Australian Forests & Timber - December 2020

DECEMBER 2020

THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE TUMBARUMBA

ROUND TABLE

Future for timber exports LOOKING FOR WORK The WA mill labor shortage

Komatsu 895 remains unbeaten

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In the news

WA sawmill hungry for workers

Shortage of willing workers is sending one mill in search for staff overseas

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WESTERN Australian mill owner has begun searching for staff overseas because he can’t find anyone locally who wants to work.

Whiteland Milling owner and sawmill manager Neil Whiteland said the business employed 35 people, but sourcing reliable local labour continued to be a challenge for them.

“The demand for WA timber is there, one of our biggest challenges is finding labour. We have jobs, we just need willing workers.”

Neil has run the sawmill at Busselton for 40 years while his son, Marc, a qualified cabinet maker, manages the nearby processing facility and has done for 17 years.

“We just can’t find anyone with experience,” Mr Whiteland said.

“They are impossible to find, and young blokes just don’t seem to want to work.

“We’ve gone through 20 young blokes in the past three months,’’ he said.

Mr Whiteland said there was a shortage of experienced people in the industry in general.

“But it’s just getting harder and harder to find willing workers,” he said.

Mr Whiteland said he was prepared to look for staff

overseas and if necessary train them.

“I’ve put the feelers out to see what’s involved,” he said.

The business prides itself on its commitment to quality and minimising waste, with all residue sawdust, firewood and bark sold for commercial or domestic use.

Established in 1981, Whiteland Milling began as a Sheoak sawmill producing furniture-grade timber and roofing shingles on a fourperson manual bench.

These days, the sawmill operates multiple automatic benches, a twin breakdown saw, 13 drying kilns and a value adding processing facility which produces timber flooring, decking, furniture components, mouldings and other predressed products.

They process local Jarrah, Marri, Karri, Blackbutt and Sheoak, sourced sustainably through contracts with the Forest Products Commission (FPC).

To keep up with the demand, the Whiteland family recently built another sawmill specifically for processing Karri, installed two new drying kilns and invested in new machinery – with the total investment close to one million dollars.

• Whiteland Milling owner and sawmill Manager Neil Whiteland.

“We have a large client base and supply to a diverse range of markets, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Victoria, New South

Wales and Perth,” Mr Whiteland said.

“We even still do the Sheoak shingles, used for Heritage buildings. We also do

local orders – so if someone calls up and wants a small order for timber decking or something specific, we are happy to help,” he said.

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In the news DECEMBER 2020 Issue 8 – Volume 29 Established 1991

News 3―4 Tumbarumba 6―8 Round Table 10 ― 11 WA Timber Awards 12 Training 24 Mill profile 28 Front Cover: Firefighting equipment can now be installed in the load spaces of Ponsse forwarders for extinguishing bushfires. Page 25 Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Robyn Haworth Editor: Bruce Mitchell b.mitchelll@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9512 Advertising: Gavin de Almeida g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Publication Design: Jarren Gallway Trader classifieds: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9522 Subcription rates One-year (8 editions) $55 Two-years (16 editions) $95 Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Melbourne Office: Suite 2262, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone: (03) 9810 3262 Website www.timberbiz.com.au Printed by Lane Print, Adelaide, SA

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AFCA takes on two new directors at AGM T WO new directors have joined the Australian Forest Contractors Association.

Theresa Lonergan from Lonergan Logging in NSW and Dale Cameron from C3 Australia in Western Australia and the two new directors.

They were elected unopposed at the Association’s AGM at the end of November.

They join Adan Taylor (GMT Logging), Chris Stafford (Stafford Logging), Michelle Corby (Mangan Logging), Phillip Dohnt (LV Dohnt & Co), Ricky Leeson (Leesons Logging and Cartage) and Wayne Shaw (Johnson ARTEC).

Theresa Lonergan along with her husband Peter are managing directors of Lonergan Logging a Forest Contracting Business that operates out of Tumbarumba.

She joined the forest industry after 12 years in the banking industry working in both the public and government sectors. The company was formed in 2005 as a heavy haulage contractor. In 2007 an opportunity presented itself to start a harvest and haul contract. Lonergan Logging currently harvest 180,000 tonne a year with FCNSW. Theresa managers the office and work health and safety aspects of the business as well as general duties and is also the back up forwarder operator. The company employs both of their sons and two other employees.

Theresa’s contribution to the industry includes Presi-

dent of the Forest Industry Council between 2011-2014 and again in 2019-2020.

She joined the AFCA Board in 2020. She is passionate about helping and supporting members across the country and giving a local voice to the contractors in the Tumbarumba /Tumut region especially following the 2019/2020 bushfires which significantly impacted the region.

Dale Cameron has over 20 years of forest management and forest contracting experience and is currently General Manager – Planning and Operations for C3 Australia.

C3 Australia Pty Ltd (C3) operates harvesting, haulage and log marshalling operations throughout Australia for a broad and diverse customer base. As a contractor responsible for a large proportion of Australia’s annual harvest, C3 provides a complete service to their customers, backed by their parent company entity, Linx Cargo Care Group.

He has experience working in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia working across a multitude of different operations ranging from harvest sites to central processing yards, large-scale forest

• L-R: Dale Cameron, Theresa Lonergan.

Following the AGM, AFCA also announced our rebranding including a new logo, a refreshed website, and new social media channels. management operations and large export yard and Port operations.

Dale has completed a Bsc Forestry at the University of Stellenbosch (1994-97) and also a Master in Business Administration at Edith Cowan University (2011-16).

He previously held roles within industry including FIFWA Plantation Division Chairman (2016-18) and FIFWA Council board member (2016-18).

Dale has a dedicated interest and belief in workforce training and upskilling frameworks and a keen inter-

est in technological advances in harvesting equipment and systems. He joined the AFCA Board in 2020.

Following the AGM, AFCA held a brief Board meeting and elected Adan Taylor as Chair and Phil Dohnt as Deputy Chair.

Following the AGM, AFCA also announced our rebranding including a new logo, a refreshed website, and new social media channels.

The Board is expected to participate in a strategy day in late February where it will consider the work plan going forward for AFCA.

Au As on bu ou of be al

It’s time for everyone to chip in for Tumbarumba TUMBARUMBA is in trouble. Big trouble. To be more specific Hyne’s Tumbarumba Mill is in trouble, and that means the entire district is in trouble.

Put simply, there is just not enough timber to go around following last summer’s bushfires which decimated 40% of Hyne’s local log supply at Tumbarumba alone.

Hyne has a solution. It says it has confirmation that at least 441,000m3 of sustainably grown, plantation pine from Victoria and South Australia can be made available to the mill over the next three years.

The company says that, with government support, it can secure 181 jobs directly and $70 million in wages and salaries pouring into the local economy.

Hyne is happy to put in over $40 million or so of its own money.

But a way needs to be found to transport the logs to the mill because the logs are situated in other states and transport costs are the sticking factor.

And that is going to cost another $30 million over three years.

Currently, neither the NSW or Federal Government have a mechanism for supporting Tumbarumba’s cause because their grant programs don’t include transport costs.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

As Tumbarumba Chamber of Commerce President, Ken Dale said “They are not asking for a hand out, they are asking for a hand up”.

Nor is the community looking charity.

It just wants to survive, and is asking the community in general to get behind the TimberforTumba campaign.

The forestry industry in the South West Slopes of New South Wales supports over 5000 jobs, or one in every two jobs in the region, and creates $2 billion in economic activity per annum.

Hyne says that as long saw logs are allowed to be exported, there will be jobs lost in Tumbarumba.

And that is something the town simply cannot afford to happen.

Au

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Timber for Tumbarumba

Tumbarumba •Chamber of

Commerce President Ken Dale.

Tumbarumba at the crossroads Hyne fighting for access to interstate logs to keep mill operating

H

• Hyne Group accountant JoAnne Crane.

• Tumbarumba IGA store manager Mark Solomans.

6

YNE’S mill at Tumbarumba urgently needs Federal Government help, but the pleas have so far been ignored.

Hyne has been looking for just under $10 million from the NSW Government under its bushfire industry recovery policy. The money is part of a $70 million-plus package that Hyne is seeking to pay for and import more than 441,000 cubic metres of softwood logs from South Australia and Victoria over the next three years.

The package also includes a request of $18.9 million from the Federal Government on top of Hyne’s own investment of more than $42 million.

The additional freight costs from SA and Vic to NSW are just under $30 million.

The SA logs currently have no Australian customer and are exported. Hyne desperately needs the timber because the summer bushfires decimated 40% of the company’s log supply.

If Hyne doesn’t get the help it needs Tumbarumba Chamber of Commerce President Ken Dale fears for the worst.

The Chamber has unanimously thrown its support for the mill.

