATIC FAMILY

When you purchase or hire a Komatsu forklift you can rest assured that 100 years of manufacturing experience and excellence goes into making your Komatsu the right choice in terms of Reliability, Quality & cost savings benefits.

Following on from the success of Komatsu’s first & second series of hydrostatic drive (HST) forklifts (available in 4, 4.5, 5, 7 & 8 tonne capacities). The new hydrostatic drive FH series diesel powered forklifts are available in capacities of 10, 12, 13.5 & 16 tonnes, & feature many of the innovations introduced on Komatsu’s class-leading construction equipment, with the added benefits of reducing owning, operating costs and CO2 emissions while at the same time greatly im-

proving productivity and safety.

Compared to conventional torque converter drive forklifts the FH 10-16 tonne forklifts can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 29 tonnes per year.

All FH series forklifts feature Komatsu’s exclusive HST hydrostatic drive system, advanced CLSS closed-centre load sensing hydraulic system and the KOMTRAX remote monitoring and tracking system.

According to Jack Socratous, Komatsu Forklifts Australia’s National Product & Marketing Manager, the FH series has been designed around the highly reliable, field-proven components used for many years in Komatsu construction equipment.

“The FH series’ electronically controlled HST drive system has a proven record of quality and reliability over years of use in Komatsu construction equipment including wheel loaders and dozers,” he said.

4 - 5 Tonne

✔ Unparalleled Durability and Reliability from passed down from field proven earthmoving technology ✔ Controllability features such as, no low speed creep & smooth directional changes ✔ Variable displacement hyd pump with Closed-center Load Sensing system (CLSS) 7 - 8 Tonne ✔ KOMTRAX machine management System ✔ Electronically controlled Hydrostatic Drive ✔ Up to 5 years or 10,000 hr warranty* ✔ Low maintenance wet disc brakes ✔ Auto engine shutdown function ✔ EPA Tier 4 Diesel Engines ✔ Up to 30% fuel reduction ✔ Reduced CO 2 emissions ✔ Selectable speed limiting 10 - 16 Tonne ✔ Ramp Control

Forklift Australia 12

1300 814 769 AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

www.timberbiz.com.au

FORKLIFTS

quality and reliability “And the hydraulic system uses Komatsu’s CLSS variable displacement pump technology, again a proven and highly efficient hydraulic system, used in Komatsu’s hydraulic excavators, graders and other equipment.”

All FH Series models are powered by a Komatsu SAA4D107E-3 turbocharged, common rail, and Tier 4 Final diesel rated at 100 kW, featuring advanced engine technologies to achieve superior fuel economy, reduced environmental impact, and outstanding controllability and performance.

“Combined, all these new features on our new FH series forklifts can dramatically reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and overall running costs,” said Jack.

“The HST and CLSS systems, together with the Komatsu SAA4D107E-3 diesel engine are perfectly matched to achieve significant fuel economy, especially in tough, high-cycle operations where fast-paced loading, unloading, and directional changes

www.timberbiz.com.au

are demanded by operators.

“Komatsu’s new FH series offers a perfect blend of power, performance, efficiency and operator comforts, allowing the operator to handle the toughest applications while maximising efficiency and productivity,” Jack said.

“With excellent controllability and handling ease, we believe the FH series forklift is the best possible choice for the harshest and most demanding applications.”

“And the tougher the application, the greater the cost savings generated by the efficiency and operational excellence of this new line.”

“It offers the potential to have a dramatic effect for users looking to reduce their overall operational costs,” he said.

Komatsu Forklift Australia is also the Australian distributor of Baumann Sideloaders.

Baumann’s range has been specifically designed to handle long loads with minimal isle widths.

Baumann sideloaders are available in 3 – 50 tonne

■

The new Komatsu FH series forklift at work in Hurford Wholesale Timber’s yard in Queensland. ranges & feature many innovative features such as 120 volt electric options, self levelling deck, Patented Variable Reach System (VRS) & currently in development; hydrogen fuel power. In addition their 4 wheel design provides far greater stability

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

than 3 wheeled sideloaders.

For many years Baumann has been a popular choice in the Australian timber, steel, aluminium and other manufacturing industries.

For all the timber materials handling needs call Komatsu Forklifts on 1300 814 769

TECH SPECS ■ Komatsu’s new FH series forklifts include: ■ Large colour multiple function display allows monitoring of machine condition at a glance ■ Ergonomic armrest with mini lever hydraulic controls ■ Spacious operator compartment with deluxe full suspension seat ■ Tilting with a small diameter steering wheel and spinner knob ■ Fully hydrostatic power steering ■ Load scales ■ Airtight wet disc brake system, for exceptional overall durability and low operational costs ■ Adjustable auto engine shutdown system, eliminating needless idling – saving fuel and operational costs ■ Adjustable low speed (Turtle) control with four different control speed settings for precise speed control in tight working situations.

13

FINANCE

BRIEFS CLT BUILD MULTIPLEX has completed La Trobe University’s new student accommodation project at its Bundoora campus, delivering Victoria’s largest mass timber project with almost the entire structure utilising cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams and columns. The use of CLT has the capacity to halve the embodied carbon in the building relative to a concrete structure. CLT is also a non-toxic, fire-resistant, renewable resource with a long-life cycle.

