Australasian Timber Magazine - November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021

MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

FRAME SHORTAGES A WAKE-UP CALL

PROPOSED TIMBER MARKET INDEX A GAME CHANGER

NEW ELECTRIC ERA FOR FORKLIFTS

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NEWS

Frames shortage a ‘wake-up call’ to avoid construction crisis A

NALYSIS indicating Australia faces a major capability gap in the production of timber house frames by 2035 is a wake-up call for decision makers to act now to avoid a construction industry crisis, according to Master Builders Australia.

According to the landmark new report by Master Builders Australia and the Australian Forest Products Association further signals how crucial it is for the federal and state governments to deliver policies to urgently drive new production tree plantings.

It shows Australia is headed towards a major cliff in timber framing production, concluding we will be 250,000 house frames short by 2035 – the equivalent of the cities of Newcastle and Geelong combined.

CEO of Master Builders Australia Denita Wawn said supply of quality Australian timber for new homes and buildings was critical for the national construction sector.

“This analysis is a wake-up call for decision makers to act now to avoid a construction industry crisis in the next decade. It’s in Australia’s national interest to secure our local timber supply by ensuring our timber plantation stock can meet future housing demand,” she said.

“The housing construction industry is the engine room of the Australian economy and it needs a consistent, reliable domestic timber supply. As the timber shortages

The housing construction industry is the engine room of the Australian economy and it needs a consistent, reliable domestic timber supply. of the past 18 months have shown, we cannot rely on imports to fill the gap when we have increased construction activity – we need to act now.”

The state-by-state analysis reveals just how many house frames short of demand Australia will be by 2035. Victoria will be a city the size of Geelong short, NSW will be Wagga Wagga and Tamworth short, Queensland will be a

city the size of Cairns short, South Australia a Mount Gambier short, WA a Bunbury short, Tasmania a city the size of Kingston short, the NT a town the size of Tennant Creek short and the ACT a suburb the size of Kambah.

“This report shows that state and federal governments need to seriously tackle the policies which will drive forward new plantings of the right types of trees

at the right scale and in the right places,” AFPA CEO Ross Hampton said.

“Australian governments need to work together on a national plan that delivers an immediate increase in our plantation estate to ensure Australia can meet its future housing construction needs,” he said.

“Future generations of Aussie homeowners are counting on it.”

Additional supply to boost NSW housing industry

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he Australian Forest Products Association NSW says the state’s construction industry will benefit from the NSW Government’s recent decision to divert timber supplies from export.

“Over the last few weeks, sawmills in Tumut and Tumbarumba have begun processing softwood logs from the north of the state that were originally designated for export,” AFPA NSW CEO Sue Grau said.

“Over the next three years, this NSW Government initiative means more timber will stay in the domestic market.

It means the industry will be able to provide more timber

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for house frames and it will help make up for the loss of supply in the south of the state, following the Black Summer bushfires.

“A recent joint report with Master Builders Australia highlights that NSW will be 50,000 house frames short by 2035, another reason this initiative to boost timber supply is welcomed by the industry.”

The industry will continue to work with the NSW Government on growing the plantation estate which is a longerterm solution to both the current timber shortages and reducing carbon emissions.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

$15.1m deal to salvage KI timber

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ushfire-damaged timber on Kangaroo Island suitable for housing will be sent to the mainland following a $15.1 million Federal Government investment.

The Federal Government has allocated $15m from the Forestry Salvage Transport Measure to New South Wales and Victorian projects following the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

However Kangaroo Island, where 80-90 per cent of Kangaroo Island Plantation Timber’s trees valued in excess of $100 million and all of the island’s independent plantations were affected by fire, was left out of the funding.

South Australia’s Primary Industries Minister David Basham had been lobbying for the program to be extended to help SA. The problems of moving the timber off the island were compounded by KIPT plans to build a jetty at Smith Bay being rejected this year by the State Government.

KIPT responded by announcing, it would convert its plantations to farmland and that if it couldn’t get the usable timber off the island it would be left with no other option other than burning it to reduce the fire hazard.

Around 300,000 tonnes of salvageable pine will be transported to the mainland via Penneshaw.

Mr Basham said it could take 3-5 years to ship the timber off the island.

The funding will support the transportation of the softwood to mills with spare processing capacity however it is understood all of South Australia’s structural timber mills are operating at full capacity.

Australian Forest Products Association CEO Ross Hampton said that without the Government’s investment up to 10,000 house frames of timber would have had to be bulldozed and burnt.

“At a time when our builders and home owners are desperate for timber this would have been an extremely poor outcome,” he said.

“It is a great thing that that timber will be put to good use, however it can’t go unsaid that the Kangaroo island trees will not be replanted which means we are losing another 18,000 hectares from our national plantation estate.”

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NEWS

australasian

NOVEMBER 2021 Issue 7 – Volume 29 Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman.

Established 1977.

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News Tech Talk

16

Mill technology

18 19-22

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4

Timber frame market push A N E W body, the Timber Framing Collective, has been created with responsibility for the marketing of timber framing in Australia.

It sees previously fierce competitors (local producers and importers, amongst others), join forces for the greater good of the industry to promote, establish and consolidate “Timber Framing The Ultimate Renewable’ as the leading building materials brand in Australia for residential construction Australia faces a major sovereign capability gap in the production of timber house frames by 2035, according to a landmark new report

by Master Builders Australia and the Australian Forest Products Association.

The collective receives financial support from Australian sawmills, timber importers, industry associations and peak bodies, building products and treatment suppliers.

These supporters currently include Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), AKD, Boral Timber, Hyne Timber, OneFortyOne, Timberlink Australia, Wespine, Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF), Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA), Koppers, Lonza, MiTek, Multinail, Pryda, Responsible Wood, Stora Enso, TABMA, Timber Queensland and Vida.

“While competitor building materials may have deeper pockets than ours in terms of advertising media spend, what we have is a supply chain that is unrivalled in

Timber has no equal when it comes to its environmental credentials

size,” Timber Framing Collective spokesperson Marita Pierce-Indugula said.

“Within that supply chain are people who are passionate about timber and are chomping at the bit to work with us to promote the many benefits of timber framing over other building materials.

“Timber has no equal when it comes to its environmental credentials,” he said.

While other building ma-

terials add to carbon emissions, the timber framing industry was working with a natural sustainable product that stores carbon. Wood also has the lowest embodied energy of all common building materials.

“With a typical Australian home absorbing more than 7 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and storing almost 3 tonnes of carbon, it really makes timber framing the superior choice and the ultimate renewable,” Marita Pierce-Indugula said.

“Right now, demand is outstripping supply but this

will level out in time so it’s important that builders, consumers, decision makers and influencers understand the many benefits of timber framing through the efforts of the new Timber Framing Collective.

“We’re asking builders and consumers to continue being patient as supply catches up with unprecedented demand, in the knowledge that they are making a fantastic environmental decision to build with timber framing.”

A series of campaigns will be released to market over the coming months.

Much needed common sense finally prevails to rescue KI timber

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OMMON sense has pre-

vailed with the fire-salvaged timber situation on Kangaroo Island.

Bushfire-damaged timber on Kangaroo Island – enough timber for 10,000 new houses – will be sent to the mainland following a $15.1 million investment by the Federal Government.

It should have been such an easy decision, but it wasn’t.

The first problem was that the Federal Government allocated $15m from the Forestry Salvage Transport Measure to New South Wales and Victorian projects following the

australasian

2019-20 Black Summer bushfires to help get salvaged timber to the nearest operating mill.

However, Kangaroo Island, where around 90% of Kangaroo Island Plantation Timber’s trees and all of the island’s independent plantations were affected by fire, was left out of the Forestry Salvage Transport Measure funding.

The second problem was

that Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers wanted to build a jetty to move timber off the island, but that proposal was eventually rejected by the State Government.

