Why house completion times are up, again
ERIC HANSNATA FWPA STATISTICS & ECONOMICS MANAGER
AUSTRALIA’S system of housing construction is in serious trouble, if the latest building activity data is anything to go by.
In the June quarter of 2023, far from reducing as more houses were completed, the average time it takes to complete a house actually increased – by mid-year it was taking 9.96 months to complete the average house.
The gold standard for tracking what is happening with housing construction, the quarterly Building Activity Measures data and reporting, has just been released for June. While there is a fourmonth lag in the data, it displays an unsurprising continuing decline in all activity.
In June, new house commencements were down 6.6% at 25,386 for the quarter. The other side of the coin is that new house completions were greater at 27,500 resulting in a 3.0% reduction in houses under construction, meaning they tilted south to a still stonkering 101,820.
While any reduction in houses under construction (effectively work in progress,
in lean manufacturing terms) might appear positive, the reality is building capacity is still dreadfully constrained and utterly incapable of moving beyond its historic quarterly limits.
It is nice that completions out-stripped commencements for a change in the June quarter, but the marginal change is disappointing against a back-drop of more than 100,000 houses still being under construction.
Completions are simply taking way too long to build and deliver to the home-owner.
The risks for builders, bankers, suppliers and home-buyers alike is that time brings into play many other uncertain variables: cost increases, re-work, interest rate rises, defaults and so on are all exacerbated by the passage of too much time.
In the December quarter of 2022, it was taking 9.15 months to complete a house on average, with houses under construction of 104,429. Six months on, it is taking 9.96 months to complete a house with 101,820 houses under construction.
In aggregate, the residential sector saw the value of building work commencements decline 5.5% in the June quarter and the non-
residential sector was 10.3% lower. That may translate to less building work (for example, smaller houses should be faster to build), but it’s hard to bet on the Australian home building system right now.
The chart above shows however, that the period over which the housing pipeline and time under construction has grown so significantly coincides with expenditure on residential building work declining. Few answers may lie in reduced spending on housing, perhaps?
Answers definitely lie in the growth in the value of the non-residential building pipeline, which expanded to a record $57.94 billion yearended June 2023, despite the softness in the June quarter. The chart here shows there has been – for the most part – solid growth in the value of the non-residential building pipeline.
With this activity comes work that must be performed by people who otherwise – in many cases – would be engaged in the housing sector. This will not universally apply, but the total available labour force, equipment and materiel is limited and must be divided across the total available work.
Could it be that the buying
Walkers powers down after 87 years
Walkers’ timber mill in Corryong has powered down for the last time putting 24 Sawmill closure hits hard employees out of work and severely impacting the local economy.
The closure came on the back of the Victorian government’s decision to bring forward the end of native timber harvesting from 2030 to January 1, 2024.
The mill predominantly made timber pallets and had been operating until its stockpile of logs was exhausted. It is the end of an era for the mill after 87 years of operation under three generations of the family.
Current owner, Graham Walker, said at the time of the state government’s decision that it was important for him to consider the situation of long term employees who could receive the maximum redundancy from the government.
power of the non-residential sector (for example, the vast road and rail expansions now underway above and below our major cities) is greater than the buying power for building houses in paddocks at the extremities of our vast urban sprawls? If so, little wonder there is a slowing of the rate of completion of houses.
The speed of building is important for everyone, as we set out above. No one is deliberately ‘dragging the chain’, so it is difficult to find a culprit and more fruitful to find an addressable cause or causes.
As well as the obvious time vale of money, the reality is, the longer it takes to build under fixed price contracts the more exposed the builder is to changes in material prices, labour availability and general market conditions. It is not builders who are slowing the pace of building completions!
Given that historically, houses under construction have generally totalled around 60,000 houses, the ramp up in the current cycle to over 100,000 suggests in the absence of more capacity (including labour) in the home building system, there will be more pain ahead.
“If we were to continue business as usual, we had no certainty of saw log quantity from VicForests, they had only guaranteed 55 per cent of our 19,000m3 allocation,” he said.
“It’s the hardest decision I have ever made but it was the right one for our employees.
“The government’s decision to end native forest logging is ripping small communities like Corryong apart.
“The flow-on effect for our suppliers will be felt heavily as more than $4.55m per year was going into the economy and supporting other businesses.
There are no plans for the future of the mill site but several workers are staying on for a few weeks to clean up the site and bag thousands of tonnes of waste for firewood.
Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, said the mill closure was a disgrace.
“You can paper over this with a promise of training or re-skilling but this is 20plus jobs and the flow-on from that is devastating for the town,” he said.
- CORRYONG COURIER
DECEMBER 2023
Issue 8 – Volume 33
Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman. Established 1977.
News 3 - 9
Australian Timber Design Awards 6 - 7
NZ Timber Design Awards 8
Buillding products 12
Plywoods 14
Milestones 16
Associations 15 - 19
FRONT Cover:
The refit of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall has won this year's Australian Timber Design Award. Picture: Martin Mischkulnig
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Housing strategy should have a timber focus
THE Tasmanian Forests Products Association has congratulated the State Government on the release of the new Tasmanian Housing Strategy, but has said timber should play a pivotal role in the con-struction of all new houses.
The Tasmanian Housing Strategy, a first in the State’s history, was launched Thursday with the goal of delivering more homes and ending homelessness in Tasmania by 2043.
Minister for Housing and Construction, Nic Street, said that the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s long-term plan will deliver a well-functioning housing system that provides safe, appropriate and afforda-ble housing for all Tasmanians.
“We know that Tasmania is changing – we have seen our population increase, changes in the way we work and live, and rising cost of living pressures which have necessitated long-term thinking to en-sure our State is the best place to live in Australia,” Mr Street said.
TFPA CEO, Nick Steel, said while the strategy is a bold plan to build more homes for Tasmanians, maximising
the use of timber in the construction will bring added environmental benefits for the state.
“While the new Housing Strategy will deliver thousands of new homes for all Tasmanians, if the Government wants to get serious about capturing carbon, increasing the use of locally produced timber is the best way to achieve that,” Mr Steel said.
“It’s well known that the use of timber is the excellent way to capture carbon from
the atmosphere, locking it away in homes for life. And timber is used in so many parts of home construction.”
Mr Steel said that environmentally friendly homes required radiata pine framing and plywood for the substrates, hardwoods for the floors, windows, doors, benchtops and stairs, MDF and chipboard for kitchen/ laundry cabinets and wardrobes; and treated pine for the fences and landscaping.
“That’s without even going into their furniture needs,
packing boxes and paper products,” Mr Steel said.
“Timber is the ultimate renewable and should be at the forefront of all new building development in Tasmania –both government and private.
“I look forward to working with the Government as they continue to develop the strategy, to ensure that Tasmanian timber is maximised in the new homes – not only for the environment, but also for the thousands of Tasmanians employed in our sustainable forestry industry,” he said.
Supply chain issues cannot be overlooked
STATE Governments across the nation are planning to solve the housing crisis by, obviously, building low cost affordable housing. And lots of them.