CAMPAIGN SUCCESS AUSTRALIA’S structural timber supply chain industry has applauded the success of the Buy Aussie Timber First campaign. The campaign was launched to promote Australian timber sales following the destructive 2019/20 summer bushfires and the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The continuation of the Timber Framing Campaign will take on a new focus of telling the carbon storage story of timber, specifically targeting key users like the next generation of carpenters and the top builders who are large consumers of timber framing.

COMMENT SOUGHT PUBLIC comment is being sought on a revised draft for the Australian Standard for Chain of Custody for Forest and Tree based Products – AS 4707.

The Australian Standard, along with the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) was developed by Responsible Wood and are key components of the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme (RWCS).

Comments should be submitted by 5pm AEST, Friday the 25th of June 2021, preferably using the submission form available from Responsible Wood.

TIMBER SHORTAGE BURNT timber samples salvaged from Kangaroo Island have been tested and found suitable to meet the shortage of structural pine in the building sector.

14

Once in a generation chance to expand business I N July last year, the

Federal Government released its $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund, which is set to generate over $600 million in recycling investment and drive a billion-dollar transformation of Australia’s waste and recycling capacity.

Similarly, the Federal Government’s October 2020 budget revealed a $249 million boost for the waste and recycling industry, in the hope of diverting more than 600,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and creating industry jobs.

While these announcements are noteworthy, according to Mark O’Donoghue, Finlease Founder and CEO, they are just the tip of the iceberg, with the Federal Budget delivering a range of financial incentive programs that provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for private enterprises to expand their business.

“As serial optimists, we can see substantially improving circumstances for so many industries, including those who have remained buoyant through the last 12 months due to infrastructural or civil based activity,” he says.

Finlease, which was founded by O’Donoghue in the 1980s and has since grown into a team of 70, provides over $500 million in equipment finance each year.

“We arrange equipment finance for business owners all around the country, with many clients that have been with us for over 20 years,” O’Donoghue says.

“We finance everything from a single motor vehicle or piece of equipment, through to millions of dollars’ worth or machinery or property.”

Sourcing finance from a range of 20 capable and competitive institutions enables Finlease to spread loans across a number of lenders,

ensuring business owners are not tied to just one bank that has them locked up with all securities.

“Equipment finance allows companies to spread a greater portion of the overall debt to a broader base of financiers, which means less exposure to their existing bank, greater competition between financiers to drive lower interest rates, often better approval conditions and a broader base of competitive lenders to assist in financing future growth,” O’Donoghue says.

FORWARD THINKING FINANCE Despite the challenges of 2020, O’Donoghue expresses optimism about the current financial and business landscape. He adds that as COVID transitions from a here and now reality into a historical fact, mainstream financers are looking at the present and future landscape for clients when looking to approve finance.

“The combination of improving employment numbers, significant government project spend and tax incentives, as well as the desire of Australians to emerge from the COVID hibernation, bodes well for 2021 and beyond,” O’Donoghue says.

While the Federal Budget’s support for businesses is farreaching, O’Donoghue notes two key incentives. First, the October 2020 budget enables businesses to deduct the full cost of eligible capital assets acquired from 6 October 2020 and first used or installed by 30 June 2022.

Additionally, the government will allow eligible AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

■

Finlease CEO Mark O’Donoghue says mainstream financers are looking at the present and future landscape for clients when looking to approve finance. companies to carry back tax losses from the 2019-20, 2020-21- or 2021-22-income years to offset previously taxed profits in 2018-19 or later years.

“These government incentives are once in a generation – this is significant,” O’Donoghue says.

“If good profitable businesses are thinking about expanding and undertake that expansion before the 30th of June 2022, the tax breaks they can obtain through the 100 per cent write-off are mind-bending.”

O’Donoghue, who is committed to expressing financial environments in ‘plain speak’, outlines a hypothetical example of how waste and recycling operators can capitalise on these incentives.

“Barry owns AAA Recycling, which has an annual turnover of $8 million,” he explains.

“Over the years, Barry has bought many shredders as well as other support equipment, and has depreciated all of those assets using the simplified depreciation pool – claiming 30 per cent diminishing value depreciation each year. The closing balance on this depreciation pool as of 30 June 2020 was $3 million.

“Despite the challenges of the COVID environment, AAA has had a busy year, resulting in a trading profit of $1 million for the year ended 30 June 2021.”

According to O’Donoghue, this result would usually have created a tax bill of $260,000, however under new tax incentives, Barry has an option to claim 100 per cent full expensing of the entire depreciation pool balance of $3 million, equalling the total written down value of all shredders and support equipment.

“This one off tax incentive

allows AAA to show an actual loss for tax purposes of $2 million in 2021,” O’Donoghue says.

“Not only does this mean that AAA will not have to pay the $260,000 tax bill for 2021, but Barry will also be able to ‘carry back’ the $2 million tax loss on any tax AAA may have paid on profits for the prior two financial years.