KIPT responded to this decision by announcing it would convert its plantations to farmland and that if it couldn’t get the usable timber off the island, it would be left with no other option other than burning it to reduce the fire hazard.

Bluff? Who is to know?

South Australia’s Primary Industries Minister David Basham certainly did his fair

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

share of lobbying for the program to be extended to help SA. Ultimately, he was of course successful, but the process took far, far too long.

Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said it was a great move.

“The acute timber shortage is causing delays and cost increases that are hurting our members and negatively impacting their clients,” she said.

As Ms Wawn said, builders and tradies around the country will be breathing a sigh of relief. www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

Sales increase but new lending restrictions will hit homebuyers S AL E S of new detached houses increased by 2.3 per cent in September compared to the previous month.

The HIA New Home Sales report – a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states – is a leading indicator of future detached home construction.

Detached building approvals also rose in August 2021, suggesting there is still strong demand for housing despite the end of stimulus measures in March.

“It has been over six months since the end of HomeBuilder in March 2021 and sales have remained resilient,” HIA Economist Tom Devitt said.

In the six months from April to September, New Home Sales were 9.3 per cent above the same period in 2019 and 0.8 per cent above the same period in 2018.

“On a quarterly basis too,

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the last three months were up by 7.4 per cent and 0.6 per cent on the same quarters in 2019 and 2018, respectively,” Mr Devitt said.

“These are the best years for comparison, rather than 2020, as they predate both the pandemic and the HomeBuilder stimulus.

“These relatively strong sales will ensure that the boost in home building flows through to the second half of 2022. When combined with the ongoing strength in renovation activity the home building sector will continue

to pull the economy forward for at least the next year,” he said.

“This will continue to see high demand for skilled trades and ongoing employment opportunities in the sector into the second half of 2022.”

However a major impact could come from the Australia Prudential Regulation

Authority (APRA) which has announced a plan to tighten its regulations on banks and lenders to cool the property market.

Many economists and brokers have voiced concerns that first-home buyers will be pushed even further out of the housing market.

Tim Reardon, chief economist of Housing Industry

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

Association, said that more than 90% of renters want to own a home, but APRA’s decision will make it even harder for aspiring homeowners to achieve this.

“Australia has an unquestionably strong financial sector. It has withstood significant shocks, such as the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID recession, without the emergence of financial contagion,” Mr Reardon said.

“The share of loans that are impaired is exceptionally low, at around 0.4% of all loans issued. This is significantly lower than in other developed economies.”

In the six months to September 2021, Western Australia led the pack, up by 46.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2019, followed by New South Wales (+34.6 per cent), Queensland (-0.8 per cent), Victoria (-6.1 per cent) and South Australia (-13.4 per cent).

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NEWS Hybrid sandwich of wood, concrete

Award-winning builds line up for international award

etsä Wood and its partners have designed a hybrid sandwich wall element, which will renew offsite construction.

The innovation combines concrete with Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber). The lighter weight of the hybrid sandwich wall elements proved to be a valuable benefit in the first construction project at Metsä Fibre’s Rauma sawmill.

Skanska, the constructor of Metsä Fibre’s new Rauma sawmill, has set up ambitious goal for itself as it aims to be carbon neutral globally by 2045. This has led the company to provide lowcarbon or carbon neutral life-time solutions to its customers.

The production of the new hybrid sandwich wall elements, which are used in the sawmill’s log sorting building, went as planned at the precast element manufacturer Lipa-Betoni’s factory.

In the production of a hybrid sandwich wall element, a Kerto LVL panel forms the load-bearing core. This is followed by an insulation layer and reinforced concrete facade.

The installation of the hybrid sandwich wall elements for the first floor, 100 m2, of the building took five hours.

Both kinds of elements have identical connections in the bottom, and the seams of the hybrid sandwich elements have timber screws. He also highlights that after the assembly of hybrid sandwich wall elements, the seams are finished and there is no need to do seaming, concrete grinding or cleaning, as is the case with concrete sandwich panels.

The sorting building will be ready by the end of 2021. The sawmill is planned to be ready in Q3 2022.

HE research, conservation and visitor centre dedicated to nesting sea turtles on Mon Repos Beach in Queensland and Daramu House in Barangaroo, Sydney, have been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival 2021 Best Use of Certified Timber award.

This year’s eight shortlisted projects highlight the work of practices across the world, from Denmark to Tokyo, that push new boundaries in the use of certified timber, in terms of construction, sustainability and aesthetics.

Queensland’s Mon Repos Beach research centre is an impressive glulam timber structure by KIRK architects.

Daramu House in Barangaroo, Sydney, by Tzannes, has a distinctive sculptural form which features an impressive 18m span in timber, pushing the limits of timber construction and making it a world leader in sustainability.

This year the eight shortlisted teams will present their projects to the jury, consisting of Keith Bradley of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Carin Smuts of CS Studio Architects, Darryl Condon of HCMA Architecture + Design, and a PEFC representative, before the winning project is announced live on the final day of the festival. The Prize rewards architects and project teams

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for using certified timber as the main construction material for buildings outstanding in sustainability, innovation, quality or aesthetics.

This year’s shortlisted projects also include The Ariake Gymnastics Centre, a purpose-built venue for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, by Nikken Sekkei + Shimizu Corporation. The

laminated timber (CLT) building in the United States, and first large-scale mass timber residence hall, Adohi Hall, University of Arkansas by Leers Weinzapfel Associates lead Architects for consortium with Modus Studio and Mackey Mitchell Architects.

Also nominated is New Zealand’s the Scion Innovation Hub, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata,

• Mon Repos Beach in Queensland (above); and Daramu House in Barangaroo, Sydney (top).

12,000-capacity building is defined by a striking timber floating vessel that wraps around it, and extensive timber throughout: a commitment to sustainability and an homage to the district’s historical connection to the timber industry. The shortlist also features the largest cross

a workplace located on the edge of the redwood forest in Whakarewarewa Forest Park. Its curated exhibition of wood-fibre technology is curated beneath a trio of glulam timber ‘peaks’, making it a cutting-edge showcase for engineered timber, while the Harbour Kiosk in Hong Kong

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

by LAAB Architects features 49 robotic arms behind the profiled timber fins, creating an engaging kinetic piece of public architecture.

“It is inspiring to see the large variety of buildings in the finals, benefitting from the use of certified timber in so many ways. While some of the architects chose timber for its flexibility and robustness, others appreciate its natural look and the positive effects it has for people, climate and the planet,” Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International, said.

“Our expertise lies in managing forests sustainably, PEFC is pleased to partner with WAF to promote responsible timber sourcing helping architects and their clients to request full traceability as well as reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings.”

In 2019, the prize was awarded to Western Australia’s Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre by iredale pedersen hook architects and Advanced Timber Concepts while a high commendation was awarded to Turo de la Peira’s Sports Centre by Anna Noguera and Javier Fernandez.

The Festival will take place December 1-3 in Lisbon. It was moved from the original dates in June, due to the ongoing uncertainty created by COVID-19. www.timberbiz.com.au

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ENGINEERED WOOD

BRIEFS EARTHQUAKE PROOF CLT A team of engineers at Japan-based firm Kozo Keikaku Kunkyusho has developed an earthquakeresistant ‘CLT checkered block wall’.

The system simply comprises cross-laminated timber panels organized in a checkered pattern, steel plates, and drift pins.

The solution accounts for seismic integrity, daylighting, passive ventilation, and beautiful design.

The architects will team up with Kozo Keikaku Kunkyusho and employ this earthquake-resistant solution.

By using the earthquake-resistant CLT checkered block wall, Kozo Keikaku Kenkyusho notes that it is possible to secure the lighting and ventilation — which were the issues of the panel construction method with a wall structure — and to realize a CLT building with thoughtful design and workability.