“Our town is vibrant and the mill is busy which is great but we are far from recovered from the bushfires with some of the greatest impact on jobs yet to come unless we can

get the support we need as a region,” Mr Dale said.

“Approximately $3.5 billion has been committed to bushfire recovery efforts in NSW, some of which has certainly helped families and small businesses here but there is no avenue for the Tumbarumba Mill to get the support it needs to retain the most jobs by getting logs to the Mill from further afield.

“They are not asking for a hand out, they are asking for a hand up, putting in over $40 million of their own money but the additional freight cost for logs which are otherwise being exported, is almost $30 million over three years which cannot be competitively passed onto their customers.”

Mr Dale said that the mill employed 149 people full time and a further 199 were indirectly associated industries, which could lose their jobs.

“Plus there is the flow on effect on the town,” Mr Dale said.

“It’s the effect of losing children from the school, the lack of people willing or able to volunteer for organisations and the whole social fabric of the town.

“And that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.”

Mr Dale said there had been no response from the Federal Government.

“There has been no communication with us.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

As it is, recovered timber will be coming to an end by the end of the year or early next year and when that happens it’s obviously going to impact on the town,” Mr Dale said.

“There’s not going to be the logs there to be processed that could lead to slow-downs and a reduction in hours.

And down the track it’s only going to get worse if we can’t get the logs into the mills to process.”

Mr Dale praised the work done by the State Member for Albury Justin Clancy.

The said the State Government has been talking but not the Federal Government.

Mr Dale said he believed the Federal Government did not want to be seen helping individual businesses.

“But the timber industry here is a big income earner for the community.”

The chamber has been part of the launch of the TimberforTumba campaign.

A TimberforTumba Facebook page quickly became a flurry of activity with, for the first time, an avenue for the community to help and get involved.

Attracting hundreds of likes and followers within hours, the first of a series of short videos went viral, viewed by thousands of people with hundreds of shares.

Continued on page 8 www.timberbiz.com.au

Timber for Tumbarumba

Problems now and well into the future

T

HERESA Lonergan from Lonergan Logging can see the obvious problems now if Hyne shuts down its mill, but sees even greater problems down the road.

For her, it’s a simple equation; if Hyne doesn’t get the help to get the wood from interstate it is going to have to lose staff.

“So what happens is people move away for employment – you can’t blame them – and all of a sudden it has an impact on the local grocery shops, the local hotel, schools are effected,” Theresa said.

“Then the harvesting contractors move away, the haulage guys don’t have as much work to do.

“The only people who will be busy will be those planting for the next seven or eight years, and then it will be quiet again until we hit the 15 year mark.”

Theresa said that young people have moved on to the Snowy 2.0 project. While they haven’t left the area they have left the industry.

“That means that it in the future the region won’t have that trained people,” she said.

P & T Lonergan Pty. Ltd. started operating in October 2005 with one truck doing over-dimensional work Australia Wide. In July 2007 it won a harvesting haulage contract with Murray River Forests supplying softwood pulp to Norske Skog Paper Mill in Albury out of Woomargama.

Peter Lonergan has been involved in the Softwood Industry for over 20 years either as an operator, or as a truck driver. Theresa, who has recently been elected to the Australian Forest Contractors Association, had worked in administration and the banking industry for over 15 years.

The company runs four machines; an 822 and 830 Tigercat harvesters and two 1075C Tigercat forwarders .

Lonergan’s contract is for 90,000 tonne a year of plantation timber supplying mainly to Hyne in Tumbarumba and Visy in Tumut.

ABOVE: •Lonergan’s

harvesting operations underway.

RIGHT: Lonergan lost plant and equipment in last summer’s bushfires.

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7

Timber for Tumbarumba

Tumbarumba at the crossroads Continued from page 6

• Hyne’s Tumbarumba mill.

Small win for Hyne but it’s still not enough Philip Hopkins

H

YNE Timber has failed so far in its bid to secure funds to import a big supply of softwood logs from Victoria and South Australia but has welcomed $3 million in funding for its Tumbarumba mill bushfire recovery.

The NSW money covers half of the cost of the Tumbarumba Mill Optimisation Project, which will help reduce operating costs, gain efficiencies and help retain 149 jobs at Tumbarumba.

Hyne Timber CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt said optimisation is critical to saw the highest possible quality timber from every log processed.

“The bushfires have impacted 40 per cent of our log

feedstock so it is critical we optimise the Mill to improve efficiencies, keep people in jobs and keep up the supply of quality, renewable plantation pine for the building sector,” Mr Kleinschmidt said.

“Without NSW Government support we wouldn’t be able to co-invest in a number of upgrades and innovative solutions.

“As part of the optimisation program of works, we will be recruiting a dedicated Program Manager and as always, we are committed to engaging local trades such

Salvage of bushfire-damaged trees is still underway around •Tumbarumba.

8

as electrical and plumbing services, ensuring maximum flow on benefits to our bushfire impacted community.

“It is great to be able to deliver some positive news to our team members, our customers and the community.

Hyne is committed to the Tumbarumba community, the surrounding region and the long-term viability of the mill.”

Hyne had been looking for just under $10 million from the NSW Government under its bushfire industry recovery policy. The money is part of a $70 million-plus package that Hyne is seeking to pay for and import more than 441,000 cubic metres of softwood logs from South Australia over the next three years.

The package also includes a request of $18.9 million from the Federal Government on top of Hyne’s own investment of more than $42 million.

The additional freight costs from Victoria and SA to NSW are just under $30 million.

The SA logs currently have no Australian customer and are exported. Hyne desperately needs the timber because the summer bushfires decimated 40% of the company’s log supply.

A spokeswoman for the federal forestry Minister,

Jonno Duniam, said the Government had received the request and was still in talks with Hyne and the NSW industry on the issue.

Hyne Timber continues to seek new avenues for further government support for freight or other cost offsetting to get logs to the mill from outside the viable freight zone.

According to an independent report from REMPLAN, redirecting 441,500m3 of plantation pine to Tumbarumba over the next three years will generate a further 79 jobs in Tumbarumba alone, $144 million in gross revenue support in the town, a further $244 million across NSW and up to 62 jobs in the transport sector.

The Tumbarumba Mill Optimisation Project is funded by the NSW Government Bushfire Industry Recovery Package Stream Two. Hyne chief executive Jon Kleinschmidt said optimisation was critical to saw the highest quality timber from every log processed.

“Without NSW Government help, we wouldn’t be able to co-invest in a number of upgrades and innovative solutions,” he said, which included the hiring of a dedicated project manager.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

The Facebook page links through to a webpage, w w w.t i m b e r fo r t u m b a . com.au which explains the reasons the campaign believes the Government should support getting logs to Tumbarumba that Hyne Timber have sourced from private growers.

“I encourage everyone to get behind the TimberforTumba initiative and get involved. This is critically important for the future of our town, jobs, our economic recovery and the supply of sustainably grown pine for the Australian market,” Mr Dale said.

Hyne Timber’s customers are also voicing their concern, anxiously seeking answers to security of locally grown and manufactured timber for the construction sector.

Gary Walker, Managing Director of family owned Belmont Timber in NSW said he has written to the Prime Minister to voice his support for the Tumbarumba Mill’s urgent need to freight logs from outside their current, viable freight zone, “Belmont Timber is proud of the fact we have only ever used Australian timber for the manufacture of our preassembled frames and trusses with large volumes coming from the Tumbarumba Mill.

“The bushfires will impact the supply of timber for the construction sector and without support to get alternative logs to the mill, we will be left with no choice but to source from imported timber.

“If there is a solution to avoid us having to source imported timber while jobs are lost in Tumbarumba, we need to prioritise this solution now more than ever.

“We are committed to Australia’s economic recovery as best we can be. We want to source local wherever possible, supporting local jobs with secure supply chains, not subject to international freight, fluctuating exchange rates in an uncertain global economy.” Mr Walker said.

To support jobs in Tumbarumba and the Australian supply of sustainably grown plantation pine products, visit www. timberfortumba.com.au and like the Facebook page for updates. www.timberbiz.com.au

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Round table Gippsland Forest •Industries Hub chairman Simon Gatt.

Gippsland Hub ready to deliver THE Gippsland Forest Industries Hub has officially been launched and stands ready to contribute to the future of the forest and wood products industry in regional Victoria.

The GFHub, including members from the forest growing, timber processing, contracting, education and local government sectors, is the latest of 12 similar Hubs located in key forestry regions throughout Australia and established as part of the Commonwealth Government’s 2018 forest policy commitments.

Mr Simon Gatt said he was humbled to have been nominated as Chair of the GH Hub and was looking forward to working with the committee as it focuses on three key goals for the next year: the development of a 30 year Strategic Plan for the growth of the industry; facilitating the role of innovation and regional research, in consultation with local education institutions to develop a framework for future skill needs; and to determine the technical issues, needs, and opportunities for development of the region’s timber industry into the future.