“As AAA did in fact make profits of $1 million in both the 2019 and 2020 financial years, the temporary loss carry back incentive provides the opportunity for the total tax paid of $550,000 for those two years to be repaid as a refund once AAA has concluded their 2021 Tax Return.”

TRANSLATION AND ADVOCACY O’Donoghue explains that while the financial eco-system can appear complex, for businesses looking to capitalises on government incentives, planning ahead is critical.

He adds that it’s important to seek finance approvals early and ask for more than is initially needed as an upper limit, as finance approvals do not incur a cost and do not need to be used. Having existing finance approvals in place also allows businesses to act quickly when opportunity arises.

Finally, O’Donoghue suggests that businesses work with professionals who specialise in equipment finance, as they have the experience to negotiate the right outcome and have access to the broadest lending market.

“We’ve built our business by looking after clients longterm. We’re a small business like our clients, and because we spend all day looking at companies, we understand what they do and provide good advice and alternatives,” he says. www.timberbiz.com.au

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ENGINEERED WOOD ■

BRIEFS

Mass timber elements combined with concrete and structural steel components provide a hybrid structure for the various spaces surrounding the Wharenui.

LIGNA CANCELLED THE world’s largest woodworking show has been cancelled for 2021 due to lingering concerns over COVID-19 and will now be a digital-only event in September. The next regular LIGNA will be held from May 15 to 19, 2023.

NEW FACILITY SÖDRA is investing in a new facility that will increase the production capacity of timber frames ten-fold. The facility is expected to be commissioned in mid-2022 and is being built at its plant in Värö, north of Varberg in Sweden, where Södra’s first CLT facility is located.

The facility will be able to deliver frame material for 4000 homes each year, representing a ten-fold increase in production compared with current levels at Södra’s existing facility.

ILLEGAL LOGGING WWF-Romania has created a tool which, by video monitoring the wood transports that leave the forest, can help authorities significantly reduce illegal logging by prioritising and improving the efficiency of their controls.

Romania can then address the infringement issued by the European Commission concerning the lack of efficient controls on operators transporting wood from the forest.

MILLS CLOSING STORA Enso will start co-determination negotiations with employees at its Kvarnsveden Mill in Sweden and Veitsiluoto Mill in Finland regarding a plan to permanently close down pulp and paper production at both mills. The planned closures would take place during the third quarter of 2021 and affect directly 670 people in Finland and 440 people in Sweden.

NO BUYER THE Whakatane Board Mill in New Zealand owned

by SIG Combibloc will close around the end of June 2021. Approximately 210 people will lose their jobs after a short search reportedly failed to yield a buyer.

16

Glulam on the big stage TimberLab delivers on giant NZ project

O

VE R the past few months, the TimberLab manufacturing team have been focusing their efforts on the delivery of components for one of NZ’s largest and most complex Glulam projects to date.

“The Pā will provide a new main entrance to the campus, a student hub (including food outlets and social learning spaces) and a new University marae. The Pā will strengthen the overall capability of the campus for University and community events and activities”. Source: The University of Waikato.

‘The Pā’ is a reference to the concept of community and location, signalling a concentration of strategically located and designed buildings that provide for the people within.

The structure is inspired by the form of a traditional Wharenui (meeting house); large Glulam portal frames work together with concrete shear walls to form the building entrance at ground floor level.

Long Glulam roof rafters extend out from the apex of the Wharenui portal structure in multiple directions making for an impressive scale of roof structure.

Glulam columns support the roof structure at the facade line around the perimeter of the building.

KEY POINTS Mass timber elements combined with concrete and structural steel components provide a hybrid structure for the various spaces surrounding the Wharenui.

TimberLab worked alongside the project team from concept design stage as an ECI partner. By providing early input, TimberLab helped the team to design with prefabrication and constructability in mind.

A strong focus on prefabrication meant a large amount of work in 3D modelling, BIM coordination and drawings of hundreds of pages of both working and shop drawings AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

University of Waikato, The Pā ■ TimberLab Project Update March 2021 ■ CREDITS: Client: The University of Waikato / Project Manager: Greenstone Group / ■ Architect: Architectus & Jasmax / Engineer: Beca / Constructor: Hawkins in preparation for manufacture and construction.

Attention to detail is key when draughting for manufacture, with CNC machines detailing the parts to mm accuracy exactly as drawn in the model. With no room for error, the quality manage-

ment of the modelling and ECI process was critical to project success.

TimberLab’s vast experience is key in delivering this project; our ability to not only accurately model but to then CNC process and prefabricate hundreds of large components to consistent tolerances is essential for efficiently built mass timber structures.

The 36.4m long rafters for this project are the longest glulam members that TimberLab has made in our 60+ year history. Timberlab’s large 5-axis CNC gantry’s ability to process such large members with complex connection detailing is unmatched in the southern hemisphere.

With various other complex component shapes in this project such as cranked beams, tapered columns and various cambers to components, the knowledge and experience of the manufacturing team is vital to the successful delivery of projects of this scale.

They are now nearing completion of the CNC works for the project and are mid-way through the remaining prefabrication tasks of fitting brackets and fixings, sanding, coating and protectivewrapping of all components in preparation for delivery to site. www.timberbiz.com.au

TRUSS & FRAME

In a timber shortage, know your strengths

I

F the current global pandemic isn’t enough for Truss & Frame fabricators to deal with, they are also faced with the uncertainty of timber supply.