In Queensland $23 million has been poured into the Immediate Housing Response for Families plan to provide emergency accommodation for families experiencing homelessness.
The NSW State Government hopes to build 377,000 new houses.
NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully believes modular construction is definitely a significant part of the solution.
In Tasmania there is the pledge by the Tasmanian State Government to deliver more homes and ending homelessness in Tasmania by 2043.
Tassie’s Minister for Housing and Construction Nic Street spoke of appropriate and affordable housing for all Tasmanians.
In both cases there was a quick response on how it could be done and the best way it could be done.
Building company Fleetwood Australia said it had the capacity to deliver up to 1500 new homes annually, with seven factories providing the nation’s largest manufacturing capacity.
Tasmanian Forests Products Association CEO Nick Steel said that while the strategy was bold the use of timber in the construction would bring added environ-
mental benefits for the state.
It’s the sort of solution that State Governments everywhere should be arriving at – build lots, build modular, and build out of timber.
The only fly in the otherwise most suitable ointment is that it is already taking far too long to get houses built.
FWPA Statistics & Economics Manager Eric Hansnata says that Australia’s system of housing construction is in serious trouble.
He says that houses are simply taking way too long to build and deliver.
The risks for builders, bankers, suppliers and home-buyers alike is that time brings into play many other uncertain variables: cost increases, re-work, interest rate rises, defaults and so on are all exacerbated by the passage of too much time.
The reality of supply chain issues must not be overlooked in the rush to deliver political promises.
Finally, I would like to thank the many contributors and industry organisations who are integral to this publication, plus the advertisers who have supported us to bring it to our readers. Our sales, editorial production and support team remain passionate about the industry and we look forward to serving our customers and readers in 2024.
Best wishes to all for a Merry and Safe Christmas followed by a Prosperous New Year.
BRUCE MITCHELL EDITOR
australasian
• The Tasmanian Housing Strategy has the goal of delivering more homes and ending homelessness in Tasmania by 2043.
Rate rises hit Sydney and Melbourne the hardest
THE rise in the cash rate is hitting the Sydney and Melbourne new home markets the hardest, according to the HIA’s Chief Economist Tim Reardon.
HIA has released its economic and industry Outlook report which includes updated forecasts for new home building and renovations activity nationally and for each of the eight states and territories.
“The RBA’s rate increases are yet to adversely impact the lagging indicators of economic activity like unemployment or inflation, but they are impeding future home building activity,” Mr Reardon said.
“Leading indicators of home building activity including approvals and lending have fallen sharply, to decade lows, and have remained at these levels for most of 2023.
“This will flow through to a significant slowdown in detached home building in 2024, producing the lowest level of new commencements in more than a decade and keeping apartment construction suppressed,” he said.
This low volume of new home commencement was at odds with the goal of increasing the supply of housing stock, especially in the tight rental markets of Sydney and Melbourne.
Mr Reardon said that the higher costs of delivering a new house and land package, or a new apartment, in Sydney and Melbourne was resulting in a greater impact from the rise in the cash rate in these areas.
“Interest rates helped drive a boom in building through the pandemic and a return to a stable market isn’t likely given the subsequent rise in the cash rate,” he said.
“House building activity is set to slow in all regions, except for Western Australia, under the weight of rising interest rates.
“There remains a significant volume
of building work still to be completed and as this occurs, home building will drag on economic growth and push unemployment higher.”
Mr Reardon said that the cost of building materials and labour was stabilising on this side of the pandemic, but they were not likely to fall substantially.
“Increasing the volume of new homes commencing construction against the rising cost of borrowing will require governments to lower the cost of shovel ready land, attract more investment especially from overseas and reduce tax imposts,” he said.
Detached houses commencements declined in 2022/23 to 109,890 which is 22.1 per cent down from the 2020/21 peak. Detached house commencements are expected to decline by a further 10.9 per cent in 2023/24, which will represent the weakest year since 2012/13. Commencements are expected to remain stable in 2024/25, before recovering modestly in the subsequent years and exceeding 110,000 by 2026/27.
Multi-unit commencements also declined in the June Quarter 2023,
Daily Timber News
this produced a total of 62,290 starts in 2022/23, the weakest year since 2011/12. This year is barely more than half the annual peak during the 201518 apartment boom. Multi-unit com-
mencements are expected to bounce back by 22.3 per cent to 76,160 in 2023/24, and another 19.0 per cent in 2024/25, remaining above 90,000 for the remainder of the forecast horizon.
Sydney Opera House refit brings Concert Hall back to life
ARM Architecture’s refit of the Sydney Opera House’s interior has been named overall winner of the 24th Australian Timber Design Awards.
The Australian Timber Design Awards, compared this year by writer and presenter Tim Ross, is a national competition to promote and encourage outstanding timber design in the built environment professions. The awards are brought to you by the Timber Development Association.
The World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House celebrates its 50th birthday this year with the Concert Hall, its largest venue and home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra suffering a poor reputation for acoustics.
The challenge for the overall award winner was to solve this shortcoming which involved innovative use of Brushbox timber panelling and smart
interventions into the existing White Birch ceiling.
Sculpted timber panels were also introduced around the stage, stall surrounds, and rear walls, replacing the original timber panelling. These new panels diffuse the sound and prevent direct reflections, resulting in a sense of envelopment in the music. Made in the same Brushbox timber as the original walls, these add a subtle tactile element to the Hall, inviting the hand to run along them.
The wall panelling around the stage, stalls and rear walls were reconstructed with new solid carved panelling. All were made in the same Brushbox timber already present in the Hall. The new panels diffuse the acoustic energy, prevent direct reflections and create a blended sound and sense of envelopment in the music.
The combination of painstakingly recrafted timbers and
• The head of Built Environment Programs and WoodSolutions Program lead Kevin
and Australian
Congratulations to ARM Architecture
WoodSolutions extends congratulations to the highly deserving team at ARM Architecture for their achievement in securing the 2023 Australian Timber Design Award.
The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal Project is an impressive work of art that pays tribute to the heritage of the most recognisable building in Australia.
Awards
Australian Timber Design
OVERALL WINNER
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL RENEWAL ARM ARCHITECTURE
Fabricator: VOS Construction
Builder: Taylor Construction Photographer: Martin Mischkulnig Sponsor: WoodSolutions
MERITS
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
BOOLA KATITJIN – MURDOCH UNIVERSITY BY AURECON, LYONS ARCHITECTS AND MULTIPLEX
SUSTAINABILITY
ANMF HOUSE BY BAYLEYWARD ARCHITECTS
RISING STAR
AUSTIN REED FROM BROTHER NATURE FOR KUNAMA TOWNHOUSES
Excellence
in Timber Applications
RESIDENTIAL CLASS 1: NEW BUILDING POCKET PASSIV BY ANDERSON ARCHITECTURE.
RESIDENTIAL CLASS 1: ALTERATION OR ADDITION
MUSIC ROOM BY ALEXANDER SYMES ARCHITECTS
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL ETERNITY LIFE APARTMENTS BY K20 ARCHITECTURE
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Peachy with Timber Development CEO Andrew Dunn
Design
MC Tim Ross.