Mr Gatt has worked in the forest industry for the past three decades and is the operations manager for Hancock Victoria Plantation where he is responsible for the delivery of operations across their Gippsland estate.

“We are looking to identify opportunities for a growing industry into the future to make the industry sustainable while supporting local regional communities to thrive and assist in the dissemination and promotion of strategies and solutions to industry and community for the benefit of regional towns in Gippsland,” Mr Gatt said.

“The effects of COVID19 have had a dreadful impact in Victoria, but at the same time have highlighted the importance of the forestry sector in domestic made products such as paper and packaging products and additional opportunities that could be developed.’’

Lesia Clark has been appointed to the GF Hub as general manager.

10

With Australia’s trade in timber with China under threat, in this Round Table we have asked industry representatives from three States to discuss where Australia should look for future exports.

Q&A Panel

Q

Melissa Haslam

Nick Steele

Nathan Paine

Executive Director FIFWA

CEO TFPA

CEO SAFPA

The export market is very important for both growers and processors.

Softwood log export occurs largely due to the lack of domestic processing and in some cases, prices are more attractive to growers. Hardwood logs are exported because they are lower quality than domestic sawmillers can accept and attract a better price than pulpwood. The hardwood sawlog sector is highly dependent on the export woodchip industry as it assists the economics of extracting the sawlogs by utilising residue pulp logs and residue woodchips from sawmilling operations.

Softwood sawmilling also relies heavily on the export woodchip sector for marMelissa Haslam kets for their residues.

Another important aspect of exportFROM a WA perspective, we are fortunate to have diversity in market op- ing is Free Trade Agreements that can portunities and local manufacturing, assist to support global trade liberalibut export markets continue to play an sation and enhance the international competitiveness of Australian exports. important role for WA timber.

WA’s timber industry is comprised Australia has 14 FTAs currently in force of four main sectors: hardwood plan- with different countries, including tations, softwood plantations, native China, which under sanitary and phytimber and sandalwood. The main tosanitary measures states that ‘Parties products exported are currently unpro- shall endeavour to resolve any matter cessed softwood logs, woodchips and arising under this Chapter through cooperative mechanisms’. Let’s hope this processed native timbers.

Key export markets are predominately occurs soon. throughout East Asia, with sandalwood exporter wider throughout Asia, India, Nathan Paine the Middle East and Europe.

WITH Australia’s longest history of In 2016/17, WA wood and timber exports were worth $16 million and ac- plantation forestry management, South counted for 10 per cent of total Austral- Australia’s forest industries are an enian wood and timber exports (statistics gine room of economic activity, investment, skilled jobs and the manufacturfrom agric.wa.gov.au). ing of essential timber products which are a renewable, carbon-storing source Nick Steele of building materials, bioenergy and ACCESS to international markets is bio-chemicals.

Much of this activity is concentrated crucial to the sustainability and profitability of our forest and wood process- in regional parts of the state where ing industries. Export opportunities al- these industries form part of the backlow domestic growers and processors to bone of local communities. In this retake advantage of any overseas demand gard the state’s forest industries conand manage fluctuations in log avail- tribute around $2.8 billion to the state economy annually and employ more ability and domestic demand.

How important is the export market to the future of the Australian timber industry?

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

than 13,000 South Australians directly and indirectly. In addition, about 200,000 people visit the state’s forest reserves for recreation each year which contributes to tourism opportunities in the regions.

Through the local growing, harvesting, hauling, processing and marketing of its timber resources, the industry also creates flow-on benefits to other sectors of the economy, like the construction industry, and wholesalers and retailers.

The industry produces sawn timber, engineered wood products – including medium density fibreboard, particleboard, laminated veneer lumber and plywood – and pulp and paper products. Its residues are also used for landscaping products, poultry hatcheries and as biomass fuel sources.

Every tree that is harvested is made up of a mix of higher quality sawlog, lower quality sawlog, pulplog, and woody residues. All of these need a market (either domestically or via export) for the industry to operate. Especially in the lower quality products, there is insufficient scale in plants in Australia to process all the materials which forest operations generate.

If the forest growers cannot find buyers for the pulplog and lower quality sawlogs, it impacts dramatically on their ability to undertake forestry operations. The worst-case scenarios arising if the current suspension remains in place, are that forest thinning operations slow dramatically, increasing forest pest and fire risk, and reducing the quality of future sawlogs. If the situation does not improve in coming months, growers may even be forced to abandon operations altogether and ‘leave the timber on the stump’. Either outlook is devastating for employment and economic activity and it is expected that hundreds of jobs will be impacted by Christmas in the Green Triangle, South Australia. www.timberbiz.com.au

Round table

BRIEFS New PFSQ CEO

Q

Should the timber industry be searching for new markets, and where?

Melissa Haslam FIFWA and our members are constantly working to develop new market opportunities, whether that be for export or in the domestic market.

As WA timber is in high demand and new timber products are being developed, new markets are constantly emerging. One of our industry’s strong points is its ability to evolve and proactively seek out new opportunities.

Nick Steele THE global trade environment is complex and subject to change. Commodities will continue to be vulnerable to price fluctuations due to changes in supply and demand, financial markets and the broader global economic environment.

Therefore, the timber industry will continue to search for new markets, however, unfortunately there have been limited financially viable opportunities.

For example, the woodchip market is largely China and Japan, so further diversification opportunities are limited.

There is potential for new export markets as we see an enormous shift going on globally towards using more timber products as people move away from single-use plastics, for example, and as the embedded carbon in timber products is more understood.

New markets are emerging in the biomass energy generation market, which will hopefully assist to increase the overall global demand for timber products and increase forest values.

While globalization will continue to grow forest markets, consequently competition in exports markets will intensify.

growing domestic processing opportunities to use a far greater proportion of the materials currently being exported. There are lessons to be learned from relying so much on one trading partner, most importantly there is an imperative to create local manufacturing opportunities.

Urgent government support is also needed to address the immediate impacts that the trade suspension is already having on the supply chain.

To assist policy makers, SAFPA has identifying a raft of short and long-term initiatives that have the potential to address critical resource challenges, fasttracking the development of new and innovative manufacturing opportunities, expand the processing capacity of existing mills and driving increased demand through wood encouragement policies.

Combined, these measures have the potential to turn a crisis into a job-creating, manufacturing-boosting opportunity that will turbocharge the forest products sector’s innovation program and significantly contribute to achieving the South Australian Government’s commitment of working towards doubling the economic value of local production by 2050.

Q

What steps should be taken to safeguard those markets?

Melissa Haslam FIFWA members are very astute at forming and maintaining strong relationships with their export markets.

At a State and National level, FIFWA provides members with support to help them achieve the best outcomes.

We work alongside AFPA and other relevant organisations to promote the merits of the industry and its associated products.

Nathan Paine

Nick Steele

THE prospect of the China trade tension impacting Australian log exports and potentially other forest product exports for the long-term necessitates short and longer term solutions to support the domestic manufacturing sector to utilise more of the resource that is currently being exported.

Unlike other agricultural commodities, there is very little short-term capacity to diversify forest product exports away from China. However, longer-term initiatives could assist in

IN terms of export markets, we need to continue to develop customer relationships and keep a sensible balance within countries and between countries.

However, good customer relationships cannot outweigh trade tensions between countries.

Now one of our biggest countries we rely on to export many of our goods, including timber, has stifled some industries through increasing tariffs, investigating potential dumping of goods,

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testing for chemicals, and issues with biosecurity measures.

For our log exports the industry is working closing with the Federal Government to increase our biosecurity measures that will further decrease the risk of pests being in a shipment. The industry wants options to export their products and will continue to work towards viable solutions to maintain access to those that we already have.

But as the old adage goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, which includes diversifying your market, as in the long run diversification can increase economic resistance to any sort of international political or economic volatility.

Nathan Paine INTERNATIONAL markets will always have a place but the short and longer term focus is on driving a program to unleash new domestic processing opportunities combined with a reset of Government procurement policies to promote wood first.

This will have the dual effect of increasing our domestic uses for timber as well creating significant employment and economic activity to benefit the state and the nation.

Some of the initiatives identified through AFPA’s engagement with its members include: • Immediate financial support for businesses and workers impacted by the trade suspension (such as JobKeeper), including harvest and haulage contractors who are being stood down.

• Urgent implementation of Government-wide ‘Wood First’ approach to procurement policy.

• Support for delivery of affordable timber to mill door, enabled by freight support or other measures, particularly for bushfire-affected processors facing significant, imminent resource shortages.

• Support for domestic processors to accelerate their production capacity growth plans and ability to process smaller logs into new products, including engineered wood products.