During this period, truss and frame fabricators are facing some huge challenges in maintaining their stocks to a controllable level to suit their production requirements with the strong housing demand.

We are hearing the same timber shortage problem in Engineered Wood Products as well. Some deep sections are extremely hard to order with long lead times. This is causing huge delays in projects where these products can be specified in designs.

Many truss and frame fabricators are looking for alternative solutions to optimise their timber usage.

From the last softwood timber shortage crisis in 2017, our industry brainstormed ways to reduce truss and frame fabricator dependency on timber elements and provided some alternative de-

DAVID ZHANG LEAD STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING MANAGER, MULTINAIL

sign solutions to overcome the temporary problems.

Truss and frame fabricators have their own strength in this situation - the use of Metal Connectors. Utilising any timber members available with solutions from design engineers, they can manufacture bespoke structural components with powerful truss and frame manufacturing machinery.

SOLID TIMBER JOISTS TO OPEN WEBBED FLOOR JOISTS Open webbed floor joist systems can significantly ease some challenges in fulfilling orders for conventionally manufactured floor systems, especially when other engineers call for solid or engineered sections. You may find this is a good opportunity to convert your customers to open webbed floor systems and a good time to review all the benefits that your customers will encounter on-site with an open webbed supplied floor system.

NAILPLATED TIMBER MEMBERS A horizontally laminated nailplated timber member can be designed as primary structural elements, e.g. beams, bearers and lintels.

These types of structural members require two smaller sections of timber to be nailplated together horizontally to create a deeper section.

Typically, we can create a 240x35 section by horizon-

tally laminating two 120x35 together with nailplates, designed by structural nailplate suppliers.

We can also combine two 240x35 laminated timber sections together to form a 2/240x35 section.

TRUSSED LINTELS Another solution for truss and frame fabricators is to manufacture engineered trussed timber lintels to replace some sawn section timbers. Although there will be quite a few limitations in this application, depending on different loading scenarios, it is still possible to engineer the trussed timber lintels in some cases.

METAL PRODUCT REPLACEMENT Another way to reduce timber usage in buildings is replacing small length timber members with metal products. For example, short timber noggings used in between roof trusses for temporary bracing and assisting in the erection of roof trusses

can be replaced with Metal Truss Spacers. Multinail also has its own patented Steel Nog System which can assist manufactures to minimise timber usage in Wall Frames.

We all want to assist truss and frame fabricators in seeking alternate solutions to navigate their way through this timber shortage. Engineering design solutions isn’t the only area where timber saving can be realised. Evaluating your current production methods and saws can also be an area we can help.

Any solution given to your customers with nailplates used in the design must be certified and approved by an engineer. We strongly recommend you review your designs and manufacturing processes and consider the suggestions above to assist in minimising the impact of this current timber shortage.

If you have any questions for David, please don’t hesitate to contact him. PH: 07 3297 3272 E: david.zhang@ multinail.com

A Wood Shed harnessed the power of our numbers and found true Independence.

How long has the business been going?

We opened the doors in 1994 but it was really 1999 before we got serious.

Who are your customers and where do you trade?

More than 90% of the business is trade and we’ll deliver anywhere in South East Queensland that our customers require.

You joined HBT in June 2014 – why?

We were reluctant to join a group since we had always been independent. But the beauty of HBT is that you keep your independence but still enjoy the benefits of group buying.

For more information and membership applications call 1300 428 477 I hbt.net.au

How did it go?

A WOOD SHED Brassall & Darra, QLD

Powering True Independents

www.timberbiz.com.au

Well, after the upfront joining fee there is nothing else to pay. Buying improves by at least the amount of the rebates and we’ve seen settlement discounts not previously available to us.

Any other comments?

We both enjoyed and derived good benefits from being involved in the group conferences.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

17

ASSOCIATIONS australasian

Looking Back 2020 FIRE testing of CLT has gone a step further with the second test of the char fall-off test series undertaken at the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services White Island live fire training facility.

The testing comes as Australia’s first 120-minute Fire Resistance Test and Fire Resistance Level were successfully completed on exposed glue laminated timber members.

A few minutes after the complete consumption of the kerosene, the charred CLT wall and ceiling selfextinguished without failure of the plasterboard encapsulation.

2016 IT’S TIME for Australia and New Zealand to jointly develop a longer term solution for timber design life and durability with a call for $12.5 million over five years from industry and Governments.

Ric Sinclair, Managing Director of Forest and Wood Products Australia Limited (FWPA), outlined the Australian situation based on industry consultation and market research undertaken over the last two years when he addressed the ForestWood conference in Auckland.

From an industry perspective, many believe that there is poor market understanding of timber durability, unclear standards, inadequate monitoring and compliance, and a disconnect between the standards and the service life expectations.

2011 ”Architecture begins when two bricks are put together well,” said modernist German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

With a material called glulam, great buildings could also be made when two pieces of wood are joined together well.