Design Awards 2023
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
BARKER COLLEGE MATHS AND STUDENT HUB BY ARCHITECTUS
INTERIOR FITOUT: RESIDENTIAL
ELSTERNWICK HOUSE BY MELANIE BEYNON ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
INTERIOR FITOUT: PUBLIC OR COMMERCIAL
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL RENEWAL BY ARM ARCHITECTURE
FURNITURE AND JOINERY
ART GALLERY OF NSW LIBRARY AND MEMBERS LOUNGE BY TONKIN ZULAIKHA GREER ARCHITECTS
Excellence in Timber Products
AUSTRALIAN CERTIFIED TIMBER
GALKANGU BENDIGO GOVHUB BY ICON FAIRBROTHER JOINT VENTURE AND LYONS ARCHITECTS
ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCT
BOOLA KATITJIN, MURDOCH UNIVERSITY BY AURECON, LYONS ARCHITECTS AND MULTIPLEX
RECYCLED TIMBER
MARRAMARRA SHACK BY LEOPOLD BANCHINI ARCHITECTS AND CANTILEVER CONSULTING ENGINEERS
■ For a complete list of winners, finalists, and the awards magazine eBook, visit www.timberawards.com.au.
new fuchsia colouring, which nods to the original interiors designed by Peter Hall, has been described as nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The result is a series of highly tactile and sculptural surfaces that encourage the hand to run along them.
The award was presented by Kevin Peachey representing the Award’s major sponsor, WoodSolutions.
“WoodSolutions is always proud to be involved in these awards,” Mr Peachy said. “Our aim is to educate the design and build industry on working with timber and these projects exemplify the possibilities of what can be achieved with sustainable timber,” he said.
“It was inspiring to see how many extraordinary timber projects were submitted for this year’s Awards. These design teams are putting a major focus on sustainability, and they are utilising timber and wood products in hugely innovative ways,” Mr Peach said.
The award organisers said this year’s competition was fierce, and that it was truly inspiring to see such remarkable talent within the industry.
“We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future of timber design in Australia, and we hope that this year’s winners will inspire others to continue pushing the boundaries and creating innovative, breathtaking projects,” the organisers said.
“Celebrating our ongoing sponsorship of the Australian Timber Design Awards” Best use of Recycled Timber
Congratulations to all entrants and an outstanding winning project
• The interior of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall following the award-winning renovation.
2023
NZ TIMBER DESIGN AWARD WINNERS:
■ Category 1: Residential Design, Single Family Dwelling Winner: Studio house by William Samuels Architects (Nelson)
■ Category 2: Residential Design, Multi-Unit Dwellings (< 3 storeys) Winner: 90 Carrington Road by RM Designs & Engco (Auckland)
■ Category 3: Commercial & Public Building Design Winner: Green School - Kina by Boon (Taranaki)
■ Category 4: Midrise Building Design Winner: Clearwater Quay Apartments, by Pacific Environments NZ (Christchurch)
■ Category 5: Interior Design Winner: Learning from Trees, by Andrew Barrie Lab (offshore)
■ Category 6: Exterior Structure Design Winner: Horoeka, by David Trubridge (Rotorua)
■ Category 7: NZ Specialty Timber Award Winner: Te Rau Karamu Marae, by Athfield Architects and Te Kahi Toi (Wellington)
■ Category 8: Sustainble Development Award Winner: Te Whare Nui o Tuteata – Scion Timber Innovation Hub, by Irving Smith Architects, RTA Studio & Dunning Thornton Consultants (Rotorua)
■ Category 9: Hybrid Building Award Winner: Wall-E, by Irving Smith Architects (Nelson)
■ Category 10: Innovative Timber Engineering Award Winner: Nelson Airport, by Studio Pacific Architecture, Dunning Thornton Consultants, Gibbons Naylor (Nelson)
■ Category 11: Innovative Timber Manufacturing & Technology Winner: Lightweight Timber Research Structures, by Andrew Barrie Lab & Batchelar McDougall (staff & students at a New Zealand University)
■ Category 12: Student Design Award Winner: The Vertical Stage, by Gregory Mann (independent)
■ Supreme Award Winner: Green SchoolKina by BOON (Taranaki)
■ People’s Choice Award Winner: Tomomai ki Ahipara, Maori Concepts (Northland)
Beauty, efficiency and sustainability – a clear winner
ABIOPHILIC-INSPIRED
building made up of classrooms and community spaces designed to enhance cognitive function and emotional wellbeing has won the 2023 NZ Timber Design Award’s Supreme Award. Green School NZ’s “Kina” project on a former farm in Taranaki was judged as an exemplary project that demonstrated the beauty, efficiency and sustainability of timber, and was described as a clear winner.
Highly commended in the “supreme” category was Nelson Airport, with judges recognising “the seamless fusion of architecture, engineering and timber,” which “represents a global benchmark for timber architecture and engineering innovation”.
The awards presentation was hosted by Timber Unlimited at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel. Leaders across the industry celebrated the re-defining of timber as a modern construction material that pushes the boundaries of the possible for architects, designers, engineers and construction professionals alike.
Engineered timber featured strongly throughout, as did hybrid buildings (those incorporating other building materials in the finished project).
“The possibilities for timber aren’t limited to traditional uses anymore,” Timber Unlimited’s Director Dr Robert Finch said.
“We all know timber can be aesthetically beautiful as well as being an impressive building material, and it’s sustainable too.”
Awards Manager Debbie Fergie said that from residential and commercial architectural excellence, to innovative uses of engineered wood, to new ways to use specialty timbers, wood was now firmly established as a favourite of forward thinking architects and engineers.
Sorting another recordbreaking number of entries into just 61 finalists, and ultimately into winners and runners-up over 12 categories (up 50 percent from category choices ten years ago), requires a profound understanding of architectural design, engineering skills and innovative thinking as well as constructing excellence. The four judges selected this year are leaders in their sectors, and were uniformly im-
pressed with the vision and expertise demonstrated by all the entries.
Convening judge David Carradine, a senior structural research engineer with BRANZ and frequent Awards judge, confirmed that for him “there is no limit to what can be done with this material, especially combined with the advances in digital and manufacturing technologies that cater specifically to wood and engineered wood products.”
The other three judges were Jan Stanway, Technical Director for WSP in New Zealand; Andrea Stocchero, senior analyst, Sector and Bio-economy Te Uru Rākau –New Zealand Forest Service; and Judith Taylor, current President of the NZ Institute of Architects.
All judges felt the range of submissions demonstrated the innovation, dedication and creativity that exists within and across the New Zealand timber sector, from architectural and engineering design, manufacturing and fabrication, to “the builders and makers of these beautiful examples of what can be done with one of our greatest national treasures, namely timber”.
With the Supreme Award
winner, Green School NZ’s “Kina” project the materials’ whole of life cycle was considered from design process to execution to the end of its useful life, ensuring that timber was as sustainably sourced and manufactured as possible. This allowed it to be a beautiful building now, and at the end of its long life most of the timber elements will be able to be recycled.