• Support for new manufacturing capacity to process significantly more hardwood and softwood non sawmill quality logs domestically. (eg pulp mills, panels plants, bioenergy facilities) • Upgrading existing road and rail infrastructure to make it more costeffective to transport logs (and other commodities) longer distances. This could include: - Improving rail infrastructure including at strategic intermodal terminals to facilitate rail freight of logs and other commodities - Optimising truck routes and capacity (e.g. fast-tracking new A double routes and bridge upgrades).

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

PRIVATE Forestry Service Queensland has appointed Arna Love as its new CEO following the retirement of Sean Ryan.

Ms Love has a background in aboriculture and environmental services, including operational and safety policy and procedural development as well as implementing and managing operational projects.

Haulage study A STUDY to better understand the economic benefits generated by the timber harvest and haulage contractors in the South East of South Australia has been funded by the SA Government.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the contractors were vital to the forestry sector in the Green Triangle, but this study would assist in understanding their full significance.

Diary changes AUSTRALIA’S heavy vehicle drivers will now have a choice in how they record their work and rest hours, with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator approving the first Electronic Work Diaries (EWD).

An EWD is an electronic recording system, approved by the NHVR, used to record the work and rest times of a driver as a voluntary alternative to the Written Work Diary.

The EWD Policy Framework and Standards were developed in association with technology providers, transport operators, police and transport authorities in 2018 and were subject to comprehensive review and consultation.

Apprenticeship scheme AKD has announced the creation of more than 20 new apprenticeship positions and new graduate positions in 2021.

It is offering trades in electrical, saw doctoring, wood machining and fitting and with sites across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Bushfire funding NEW fire detection technology and the upgrade of fire-spotting towers across the Limestone Coast forestry estate will be funded as part of a $1.1m State Government investment.

The investment will see the fire-tower network staffed, as well as the continuation maintenance work to address issues with the ageing tower infrastructure, some of which are 80 years old.

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Biomass

Biomass market boom in Japan Australia in box seat to maximise growing market Philip Hopkins

A

USTRALIAN wood pellet producers have begun exporting to Japan to take advantages of the country’s growing biomass market for renewable, base load energy production.

With Japan closing nuclear stations after the Fukushima tsunami disaster, the pellets are being used in boutique biomass power plants as well as a co-fuel in Japan’s established and new generation coal-fired electricity power stations. Wood pellets are manufactured specifically for energy production.

The outlook for biomass in Japan’s changing power market was outlined by Annette Bossler, senior market intelligence expert at US consultancy FutureMetrics, in a recent presentation to the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan.

Ms Bossler said Australia had now started entering the market for Japanese imports of wood pellets, which was dominated by Canada and Vietnam, with input from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In 2019, Australian wood pellet producers received an annual price of 26,216 yen ($A338.00) per metric tonne, well above the price received by other importers. The price they received in 2018 was 22,086 yen ($A285.00) per metric tonne.

Forestry analyst Tim Woods from IndustryEdge said the wood pellet volumes from Australia were “pretty small” at this stage. They mainly came from a Western Australian company,

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Key Points Japan closing • With nuclear stations after

the Fukushima tsunami disaster, the pellets are being used in boutique biomass power plants.

had now • Australia started entering the

market for Japanese imports of wood pellets, which was dominated by Canada and Vietnam.

plans to build • Japan 22 new high efficiency

low emissions coal-fired power stations at 17 sites over the next five years.

Plantation Energy Australia.

Other producers were from Queensland – Altus Renewables and Hyne Timber’s Tuan operation.

However, Ms Bossler emphasised there was a longterm future for biomass in Japan. Unlike wind and solar power, which were intermittent, biomass power was constant.

Ms Bossler said postFukushima, most nuclear plants were closed down, leaving fossil fuels producing more than 70 per cent of electricity (liquefied natural gas 34.2%, coal 31%, and oil), with some nuclear (6.5%) and renewables more than 11% – wind, solar, biomass, geothermal. The renewable energy sector in Japan had been nurtured through feedin-tariffs (FIT).

Japan plans to build 22 new high efficiency low emissions coal-fired power stations at 17 sites over the next five years. The 2030 goal, she said, is to have fossil fuels contributing just above 50 % of energy, nuclear 20% - nine reactors have been brought back on stream since Fukushima and renewables the rest.

“Biomass …. provides the opportunity for power plants to be ready to provide a specific amount of power when needed or required for grid stability,” she said.

Ms Bossler said woody biomass in Japan was only acceptable from sustainably managed forests certified by accepted schemes, such as PEFC, North America’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative (recognised by PEFC), Cana-

dian Standards Association and FSC. The wood pellets and woodchips were sourced from forest thinnings, residual wood, and residues from sawmill, construction and higher quality wood products.

“Woody biomass for energy is covered by WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules,” she said.

Ms Bossler said the potential for wood pellet imports was huge because, although Japan had a large wooded area, land ownership was very fragmented. Twenty-seven per cent of private owners had less than 5 hectares, another 28 per cent had between 5-10ha.

“These very small plots make forest management and harvesting, including building infrastructure like roads, transport infrastruc-

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

ture, very tricky and expensive,” she said.

Ms Bossler said most imported woodchips were used to make paper and particle boards, leaving relatively little biomass for power generation, hence the growth in wood pellet imports. *Since Ms Bossler’s presentation, the new Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihde Suga, announced in October that Japan aimed to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2030, but gave no indication how that would be achieved.

The government will deactivate more than 100 domestic low-efficiency coal-fired plants by 2030. The Asahi Shimbun reported that the next triennial review of the Government’s basic energy policy will start in the summer of 2021.

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Harvesting Heads • AFT 14 H424

New heads to enhance efficiency H424 makes quick work of second thinnings

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ARATAH Forestry Equipment recently introduced the new H424, a highly maneuverable harvester head specially designed for mid-sized wheeled and tracked machines.

With an excellent power-toweight ratio, the H424 makes quick work of second thinnings and early regeneration cuttings as well as processing or debarking applications.

“The versatile H424 harvester head is equipped to make jobs more efficient and productive,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “A combination of features including a PerformanceEvo (PEVO) valve, Supercut 100S saw unit and highly durable mainframe make it great for amplified productivity and durability.”

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The H424 comes prepared with a variety of features for enhanced efficiency. One such feature is a PEVO valve, which provides increased hydraulic oil flow and head control for higher productivity with less fuel and improved hydraulic efficiency.

For operations in slopes and mountain areas as well as improved trunk following, the H424 provides an improved backwards tilt range. The optional heavyduty (HD) tilt frame provides added durability for tracked machine applications, while enhanced processing arms have an extra offset for sim-

plifying picking from bunch piles and the ground.

As a mid-sized harvester head, the H424 aptly handles later thinnings and final fellings in addition to early regeneration cuttings. The new harvester can also expertly handle crooked wood and hardwood with its powerful and slip-free four-wheeldrive feeding.

One of the main features of the H424 is the new SuperCut 100S saw unit, which provides automatic chain lubrication and tensioning for improved performance and increased uptime. The H424 has a cutting capacity of 620 mm (24.4 in.), giving the head superb performance.

Increased saw motor selection, compatibility with wide tail saw bars and a new chain release mechanism help ease saw chain changes.

design, keep measuring arms sturdy and durable. The feed roller arms feature durable bearings, built-in feed roller guards, and strengthened cylinders and pins.

The improved access to the valve and grease points reduces servicing time while improved hosing to feed motors provides extra protection to help increase both uptime and durability.

“Efficiency is great, but our customers also need durable machines that are going to work consistently,” SUPERIOR DURABILITY Fisher said. “The H424 is Beyond efficiency, the that harvesting head. It’s H424 is a durable, consistent a reliable and consistent performer. Weighing in at workhorse.”

The Waratah H424 is cur1,105 kg (2,436 lb.), the head’s sturdy mainframe provides rently available to customers high durability with a rein- in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New forced saw box.

Other features, such as Zealand, Russia, Asia Pacific, new functionality in arm Brazil and Latin America.

The versatile H424 also handles processing and debarking. Its four moving delimbing knives along with one fixed top knife and one fixed back knife follow contours of the stem. Knife geometry and long cutting edges also help ensure excellent delimbing quality for a variety of stem diameters while the rear knife has improved color marking application for identification of assortments.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

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Harvesting Heads

Next gen heads for next-level productivity and uptime W

ARATAH Forestry Equipment has released the new HTH622B Series-III, the next generation of its HTH622B harvester head.

The new model combines improved operational performance, proven durability, and new serviceability features for next-level productivity and uptime.

“The HTH622B has a loyal customer following and is now better than ever – as the new HTH622B Series-III,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah.

“As our most popular model in its size class, the HTH622B has proven itself as a reliable workhorse for Waratah customers worldwide. But we (Waratah) aren’t content to settle; we’re always looking for ways to improve our products. We’ve been listening to customers and assessing their needs, and their input has driven development in an even better product with the HTH622B Series-III. We think our loyal customers and new customers alike will be very pleased with its performance.”