CONFERENCE ON HOLD FRAME Australia has postponed its hybrid November event to June next year.

The 2022 event will be held on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 June at Crown Promenade Melbourne.

For further information on speakers, topics and projects, as well as full details on flexible registration options, visit the website www.timberoffsiteconstruction.com FLEETWOOD AWARD CURTIN University’s Team 7’s “Fremantle Springs” design has won the 2021 Fleetwood Challenge Cup. Second place was awarded Deakin University’s Team 2 with “Think Tank” and third was Curtin University’s Team 4 with “Asian Persuasion”.

The Fremantle Springs project focused on the neglected abandonment of Western Australia’s Fremantle heritage by proposing a small-scale mixed-use development that established a connective core between Fremantle’s industrial port heritage and nature.

The three storey –mixed use development named Fremantle Springs adapts to a flexible modular design.

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Fire safety professionals impressed by timber demonstration building R ECEN T tours of the FWPA-supported WoodSolutions mid-rise timber demonstration building were a big success with some of Australia’s leading fire safety professionals.

The WoodSolutions Midrise Advisory team conducted two walk throughs of the multi-storey timber construction at Holmesglen Institute in Chadstone in August with representatives from Warringtonfire.

Warringtonfire is a global leader in fire safety services.

In Australia, it offers a comprehensive range of fire safety engineering, independent fire testing, fire assessment and product certification services to the construction and building products industries.

Representatives from Warringtonfire’s fire testing and fire assessment team attended the site to familiarise

themselves with mid-rise construction products, systems and assembly methods with particular relevance to fire resistance, compliance and therefore certification.

The structure was built to assist with education on midrise construction methods in Australia. It demonstrates how to successfully design and build a six-level mid-rise project with engineered timber products, based on a section of an apartment building. Check out this video for a brief overview of the mid-rise demonstration model.

The full-scale, mid-rise timber construction demon-

strates all the structural, fire rating, and acoustic systems associated with timber in mid-rise construction. Since completion, design and build professionals have been invited to tour the building, guided by trained WoodSolutions representatives.

Attendees can see first-hand how timber can be used for a variety of purposes in midrise structures, and thereby gain an understanding of how it can be used safely in design adapted to capitalise on the many benefits associated with timber in construction.

“The feedback from the tours has been very positive and Warringtonfire members commented on the usefulness of being able to not only visualise, but closely inspect the systems and applications related to engineered wood products on display at Holmesglen,” said Gerard

Neylan, Program Advisor at the WoodSolutions Mid-rise Program.

“This will be of value not only in providing advice to project proponents and their consultants, but also in assessing fire compliance in the future from a more informed viewpoint.”

Patrick Chan, Senior Fire Testing Engineer at Warringtonfire, said, “I found the tour to be informative and it connected the testing we have done in the lab to the actual construction.”

The walkthroughs were so well received by attendees that Warringtonfire has requested an additional visit be arranged to gain the same valuable insights for more of its experts and advisors.

If you would like to arrange a walkthrough of the model, contact info@woodsolutions. com.au today

• The fire test

structure at Holmesglen Institute in Chadstone, Melbourne.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

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MANUFACTURING

Leitz Australia – Made in Australia for Success W I TH nine out of ten CNC machines sold in Australia being nesting machines, one of the most-used cutting tools in Australia is the small diameter router cutter.

Manufacturers utilising panel products, solid wood and advanced materials for production of goods where manufactured boards are the main raw material (kitchens, office furniture etc), are always looking to increase production while reducing unit costs. A small diameter cutter is required to reduce the amount of waste in a nested board, but this can reduce production speed. The tool also needs to eliminate any breakout on both surfaces of the material, resulting in the call for a very unique and complex tool.

Enter the compression cutter that has completely revolutionised the small scale, high turnover nested manufacturing cabinet industry in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom – the Carbide Compression Router Cutter. It’s fair to say that the small diameter router bit is one of the hardest working tools used by the industry.

Compression cutters for nesting historically have been imported from the United States, Europe and now SE Asia, but a few years ago, Leitz Australia considered the possibility of manufacturing them here. Andrew Bismire, Product Manager of Leitz Australia, states; “We said at the time we’d love to be able to make these cutters ourselves. It’s something we can do that’s purely Australian and would add unique benefits to both Leitz and our local manufacturers.”

Following the belief that a CNC Machine is only as good as the tools being used, the Compression Router Cutter range developed by Leitz Australia is produced to exact high precision standards required by their German parent company. With over 145 years’ experience producing cutting tools for the woodworking industry, Leitz is one of the top producers of quality, premium tools in the world. This rich Leitz history has ensured that Leitz Australia has the technical

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knowledge and skill to manufacture these highly engineered and complex tools.

There were some compelling economic reasons to manufacture in Australia; largely being the ability to provide speed of supply to the local market. Leitz also believes there are significant benefits to local manufacturers. An example of this is the partnership that resulted with ANCA (Australian Numerical Controls and Automation) – a market leader in quality CNC grinding machines, and an Australian local success story.

Leitz already had several pieces of high-end grinding equipment for automatic sharpening of cutting tools, but only one machine for producing router bits. To meet the expected product

demand, a higher output machine was required, as well as one that could produce at a standard that would satisfy Leitz’ exacting tolerances.

Leitz installed one Australian made ANCA FX7 Linear 5-axis tool grinder equipped with a robot inside the cabinet for changing router cutters and grinding wheels. This was soon followed by a second ANCA FX7 machine. These machines can run unattended, with a capacity of several hundred router bits at a time, and are equipped with a refrigerated coolant system to ensure that heat does not affect the fine tolerances the machine works to. The ANCA FX7s are fully programmable– ensuring consistent high-quality standards of every router bit produced.

The ANCA machine puts Leitz at the forefront of router manufacturing in Australia.

Striving for the utmost quality in everything they do, Leitz Australia only uses the best quality carbide rod for their router bits. Carbide can be made from soft to hard, so the right grade is required to get the most life from the tools, while not being too brittle and breaking under

load. Both characteristics are important in a quality tool and the reputation of Leitz and their customer’s production depends on it.

Leitz Australia takes pride in that due to this this local production, these compression bits can be customised to suit individual manufacturer’s needs and a large range of machines. Andrew says “We chase microns to get the desired result for our customers. Provided the customer has a machine where the collet is in good condition and holds the bit over its entire clamping length, we can achieve up to 40% more tool life from the cutters we make here in Australia.” This has been verified by a manufacturer capable of recording actual lineal metres, in trials conducted in conjunction with Leitz Australia.

Leitz Australia’s achievement of producing these tools themselves has increased local production levels and reduced delivery times for customers while maintaining the highest quality. It also increases tool production skills within Australia, an opportunity for apprenticeship programs and a long-term benefit to the industry. The compression router bits carry the Australian Made logo and have proven to be hugely popular with manufacturers keen on supporting local productions.

Leitz stand by their motto ‘Solutions in New Dimensions’ and in Australia, they are forging new dimensions with Australian Made tool solutions.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

BRIEFS MCCAULEY APPOINTED Stephen Macaulay has been appointed the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association’s new chief executive, replacing Dr Jon Tanner.

Stephen joins WPMA having been the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) - the peak industry body representing over 1,100 farm advisers and rural professionals that provide advice and services to the farming community.

He will be starting his role as WPMA’s Chief Executive in January 2022.’

TIMBERLINK CAMPAIGN Following the highly popular “Together We Build” campaign launch in 2018, Timberlink has announced the latest instalment of their Made of Tasmania campaign: Timberlink Timber Links Us All. The new campaign will feature on Tasmanian television commercials and digital advertising throughout October/ November 2021 and into 2022. The new campaign message focuses on the valuable link that Timberlink’s sustainably produced timber creates with the Tasmanian community, the environment and the local economy.