In the 16th century, visionary Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) proposed the construction of a huge bridge across the Golden Horn, the estuary in Istanbul that divides the European and Asian continents.

18

Shifting the focus to our fauna W H AT if technolo-

gies could be installed permanently within forest environments? And what if this enabled our forests to function like ‘smart cities’, where equipment is continuously used to support optimal management of the surroundings?

The latest episode of the WoodChat series of podcasts considers exactly that.

Listeners will hear how advanced technologies are currently being used in Tasmania to monitor the nests of at-risk wedge-tailed eagles, in what could be the first step towards developing a ‘fully networked’ forest.

The results of this work will be used to improve the industry’s understanding of the effectiveness of current protocols that guide forest management practices for the protection of this species.

The data collected will help determine whether new or adapted approaches could

better protect the animals and minimise the impact on forestry operations.

A ‘networked’ or ‘digital’ forest will collect and broadcast this sort of data in an ongoing capacity and in realtime data, before beaming it to forest managers who can then use it to inform better decision making.

During the episode hosts Sam and Georgia speak to Dr Dean Williams, Manager, Forest Management Services, Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Dr Williams describes a fully networked forest as one in which multiple points are used to collect information about various conditions, from wildlife to environmental, weather, vehicles, and

■

Advanced technologies are currently being used in Tasmania to monitor the nests of at-risk wedge-tailed eagles. fuel moisture levels. During the episode, he discusses his current work with wedgetailed eagles, and the possibilities a networked forest could hold for the future.

“It’s all about being better informed about what’s going on in the forest,” explained Dr Williams.

“Whether your objectives are conservation, wood production, or a combination of both, using technology to gather quality information to make the best decisions you can offers advantages for all.”

This episode is the latest in the series, and follows topics

including forestry education for young online learners during COVID-19, new business models to inspire investment in trees on farms, and building safely with timber in bushfire-prone areas.

WoodChat represents FWPA’s ongoing commitment to engaging ways of communicating news and innovations to the industry and beyond.

Each episode includes indepth conversations with experts on recent discoveries and current initiatives.

You can listen to WoodChat on Soundcloud, iTunes and Spotify.

H2F – disposing of a myth H 2 F treated framing,

easily recognised by the distinctive blue colouring, was developed to prevent termite attack, a potential problem in improperly constructed buildings in some areas of Australia.

It has long been recognised that it is far less expensive to exclude termites than control them and completev repairs once they infest a structure.

Once they have entered, termites can not only damage timber, including framing, joinery and furniture, but will eat other cellulose-based materials, even the paper covering on plasterboard.

The traditional approach to termite protection was to create a chemical barrier, drenching the soil with a long-lasting insecticide (chlordane was a major one). Houses were also built with exposed surfaces so any termite attempts at access (e.g. mud-tubes) could

be easily detected. Mechanical barriers, such as mesh, are also used to prevent termite ingress.

Today, many of the longlasting soil poisons are no longer available and those that are provide reduced periods of protection, often less than 10 years, and need to be reapplied to continue to protect the building.

The softwoods which are used for most timber framing in Australia, are not naturally termite resistant. The H2F process coats the dry timber with a thin layer of an insectiAUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

cide, with added blue colouring to make it easily recognisable on the job site.

The H2F treatment uses one of three insecticides: bifenthrin, permethrin or imidacloprid. Permethrin (which is widely used to treat scabies and lice on humans) and bifenthrin are pyrethroids, which are related to natural products found in chrysanthemums. Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid, which is related to the nicotine found in tobacco. All are effective at very low levels, have exceptionally low toxicity to humans and repel termites, providing protection for the life of the structure, typically 50 years or more. Retrofitted houses that retain the H2F treated timber frame and update other features will continue to benefit from its protection.

Many currently occupied timber framed homes in Australia were built in the 1800’s.

It has been suggested that the disposal of H2F framing at the end of a building’s life may pose a problem. At present, there are few economical pathways for disposal of any framing timber other than landfill or composting. This situation can be expected to change as the market embraces and applies the concept of a circular economy in which there is a much greater focus on the retrieval and reuse of materials.

The Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life at the University of the Sunshine Coast is currently working on ways to improve the reuse of timber, while the timber industry is looking to identify national approaches to recovery and reuse that avoids landfills.

JEFFREY J. MORRELL, PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR, NATIONAL CENTRE FOR TIMBER DURABILITY AND DESIGN LIFE

www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS ■

Left to Right: Bowens employees Rebecca Ulrich, Nicole Hedger, Maggie Game, Nicole Keys with Kersten Gentle, FTM

FRAME & TRUSS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

FTMA Australia is an independent, national organisation representing fabricators of and suppliers to the timber prefabricated truss and wall frame industry in all Australian states & territories providing a unified voice, to protect and advance our multi-billion dollar industry.

Getting back to face-to-face at last W 17th March 2021 was the first real faceto-face event I have attended since my board came to town in February 2020, when we farewelled long-serving board member John Oulton, so to say I was fanging to get back to it was an understatement.

The event was Bowens Women in Trades Event at their Port Melbourne Showroom. Throughout the past year there is no doubt COVID-19 changed the landscape in which we work, but it did not change the challenges that women in the building and construction industries encounter. The event was designed to empower women in trade where we could support each other and rise to the challenges together.