The updated HTH622B SeriesIII includes several new features that make its performance even smoother and faster. These include a new valve with better flowthrough characteristics for reduc-

delimbing durability in the harshest applications. For increased strength and productivity, the head has a new tilt frame and optional integrated color marking system.

A newly styled and stronger valve cover and hinges as well as reinforced drive arm covers keep key components covered.

Additionally, an optional main saw box strengthening kit for harvesting can provide additional protection, and new top saw motor protection and seals help fight cold weather conditions to improve uptime.

EASIER TO SERVICE The new HTH622B Series-III improves uptime with several updates that make servicing quicker and easier.

Supplementing the new valve performance and reliability is faster access to the valve with new integrated handles and tool-less entry – followed by an improved and simplified hose layout which provides

The new model combines improved operational performance, proven durability, and new serviceability features for next-level productivity and uptime. ing heat, while improving feed speed and sawing performance.

When coupled with the TimberRite H-16 control system, this translates to improved feeding performance, log handling and speed when single stem processing, and pronounced ¾” pitch saw performance.

Additionally, a new measuring arm with 30 mm more travel and sensor protection provides increased accuracy in measuring crooked wood and improved uptime.

In addition to enhanced performance, the HTH622B Series-III features several upgrades that make the machine even more durable for working in tough woods.

A new twin retainer front knife and strengthened upper delimb castings each contribute to improved www.timberbiz.com.au

optimum access and serviceability.

Additionally, a larger saw oil filler makes fills faster with less spills.

An improved pin retention also reduces stress on pins and need for servicing - maximizing uptime.

“When I saw the new 622B SeriesIII, I was really amazed,” said Luc Jalbert, owner of Luc Jalbert Foresterie Inc. “I was anxious to take it to the woods to try it. And I think they really succeeded; they made a good thing. In the new series, the operators like the tilt; there is more torque on the rollers; the top saw is faster.

And the oil cap – it’s really big.”

The Waratah HTH622B Series-III is available to customers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

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Milestones

Ponsse’s milestone with machine No. 16,000

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HE 16,000th PONSSE forest machine was completed in the end of September at Ponsse’s factory in Vieremä, Finland.

The Ponsse Ergo harvester delivered to Celulose NipoBrasileira S.A. (CENIBRA) will operate at eucalyptus plantations in Brazil to meet the needs of local pulp production.

“Ponsse has worked in close cooperation with Cenibra since 2014 in extremely difficult slope conditions in the state of Minas Gerais in

Brazil,” Sales, Service and Marketing Director at Ponsse Marko Mattila said.

“This cooperation has given our R&D valuable information about wood harvesting needs in steep slope conditions.

As a result of this co-operation we have been able to

VICTORIA - HEAD OFFICE 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook Victoria, 3030 Peter Randalls 0418 356 306 Davin Frankel 0437 541 154 Phone (03) 9369 8988 Email randalls@randalls.com.au Web www.randalls.com.au

18

develop our products to meet the customer´s needs even better. I would like to thank Cenibra for the excellent partnership so far. I would also like to thank Ponsse personnel that have made all this possible in Brazil,” Ponsse Ergo is the bestselling Ponsse forest machine globally.

The eight-wheeled Ergo to be delivered to Cenibra in Brazil is equipped with a Ponsse C5 crane, a Ponsse H7 Euca harvester head and the Ponsse Synchrowinch solution.

The machine is a powerful combination, enabling sustainable and effective harvesting in demanding slope environments.

“The Ponsse Full-Service concept is very well linked to our view to be close to our customers and develop our products together with our customers,” Fernando Campos, Managing Director of Ponsse Latin America, said.

“We have developed strong Ponsse Full-Service concept for Brazil based on our customers feedback and internal

benchmarking with Ponsse´s Uruguay, Russia and China operations.

“Ponsse established a subsidiary in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, in 2006,” he said.

“Our team in Brazil consists of 248 people divided between five different locations in the country. During 2021, we will double our staff in Brazil with the new FullService agreement. I would like to thank our customers for their confidence and loyalty, and special thanks to our local team.”

TASMANIA 2/5 Legana Park Drive, Legana Tasmania, 7277 Anthony Williams 0487 700 306

NEW SOUTH WALES 14 Wembley Place, Bathurst New South Wales, 2795 Jake Graham 0417 725 092

NEW ZEALAND STH 28 Paterson Street, Invercargill New Zealand, 9810 Brett McIntyre 0272 014 149

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 17 Bodey Circuit, Mount Gambier South Australia, 5290 David Herrewyn 0419 594 043

QUEENSLAND 715 Kandanga-Imbil Road, Imbil Queensland, 4570 Adrian Hartwig 0409 785 536

VICTORIA-GIPPSLAND 9 Rovan Place, Bairnsdale Victoria, 3875 Mike Cooper 0409 459 870

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

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STH vercargill 810 014 149

Milestones

40 years of Ponsse 1993 becomes the first forest machine manufacturer in the world with a PC-based measuring device system.

1993 Einari and a group of investors purchases Ponsse back from the SKOP Group 1995 Subsidiaries are established in the United States, France and the UK 2000 30th anniversary, and launch of machines with Mercedes-Benz engines.

The 16,000th forest machine was completed during Ponsse’s 50th anniversary.

Ponsse has always worked together with its customers to develop the best forest machines in the world.

The world’s best forest machines and supporting services are not only the more effective, flexible and reliable option, but also a powerful combination, enabling sustainable harvesting all over the world.

The company has dedicated five decades to the manufacturing, sale, maintenance and R&D of effective and environmentally friendly cut-tolength (CTL) forest machines.

1970 Local government council in Vieremä, Finland approves by a single vote building a factory hall that will be used by machine entrepreuer Einari Vidgrén. It is completed by the end of the year.

2001 Einari receives a golden medal for merit by the Finnish Forest Association

1971 Vidgrén recruits a production manager through an ad in a local newspaper, eventually hiring Jouko Kelppe in February 1971. The first machine is driven out of the factory by Einari in the autumn of 1971.

2004 Einari accepts an award for Ponsse’s achievements in international business operations from the President of Finland 2004 Subsidiary established in Russia

1974 Ponsse premieres in the international market following a massive storm in Germany 1983 Ponsse becomes nationally known with the introduction of the S 15 forwarder, in a class of its own with its cross-terrain performance 1986 Measuring devices are added to harvester grapples 1988 Ponsse ownership is transferred to Interpolator Oy of the SKOP Group; Einari joins board of directors.

1992 Einari receives the Finnish National Inventor Prize awarded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in recognition of his persistent work in forest machine development

2003 3,000th forest machine is manufactured

2005 Ponsse Latin America is established in Brazil 2007 Subsidiary established in China 2010 Ponsse celebrates 40th anniversary 2010 Einari Vidgrén dies in October at the age of 67.

Juha Vidgrén elected chairman of the board; the family is company’s primary shareholder owning more than 60% 2012 8,000th Ponsse forest machine is produced 2015 10,000th Ponsse machine is produced 2019 U.S. launch of the Cobra harvester in Crandon 2020 16,000th Ponsse forest machine completed

NEW ZEALAND NTH 41 Lee Martin Road, Hamilton New Zealand, 3283 Jason Donaldson 0274 488 693

LAND nsdale 5 459 870

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Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

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Log Handling

Greater reach for tree care and the timber industry I

N addition to typical Key Points applications such as waste management or Liebherr provides new scrap handling, powerful and solutions for efficient efficient Liebherr material tree care and the timber handlers are also used in tree industry care or the timber industry.

For an even greater reach Various equipment Liebherr provides new solucombinations make a tions which are available for greater reach possible LH 22 to 35 Industry Litronic material handlers.

Available for the Depending on the operatmachine classes LH 22 to ing requirement and reach 35 Industry Litronic Liebherr material handlers ranging from the LH 22 M to the LH 35 Industry Litronic can be combined with different equipment versions and attachments.

The Liebherr LH 22 M Industry Litronic material handler Other optional equipment equipped with Liebherr stick extension and Westtech such as the driver’s cab with Woodcracker C250 is available for reaching trees and bushes hydraulic height adjustment that are far away. and tiltable function (in 30° With an operating weight increments), as well as the of 23,700 kg, the material Liebherr LIKUFIX® quick handler can reach far up into coupler system, round off the the trees and work on them. comprehensive package.