The television commercial was produced in Tasmania with an all Tasmanian production crew, and features Tasmanian Timberlink staff, a building designer, school children and pine nursery staff.

TURNING PINK AKD is Pinking Up again in support of the McGrath Foundation to help raise awareness and support to help fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care for the women and men who are experiencing breast cancer.

From shoe laces and tshirts, to face masks logos and product packaging, AKD proudly Pinks It Up. This year the company is pleased to be targeting $100,000 of funds to be raised across its East Coast business, with the support of its employees, communities and the whole business supply chain.

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WOODWORKING

New South Wales mill providing timber for rural properties TONY KRYZANOWSKI

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it comes to rural living in New South Wales, Australia David Milligan is leveraging his own experiences to help people realize their dreams.

Owner of Select-A-Fence located in Wyong, David provides property development and timber construction for people who are escaping to the country or need a property upgrade for their rural lifestyle.

In addition to giving quality advice, David offers custom sawmilling and wood packages to make dreams a reality. Select-A-Fence features a variety of locally-sourced hardwoods for post and rail fencing, equine fencing, entry ways, bridges, rural landscaping, wire stock fencing, round yards, gates, stables, wharves, electric fencing and cattle yards.

David sources logs for his projects from local loggers or from his client’s own property depending on the task at hand. He works with a variety of timber species common in the area including blue gum, spotted gum, blackbutt, ironbark, white mahogany, yellow stringy bark, and grey gum.

Select-A-Fence has evolved significantly over the past two decades by expanding their product offering to supply quality live edge slab timbers for tables and bar tops for homes, outdoor HE N

kitchens, and rustic sheds.

This creative side of the business called Hard on Wood, also supplies and build stables, round yards and timber bridges for vehicle access to remote properties.

David has considerable sawmilling experience and has improved his knowledge by

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networking and sharing stories with industry veterans as well as leveraging knowledge passed on by family members over six generations of rural living dating as far back as Australia’s pioneering days. “I started out on my own private bush block with a conventional sawmill and an Alaskan chainsaw slabbing mill,” said David.

Changing government legislation brought that to an end but it opened the door

to building his Select-A-Fence and Hard on Wood businesses which he owns with business partner Julie Hamnett.

David admits to a bent toward creativity and his clients appreciate that about him.

“Our clients appreciate the quality of the work, eye for detail and artistic flair,” said David. “Most of our business is word of mouth. We also advertise in our local rural magazine and on social media.”

One example of applying

that creativity is the development of an outdoor kitchen.

The moment of inspiration began with a broken down tractor, spare time, and leftover timber kicking around the yard. He had the time and material to develop the concept on his own property and now it has become part of his wood product offerings and installation services. “It was done by using old school Australian timber construction methods like post and beam and so on,” said David. “The timber was over-specified to get the chunky solid timber look. It’s basically a life-size functional art piece.”

He understands that providing quality products and services requires the proper tools and equipment. Today that includes a Wood-Mizer LT15WIDE portable sawmill that he purchased in 2017 equipped with a six meter bed extension. He appreciates the after-sales support that came with the band sawmill. “I was influenced to buy the Wood-Mizer sawmill because of its affordability, versatility, portability and low running costs,” said David. “I use it weekly and I enjoy creating any timber pieces out of the logs with ease and precision cutting. I also do contract sawmilling.”

Milling is done on site or at the home yard. Each job is delivered on a need-to-do basis depending on what service they are offering. It

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WOODWORKING

I was influenced to buy the WoodMizer sawmill because of its affordability, versatility, portability and low running costs. all starts with assessing the client’s needs. “A normal day involves designing and quoting jobs as well as surveying timber for sawmilling and construction,” said David.

Billet logs are milled on the Wood-Mizer bandsaw mill to a specified cutting list and then the timber is allocated into packs and strapped up ready for job lots.

The Wood-Mizer LT15WIDE sawmill’s mobility provides David with the convenience

ters long, allows David to saw longer logs in longer dimensions. One of his projects where this feature was particularly useful involved milling structural components for a vehicle bridge. “We cut bridge girders 12 meters long which saves tens of thousands of dollars by sourcing timber from the property and not having to buy them and bring them in,” said David.

Owning his Wood-Mizer LT15WIDE bandsaw mill has

• Darryl Freestone in his workshop in Richmond, Tasmania.

Turning with the grain JASON ROSS RESPONSIBLE WOOD MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

I • Select-A-Fence’s David Milligan has extended his portfolio to include furniture made from a variety of timber species including blue gum, spotted gum, blackbutt, ironbark, white mahogany, yellow stringy bark, and grey gum. of moving his sawmill close to a client’s log source which saves both time and money.

It also gives him the ability to offer valuable on-site contract sawmilling services. The wood products he manufactures are then often used for on-site project work.

With a log diameter capacity of 910mm, the LT15WIDE sawmill allows David to produce wide live edge slabs typically used for tables and bar tops. After sawing, slabbed timber pieces are dried or seasoned in a 40-foot shipping container.

The six meter bed extension, making the bed 12 mewww.timberbiz.com.au

also been invaluable for producing wood needed for projects on his own property – timber that he would otherwise have had to purchase at the lumberyard. To date, he has constructed an extension to his house, a work shed, greenhouse, and vegetable garden with timber from his sawmill.

For the future, David has definite goals for his two businesses. “I would like to specialize in building outdoor kitchens and outdoor entertaining areas as well as upgrading my current WoodMizer sawmill to the LT70 Hydraulic,” said David.

NTRODUCING Darryl Freestone, the master craftsman behind Wood n Dream.

From his workshop in Richmond, Tasmania, Darryl casts an impressive figure.

With a background in the hard and fast print industry, Darryl sought the clean air and relaxed lifestyle from a Tasmanian sea change.

That was 2005.

Self-taught using a GMC lathe, today, the Wood n Dream workshop possesses an impressive array of cutting-edge woodturning lathe and equipment.

A man with an eye for precision, Darryl is the expert wood-turner that has made his name producing the finest quality woodturning products fit for a king or prince.

Darryl Freestone explains: “My most memorable experience, and perhaps my most memorable customers, was a meeting with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwell while they were visiting Hobart.

On their visit, they bought two of my Grinders to take back home.”

Darryl’s famous Salt and Pepper Grinders are unofficially the royal standard, honed from many years of spindle work and using the Crush Grind Diamond mechanisms which carry a 25-year guarantee.

Whether it be cheese knives, large centrepiece bowls or grinders, Darryl’s pieces are made from stunning native Tasmanian timbers including Sassafras, Huon Pine, Blackwood, and Myrtle.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

These timbers have high value and must be traceable from forests that practice sustainable forest management both today and for many generations to come.

Wood n Dream is one of over 30 Tasmanian timber businesses now covered by the Fine Timber Tasmania Group Chain of Custody system.

Managed by Brueckner Leech, Mark Leech and Eddy Willis, Fine Timber Tasmania is the largest chain of custody group scheme involved in the Responsible Wood certification scheme.

The Fine Timber Tasmania Chain of Custody system is a simple, yet rigorous system that covers all steps in the supply chain and ensures licensees, such as Wood n Dream, only make timber products that can be traced back to a sustainable and legal source.

Mark Leech explains: “Fine Timber Tasmania provides a system that manages our Responsible Wood Chain of Custody certification because it covers the full supply chain for timber, we the system effectively demonstrates the origin and ensures timber sourced from Tasmanian forests meet environmental and social credentials.”

You can find Wood n Dream wood products in all Australian airports and major distribution centres. In addition, Wood n Dream will soon be trading at the famous Salamanca Markets in Salamanca Place, Hobart.

11

NEWS

FWPA’s datasets — the future of Australia’s Timber Market Index A approach to the sector’s market indices could result in the establishment of a high-quality, best practice approach to informing the decision making of industry subscribers.