I was on cloud nine, as the feeling from the moment I walked into the Bowens showroom was dynamic.

Women from throughout the Bowens workforce were in attendance, including many from Timbertruss as they mingled with many women from a range of trades in the building and construction industry.

The panel of speakers included Stefanie Apostolidis (Melbourne Chippy Chick and co-founder of Tradie Lady Club, Fiona Nield (Executive Director, HIA Victoria), Jeanette Taliana (Bowens Sales Manager) and Melissa Moore (Bowens Account Manager).

The ladies were professionally and passionately led from Bowens Head of Human

KERSTEN GENTLE Executive Officer FTMA Australia

EDNESDAY

www.timberbiz.com.au

“We support you!”

Resources, Vesna Brown, who was truly a dynamic MC and facilitated an open and frank discussion on the challenges they had all faced during their careers and how they overcame them to end up where they are.

In the room were sparkies, chippies, tunnelling experts, designers, office staff, plumbers and women from many other trades and the message was strong. Vesna pointed out that a lot of work had already been done, but it was clear to see, especially in the current climate, that much more was needed, and I couldn’t agree more.

Throughout my 30+ years in the forest and wood products industry I have witnessed many changes and I’ve loved seeing more women join me at the table, however, just because more women are coming into the industry, it doesn’t mean things still don’t need to be changed.

One message from the day that truly struck a chord with me, was the line; “you can’t be, what you can’t see”.

Think about this and you will see that it is true is so many facets of our life.

Having a daughter, I’ve raised her to know that she can do anything she puts her mind to and that she does have a voice and has the right to stand up for her beliefs, and over the years she has seen me fight for my voice and for the role I have.

Unfortunately the court process whilst fighting for justice against childhood abuse dulled my desire to fight, to stand up for what is right, as it is was, at the time just too painful, but the Bowens Women in Trades event has lit a fire I haven’t felt for a while and it’s time my voice is heard.

There have been times in the ‘timber supply chain’ that I believe I would have been treated differently if I was a man. I’m not talking about the early days working with forest contractors, I’m talking about the later years.

It may surprise some readers, but I’m loud, I’m passionate and I rarely take a step back when I believe in fighting for my members, but as a woman being loud, passionate, and aggressive, I have unfortunately at times had to endure comments from those saying, ‘here she goes again’, ‘does she ever stop’ etc.

Maybe other loud, passionate men in the industry get the same comments made, but all I know is they’re not comments I’ve heard.

I’ve been extremely lucky to represent timber communities and now fabricators and Continued on Page 20

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

FTMA Australia thanks our dedicated supporters and encourages you to support those who support your industry GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

For a full list of the conditions of membership and a downloadable application form visit: www.ftmanews.com.au 19

ASSOCIATIONS Face-to-face Continued from Page 19

not once have I felt intimated to treated disrespectfully from members, but I have been treated poorly by some peers.

I’ve had to tell a man at an industry event that it wasn’t okay for him to feel me up in front of colleagues, I’ve had to stand up and say that I wouldn’t get in a photo with an accused child abuser, only to be abused by a male colleague as he wanted to get in a photo and I ruined that!

The industry in general has been an awesome industry to work in and I love working for FTMA where my board has always had my back and my members have given me nothing but respect.

The women’s event also made me stop and think about the role of women on boards within our industry and I was shocked and dismayed that there are some associations that still have a board with no gender diversity.

As a woman, I do not believe in quota’s, I believe you need the right people for the right job. Let’s face it, we have a quote in society with 50.2% of the population being women.

Maybe I’m just fortunate to work in an industry full of mum and dad businesses, where dynamic women are aplenty, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t have to work at encouraging these women to step up and join the FTMA Board and have a louder voice. Surprisingly, you just have to ask and let them know you respect their opinions and you’d be surprised by their willingness to be involved.

The forest and wood products industry is an awesome industry to work in and I believe we can be a stronger industry by providing a greater voice to women within our sector.

I challenge all industry Associations and businesses to work at increasing the voice of women in our industry and on our boards as in my opinion, diversity gives you a greater perspective on life and it’s true we can’t be, what we can’t see!

20

■ Inside the Garangula Gallery in outback New South Wales.

Turning waste into beauty W I T H the current emphasis on reducing waste to landfill it’s good to know that wood waste, including particleboard, which is one of the main substrates for timber veneers, can be recycled at the end of its useful life.

Similarly, wood waste created in woodworking operations such as new fit-outs can also be recycled. One of the most effective ways to reduce a carbon footprint is to reduce the waste created on any job.

Wood waste finds its way into a number of new uses including animal bedding and garden mulch, while recycled particleboard and general wood waste also provide a resource for remanufacture into new board.

Particleboard and MDF are made from wood-chips derived from plantation pine.

While these virgin woodchips come from sustainably managed plantations, mixing them with recycled wood waste makes them even more environmentally desirable by reducing waste to landfill.

For example, D&R Henderson produces a 100% recy-

PETER LLEWELLEN Technical representative, Timber Veneer Association of Australia

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

cled particleboard product as well as a range of boards made from a mixture of plantation pine residues (a byproduct from their sawmill), local sawmill residues and recycled wood.