“Through sustainable material selection, and innovative building techniques and products, Green School NZ buildings have been by design faster to build, higher performing and less wasteful than most others by quite a margin, with up to 60 percent less going to landfill,” explained the selected design studio BOON Ltd.
Highly commended in the “supreme” category was Nelson Airport, with judges recognising “the seamless fusion of architecture, engineering and timber,” which “represents a global benchmark for timber architecture and engineering innovation”. The People’s Choice Award showed Māori Concepts’ Tomomai ki Ahipara in Northland to be a clear winner, with St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Wellington highly commended.
• Green School NZ’s “Kina” project on a former farm in Taranaki.
Malaysia, Australia sign pilot EWP project deal
INTEGRATED timber gi-
ant Samling Timber Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Sarawak with Loggo IP Pty Ltd, an Australian developer of competitive Engineered Wood Products using planted wood species such as Acacia and Eucalyptus for building systems aimed at housing, commercial and government buildings, three-storey walkups, shop top housing as well as mid-rise, and multi-residential apartments blocks.
The MoU was signed on 18 October by Lawrence Chia, Samling Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Pat Thornton, founder and managing director of Loggo IP Pty Ltd.
“We will work together on a pilot project in Sarawak using Loggo IP’s patented engineered wood technology focused on a burgeoning forest recovery industry to develop small diameter true rounds or peeler cores.” Lawrence Chia said.
“As the world shortage of timber hits home, we are convinced Samling, long respected globally for its high standards of sustainable forest management, can develop these cost-competitive systems across southeast Asia and beyond,” Pat Thornton said.
Lawrence Chia further explained that every year millions of peeler cores are produced as ‘waste’ from plywood production. These were largely used in lowvalue recovery options such as packaging and as fuel for thermal energy processes.
“However, in a world ‘first’, Loggo has developed and patented three versatile engineered wood products as well as columns and each can be made from low value forest ‘thinning’ or peeler cores. Two of these beams can use Samling’s ply as a web,” he said.
“Apart from the financial benefits, Loggo’s low-tech, minimal processing and setup costs and the economic advantage of these low-value plywood by-products is a green and sustainable way to increase returns,” Pat Thornton said Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation
(STIDC) is a corporate body having been mandated by the State Government to regulate and facilitate the advancement and sustainability of the timber industry in Sarawak.
Datu Haji Hashim Haji Bojet, Advisor, in witnessing the MOU signing said, “STIDC is very happy that the industry players are taking initiatives to develop EWP using planted wood in Sarawak. This is aligned with our vision to utilize more planted logs for high-value wood- based products like engineered wood. This is also in line with the State’s aspiration for the timber industry as one of the most important sectors to transform Sarawak into a developed State by 2030. We are confident that this MoU will allow Samling to progress from the initial stage of assessment to later manufacturing these high-quality structural components, first for local and then for global markets. This effort is fully complementary with STIDC’s overall EWP vision which includes laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glued laminated (Glulam) and cross laminated timber (CLT) products.”
The Asia-Pacific floor ‘cover-
ings’ market alone is estimated to exceed $US250 billion by 2027. These ‘floor coverings’, tiles, boards, carpet, vinyl amongst others should be held up by ‘greener’ timber sub-floor frames as the world turns slowly against the highly GHG pollutant concrete and steel industry.
Samling, under its sustainable forests mandate, manages around 1.2 million hectares of forest land and 190,250 hectares of gross plantable forest plantations in Malaysia. Operating for more than 50 years, Samling is one of Malaysia’s largest timber companies, processing its own logs into sawn wood, plywood and veneers in an integrated, upstream and downstream operation. The group has obtained forest management certificates for three of its Forest Management Units (FMUs), as well as four Licence for Planted Forests, all under the Malaysian Timber Certification Council’s Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme which is endorsed by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
In August 2023, Samling was awarded the prestigious “Most Diversified and Value-
BRIEFS
AUSTRALIAN PANELS
Australian Panels is to install the largest particleboard production line in Australia in Mount Gambier.
The new line with an annual capacity of more than 650 thousand m3 will be put into production in 2025, according to the line supplier Siempelkamp.
With an annual capacity of more than 650,000 m3, the new particleboard production line made by Siempelkamp will become the largest of its kind in Australia.
CLT TOOLBOX
Key industry leaders and universities have signed partnerships mass timber software creator, CLT Toolbox.
NeXTimber by Timberlink, XLam, Cusp and ASH, alongside Monash University and the ARC Advance Timber Hub administer by the University of Queensland, have signed the partnerships.
Adding Timber Manufacturer” award by the STIDC.
The Loggo concept slowly developed after better than expected, extensive testing results at the University of Technology of Sydney (UTS) in 2011. Loggo IP Pty Ltd was set up to hold and manage all to-be-developed Intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, software, copyrights/plans, machinery, trade secrets etc) and Loggo Pty Ltd was set up as the trading company.
“We embarked on a business plan whereby we would research, develop, and register a plethora of worldwide patents in secret. In 2015 we began applying this principle to peeler cores, with Malaysia in mind, having already recognized its ability to be the manufacturing hub throughout Asia with its already established paths to market with timber exports to China, India, Indonesia etc” Pat Thornton said.
Loggo Pty Ltd is now an ‘industry partner’ with a sizeable grant to the Australian Research Council’s Advance Future Timber Hub at the University of Queensland for further development into ‘the built environment’.
Monash University is using the software for fourthyear students to advance their expertise in using timber.
BLACK REMEMBERED
The global forest and timber community is mourning the passing of a true visionary in Graeme Black.
As the CEO of Lignor and former director of prominent timber companies including Simmond’s Lumber, Graeme’s imprint on the industry is immeasurable.
TYSON RETIRES
Ian Tyson has retired as Chief Executive Officer of Timberlink Australia & New Zealand and will be replaced by Paul O’Keefe.
APOLOGY
In the August edition of Australasian Timber in a report on Solar Dryers Australia’s kiln range, Parkside Timbers in Queensland was wrongly reported as having the largest solar timber drying operation in the world. In fact it is AST-Hurford at Kempsey in New South Wales with 13 kilns of 50 to 75m3. Australasian Timber apologises for the mistake.
• Loggo IP Pty Ltd Pat Thornton managing director Pat Thornton with Datu Bojet, representing the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation, and Samling Timber Group CEO Lawrence Chia at the signing of the MOU in Siri, Sarawak.
No slip-ups with Combilift’s slip sheet
• The Combi-CSS slip sheet is a free standing semi-automated machine for loading and unloading containers in minutes.
MANDY PARRY-JONES
LOADING, unloading, and storing, a simple enough concept that happens day-in day-out across the timber industry everywhere from the docks to the retailer. But the process was time consuming unless you don your thinking cap to find a better way.
Combilift, the Irish material handling company, appears to never remove its thinking cap because it comes up with new and innovative solutions one after another. That’s pretty incredible in an industry not known for high tech advances.