The proposed new Timber Market Index (TMI), which has been broadly supported by industry stakeholders, would be underpinned by the existing, widely used FWPA timber product sales and volume datasets.

Market indices offer a useful means of tracking industry prices and trends. They provide market participants NEW

12

with transparency and confidence, while supporting planning, growth and investment.

Various iterations of market indices have been used by the forest and wood products industry for many years to periodically review prices for growers and processers.

“The insights provided through an effective TMI can be used to inform contracts and help ensure all parties

along the supply chain have a transparent mechanism to monitor price movements,” said Kevin Peachey, FWPA Statistics and Economics Manager.

In 2017, a collection of industry stakeholders came together under the auspices of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) to establish the AFPA Timber Market Index Working Group (TMIWG).

The remit of the TMIWG was to consider and review opportunities for the improvement of the sector’s market indices, with FWPA taking an observer role. The group set

out to explore best practices in market indices, data collection and analysis, and index methodologies.

As part of this work, the group commissioned the development of a report which considered opportunities to review Australia’s timber market indices. The report proposed the existing FWPA timber product sales and volume datasets could form the basis of proposed new indices for the Australian hardwood and softwood industry.

FWPA works with industry to facilitate aggregation of individual company data. The detail is collected monthly

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

and made available via an online data portal. During the 2020/21 financial year, more than 80 organisations contributed data towards the production of 15 data series, including timber product sales and volume.

Earlier this year, the TMIWG presented the report and coordinated a survey of relevant AFPA members to gauge the level of support for trialling, testing and ultimately adopting the proposed new TMI. The vast majority of respondents supported this approach.

Based on the response to the survey, the TMIWG and

www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

The proposed new Timber Market Index (TMI), which has been broadly supported by industry stakeholders, would be underpinned by the existing, widely used FWPA timber product sales and volume datasets.

FWPA have drafted a business plan, including the associated governance arrangements for the new TMI. This

www.timberbiz.com.au

includes plans to assemble a minimum of 10 TMI foundation members to form an FWPA-led steering commit-

tee which, going forward, will take over TMI governance responsibilities from the AFPA TMIWG.

TMIWG Chair Keith Lamb has written to relevant AFPA members to gauge their interest in becoming a steering committee foundation member. In addition, FWPA is reaching out to key industry contributors to also ascer-

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

tain their interest in participating.

If you would like any additional information, please contact Kevin Peachey, FWPA Statistics and Economics Manager, at kevin. peachey@fwpa.com.au.

13

FORKLIFTS

Electric option a clean lifting solution

Zero emissions and a reduced carbon footprint

I

RIS H materials handling specialist Combilift has officially launched its latest product, the Combi-XLE, as a further addition to its impressive range of electric models.

In line with the growing demand for electric powered equipment, this multidirectional forklift with up to 5-ton lift capacity, combines emissionfree operation with powerful performance for a wide range of industries and applications.

The original engine powered XL CSeries model was developed to address the requirements of tough working environments such as those in the timber, concrete and steel sectors. The new Combi-XLE incorporates the same key design features as its earlier counterpart such as high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort.

With sustainability ever higher on the agenda, Combilift further helps its customers achieve their environmental goals with its versatile “3 forklifts in 1” models, which work inside and out, reducing fleet size and thereby their carbon footprint. A hallmark of all Combilift products is the ability to increase storage capacity without expanding the size of a facility, resulting in lower energy usage and associated costs such as heating, lighting and maintenance, which is of significant benefit to the environment and the workforce. Noise pollution and carbon emissions, which can impact on the health and well-being of people as

KEY POINTS ■ • 5 Ton lift capacity ■ • 3 forklifts in 1 –

Counterbalance, Side Loader, Reach Truck ■ • New Technology Eco-Steer System ■ • All Wheel Electric Traction Control ■ • 80V 700Ah Battery (56kW)

well as wildlife, is also no longer an issue thanks to electric power. Drivers, employees and visitors on site appreciate the quiet operation, as do neighbouring residents and businesses, particularly in urban areas.

The Combi-XLE incorporates upto-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear, load swing and enhances braking. Also included is a newly developed, patented Eco-Steer System which provides a smaller turning radius and improved user experience. Since Electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines, or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids / lubricants, resulting in longer intervals between services, ultimately saving costs. The use of toughened, eco-friendly water-

Find out about our electric range at combilift.com 14

based paint also dramatically reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during build.

“The technology we have incorporated into the Combi-XLE means that its performance is equally on a par with diesel or LPG powered forklifts when it comes to handling very bulky and heavy loads, whilst of course offering a greener operation,” said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. “We made our first electric C-Series over 18yrs ago, and now over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range.

As more and more of our customers

are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”

At Combilift’s own manufacturing facility, features such as daylighting technology - LED lights with individual PIR sensors, solar panel energy and rainwater harvesting are all aimed at conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable and the company is also on track to save over 473 tons of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.

Ledinek to supply Uruguay CLT plant

E

quipment and technology supplier Ledinek has been selected to supply a CLT line for a new venture, Arboreal, in Tacuarembó, Uruguay.

In March 2021, businessman Mark Crandall from the United States and Matías Abergo, CEO of construction systems firm Enkel Group from Uruguay, established Arboreal upon the acquisition of Frutifor Lumber Co., a pine sawmill in Tacuarembó.

They announced an immediate investment in the sawmill’s drying capacity, doubling production to 250,000 m³, while also announcing the implementation of the largest and most advanced CLT plant in South America, with production capacity initially at 50,000 m³ per year.

Installation is scheduled for the beginning of 2022.

Arboreal’s investment contributes to the generation of added value from Uruguay’s forest resources, boosting industrial ac-

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

tivity in the northern part of the country and promoting the development of environmentally sustainable construction.

“Uruguay has very competitive forestry resources,” Mr Abergo said.

“When we envision the future, we see mass timber as a solution to reduce CO2 emission by 2030. The construction sector is responsible for almost 40% of the greenhouse gases; this plant is the first step to reduce and sequestrate CO2. We need to start thinking about our homes as big CO2 warehouses.

“When selecting the supplier for the CLT line, Arboreal needed to rely on a provider like Ledinek with many years of experience in the market and is capable of providing state-of-the-art machines. Choosing Ledinek as a supplier was a strategic decision; a project of this scale has never been done before in South America.” www.timberbiz.com.au

CONSTRUCTION

New global building partnership A NE W partnership between international real estate group Lendlease, and international supplier of sustainable timber Stora Enso is set to supercharge the use of environmentally friendly construction products in some cities.

Launched on October 1 in Milan, Italy, where Lendlease has $7.9 billion in urbanisation projects underway, the new partnership will focus on three key areas: Research & Development into sustainable timber products including cross-laminated timber; new ways these products can be used in construction; and their accessibility in the global market.

Lendlease also announced the establishment of a dedicated studio in Milan to facilitate the creation of new sustainable timber products and increased use of sustainable timber across its $52 billion portfolio of European development projects. Named Podium MX, the new Milan studio will be based at the

company’s $3.6 billion Milan Innovation District (MIND), the former 2015 World Expo site, and will complement a similar facility established in Silicon Valley earlier in September 2021.

In addition, Stora Enso’s product catalogue will be fully digitised through Lendlease’s end-to-end digital platform, Podium, making it easier for the company to design and build with sustainable timber in the future.

The announcement further cements the already strong relationship between Lendlease and Stora Enso. In the past decade, the two companies have worked together to deliver eight sustainable timber buildings in cities including London, Sydney and Brisbane. For example, the use of sustainable timber instead of conventional reinforced concrete at Lendlease’s 25 King office project in Brisbane, Australia reduced carbon emissions by 74%, or 5,000 tonnes of carbon.

Given the built environment

currently contributes about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, sustainable timber products represent a compelling opportunity for the construction industry to lighten its environmental footprint. Strong, lightweight and resilient to fire and shocks, sustainable timber contains much less embodied carbon than traditional building materials such as steel and cement.