In April 2010 the company commissioned a cleaning tower capable of processing and consuming large volumes of recycled wood for use in particleboard. The cleaning tower is the only one of its kind in Australia, making D&R Henderson a market leader in providing high quality 100% recycled

particleboard products such as flooring and doors.

Since mid 2010, approximately 130,000 tonnes of recycled wood have been diverted from landfill by D&R Henderson. D&R Henderson now claim to be Australia’s only manufacturer of particleboard comprised of 100% recycled wood waste.

While the use of timber veneers is, in itself, an environmentally responsible strategy, it’s reassuring to know that a substrate to lay them onto can also be sourced responsibly.

www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

Get close and personal to Personal Protection Equipment T HE requirement for

PPE comes through industry standards, code of practice and government directives. However, organisations must complete a risk and hazard assessment to also identify the need for PPE. PPE should only be considered as a last line of defence between a hazard and the worker. Attempts to control workplace risks and hazards should always be addressed first. However, even the strictest controls will not always eliminate all the risks associated with most job tasks.

When choosing PPE certain factors need addressed.

Type of protection required to choose the right type of equipment, it is important to have a full understanding of the hazard and task under consideration.

For example, before protective footwear is selected for use in a chemical environment, the corrosive or solvent nature of the chemicals must be known, so that the chosen footwear is not made from materials that will be adversely affected.

Level of protection required - PPE chosen must be able to reduce the hazard to an acceptable level of risk mitigation. However, the level of protection actually required by the nature of the work may call for a more qualitative judgment.

Be aware that PPE equipment should have Australian Standards which should be complied with. There will be directions/instructions on when specific PPE can be used and should be used.

These instructions could come from government bodies/directives, industry codes etc Duration of work - Consideration must be given to the duration of work which will be undertaken as this will affect the length of time the PPE is exposed to the task.

Fit-to achieve the necessary level of protection for any PPE, it is important that it fits the user correctly. some PPE are designed as one size will fit virtually all users ( e.g., filtering face piece respirators).

Other the correct size must be chosen to work efficiently

www.timberbiz.com.au

(e.g., gloves are available in small , medium, large) One of the key failings of PPE is that it can be used incorrectly, or indeed not used at all! Users must be trained in the correct use of fitting of PPE, but if wearer related factors are considered at the selection stage, the potential for misuse can be reduced.

Compatibility - PPE chosen must not interfere with or impede the use of other PPE that needs to be be worn at the same time. Consequently, it is necessary to assess the various situations under which the PPE will be used to ensure that it will be compatible with all other items that might foreseeably be worn. An example of this could be wearing of earmuffs with a hard hat.

EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES Workers also have duties in relation to PPE under regulation 46 of the model WHS Regulations. A worker who is provided with PPE by their employer must: • Use or wear the PPE in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction provided by the employer or PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) , so far as they are reasonably able.

• Not intentionally misuse or damage the PPE. • Inform the business of any damage, defect or need to clean or decontaminate any of the PPE if they become aware of it.

• If the PPE is uncomfortable, does not fit properly or the worker has an adverse reaction using it, they should consult their manager.

VISITOR DUTIES Under regulation 47 of the model WHS Regulations, a person other than an employee is also required to wear any PPE that is required to be worn at that workplace.

The PPE must be worn in accordance with any information, training or reasonable instruction provided by the PCBU (person conducting

EXAMPLES OF PPE ■ safety boots, ear plugs

face masks

■

gloves, goggles, hard hats

■ high visibility

clothing, respirators, safety harnesses

■ sunscreen

sunglasses

■ Gulam was cost-

effective and on a par with steel in terms of cost.

a business or undertaking).

An example of this would-be contractors coming on to the premises and require wearing hi-vis vests in the warehouse MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PPE To ensure PPE continues to minimise any potential risk for the employee, PPE must be maintained, repaired or replaced and stored correctly. This includes making sure it is clean, hygienic and in good working order.

PPE PROGRAM A PPE program must be comprehensive and requires commitment and active AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

“

Personal Protection Equipment means equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects them against one or more risks to their health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective. participation at the planning, development, and implementation stages from all levels: A good PPE program incorporates • hazard identification and risk assessment • selection of appropriate controls • selection of appropriate PPE • fitting • education and training • management support • maintenance • auditing of the program The golden rules regarding PPE in the workplace are: • PPE to be selected to minimise risk to work health and safety

”

• PPE to be suitable for the nature of the work and any hazard associated with the work • PPE to be suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable for the person wearing it By having a PPE program and ensuring employees wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) are trained with the PPE, is one of the vital steps to take in avoiding injuries caused by accidents in the workplace.

For further information or membership enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact MGA TMA on 1800 888 479.

21

ASSOCIATIONS

Changes to Fair Work Act I N accordance with the amendments to the Fair Work Act that commenced on 27 March 2021, the Fair Work Ombudsman has prepared and published a Casual Employment Information Statement and updated the Fair Work Information Statement. TTIA Members were provided with copies of these documents with the last TTIA circular (5/2021).