Just last September the company celebrated its 25th anniversary and
invited the industry to Ireland to view its latest and greatest solutions, one of these was the Combi-CSS slip sheet a free standing semi-automated machine for loading and unloading 20ft, 40ft, 45ft and 53ft containers in minutes, yes minutes not hours. A 40ft container can be unloaded in six minutes and 20ft container in just three minutes.
Forget the multiple forklifts and a host of operators that are needed when the ‘old’ process is used where products are moved and manoeuvred laterally into a container and then another forklift used to push the load into position.
“You have a guy in the container, and you have somebody outside, there’s a
lot of movement and heavy objects being shipped in there,” Taidhy Treacy CSS Combilift product engineer explained.
“And it was done to remove the need for that and remove the need for as many people to actually be working and loading these containers, and also then of course, to decrease the time it took.”
Combilift’s Combi-CSS allows a full load of timber to be prepared on a bed and then loaded into the container with one person at the controls, safely away from the load. As standard the CSS comes with a control terminal but there is also a remote control available.
For safety the operator using the
terminal controls has to hold down a button, so that they have two hands on the control unit.
“Basically, at all times for safety,” Mr Treacy said. “We also offer a remote version so you can stand back and move around and watch what you do from all ways, it really improves the visibility.”
Of course, high tech comes at a cost, but ROI will come to the fore in a short time, not only are less operators needed to unload or load a container, but the container time spent at the location is hugely reduced.
Consider detention fees when unloading containers and the money adds up, same when loading timber – the longer the container sits in the
Doors open at new Opal facility
Paper and packaging company
Opal has opened the doors to its new $140 million manufacturing facility at Logic Wodonga creating more than 400 jobs.
The manufacturing site will produce recycled and recyclable boxes and packaging to meet increased demand from businesses looking for sustainable packaging options.
Opal has invested in Australia’s newest corrugating facility, which will produce packaging for a wide range of fresh produce, food processing, FMCG and manufacturing
industries across Australia.
The facility, which utilises the latest advanced, high-speed packaging manufacturing technology, has a total footprint of approximately 55,000 square metres.
It will process recycled and kraft paper from Opal’s Botany Mill in Sydney and Maryvale Mill in the Latrobe Valley.
More than 450 workers were employed to construct the sustainable site. Opal is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest paper and packaging manufacturers.
yard the more money is wasted. It also negates the need for open-top containers and reduces product damage, and damage from load binding is eliminated. Reducing product damage is extremely important particularly with high value loads such as LVL, CLT or glulam products.
Then there’s the safety aspect with risks to operators minimised, there’s less operators around the container and fewer forklifts fighting for space in the yard. No forklifts are need inside the container at all, and there’s no rigging or un-rigging crews either.
HOW TO LOAD, OR UNLOAD WITH COMBICSS
First off, the timber is preloaded onto the static Combi-CSS Hardox 500 steel slip sheet platform with the truck docking against the CombiCSS via a proprietary guided locking system. Laser alignment provides the operator with a visual aid for alignment of the container to the CombiCSS, it also automatically detects the container length and sets the travel distance of the slip sheet into the container.
How easy is that – one person at a terminal or with a remote control.
Hydraulic pins on either side of the slip sheet engage the corner castings of the container to anchor it to the Combi-CSS while the hydraulic platform levelling system at
For unloading, the slip sheet glides under the product and removes it from the container as a unit load.
Two Australian companies using the Combi-CSS are VTW and Tilling Timber.
VTW is a distributor servicing timber merchants, frame and truss manufacturers and specialty markets trading from a site in Geelong and Laverton North in Victoria and Geebung in Queensland.
MATERIALS HANDLING
the front and rear of the Combi-CSS adjusts for height and pitch for precise alignment.
Then the load is transferred into the container by Combilift’s patented push-pull mechanism powered by a 3-phase electric motor.
Finally, a load retention barrier closes across the container holding the load within while the slip sheet retracts hydraulically. The load is ready to go.
Tilling Timber has manufacturing facilities in Kilsyth, Victoria and treatment facilities in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia with warehouses in every state capital of mainland Australia.
The company distributes its products on a wholesale basis only, through its national network of sales offices and distribution warehouses.
Tilling Timber has been working with Combilift products for more than two decades, the company was the first in Australia to use Combilift’s side loaders.
• Combilift’s Combi-CSS allows a full load to be prepared and loaded into the container with one person at the controls.
Unique timber sourced for new Spirit of Tasmania vessels
MORE than 6000 lineal metres of Celery Top Pine sourced from below the waters of Lake Pieman on Tasmania’s west coast will be used as feature wall cladding on two semi-enclosed deck spaces on the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
The timber is harvested by Hydrowood which will be working with two other local businesses – AJB Furniture and Joinery and Brock Building Systems – to produce the finished profiles to be shipped and installed by Scan Marine in Finland.
Hydrowood General Manager Darren Johnson said the commitment by the Tasmanian Government to include local products – and the early engagement with Hydrowood - led it to working with the project’s architect and contractor undertaking the builds.
“This is the first time Hydrowood has supplied timber for an international ship build and, hopefully, it demonstrates the capacity of our business to deliver premium Tasmanian timber to both domestic and international markets,” he said.
“This project for the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels will showcase our uniquely Tasmanian timber products to locals and visitors to the state for years to come.”
Hydrowood, one of the world’s first
underwater forestry operations, discovered the largest quantity of environmentally-friendly specialty Tasmanian timber in many years.
It involves the recovery of these submerged logs from the depths of water bodies, repurposing them into highquality, usable timber.
Mr Johnson said Hydrowood had recently undertaken Tasmania’s largest equity crowdfunding exercise to expand its footprint in the timber industry.
“More than half of our investors were Tasmanian which is fantastic to have the local community as our brand ambassadors,” he said.
“We want to make Hydrowood accessible to everyone. This is a piece of Tasmanian history and we are excited to share it with locals.”
Spirit of Tasmania Managing Director and CEO Bernard Dwyer said the company was highly supportive of any Tasmanian business providing content for its new vessels.
“The Celery Top Pine sourced from below the waters of Lake Pieman is a truly unique Tasmanian timber,” he said.
“Using this timber in wall cladding on the new ships is the perfect way for Hydrowood to showcase its timber products to our passengers, and for Spirit of Tasmania to support and promote Hydrowood’s venture to provide its Tasmanian timber to domestic and international markets.”
The new Spirit of Tasmania vessels are being built by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), one of Europe’s largest shipbuilding companies, which specialises in the construction and maintenance of car and passenger ferries, icebreakers and defence vessels.
RMC formally started construction of Spirit of Tasmania IV last year when the first steel was cut at a traditional ceremony at the RMC facility in Finland. The second steel cutting ceremony was completed just prior to Christmas 2022.
The Rauma-based company, founded in the summer of 2014, is fully under Finnish ownership.
• A Hydrowood harvester retrieves timber from the bottom of a lake in Tasmania.
• Celery Top Pine sourced from below the waters of Lake Pieman on Tasmania’s west coast used as wall cladding on the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
BRIEFS
MODULAR CHOICE
The New South Wales the State Government hopes to build 377,000 new houses to address the burgeoning housing crisis NSW is currently facing NSW Planning and Public Spaces
Minister Paul Scully believes modular construction is definitely a significant part of the solution.