“This global partnership between Lendlease and Stora Enso represents a natural evolution of a relationship stretching back more than a decade between our two companies,” said Tony Lombardo, global CEO and managing director of Lendlease. “Stora Enso is an undisputed world leader in the development of products that have a lighter environmental footprint. This is particularly relevant for Lendlease, given we’ve set ourselves the challenge of achieving the most aggressive emissions reduction targets for the real estate sector glob-

ally – net zero carbon emissions by 2025 and absolute zero by 2040.”

Lars Völkel, executive vice president of Stora Enso Wood Products division, also commented: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership

with Lendlease, a true frontrunner in sustainable building solutions. Together we will lead the transition towards more circular, innovative and digitalised solutions to help speed up the construction industry’s transformation.”

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15

TECHTALK

Construction issues can be avoided • A truss with large pitch can reasonably accommodate an AC unit.

• A low pitch truss which will create conflicts with housing the AC unit in the roof space.

• Void space created to house AC unit.

C

O N STRUCTION schedules can often be challenging and any impacts to the flow of installation can be costly and lead to frustration.

However, a number of the issues we see are repetitive and can be easily avoided on site with a little attention to detail in the design and planning stage. There are a number of common site issues but we’ll focus on two of the most common and easily avoidable.

One of my perennial favourites is mechanical services units or HVAC sys-

IAN HAYWARD PRYDA ENGINEERING MANAGER ANZ

SCAN NEW JS 50 WX HEAD

• Hole cut in floor truss to accommodate pipework .

SIMPLY BETTER 16

tems. Nearly every residential house has these as part of their design and construction. However, sufficient information is often left out of the architectural plans.

In this digital age we need to be doing better.

Not allowing sufficient space to accommodate these units can cause major delays on site, as trusses will often need to be site-repaired to accommodate the voids required to house the units and potentially the ducting systems.

A key consideration to accommodate the units is the pitch of the roof – as this pitch decreases the allowable space to house the units decreases.

At some stage the ability for a unit to be housed within the void spaces created by the truss webs will diminish.

If the size, location, and weights of these units are known at the design stage they can be easily detailed into the job. For shallow pitch trusses, girder trusses running either side of the unit and trimming beams running between the girders can be utilised to

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

house the unit. A typical example is seen right.

If there are no AC units on the plans it is a good idea for the detailers to raise this with the builder at the design stage to save headaches on site.

Another common issue occurs with conflicts created by pipework for waste systems – usually in floor spaces in bathrooms or other wet areas. Without sufficient detail on the plans, floor trusses/joists can often be in the way of the pipework required in the floor space.

These can be a major problem as rectification work normally has to work around the in-situ pipework, which can be challenging. The software providers typically have allowances to create void spaces and conflicts zone on their layouts, so if these areas are known at the design stage they can easily be worked around.

With a little attention to detail and some planning at the design stage, these common issues can be avoided and a smooth flow of trades will lead to an efficient build. www.timberbiz.com.au

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•

Representatives from Hyne Timber, Maryborough Member, Bruce Saunders, and Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor, Darren Everard cut the ribbon at the new continuous drying kiln.

Looking Back 2020 THE pandemic has inadvertently delivered Adam Jones something of a bonus.

Adam has hosted Wood Solutions’ incredibly popular Timber Talks podcast series since 2018. This time last year the episodes usually attracted around 700 downloads each month; this year it is close to 1400.

Adam is a structural engineer who began his working life with big concrete buildings but he was always interested in sustainability.

2016 RESEARCHERS FROM the Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science & Technology (CNST) in South Australia have collaborated with Australian company 3RT Holdings Pty Ltd to develop a method for converting cheap pulpwood into a highly sustainable tropical hardwood substitute.

3Wood contains the same properties as tropical hardwood but maintains a stronger dimensional stability and eliminates wastage.

3RT managing director Peter Torreele said the availability of the new “smartwood” made it easier to reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing industry.

2011 REDUCED RAINFALL and increased temperatures expected to occur by 2030 and 2050 would affect the growth rates of most commercial forest species, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.

The findings were part of a probe into potential impacts of projected climate change on forests and forestry by 2030 and 2050 in major forestry regions of Australia.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig said the six ABARES regional reports assessed the possible effects of projected climate change on commercial plantations and some native forests that are potentially available for wood production.

The study used a range of models with varying reliability and many inputs and assumptions and these factors need to be considered when interpreting the results.

18

Hyne’s continuous drying kiln goes operational KEY POINTS H Y N E Timber’s much anticipated, new continuous drying kiln (CDK) has commenced operations, a milestone marked with an official ribbon cutting event.

Since the initial announcement in March 2021, around 60 additional team members have been recruited to assist with scaling up the Tuan Mill with an added 20% capacity over the next few months.

Hyne Timber CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt said Hyne had invested significantly over its 139-year history and this latest milestone is yet another chapter for the history book, “We are currently experiencing significant demand for our products so this $14.5 million investment for expansion is timely and can bring the construction sector some comfort as we ramp up production over the next few months.

“The CDK not only delivers efficiency for the Tuan Mill in addressing the timber drying bottleneck, but it will also im-

■ CDK’s have rapidly

prove the consistency of drying quality and overall quality of our timber in addition to delivering energy efficiency.

“We have had dedicated teams working on this highly specialised project for months and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge them. They include several Tuan Mill team members led by David Spencer and Paul Ryan supported by contractors including Civil Mining and Construction, Wolff Power, Brisbane Electrical, Platinum Fire, Windsor and representatives of The University of Queensland, Centre for Future Timber Structures and ARC Future Timber Hub. I hope they all feel very proud of this achievement as part of our history and for our future.”

“Scaling up our expansion

been accepted as best practice for wood drying and have several advantages: ■ Significantly higher thermal efficiency.

■ Automation and improved safety. The CDK is fed with green packs at one end while dry packs are removed at the other end.

■ Less moisture variation.

■ Straighter product with less risk of discolouration, improving quality for customers.

■ Less maintenance, reducing ongoing costs.

project is paralleled with us working collaboratively with our suppliers including HQ Plantations, Richers Transport and Log Management

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

Solutions, creating more jobs for the region.

“I would like to thank the Queensland Government, Bruce Saunders and the team at State Development and the Fraser Coast Regional Council for their ongoing support for growth, jobs and expansion in our region.” Mr Kleinschmidt said.

To officially mark the CDK as operating, CEO Jon Kleinschmidt was joined by Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor, Darren Everard, Hyne family members, Chris Hyne and Kelly Hyne, Hyne team members David Spencer, Paul Ryan and two of the newest recruits to join the team as part of the expansion, Giaan Muller and Abby Zipf in cutting the ribbon.

The event coincided with the 35-year anniversary of the original installation of Kilns at the Tuan Mill.

The Tuan Mill now employs around 300 people and is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of softwood framing. www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

COVID just tip of the activity iceberg I

T’ S easy to think over the past few years of the pandemic, that all FTMA Australia has been doing is keeping members updated with the latest COVID-19 information and resources.

There is no doubt this has taken up a lot of FTMA’s time and I’m happy to blow our own trumpet as I don’t believe anyone has delivered for their members like FTMA. We were extremely fortunate, that our office was already based at home and the FTMA staff included myself and my daughter Nikita, so we didn’t have to adjust to new working from home conditions and no matter when changes were made, FTMA was able to provide the best information to members in a timely manner.

For 19 months we have managed to help fabricators keep their plants COVID-19 free, however, in early October this changed with four plants in four days having positive cases in the workplace in Victoria.

Even though COVID-19 has chewed up a lot of our time, FTMA Australia has continued to work on a range of exciting projects for our members, on top of the everyday advice around health and safety, industrial relations and of course timber supply issues.