The hydraulically adjustThey make the Liebherr able driver’s cab, which can material handler an indisbe tilted in 30° increments, pensable and professional gives the machine operator assistant for use in tree care an optimal view of his workand the timber industry. ing area. Optional protective Working with high trees devices, such as robust proand thick branches poses tective guards on the driver’s a particular challenge in cab and impact-resistant tree care and the timber windows made of laminated industry. Here Liebherr safety glass, provide addinow offers a new equipment tional protection in forestry combination: work thus increasing the The Westtech telescopic occupational safety of the stage T 4000 equipped with machine operator. the fully hydraulic Liebherr In order to reach trees and LIKUFIX® quick coupler, a 4 bushes that are far away m long telescopic stick and For work in the immediate area larger and heavier cutting Liebherr offers the new the Woodcracker® CS510 tools, such as the Westtech Woodcracker C350, can be easily equipment combination of a crane, to give the LH 22 M In- attached to the Liebherr stick with tipping kinematics of the Liebherr stick extension and dustry a reach of up to 16.5 m. LH 22 M Industry Litronic.

• • •

•

•

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Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

a reach of up •to With 16.5 m with the LH

22 M Industry Litronic is possible in the new equipment combination: Westtech telescopic stage T 4000 with Liebherr LIKUFIX , quick coupler system as well as the Woodcracker CS510 crane.

Westtech Woodcracker® C250 with a lightweight cutting tool. In this combination the LH 22 M Industry, with the 2.25 m long stick extension, has a reach of up to 13.8 m and an operating weight of around 24,100 kg.

Complemented by the optional LIKUFIX® quick coupler this equipment version enables a quick change between tools and attachments such as a milling machine, mulcher or trench clearing bucket for clearing channels after pruning.

The LH 22 M Industry when combined with a Westtech Woodcracker® C350 is designed for work in the immediate area. With this equipment version a reach of up to 11.8 m is possible with an operating weight of approximately 23,900 kg.

In addition, larger and heavier cutting tools can be easily attached to the Liebherr stick with tipping kinematics.

The clever support geometry of the machine offers maximum occupational safety and stability, especially when working with heavy tree trunks.

The fully hydraulic LIKUFIX® quick coupler system also allows a fast, safe, precise and comfortable change of the tool or attachment from the driver’s cab. This way the Liebherr material handler is quickly equipped with a sorting or timber grab and can be used for other applications such as loading containers and trucks. www.timberbiz.com.au

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Timber Awards

Great Southern Timber Awards

T

HE WA Great Southern Timber Hub came together to celebrate the industry’s achievements on Saturday, November 14.

The Timber 2020 event was held at Albany’s Motel Le Grande, with guest speakers including Professor Syd Shea, Rick Wilson MP and Julia Levinson all providing a unique insight into the industry.

The event was originally set to coincide with World Forestry Day earlier in the year but had to be postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Seven awards were announced on the night, recognising outstanding achievements of both individuals and companies involved in the local industry.

Outstanding Communicator (sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions): James Kernaghan Outstanding Forest Grower (sponsored by Great Southern Development Commission): Mike & Michele Rautenbach Outstanding Harvesting Contractor (sponsored by Tyrepower): Plantation Logging Outstanding Innovator (sponsored by Forest Products Commission): Darryl Outhwaite Outstanding Haulage Contractor (sponsored by Great Southern Fuels): Bluewood Industries Outstanding Safety Management (sponsored by Onetrak): Anthony Wise Outstanding Silviculture Contractor (sponsored by AFGRI Equipment): All Forestry Services

Forester Alan Hordacre •presented Penni and Lizzy

Ellis with a pottiputki to honour their late husband and father, Gavin Ellis, who passed away in April.

The Outstanding Communicator award was •sponsored

by Nutrien Ag Solutions, represented

by Merchandise Manager Scott Sedgwick (left) and received by Bill Hollingworth, on behalf of award recipient James Kernaghan.

Jenny and Jeff Loton, •Plantation Logging,

with their award for Outstanding Harvesting Contractor, sponsored by Tyrepower.

Onetrak Regional •Manager Hendrik Visser

congratulating PF Olsen Senior Forester Anthony Wise for his award.

The award for Outstanding Haulage Contractor •went to Bluewood Industries, pictured after the event receiving their award are General Manager Rich Shirley (left), Sharon Raynor and award sponsor, Great Southern Fuel Supplies Sales Specialist Trevor Hood.

Forest Industries Federation of WA (FIFWA) Safety, •Health & Training Project Officer Graham Wimsett and

Leschenault Timber Industry Club member Lynne Davis enjoying the Timber 2020 celebrations on Saturday night.

Forest Products Commission Forest Assets Manager •David Guille (left) presented the award for Outstanding Innovator to Darryl Outhwaite.

Private forestry growers Mike and Michele Rautenbach •receiving their award for Outstanding Forest Grower, as presented by Great Southern Development Commission Director Regional Development, Jarrad Gardner.

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Hounsfield, All Forestry Services, received •theNeil award for Outstanding Silviculture Contractor, presented by AFGRI Equipment Construction and Forestry Sales Representative Paul Casagrande.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

Private forestry •growers Mike and

Michele Rautenbach

Australian Bluegum Plantations •Silviculture Manager Murray

Anning (left) and Forest Products Commission Forest Assets Manager David Guille . www.timberbiz.com.au

Research Looking Back 2019 THE Victorian native forestry industry is backing a proposed Legislative Council inquiry into the Andrews Government decision to shut down the native forestry industry by 2030.

The announcement was made at a rally by around 300 forestry workers and supporters outside Parliament House where Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien reaffirmed that if elected at the next State election in 2022 he will reverse the decision.

Only a member of the Victoria’s upper house can initiate an inquiry of this kind and so it will fall upon David Davis, the leader of the opposition in the upper house to start the ball rolling.

2015

• The factory fitted Coppice Spray System in action on an 855E DT2003 Feller Buncher in WA.

Tigercat meets herbicide challenge

Spray system computer controlled and in one complete unit

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IGERCAT was challenged with factory fitting an integrated herbicide application system that would not adversely affect the normal productivity on their market leading 855E DT2003 Feller Buncher.

The system was first locally developed in Australia by Tigercat and Onetrak with valuable input and knowledge from local customers.

The result is now a fully factory fitted Coppice Spray System (or Herbicide Spraying System) using premium components for long-term reliability and efficiency.

The first factory fitted system on an 855E DT2003 Feller Buncher was recently tested in-field and showcased to forestry contractors on a blue gum clear fell operation site in Western Australia.

The machine was tested by LV Dohnt in Albany WA. LV Dohnt’s operator Loui noted that the cab was comfortable, he had more view from the latest E series cab than the 855D that he currently operates, he liked the rear camera and found the machine very smooth.

Loui also liked that the machine’s multi-functioning as he was able to run all funcwww.timberbiz.com.au

tions at once on this unit a little better compared to the 855D. Another advantage noted

by Loui was that the machine and spray system is computer controlled and it is one complete unit.

The customers that attended the demonstration were impressed with the neat fitment of the components of the spray system and how it integrated with the machine.

The fact that you can adjust the timing and volume of the system by simply adjusting it on the screen in the cab is a very good feature that the customers found very innovative and easy to use.

Further to that the customers commented on the coverage achieved by the machine on the stumps, as the forest companies have a KPI of coverage that have to be achieved and the machine was well able to achieve these KPIs. The application spray is easily adjustable on the touch-screen computer system in the cab so the opera-

tor can monitor and change the spray volume and duration to get an effective and even spray pattern using the unique through the blade spray system technology.

The delivery system aims to minimise spillage and wastage all while providing the perfect volume of herbicide for an efficient application during the normal cutting cycle with little effect on productivity.

The well-proven Tigercat 855E DT2003 features the Tigercat FPT N67 Engine emissions compliant clean powerful and efficient. The patented and world-leading ER boom technology improves fuel efficiency, reduces operator fatigue and increases productivity. Along with a comfortable ergonomic cab design and with excellent all-round visibility and automotive style finish the full-length front window and additional floor windows for clear sight-line to the tracks makes manoeuvrability a breeze.

Tigercat Feller Bunchers offer superior build quality, greater hydraulic efficiency, market-leading cooling, better operator ergonomics and easier access to components

and daily service points than competing branded machines. The result is greater uptime and higher productivity which are essential in time sensitive forest harvesting projects.

Tigercat Industries along with Onetrak can play a vital role in felling, bunching and stump spraying application in plantation eucalyptus harvesting.

The Tigercat 855E with DT2003 shear felling head and stump spraying unit is a game breaker in this growing application.

It is a great example of Tigercat’s ongoing dedication and commitment to develop and manufacture forestry equipment designed to provide the lowest cost per tonne harvesting solutions.

As a customer driven company with strong engineering capabilities, Tigercat thrives on the design and continuous improvement of forestry and off road machinery – this is another testament to Tigercat always listening to their customers around the globe and implementing ideas and solutions specifically designed to local requirements.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

THE HARVEST of plantations in Byfield – after tropical cyclone Marcia damaged or destroyed up to 80% of HQPlantations’ estate there – is now in full swing and expected to continue over the next 12 months. The operation will involve the sale of up to a million tonnes of logs and woodchip into regional domestic markets, and export markets through the Port of Gladstone.