With more than 50,000 people currently waiting to access social housing in New South Wales, Australia’s largest modular construction company, ASX listed Fleetwood Australia, echoed the Minister’s statements stating that modular is, at a minimum, 50% faster in the build process than traditional construction, offering a cost efficient and precise building process.
VIC BACK-FLIP
The Victorian Government has back flipped on its directive to the Victorian building industry to cease designing and constructing homes with native hardwood timber.
In its previous communique to the HIA on 30 October, the Government “strongly recommended” builders cease using native hardwood varieties in all flooring, staircases, beams, doors, windows, architectural features, decking and cladding.
In a November update the government told the Housing Industry Association that industry will still be able to access hardwood supply from Victorian timber mills.
FURNITURE AWARDS
Students from Lilydale’s Ranges TEC have received awards for signature furniture pieces crafted from native timber donated by Powelltown Sawmills as part of their community awareness course requirements.
The course, was a partnership between the school, the mill and VicForests.
The awards, provided by Powelltown Mill, were presented across four categories: design, application to task, quality and difficulty of task.
Premium plywood revitalises library
SITUATED within the grounds of the South West Institute of TAFE, the Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre, in regional Victoria, replaces the existing local library and encompasses a contemporary addition of three levels, as well as the refurbishment of an adjoining heritage building originally constructed as a Gun and Orderly room in 1868.
Designed by Kosloff Architecture the spectacular new learning hub, which is four times the area of the previous library, realises a vision to bring together education, community and the arts to the city.
“The centre provides a much larger, brighter and accessible space for the region, with first class facilities available for the local community including South West TAFE students and staff,” says Lance Van Maanen, Associate Director of Kosloff Architecture.
With end user engagement the ultimate objective, Kosloff Architecture sought to ensure the dynamic new space incorporated expansive areas for research, study and
socialising through a warm and inviting environment.
Drawing on the appeal of native timber, its striking interior elements work to fulfil this intention. Internally the incorporation of natural timber lends itself to a biophilic intent while instilling a sense of comfort and inclusion.
The interior is punctuated by a dramatic timber staircase, which leads up the three levels through a circular void, and has been clad in Big River Group’s premium plywood products ArmourPanel and Armourfloor in Blackbutt.
“The warmth of the Big River Blackbutt products with rich tones provides a sense of comfort and connection to nature within the interiors of the project,” says Van Maanen.
Throughout each level of the library, Big River Group’s premium plywood products help to establish a connection, culminating in the expansive top floor arrangement which features a
beautifully coffered timber ceiling and required a decorative plywood of superior strength.
“The detailed top level coffered ceiling in the contemporary addition called for a stable and high-quality sheet appearance that made Big River’s ArmourPanel ideal for this application,” Van Maanen says.
ArmourPanel is made from layers of Australian eucalypt hardwood veneers bonded together to form a strong, solid, stable panel and is a popular choice for architects and builders because of its durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal.
To keep consistency of finishes across the project, it was an obvious choice to pair the ArmourPanel, used on the walls and ceilings with Big River’s Armourfloor.
“It was important that the remaining blackbutt products tied together with this element from a quality and consistency viewpoint, tying the internal spaces together in a unified way,” says Van Maanen.
Confident that the specified timber profiles were able to
meet the demands both functionally and aesthetically, the chain of custody and sustainable procurement was also an important consideration for Kosloff Architecture.
“The product support and knowledge provided by the Big River team provided a level of assurance and comfort when specifying their products,” says Van Maanen.
“The chain of custody and PEFC certification, quality of finish and unique product line-up makes for a compelling selection range.”
The heritage of the library is further sustained through its stunning ceilings, and each one within the contemporary addition has a differentiated and customised design.
“Internally the new ceilings serve to bind together the new and heritage buildings,” Van Maanen says. “The differing ceiling arrangements throughout each new level act as a contemporary deconstruction of the original ceiling.”
The $20.25 million project was a joint venture involving Warrnambool City Council, South West TAFE and the Victorian State Government.
MGA TMA says early farwell to 2023
MGA TMA members and industry friends came together for our final industry event of the year on Tuesday 17 October in Port Melbourne.
Our guest presenters included Boris Iskra of Wood Products Victoria and Kevin Peachey from Forest and Wood Products Australia.
Boris’s presentation covered 7-Star energy efficiency and livable housing requirements.
He explained when the
changes were due to come into effect in each state and what’s required. The audience was engaged and there were a significant number of questions and discussions around the room based on what had been presented.
Kevin spoke of the current initiatives of FWPA with timber in the built environment.
Our events always provide the perfect opportunity for our members and industry colleagues to network and
while it’s a shame to interrupt discussions to ask everyone to move into the room so we can begin, we’re prepared that it takes some time to make it happen because of the robust conversations being had and great when those conversations re-commence at the end of the presentations. We appreciated everyone taking the time out of their businesses to come along. We’ll look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year.
2024 EVENTS
Planning is underway for MGA TMA’s 2024 event calendar.
Please watch this space in the new year for announcements as to dates and locations of our events.
As the festive season approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year.
Stay safe and enjoy time with your family and friends.
Non-Structural Ply Say Goodbye to
Made
MARIE-CLAIRE MCKIERNAN NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
• Peter Bennett, Malcolm Johnston, Alastair Woodard at the MGA TMA breakfast.
• Richard Walker, Ash Davis, Scott Langford, Chris Foley at the MGA TMA breakfast.
ASSOCATIONS
Porters Group and Hyne Timber the ultimate collaboration
KAT WELSH FTMA AUSTRALIA
IN 1882, Richard Matthew
Hyne started up a sawmill on the banks of the Mary River, in Maryborough Queensland - an area steeped in sugar cane, coal mining, and rapid population growth.
Hyne began a landmark Australian business. Today, Hyne Timber is renowned for engineered wood technologies, wood treatments, and a passion for sustainability and climate action advocacy.
In 1883, Charles Porter, a little further north, began his construction business in Mackay, a venture that has endured for decades, and is still family owned.
The Porters Group today spans across Mackay and The Whitsundays - passionate about delivering the highest standard of services and products, and supporting the communities however they can.
Both groups have a connection as old as their businesses. From the beginning Hyne supplied timber to Porter.
Not many can boast a partnership of 140 years – and it’s still going strong.
Collaboration is key in how they thrive. Hayden Cargill, CEO for the Porters Group, is incredibly proud of this.
“There are not many businesses out there that get to be 140 years old, let alone have a 140 year-long business relationship,” he said. “This is a significant milestone that we have reached with Hyne.
“I am proud to say that I have been part of that journey and look forward to continuing this relationship into the future,” Hayden said.
When Charles Porter started in construction, he sourced wood from the newly opened mill owned by Hyne.
Many of Mackay’s early municipality buildings, including the Empress of India Hotel and the historic town hall, are still standing strong - made out of Hyne timber.
“Way back when our relationship started our orders were shipped from Maryborough to the wharves in River street Mackay. We then transported the goods by horse and carriage to our store in
Brisbane street,” Hayden said.