TIMBER FRAMING COLLECTIVE FTMA has been pivotal in working with the AFPA Marketing Group in promoting the Timber Framing Collective (TFC) throughout the supply chain.

The Collective is responsible for the marketing of softwood timber framing in Australia and is financially supported by Australian sawmills, timber importers, industry associations and peak bodies, building products and treatment suppliers.

FTMA Australia has contributed financially to this project to help build resources for our industry to promote the many benefits of using timber in construction, especially the environmental benefits.

The Collective exists to make sure everyone in our industry feels they have a voice, and their mission is to promote, establish and consolidate Timber Framing – The www.timberbiz.com.au

Ultimate Renewable™ as the leading building materials brand in Australia for residential construction.

We encourage members to support the Timber Framing Collective by following their socials and website.

The website can be found at www.timberframingcollec tive.com.au/ The first video they have released is worth sharing to your own website or social media platforms which can be found at www.linkedin. com/feed/update/urn:li:activ ity:6852723656876019712/

covered in its own SOP in the essentials pack • Safe Operation of the tool/machine. Emphasizes a correct and safety operating ‘routine’ rather than detailed steps on how to operate the machine. We presumed that would be explained in a little more detail by the supervisor at the machine.

• Tips. Any other helpful tips or ‘what not to do’ that may be specific to this machine/tool.

We are extremely excited about this project which will provide the first video inductions for our industry, which will not only be professionally developed, but will allow a more in-depth induction for our members which leads to a safer workplace. Stay tuned for more information and we look forward to delivering more brilliant resources in 2022 for our members both in Australia and across the ditch.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE VIDEOS FTMA NZ reached out to FTMA Australia to see if we were interested in working together on the development of SOP Videos for our sector to be used as induction videos for members.

The sample video they provided for nail gun safety was absolutely brilliant, with those who have seen it, claiming it’s the best safety video they have seen.

FTMA Australia & FTMA NZ will set up a trans-Tasman FTMA working group with representatives from both organisations and members to work on developing the SOP’s which members will be able to use as an induction tool in their plants.

The proposed structure of each of the SOP’s content based on the nail gun SOP below.

• Pre-Start Checklist. The daily checklist/prestart that must always be carried out before starting, PPE, locations of emergency and isolation switches, and make sure hazards have been mentioned in here.

• Safe Setup of the tool/ machine. Highlight anything that may cause potential harm when setting up or specific quirks with the tool/ machine. Safe manual handling mentioned briefly but

WASTE PROJECT Timber waste is still one of the biggest unnecessary costs to fabricators and it is vital for our sector that we find a way to either dispose of the timber with reduced costs, or better still create a circular economy with our raw clean timber waste.

Jeffrey Morrell, Director at the National Centre for Timber Durability & Design Life is coordinating a submission into the sustainable pathways for recycling/reusing preservative treated / composite timbers in the circular economy, which brings on board a wide range of companies and associations within the supply chain and other industries who experience high timber waste.

This project addresses broader issues related to timber disposal/reuse in a circular economy concentrating on challenges posed by end of life for engineered and treated wood products.

Add to these exciting projects Carbon Warrior which FTMA is preparing to launch before the end of the year and its been an extremely busy year for 1 ½ people who run FTMA. If you want to learn more about our projects or discuss becoming a member, please contact me at kersten@ftma. com.au or via mobile on 0418 226 242.

KERSTEN GENTLE Executive Officer FTMA Australia

“We support you!”

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

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.

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

The great business dilemma of 2021- mandatory vaccinations at the workplace T HE subject of manda-

tory workplace vaccinations is clearly a major issue of discussion at present. The Prime Minister, State Premiers and Chief Health Officers constantly reinforce at each daily press conference the importance of increasing the vaccination rate to reduce transmission and return business and households to a more preCovid-19 existence.

I’ve heard the PM praise SPC for implementing mandatory vaccinations of staff at their workplace. In the case of SPC, they have provided paid vaccination leave plus 2 days of special leave if employees are unwell in the recovery process of the vaccination.

I’ve also heard the NSW government congratulate Qantas on their willingness to mandate vaccinations for all staff if they want to continue in their roles.

In the case of our national airline, Qantas, front line workers like cabin crew, pilots and airport workers will need to be fully vaccinated by 15 November 2021 and the remainder of employees by

20

BRIAN BEECROFT CEO, TTIA

31 March 2022. Qantas said their policy was not only intended to protect the Qantas workforce but safeguard the communities they encounter while conducting their business.

I note that Qantas have said that exemptions for employees who have a documented medical reason of why they can’t be vaccinated will be available, but they believe these cases with be rare. In the case of Qantas employees, only 4% said they were unwilling to get vaccinated.

In terms of providing in-

centives, Crown Resort employees will now be entitled to three hours paid leave for each vaccination they receive. In addition, an extra day of paid sick leave will be provided to each employee, if they require it. They have even resorted to providing gift vouchers to employees who are stood down and are already vaccinated.

While incentives may be part of the answer, the difficulty at present is neither tier of government has really clarified whether the employer’s (outside a limited number of workplaces) right extends to making such mandatory policies or whether it is a case of overstepping of the mark with potentially serious litigation ramifications.

The TTIA supports the position of many other key business groups urging more extensive public health orders and/or clearer legislation which is essential to provide greater legal certainty for employers to require vaccination. This would ensure an industry wide policy to require vaccinations would not breach legislation.

The Assistant Attorney General, Amanda Stocker, recently said she did not think business had the right to demand their staff to get vaccinated and “in general it needs to be the case that people are making the decision for themselves”.

Further, Senator Stoker said, “The individual has the right to choose what works for them”.

At a recent federal government roundtable of stakeholders, the government’s message from a federal standpoint was that whilst clearly encouraging vaccine uptake, vaccination was free and voluntary unless a state or territory public health order is in place but employers are free to institute their own policies. I would add to this, after the company has sought advice and done their own due diligence.

The SPC decision to mandate Covid vaccinations will likely be a test case for employers outside the health and childcare sectors. I note in this case unions were initially pushing back arguing lack of consultation among other grievances. Similar re-

Tier

Description

FWO advice

1

Work where employees are required to interact with people with an increased risk of being infected with coronavirus e.g. hotel quarantine and border control

An employer’s direction to employees performing Tier 1 or Tier 2 work is more likely to be reasonable, given the increased risk of employees being infected with coronavirus, or giving coronavirus to a person who is particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of coronavirus.

2

Work where employees have close contact with particularly vulnerable impacts of coronavirus, and aged care workers

3

Work where interaction or likely interaction between employees and other people such as customers, other employees or the public in the normal course of employment, e.g. stores providing essential goods and services.

For employees performing Tier 3 work: where no community transmission has occurred for some time in the area where the employer is located, a mandate in most cases less likely to be reasonable where community transmission is occurring in an area, and the workplace needs to remain open despite a lockdown, a direction to employees to receive a vaccination is more likely to be reasonable.

4

Work where employees have minimal face-to-face interaction as part of their normal employment duties, e.g. where they are working from home.

An employer’s direction to employees performing Tier 4 work is unlikely to be reasonable, given the limited risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

are required to people who are to the health e.g. health care

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER November 2021

sistance has also been met in other industries.

Safe Work Australia have stated that “It is unlikely that a requirement for workers to be vaccinated will be reasonably practicable.”

Instead there have been statements made of each case being examined on its merits, the assertion that employers should seek legal advice and finally, it is still the individual’s right to say no to mandatory jabs.

With this background of minimal legal protection from the various layers of government, it is little wonder that many employers feel uncertain about how they fulfil their absolute obligation of duty of care to the health and safety of employees, while at the same time are being told that individuals have the right to choose whether they want to be vaccinated against Covid-19. How does an employer eliminate or minimise so far as “reasonably practicable” the risk of exposure to COVID-19 when the system appears to leave many employers with their “hands tied behind their back”. It in effect leaves many employers in our industry between a rock and a hard place!