TTIA recently advised its Members that the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2021 was recently passed by the Australian Parliament. These amendments to the Fair Work Act (the Act) commenced on 27 March 2021.

The changes to the Act include: • A statutory definition of casual employment, • A requirement, subject to certain conditions, for employers other than small business employers, to make written offers of casual conversion, • An entitlement that casual employees, subject to certain conditions, can make requests for casual conversion, and the ‘reasonable grounds’ on which an employer may reject such requests, • A requirement for employers to give casual employees a new Casual Employment Informa-

BRIAN BEECROFT Executive Officer FTMA Australia

tion Statement (published by the Fair Work Ombudsman).

• That disputes about casual conversion which cannot be resolved at the workplace level, may be referred to the Fair Work Commission although subject to arbitration by agreement only, or the subject of small claims orders by magistrates’ courts or the Federal Circuit Court; and • A provision that allows for a casual loading paid to an employee to be set off against claims for entitlements such as annual leave, paid personal/carer’s leave where a Court finds that such an employee was not a casual employee.

In accordance with these amendments, the Fair Work Ombudsman (‘FWO’) has prepared and published a Casual

Employment Information Statement (‘CEIS’). Employers must provide the gazetted CEIS to both existing and new casual employees.

The FWO has also updated the Fair Work Information Statement (‘FWIS’) to reflect these recent amendments to the Act. For clarity, new casual employees must be provided with both the CEIS and FWIS. CASUAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION STATEMENT Employers must provide a copy of the CEIS to: • new casual employees before or as soon as possible after commencing casual employment with the employer, • existing casual employees (small business employers*) as soon as possible after 27 March 2021,

• existing casual employees (other employers) as soon as possible after 27 September 2021. * Fewer than 15 employees A copy of the CEIS can be given to a casual employee either in person, by email, post or via a link to the CEIS on the FWO website, with the employee’s consent.

The CEIS contains information including: • The new statutory definition of a casual employee, • Right to casual conversion for employees in small businesses and other businesses, • Casual conversion requirements including rules about offers and requests for casual conversion; and • Dispute resolution methods.

Legal and IR

FAIR WORK INFORMATION STATEMENT—UPDATED Employers must provide a copy of the updated FWIS to all new employees before or as soon as possible after commencing their employment.

The updated version of the FWIS reflects the recent amendments to the Act by: • referring to the employer obligation to provide the CEIS to new casual employees upon commencement of employment; and • including a ‘casual conversion’ section in the National Employment Standards summary.

Please contact the TTIA Industrial Enquiry Hotline if you wish to discuss these changes to casual employment – (02) 9264 0011.

Timber Advisory Service

Serving independent timber and hardware businesses by providing valuable back of house services...

National Support Centre 1800 888 479 (Option 1) www.mgatma.com.au

22

Training

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

Member Benefits

Advocacy

www.timberbiz.com.au

Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee.

For rates and deadlines call Gavin de Almeida on (08) 8369 9517 or email: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au

Classifieds

Time to come home?

There’s never been a better time to live in New Zealand!

As NZ’s largest and most trusted supplier of woodworking machinery, we’re as busy as ever and looking for more staff. We’re currently recruiting and interested in anyone with relevant industry experience. Technical or sales, solid wood or panel-based – we’re keen to hear from you.

In addition to the Kiwi lifestyle, Jacks can offer: • attractive renumeration in line with experience • a varied customer base and product range with opportunities for specialisation • support with relocation • a friendly and diverse team • minimal mocking of any Aussie accent you might have picked up Interested? For further details or to express your interest, get in touch.

info@jacks.co.nz

Classifieds advertising has long been regarded as one of the best value for money forms of advertising — because it’s been proven to work, time and time again

FOR SALE

BROADFORD SAWMILLS

Sawmill suitable to cut both softwood and hardwood

Now you can sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee through the new classified pages of Australasian Timber Magazine.

Mill equipment includes: • 6' Gibson Headrig bandsaw with Grey carriage and operators cabin • 4 saw Kockums edger with operators cabin • Grey bench recovery saw • Precision 48” chipper

• Chip hopper (clam shell) 110m 3 • Mahild Kiln 160m 3 capacity • All conveyors, transfer decks, chain decks, blowers, ducting, electricals, etc • Spare parts and saws

Equipment in very good condition and well maintained.

BOOK TODAY

Contact Gavin de Almeida at (08) 8369 9517 or g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au

Land Also Available - Approximately 8 acres Cameron Parade, Broadsford

Contact Maurice Efron 0411887701 AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER May 2021

23

DELIVERING PRECISION Vekta‘s Interior and Exterior StakPros are designed to increase your production and improve safety.Why have many hands lifting trusses when one operator can do the job by using only a remote control!

Vekta‘s Interior StakPro is designed to suit your truss jig system. With heavy duty caster wheels and a guided rail mount you can put the StakPro where you need it! The Exterior StakPro has adjustable feet allowing the machine to adapt to your site and manufacturing processes.

With the PRESS of a button the StakPro will LIFT the finished truss out of the jig and STACK it on a trolley. Clever!

info@vekta.com.au I vekta.com.au