Both Porter and Hyne set honourable standards for the timber and construction industry as the colony grew.
Porter was instrumental in establishing a branch of the Master Builders Association - a partnership that still endures today.
Richard Hyne was a member in the Queensland Parliament, and in 1889 helped create Queensland’s first Department of Forestry - advocating for responsibly managed forests.
Hyne also campaigned for women’s rights, workers’ rights, education, and health care.
Hyne and Porter saw each other through the hardships.
“Both companies have been through highs and lows be-
ing around for 140 years, and have continually supported each other during this time,” Hayden said.
“There was a long period of time where Hyne was on the Porters’ board, we are still in regular contact daily with the Hyne customer service team, management and BDM. As often as we can we take groups of our customers to Hyne’s operational plants and sawmills,” he said.
Both have businesses maintained the integrity of their founders, with strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and community.
“Porters support the community through sponsorships as well as allowing clubs to undertake fundraising events on our sites. We have always made sure we do what we can
for the community and get involved with numerous events throughout the year,” Hayden said.
Hyne Timber is continuing the ethics that its founder spent his life petitioning for, establishing groups such as the Timber Framing Collective - bringing the timber framing sector together and promoting wood as the ultimate renewable for the future of our planet.
Another alliance for Hyne is with their Scottish partner group James Jones & Sons, one of the first businesses in the UK to gain Forest Stewardship Council accreditation. The amazing thing that is evidenced by Porters, Hyne Timber, and further partnerships, is that greater things are achieved collectively.
Fostering connections grows a stronger forest - one that will endure the test of time. Business success is often measured by profit margins and market domination. However, there is an intangible factor that can greatly impact a business’ longevity and innovation - collaboration. Collaboration builds greater, more enduring businesses and communities.
One hundred and forty years is truly an epic achievement. Hyne and Porter would’ve been extremely proud. Both families, and devoted employees over the years, have taken the beginnings of these two great men and continued everything noble they worked hard to create - an impressive legacy persevering in everexpanding directions.
• Jeremy Mead, James Hyne, Barry Porter, Gavin Porter, Paul Porter and Hayden Cargill presenting Porters Mitre 10 with a commemorative axe.
• R.M. Hyne. Picture: State Library Queensland.
• Charles Porter. Picture: Porters Group
• Porters Hardware Store in Mackay.
• A Porters Hardware advertisement from 1982.
State seminars a hotbed of knowledge
THE recent FTMA State Seminars, spread across Perth, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales, marked a significant milestone in the Australian timber fame and truss industry. The hefty turnout - nearly 25% of the nation’s timber fabricators - is a testament to FTMA’s strong networks.
These seminars were more than just gatherings; they were a hotbed of knowledge, innovation, and camaraderie.
While each seminar was united under the umbrella of timber promotion, production and industry growth, there were distinctive differences in the topics discussed at each location. The Perth Seminar uniquely focused on Western Australia (WA) specific issues, taking into consideration the local challenges and opportunities.
On the other hand, the seminars in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales followed a more uniform agenda.
The myriad of topics covered in these seminars offers a glimpse into the industry’s dynamic and evolving landscape. From technical insights to market forecasts, the seminars were comprehensive, addressing not just the ‘what’ but also the ‘why’ behind the trends. Crucially, the discussions shone a light on the comparison between timber and steel, a dialogue that underscored the multifaceted advantages of timber.
dorsement of our industry. Their understanding and interest in our sector will play a vital role in formulating supportive policies that will drive the industry forward. Ministers Furner and Champion’s involvement underlines the government’s recognition of the timber frame and truss sector as a significant contributor to Australia’s economy and its sustainability goals. Such interaction are crucial in shaping future government strategies and initiatives that align with our industry’s growth and sustainability objectives.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our stellar lineup of speakers for their invaluable contributions to the FTMA State Seminars. Tim Woods of IndustryEdge, Patrick Schweizer of Alares, and
but also about building networks. The coming together of fabricators and suppliers from diverse backgrounds fostered an environment of collaboration. We know that networking is a powerful tool, but here, it felt more like a community or family coming together.
We encountered an unexpected turn of events when Kersten, was unable to attend the Queensland seminar due to COVID. But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. In this instance, the silver lining was none other than Nikita Gentle. Nikita stepping in as the host for the Queensland State Seminar was so appreciated and according to all the feedback, she did an excellent job.
Whilst the presentations by the two WorkSafe Authorities provided conflicting views on the issue of delivery to top plate in NSW and Victoria, which demonstrated the need for ongoing dialogue on the issue and the need for industry best practice guidelines.
The attendance of key state ministers, such as Mark Furner, Queensland Agriculture & Forestry Minister, and Nick Champion, South Australian Housing Minister, was important. Their presence not only lent weight to the proceedings but also demonstrated a strong governmental en-
Alastair Woodard of Wood Products Victoria, whose expertise and insights truly enriched our discussions and understanding. We appreciate the time and effort they have expended to share their wealth of knowledge with the membership.
Furthermore, our thanks extend to the engineers from the three nail plate companies who tackled the key technical issues specific to each state. Your commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on our seminars. Thank you for your time, your expertise, and your unwavering support for the timber frame and truss industry.
The seminars were not solely about feeding mind,
FTMA is recognised as the trusted representative body and unified voice for all timber frame and truss manufacturers in Australia, whilst strengthening the connection with the broad supply chain.
FTMA thanks our dedicated partners and encourages you to support those who support your industry
No FTMA State Seminar would be complete without the much-anticipated networking dinner which including some trivia, that closes out each event. The networking dinner served as a platform to exchange ideas in a relaxed and informal setting, further strengthening the bonds within our community. Then came the trivia - an epitome of light-hearted rivalry. The trivia sessions, featuring questions on the day’s topics and general knowledge, sparked friendly competition and lots of laughter. It proved to be the perfect way to unwind after a day of deep-dive discussions and intense learning. The combination of wisdom, laughter, and fellowship at these networking dinners truly encapsulated the spirit of the FTMA State Seminars.
In the grand scheme of things, the FTMA State Seminars were a resounding success. They instilled a sense of unity and direction in the industry, ultimately paving the way for a promising future. In the meantime, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. We hope you enjoy the break with family and friends, and we look forward to seeing you at our next big event, which is the 2024 FTMA National Conference in March. We hope to see everyone there.
a full list of the conditions of membership and a
application form visit:
• Alastair Woodard followed the roadshow around Australia presenting on breaking into new markets, and exploring whether we can compare steel and timber.
ASSOCIATIONS
Simple steps to keep Christmas Parties litigation free
I’M sometimes quite reticent to deal with this subject as it’s an unfortunate sign of the times; part of me can’t help but feel like the fun police and finally I’m very conscious of how important rewarding employees and staff bonding is, particularly at this time of the year.
However, it is increasingly evident that in running a business, including one in the timber products industry, potential litigation can arise from even unlikely sources. A definite trend in recent times which highlights the dangers for business owners that can occur at this time of the year is unfortunately the annual work Christmas function.