No doubt aware of the increasing industry concerns on how to balance these responsibilities, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) recently updated advice urging employers to “exercise caution if there considering making Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory in their workplace and get their own legal advice”, noting that the legal basis will be determined on a case by case basis if a direction requiring employees to be vaccinated would be “reasonable”.

If an employee refuses an employer’s direction to get vaccinated, the FWO’s guidance provides that an employer may be able to take disciplinary action, including termination of employment, if the employee’s refusal is in breach of: • a specific law, or • a lawful and reasonable direction requiring vaccination. www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS FWO recommends however, that prior to taking any disciplinary action, the employer should enquire as to whether there is a legitimate reason for not being vaccinated (for example, the employee has an existing medical condition that means vaccination is not recommended for the employee). The employee and their employer should also consider whether there are any other options available instead of vaccination.

Translation, a muddied situation where employers are unsure of their rights and a lawyer’s picnic!

The Minister for Industrial Relations, Michaela Cash, recently said to encourage a larger take up of the vaccine, “employers should work closely with employees when it comes to a vaccination policy”. The Minister noted that co-operation was critical and that each business should seek their own advice before mandating for their workforce.

So where does that leave employers in the timber and timber products industry?

Well, individual employers in our industry should seek legal advice from TTIA on their own individual circumstances, consult their workforce and consider feedback and the basis of any objections, medical or otherwise.

Consider the 4 tier guidelines issued by FWO, even though I’m the first to admit they don’t provide full clarity.

Small and medium employers that make up a significant part of our industry

must perform a balancing act where in many instances, most of their now vaccinated staff often express serious health concerns to management about those who remain unvaccinated.

In contrast, those who remain unvaccinated insist they are within their rights to choose not to vaccinate and remain at the workplace backed up by an array of politicians and government tribunals.

In the meantime, businesses keep their fingers crossed that an outbreak does not occur at their workplace forcing the closure of their workplace for 14 days and the subsequent economic pain and associated costs.

In addition, employers in the industry can only continue to drive a vaccine awareness campaign in anticipation that the uptake of vaccinations continues to rise.

Though in many way deeply unsatisfactory, I suspect in time as more and more government departments/ authorities and large corporates make mandatory vaccination a workplace norm, the case against small to medium size business and their staff being afforded the same level of protection will fade.

The real unknown is just how long this will take.

TTIA is the forest and timber industry’s key IR/Legal Association and can assist industry employers with practical advice on the best approach to vaccinations in their workplace. Call our office on (02) 9264 0011 or email us on ttia@ttia.asn.au

Factors affecting veneer pricing

TERRY FRANKLIN President Timber Veneer Association of Australia / NZ

W

H Y does oak, a standard veneer

in appearance, have such a broad range of price points on panels?

Let’s not forget features such as pin knots, figure, small bundle runs and single bundles, all useful in some purpose but all available at different price points.

How the raw material is imported into Australia also has an impact on price, one option is as bundles that are converted to veneer sheets on a project-by-project basis by local manufacturers, and a second option are veneer sheets produced overseas in a range of grades.

Imported layons are less expensive but can have inconsistency, especially if you are trying to match different length panels and the veneer itself can be thinner than

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the standard 0.5mm thickness supplied by American and European producers.

Your local panel layer may also require surcharges for sequence matching, end matching or special layups as this takes time and effort to assemble veneers in matching runs and can affect the price of the panels.

So, if you draw from the above indicators, a large log producing 50 matching faces with a light colour, central structure and free of defects will be more expensive than 50 sheets produced from smaller grade logs, showing colour variation and possibly having an occasional feature in the grain that have come from imported layons.

Both products have their place in the market but it is unrealistic to compare the price and quality of veneer panels in American oak or European oak, produced from imported layons, to panels produced from veneer leaf to specifications requiring sequence and book end matching, without considering the above guidelines and the end use.

TVAA members are striving to produce a broad range of timber veneer panels to the highest quality as demanded by Designers, Architects and Furniture makers and selection of the right veneer option (in any species) is essential for any project to have a successful outcome.

TVAA members welcome discussion regarding your project and can offer the best options to achieve your vision, all you need to do is ask!

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

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21

ASSOCIATIONS

COVID-19 Vaccinations in the workplace Members advised to exercise caution

M

workplace vaccinations remain a topic at the forefront of the current industrial relations sphere.

We advise that there are only three circumstances where implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy is permitted: 1) Where a specific law (eg. a public health order) requires an employee to be vaccinated; 2) Where an enterprise/ collective agreement or employment contract permits this; or 3) Where it is lawful and reasonable for the MGA TMA Member to direct a particular employee to be vaccinated.

At the date this article was written, circumstance 1 and 2 as above are unlikely to apply to staff. However, health orders requiring mandatory vaccinations for particular employees of some businesses in Victoria and the Northern Territory may apply by the time this article is published. If so, management may be able to mandate the vaccine in their workplaces pursuant to circumstance 1 above. Business owners are encouraged to seek legal advice prior to doing so.

If circumstance 1 and 2 as above do not apply, you are reminded that implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy is permitted only if it is lawful and reasonable.

ANDATORY

Business owners and management may be required to consult with employees before implementing such a policy.

WHAT IS ‘LAWFUL AND REASONABLE’?

Lawfulness and reasonableness of an employer directive should be assessed on a caseby-case basis. This should be an assessment carried out for individual businesses and individual employees.

It may be reasonable for a particular business to require mandatory vaccination for a particular employee, but it may not be reasonable for another business or for another employee.

You must consider the below factors, in deciding whether a mandatory vaccination policy is lawful: • Compliance with existing employment contracts, award or agreement; and • Compliance with legislation (e.g. anti-discrimination law).

You must consider the below factors, and any other relevant factors, in deciding whether a mandatory vaccination policy is reasonable: • The nature of the workplace – - how public-facing is the particular role?

- Is social distancing possible? Are other COVID-19 prevention measures possible?

- Is the employee providing an ‘essential service’?

• Extent of community transmission in the area; • Risk of transmission in the area between employees, customers and members of the public; • Work health and safety obligations; • Each employee’s individual circumstances – - Is the employee performing high risk work as a result of their duties?

- Is the employee in a high-risk or vulnerable category?

• Whether the employee has any legitimate reason for not being vaccinated; • Vaccine availability; and • What ‘tier’ of work the particular employee performs.

Employees working in retail locations are likely to perform ‘Tier 3 work’ (as defined by the Fair Work Ombudsman), which is where there is interaction or likely interaction between employees and other people. You may also have employees that perform ‘Tier 4 work’, which is where there is minimal face-to-face interaction. It is more reasonable to require vaccination of a Tier 3 worker than a Tier 4 worker.

Determining whether mandatory vaccinations is lawful and reasonable can be a

complex exercise. We encourage MGA TMA Members to contact our Legal and IR team if requiring assistance with assessing the above factors.

NON-MANDATORY VACCINATION In light of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s view that the “overwhelming majority” of employers should assume that they cannot require mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, you are advised to refrain from implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy without first seeking legal advice.

Instead, you are advised to continue encouraging and incentivising staff members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as maintaining a high standard of COVID-19 risk control measures in the

Legal and IR

workplace. Vaccination is our key to reducing restrictions and reopening our communities and all eligible employees should be encouraged to speak with their doctor about getting vaccinated.

FOR MGA TMA MEMBERS ONLY: The MGA TMA Legal and IR team has prepared a template COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Our Members are encouraged to contact the MGA TMA Legal and IR team on 1800 888 479 for further queries on vaccinations in the workplace.

For membership enquiries, please contact Marie-Claire McKiernan on (03) 9824 4111 or email marie-claire.mckiernan@mga.asn.au

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