The short timeframe for the operation represents a logistics challenge, however it is necessary to achieve maximum value from the plantations as well as reducing fuel loads and fire risk to local communities.

Since the operation commenced in May, about 250,000 tonnes of logs have been harvested and transported to Gladstone for export as sawlog and woodchips.

2010 VICFORESTS HAS developed a DVD emphasising the need to make safety the number one priority when undertaking harvesting and haulage operations.

Bill Paul, VicForests’ Manager, Safety & Risk, said the DVD highlighted the processes and systems in place to protect staff and contractors.

“VicForests has introduced a target of ‘zero harm’ for all contractors, visitors and staff members on our sites,” Bill said.

“This goal can only be achieved through a partnership between VicForests’ staff and our contractors to ensure safety risks are minimised.”

23

Training Nunn named Australia’s VET trainer of the year TAFE Gippsland Timber Training Unit manager, Kevin Nunn, is now Australia’s VET Teacher/ Trainer of the Year.

The Bairnsdale-based teacher was announced as the winner of the VET Teacher/ Trainer of the Year category in the 2020 Australian Training Awards, having secured the title of Victorian Teacher/Trainer of the Year earlier in the year.

Kevin was one of seven nominees from Australian states and territories in his category.

Winners of the 17 Australian Training Award categories were announced via a virtual event, in lieu of the customary award night, due to coronavirus restrictions across the country.

TAFE Gippsland’s Chief Executive, Mr Grant Radford, said Kevin’s win was greeted enthusiastically by Kevin’s many colleagues and friends assembled in Bairnsdale for the evening announcement.

“We know Kevin was a deserving and worthy winner of the Victorian Teacher/Trainer of the Year award, and to go one better at the Australian Training Awards in 2020 is just a fantastic achievement,” Mr Radford said.

“On behalf of the Board and all the staff at TAFE Gippsland, we are absolutely delighted, we’re proud and we warmly congratulate him on winning this national award.

“Not only is it further recognition of his professionalism and standing as a vocational trainer within TAFE Gippsland, but also as a leader in the local East Gippsland community recovery efforts following the summer fires.”

In winning the prestigious national award, Kevin Nunn again paid tribute to his family, work colleagues and industry partners.

“Winning the Victorian award was a significant reward for me, but in fact, it’s always a real team effort; I work with so many talented people inside and outside TAFE Gippsland and in the forestry management community,” he said.

“Thank you again to the people who put me forward for these awards, and again, I am really pleased that the work we do in training young people to keep our community safe and in managing the local forests efficiently, has been highlighted and recognised.”

The Australian VET Teacher/ Trainer of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by a vocational education and training (VET) teacher/trainer, providing nationally recognised training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO. 24

One Forty One Human Resources Manager Jenny van Workum talking drones with Chris Ensor, left, and Christoph Riedel, •Richmond, New Zealand

OFO developing strategies for jobs into the future I

T is difficult to predict the skills that will be needed for the forestry industry of the future.

Trees planted today won’t be harvested for two or three decades and we can’t be certain how science and technology developments will influence the types of jobs we will need in the forest and the sawmill.

However, one thing will remain unchanged; the importance of engaging with young people now and showing them the wealth of opportunities that are available in the industry.

OneFortyOne New Zealand employs almost 110 people in Nelson Tasman and Marlborough and also supports a contractor and supplier network of 300 people.

Finding the right people to support our operations now and into the future is critical.

“When people consider forest industries they often think about people in the forest cutting down trees,” says Jenny van Workum, OneFortyOne New Zealand Human Resources Manager.

“The sector is actually really diverse. Within forestry companies like ours we employ a wide variety of people for a range of roles such as, marketing, sales, human resources, IT, environment, silviculture, engineering, science, legal, health and safety, and supply chain. We also have harvest planners and operations people that look after the planting and management side of the business.

“Owning a sawmill means we also have saw doctors,

integral part of the work that we do. This means that there is an increasing demand for people that have technology skills. Regardless of technological advances, interacting with people will always be needed and important.”

“What we look for genelectricians, engineers, erally is people that are automation and optimisation interested in the industry, technicians, and mechanics. are approachable, have a Within the wider industry good attitude, want to learn, we also have truck drivers, and are willing to turn their inventory people, dispatch… hand to a variety of tasks so there are a huge variety of and learn different things. In order to continue to improve jobs and opportunities.”

Even the way that we plant we need people that are not and harvest trees is not how afraid to be innovative and many people might imagine. speak up if they think some“It’s not people behind thing could be done better or

“What we look for generally is people that are interested in the industry, are approachable, have a good attitude…” chainsaws these days, it’s people working in, and operating a machine,” Jenny said.

“And that’s only one sector of our forest operation. In Australia we are using drones to monitor fire risk and weed management. In the future we will need people who have the skills to operate sophisticated technology that hasn’t even been developed yet.

“As technology advances, people directly dealing with drones and machinery, or people interpreting the data that we’re receiving back from those machines, are becoming a more and more

differently. We want people that can engage with others to make things happen and to get things done. We are looking for people that are passionate about the industry, want to learn more, and want to see working with us as a career and an opportunity to develop.”

OneFortyOne New Zealand is very focused on continuous improvement, encouraging ideas to be put forward so it can think about different ways of doing things.

“We’re looking for people that are willing to put their hands up and ask questions,”

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

says Jenny. “Diversity is very important to us in lots of different ways – whether that’s indicated by our people’s heritage, experience, age and gender. It’s very important to us that our business reflects the communities in which we work,” Jenny said.

There are several avenues available to young people wanting to join forestry including tertiary degrees – Forestry Engineering and Forestry Science, apprenticeships, scholarships, graduate roles in business and forestry fields, on-the-job unit standard training, working in a harvesting crew and seasonal planting opportunities.

As someone who has taken a degree pathway into the industry supported by a multi-year scholarship from OneFortyOne New Zealand, which included work placements during his studies, Christoph Reidel is well placed to provide a perspective on the roadblocks for the industry when it comes to attracting young people.

“A glaring issue facing this industry is its ageing workforce,” says Christoph. “This is not limited to any particular aspect of forestry and is also an issue facing other industries both within New Zealand and across the globe.

“I think the biggest barriers to young people entering the industry are a negative perception of the industry (particularly the perception held by their parents), and the lack of knowledge surrounding our work and the opportunities available within the industry.” www.timberbiz.com.au

Firefighting

New dual role for forwarders P

ONSSE is introducing firefighting equipment to be installed in the load spaces of forwarders for extinguishing bushfires.

“Forest machine is the most natural and effective way to access a forest fire area. Operations in difficult terrain come as second nature to them, and they have more than enough capacity in their hydraulic system for demanding conditions”, says Juha Haverinen, Ponsse´s product manager of forwarders. “ When the rescue authorities asked us if we were willing to develop this product together, we were ready right from the beginning, because rescue professionals and our customers had a clear demand for firefighting equipment”, Juha said.

The firefighting equipment is available for PONSSE Buffalo and PONSSE Elephant forwarders. The minimum loader requirement is PONSSE K90+.

The firefighting equipment is delivered to the fire location as a single package – and

after it has been connected to forest machine hydraulics, the equipment is ready to operate.

The 10 m3 water tank of the firefighting equipment can be filled with its own pump from a natural water source or the tank of a fire truck. The water cannon has a range of 47 metres and a turning radius of 360 degrees.

An economical solution – the forwarder can be engaged in productive forest operations when the firefighting equipment is not needed.

The water tank withstands the use of various chemicals mixed with water, as well as seawater. It is also light enough to be lifted into the machine load space.

The powerful pump can fill the water tank from a natural water source or the tank of a fire truck.

The wireless remote controller can adjust the water

• The firefighting system in action. spray direction vertically and horizontally, as well as the spray pattern.

The local rescue department is responsible for

Promoting your products through webinars and podcasts While CORONA-19 has closed many workplaces and face-to-face communications, it’s also opened new channels for Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) to reach to development, design and construction professionals who specify wood and wood products.

The first five WoodSolutions weekly webinars have reached more than 2000 people, while the podcasts have had 17,000+ listeners.

With local and international speakers, Q&A sessions and topics ranging from costing and engineering to project design, the webinars and podcasts are a cost-effective way to reach key audiences.

Watch or listen today at woodsolutions.com.au.

planning firefighting activities. A properly trained rescue employee is responsible for the safety of firefighting. Rescue personnel

operate the firefighting equipment and guide the forest machine operator’s actions when putting out fires.

Chippers

Chipper designed with biomass in mind M ICHIGAN-based Morbark has been innovating and manufacturing durable, high-performance equipment for more than 60 years.