In a previous case that was brought before the relevant federal industrial tribunal it was held that the dismissal of an employee for drunken behaviour at a workplace Christmas function was unfair. Among other things, the tribunal expressed concern that:
• the employer had failed to take precautionary steps to moderate the supply and consumption of alcohol at its functions; and
• at the event, senior managers did not take steps to moderate the employee’s behaviour or to cut off her alcohol consumption.
This decision really does offer employers a seasonal reminder that organising work related holiday celebrations require some basic planning as well as careful consideration of liability for alcohol service and its effects.
ALCOHOL
Apart from the strict requirements under liquor licensing laws, alcohol-related injuries can result in full or partial liability for the supplier of alcohol, including an employer hosting a function for its staff or clients. Liability can extend to injuries that occur in the absence of any proper supervision of the safety of all guests.
PARTY TRICKS AND OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOUR
Certain inappropriate behaviour at staff Christmas
functions, much of which can be attributed to the “good cheer” which often accompanies these events, can lead to employers being vicariously liable for discrimination, or sexually explicit or derogatory humour in Christmas skits, inappropriate Kris Kringle gifts, and “party tricks”. An employer’s only defence to a discrimination or harassment claim arising out of these circumstances is to show that it took all reasonable steps to prevent the behaviour from occurring. TTIA’s role is therefore to advise you of the key steps to adopt to minimise any potential litigation.
KEY RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
• Remind your staff that a Christmas party is still a work function. Make sure that you have clear policies communicated to staff on the responsible service of alcohol at work events. Perhaps implement a coupon system regarding drinks.
• Make sure your employees are clear about what constitutes acceptable behaviour. This can be achieved by updating and distributing workplace policies before a Christmas party. Ensure these policies address discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and WHS standards.
• Be confident that em-
ployees understand that your alcohol and employment policies apply at the Christmas work function, even if it is being held off site. Advertise this fact in clear terms and offer a refresher on the key elements of the policies.
• Arrange for sober supervision for the duration of the festivities. People who have clearly had enough should be asked tactfully to stop drinking and, if necessary, sent home via a safe means of transport. Attendees under the legal drinking age should not be served. It is clear that appointing a supervisor to stay sober and supervise a Christmas function can mitigate risks and provide employees with a point of contact should they have any concerns.
• Ensure plenty of food, soft drinks and light alcoholic drinks are available.
• Set a reasonable finishing time and importantly, enforce it.
• Irrespective of whether you choose to have your Christmas party on site or at a venue away from the business, make sure you take reasonable steps to inspect the venue for potential hazards and take care of the potential risks before the function commences.
• Supply or arrange safe transportation options for the
night and advertise these in advance to discourage people from driving that day.
A failure to prevent injuries or sexual harassment during these festivities can result in significant liability for employers that can have a sobering effect in the New Year.
No one wants to see the demise of workplace functions, so it’s worthwhile for you to take time in advance to implement the safety measures and guide your employees so that your Christmas function is a way of saying thank you for the year’s efforts and an opportunity for staff to bond as a team.
Any Member requiring assistance in dealing with workplace functions and associated legal issues, or require a policy or assistance in the lead up to Christmas, please contact the TTIA on (02) 9264 0011 or by email: ttia@ttia. asn.au
If you’re not a member of TTIA, now is definitely the time to join. We are the only national association focussed solely on the timber products industry that specialises in employment related advice to business owners. We are offering Australian Timberman readers significant discounts to join the Association. Call us today for a chat.
BRIAN BEECROFT CEO, TTIA
Tours to Europe, Tasmania highlight for year
THE Annual General Meeting of the Timber Veneer Association of Australia (TVAA) was held at Bord Products, Somerton, Victoria on Wednesday, 8th November 2023.
The AGM was the occasion for the election of members of the Association’s Management Committee, to serve during 2024.
TVAA President, Anthony Wardrop of Matilda Veneer, pointed out that 2023 was the first full year of restrictionfree travel in some time. This had allowed an educational tour to Tasmania to take place in March, with 35 people including TVAA members and suppliers, cabinet makers and students along for the ride.
PETER
LLEWELLYN TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE, Timber Veneer Association of Australia
TVAA also had a large contingent at the Interzum and Ligna trade fairs in Germany in May. Interzum is billed as “the world’s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design,” while Ligna focuses on the technology associated with woodworking and wood processing.
President Wardrop commended those members who had invested their time and energy in attending these events. While in Germany the opportunity was taken to reach out to the timber veneer association of Germany, Initiative Furnier + Natur (IFN). TVAA has now begun the process of initiating reciprocal membership between the two bodies..
“I am acutely aware of the hard work of previous TVAA committees over many years” Mr Wardrop said. In signaling a more outward looking focus, he added, “it is important to get out to tour our members’ sites and talk with related industry and customers. We will strive to continue this
2020
AUSTRALIAN Sustainable Hardwoods has assured its customers that the Victorian Government’s ban on the harvesting of native timber by 2030 will not affect supply in the immediate future.
And the company says it will be working hard to ensure that sustainably certified, regrowth sawlogs are made available after 2030.
Under the State Government’s plan the current level of native timber available for logging will be reduced from 2024-25 and will be totally phased out by 2030.
2017
AUSTRALIAN Forestry Standard Ltd has changed its name to Responsible Wood.
The change, announced in Hobart reflects the company’s commitment to implementing a clear consumer- focused strategy about the sustainability of certified Australian wood products.
“Our new name reflect the transformational change we are embarking on as we begin to proactively raise awareness and understanding of our certification scheme,” Dr Hans Drielsma, chair of Responsible Wood, said.
2012
educational initiative wherever possible”.
Some future TVAA projects announced at the AGM included
• Group 3 Fire Rating Certificates for veneered panels on a range of substrates
• A best practice protocol for avoiding stains from eucalypt veneer species
• A Members’ portal on the Association’s website
“These are just some of the projects on the immediate horizon”, Mr Wardrop said. In closing, the President acknowledged the countless hours of time volunteered by the Committee’s office bearers and said he looked forward to leading the veneer industry to a healthy and prosperous 2024.
THE WORLD’S tallest wooden apartment tower in Melbourne should serve as an emblem for the future of the nation’s forest and timber industries, according to Coalition Forestry spokesman Senator Richard Colbeck.
And he maintains that Australian hardwoods are well positioned to provide the next level of advancement in the technology around cross laminated timber panels.
The Senator had just toured the $11 million Lend Lease Forte building in Docklands which used CLT and was 30% faster and cheaper than would otherwise have been possible using conventional construction.
• Anthony Wardrop of Matilda Veneer (President), Gray Parsonson of Timberwood Panels, Brad Simpson of Henkel Australia, Evan Danahay of Bord Products (Secretary), Steve Madden of Consolidated Panels and Veneers (Vice President), Marc Robinson of Veneer Panels and Luke Haigh of Opal Wood Corperation. Frank Luiz of Briggs Veneers was absent on the day but is resuming his role as the TVAA’s Treasurer.
australasian
COSTA Sanders in AU & NZ
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