Morbark’s family of companies and equipment helps customers to process and convert waste wood and other organic materials into sellable end products.

Morbark is a leader in the biomass market, building Industrial Drum Chippers, Chiparvestors, Flails and Brush Chippers, as well as Tub Grinders and Horizontal Grinders.

Morbark offers a full line of whole tree Drum and Disc Chippers in a range of sizes and in several configurations – with cab and loader (WCL)

26

or no cab and loader (NCL), on tracks or wheels, diesel or electric powered. Add to these choices to a wide variety of available options and the flexibility to customize, Morbark offers the perfect chipper for Customers particular needs. With their rigid structural frame and powerful internal-drive, single-feed-wheel infeed system, Morbark chippers are the best on the market.

They can chip anything from small, unmerchantable material to whole trees giving Customers access to more markets – and higher profits.

These are just some of the

• The Morebark 5048 chipper. reasons that Morbark is the largest and most respected name in chipping.

The Morbark 40/36 Whole Tree Drum Chipper is a compact and productive drum chipper designed with the biomass industry in mind.

Equipped with the same internal drive perfected on Morbark Wood Hog horizontal grinders, along with an extra wide feed opening, the 40/36 aggressively feeds brushy tops and limbs, quickly and effortlessly filling a trailer to maximum legal load capacity. Morbark’s Advantage 3 Drum produces more consistent chips, while

the heat-treated, AR-450 steel drum skin provides longer wear life for lower replacement costs and less downtime. The feed system is more efficient due to a staggered knife configuration and contains fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance.

With low fuel consumption per ton produced, this unit is economical.

The Morbark 50/48 whole tree wood chipper is the largest, most productive drum chipper on the market. The 50/48X was updated to a similar design layout as Morbark’s other industry-leading industrial drum chippers with a

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

sloped infeed, externally adjustable anvil and large work platforms for easy access for routine maintenance. The reverse pivot yoke produces more down pressure than the conventional style yoke for aggressive feeding of a variety of material. Again fitted with Morbark’s Advantage 3 Drum produces more consistent chips, while the heattreated, AR-450 steel drum skin provides longer wear life for lower replacement costs and less downtime. The Advantage 3 drum assembly can come as 10-knives for fuel chip or 20-knives for micro-chip applications.”

www.timberbiz.com.au

Mills •

Wamuran’s Geoff Cavanagh.

Wamuran Mill demanding a lot from machinery W A M U R A N , in south-east Queensland, is home to a family-owned and operated hardwood timber mill, Wamuran Timbers.

Operating since 1987, the business harvests and processes local forestry timber, supplying a network of clients in the building and construction, timber and hardware and manufacturing industries.

With orders to fill and deadlines to meet, Wamuran Timbers needs equipment it can depend on and, if something goes wrong, service it can rely on.

“We ask a lot from our machines – it’s tough, demanding work,” said Geoff Cavanagh, owner of Wamuran Timbers. “The SDLG LG946L wheel loader is our primary loader and it runs all day every day. It’s constantly unloading trucks and loading chip and sawdust onto trucks – that’s its primary application.”

The 12.7 tonne wheel loader is powered by a high torque, high performance and fuel efficient Weichai Deutz engine. It’s equipped with a smooth powershift transmission, making it the ideal utility machine. It has a robust structure and has been rigorously tested www.timberbiz.com.au

to ensure reliability in the toughest conditions.

“What we love about the SDLG LG946L wheel loader is its versatility. In addition to the loading and unloading, we use it to shift logs around the mill and feed the log deck of the mill. It’s great to have a machine – one with exceptional lifting capacity – that’s capable of fulfilling multiple requirements we have in our operation,” said Cavanagh.

The introduction of the LG946L wheel loader into Wamuran Timbers’ operation has been seamless and, thanks to a number of innovations, has helped improve productivity.

“For us, one of the SDLG loader’s biggest selling points was the quick hitch mechanism, which meant it was already compatible with the Volvo loader attachments we already have. We often have to change between fork and bucket attachments and the fact that it’s easy and fast means we’re not wasting time fiddling around with it. Ultimately, it means less downtime and greater productivity,” said Cavanagh.

Wamuran Timbers has a long record of providing high quality products and exceptional service to its clients and it seeks out part-

ners that share those same values.

“As a Volvo owned company, we know we’re teaming up with a reliable partner that has the runs on the board,” said Cavanagh. It’s a relationship that doesn’t end at the point of sale. Working in a high demand and high-pressure environment, Wamuran Timbers needs to

know it has the support it requires not just when things are going well, but also when things are tough.

“This is our first purchase from CJD Equipment. Their pricing was competitive and, now that we’re onboard, we’ve found the staff and service techs very professional and always ready to help.

“This SDLG loader has been a very good asset in the business and we couldn’t be happier.. We’ll definitely be turning to CJD again when it comes time to purchase more equipment – we look for ward to continuing to partner with them into the future,” said Cavanagh.

• The SDLG LG946L wheel loader in action at the Wamuran mill.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

27

Mill Profile

Gallery to restaurant to saw mill Mixed bag a symbol of Mason’s success Keith Smiley

M

• Carabooda Sawmillers Mason Clarke

Share your expertise with the industry ForestWorks will shortly commence three new skills standards projects: • Career paths to attract people to our industry • Developing our experienced workers and managers • Safety mindsets in remote operations

To register your interest or for more information contact forestworks@forestworks.com.au or 03 9321 3500.

28

ASON Clarke makes no apology about succeeding: out of necessity, he has built a sawmilling business from scratch, fresh from the UK, where he worked as a renovator of fine homes.

Attracted by Western Australia’s warm climate and a surfeit of hard wood, and in his early twenties, Mason began to map out his future, initially working for four years at a children’s play centre which ‘drove him crazy’.

“I discovered Carabooda, north of Perth, which looked like an ideal area for its galleries and wineries. I bought ten acres and opened a gallery which has since turned into a South African restaurant.

I built a shed on the back of the restaurant and began to mill and make furniture,” said Mason, with a lilt in his voice.

In the shed he could fashion timber the way he wanted. He later divided his enterprise between furniture-making, saw milling and kiln drying. Mason works his Woodmizer while his business partner, Dazzy, makes beautiful furniture. Splitting responsibilities meant they could meet the needs of restaurants, bars, cafes, residences, BBQs and outdoor orders, alongside their sawmilling operation.

Carabooda mills for the mining industry ‘anywhere in Australia’ because they are ‘niche millers’, according to Mason. Recently they received an order from Austrak of 12,000 triangular-shaped gluts, made to order. Austrak is a world beater in sleeper design, making concrete sleepers for Rio Tinto which is laying 150 kilometres of rail lines, requiring 200,000 sleepers and gluts made by Carabooda.

“It takes a change of circumstances to create new opportunities in life, and while I’m an entrepreneur, I still work hard.

We are niche manufacturers but we get our hands dirty,” say Mason, who at 53, is still driven by the will to succeed. He is willing to talk to anyone about his craft, especially architects looking for a one-off, like a huge beam of any shape. Mason gives a thumbs up to most requests.

“The dollar speaks loudly but after 20 years I still enjoy cutting a log. You see the grain in the slab and in five years, someone will own this; and their kids will want it when their parents die.

It’s a legacy.

“It is satisfying to win the next order because the older we get, the more financially secure we want to be,” Mason said.

Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

Although he is aware of his competitors, Mason also believes he cannot afford to ‘mess up a job’, especially with mining companies who can quickly set up and dismantle their operations.

Workshop managers talk among themselves and a good reputation may be his next meal ticket.

For a self-declared shy man, he shows a high degree of enthusiasm for everything he does.

‘Wood people are grumpy and cantankerous’, he says. Mason has to ‘gee himself up to get others to open up’, unless, he confesses, he’s having a ‘glass or two of wine’.

Future plans might include a timber flooring machine to complement their Woodmizer saws, and the air drying kiln, currently drying 500 cubic metres of jarra, tuart, marri, blackbutt and blue gum. They source most of their logs from south west of Perth near Williams, close to Jarra

Carabooda Sawmillers Mason •Clarke Forest. Tuart is a multi-grained and colourful blonde hardwood which grows only in this area, favoured for table and bench tops.

The tuart is similar to an English oak tree.

Carabooda Saw Milling supports charities, men’s sheds, and is involved in schools programs, teaching children how to operate a saw mill. “They get an understanding of where wood comes from; feel inspired and go away wanting to build things.” While they might be future customers there is more than a hint of commitment and benevolence about Mason.

With a family-oriented wife and three children, one a chef, another at uni and a daughter who is a dancer – as well as a thriving business – Mason Clarke considers himself a fortunate man. He is into motor bikes, loves scuba diving, and is a prolific reader of books. www.timberbiz.com.au

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

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Australian Forests & Timber News December 2020

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