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ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13 | PAGe 1
Human resource key to survival of forests
THIS ISSUe • ‘Green shoots’ of building recovery • sawmill closes after 90 years of operation
PEFC assembly in KL: stakeholders must give a voice to those who are rarely heard
chairman William Street said at the organisation’s 18th general assembly and stakeholder dialogue in Kuala Lumpur. “If the people who work in and depend on the forests
THE well-being of the people who own, live in and depend on forests was the single most important criteria to determine if a forest was being sustainably managed, PEFC International
nZ call: solve the forest safety crisis! • Germany seizes eU-bound Congo logs • FwPA sets strategic direction on economics • new generation of designers chooses wood
cannot survive, then the forests themselves will perish,” Mr Street said. The event last month was Cont Page 3
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industry news
Germany seizes Congo logs in the biggest ever EU ‘sting’
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Illegal trading by Lebanese company GERMAN authorities have seized two batches of illegal timber exported from the Congo in central Africa, the strongest case of enforcement of an EU law banning the trade in illegally sourced timber which took effect in March last year. Paradoxically, the large German-owned Congolese Wood Industries, which so far has escaped prosecution by the EU regulations, has been accused of logging virgin forests in the Congo’s northern region. The illegal wood was found at a processing factory in the EU, run by the controversial Swiss timber group Danzer. The seized timber is wenge (Millettia laurentii), an endangered wet tropics tree species; it was logged by Lebanese-owned Bakri Bois Corporation. The logs were taken to the Belgian port of Antwerp in April for Swissbased timber trader Bois d’Afrique Mondiale and were eventually placed on the EU market by three German timber companies. The timber was logged under an illegal concession contract, according to a government-approved report by independent Congolese forest observer Resource Extraction Monitoring. A joint field mission by Greenpeace Africa, Global Witness and local NGOs confirmed these independent
Suspicious .. Congo logs ready for shipment to European processors.
reports and found other cases of irregularities. The Congolese government, under economic reform pressure, has liquidated its logging concerns, floated shares and allowed private firms to move in. The government’s withdrawal from the timber industry has hamstrung its monitoring capacity. Forests cover 20 million ha or 60% of the Congo. Forests in the south stretch over 4 million ha of the Chaillu and Mayonbe
mounains, while 16 million ha of the northern Congo is dense woodlands, some of it virgin jungle. Southern forest, easily accessible to the country’s main population centres, has been depleted. The north, where foreign concessionaires operate, remains rich in redwoods like the much-coveted sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) and sipo (Entandrophragma utile). Okoume (Aucoumea klaineana), and sapele timbers make up 60% of the Congo’s wood exports. More than 80% of wood production is carried out by about 40 foreign logging companies; the largest of these is Congolese Wood Industries, based in Ndoki, the heart of the equatorial forest where it fells 200,000 cub of wood each year. “The most troubling point is that the new logging is not concentrated in the southern region, which is easily accessible and has long been exploited, but new areas of untouched forest in the northern region,” a trade observer said. “The largest firm, Congolese Wood Industries, has led the devastating invasion in a shroud of secrecy. The Congo government is keeping quiet about these latest logging activities.”
Sawmill closes after nearly 90 years of operation ABN: 58 006 212 693
PAgE 2 | issuE 298 | 02.12.13
BROOWEENA sawmill near Maryborough in Queensland, owned by Gympie-based Robertson Brothers, closed last week, after nearly 90 years of operation. The closure, following a Workplace Health and Safety notice, leaves the tiny township without its biggest employer.
The prohibitive cost of installing the safety upgrades necessary resulted in the decision to close the doors on the mill and the 15 people employed there. Robertson Bros Sawmills Pty Ltd has owned the Brooweena mill for about 20 years. Graeme Roberston said while the closure would have some
impact on the overall running of the company, it would not directly affect the Gympie mill “at this stage”. A spokesman said Workplace Health and Safety had deemed some of the Brooweena mill’s equipment did not meet safety requirements to operate.
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industry news
Asia can unlock the trade in sustainable forest products
From Page 1
opened by Malaysia’s Minister of Plantations and Commodities Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at a ceremony attended by more than 300 delegates representing 47 member countries of PEFC. Mr Street reminded delegates of the importance of the economic and social dimensions of sustainable forest management. “We believe that both poverty and profit seeking endangers natural and human resources,” he said. “The poor need to sacrifice the forest in order to survive. Any forest management plan that ignores this reality is doomed to fail. “Likewise we recognise the difference between povertydriven deforestation and profitdriven deforestation. “Forest land use decisions are subject to the demands of the market and of the profits derived from markets. But this cannot be the only driver or the sole determinant of how we manage our forests. “The way forward is to find a balance point between making a sustainable economic contribution to society and
Welcome .. Malaysia’s Minister of Plantations and Commodities Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas opens the PEFC general assembly in Kuala Lumpur.
no economic contribution to society. If forests cannot make a substantial economic contribution to society, they will be replaced by palm oil plantations, soybean fields, cattle pastures, golf courses, and destination resorts.” Mr Street said PEFC’s unique, inclusive bottom-up approach was well-suited to balancing the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability. “We believe that the best way to achieve these goals is through an inclusive process that recognises that there is no single way forward for every forest type. “We believe there is not even a best way applicable to all forests,
but rather that the process of bottom up, stakeholder involvement that gives voice to those who rarely have an opportunity to be heard is the only way forward. “Smallholders, native and indigenous populations, workers, women, minorities, as well as Fortune 500 multi-nation corporations and government land owners must all have a seat at the table where the decisions are made as to how to manage a specific forest.” PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), recognising that Asia holds the key to unlocking the production and trade of sustainable forest products, selected Malaysia as the venue
for its general assembly. “With more than 300,000 people working in the timber industry in Malaysia, the social dimensions of sustainability are critically important to the rural development of Malaysia,” William Street said. “The Malaysian Timber Certification Council, as the first forest certification system globally that integrated social requirements in chain of custody certification, protecting worker’s rights along the entire supply chain, plays an important role in advancing the livelihoods of these people. “The Malaysian standard sets an example for appropriately balancing the different stakeholder needs and expectations in maintaining and advancing the forest resources, and serves as a model for other countries across Asia.” Mr Street said PEFC looked forward to continuing its work with Malaysia, members in China and Indonesia, and interested stakeholders in countries such as India, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to develop and promote forest certification in their respective countries and advance the sustainable forest management agenda.
TIMBER JOBS FOR QUEENSLAND WHAT CAN YOU DO? Queensland Timber Workers Support Foundation’s mission is to secure a future for timber workers. Help support your industry by making an annual $20 donation to QTWSF for activities that will protect your job and provide better opportunities. Benefit from: n Training scholarships n “Buy QLD timber” promotion n Community events n Educational resources n Government relations n Charitable support
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sign up now issue 298 | 02.12.13 | Page 3
industry news
‘Green shoots’ of a broad building recovery may be around the corner LATEST ABS figures will add to the optimism that ‘green shoots’ of a broad building industry recovery may be around the corner. Australian Bureau of Statistics construction work data for the September quarter paints a positive overall picture for the building and construction industry, with a rebound in engineering construction driving the unexpected result. The value of work done in new residential building was also up by 1% seasonally adjusted (current prices) and this upward trend is expected to continue into the future. Non-residential building was also up by 3.9% seasonally adjusted – a welcome reversal in the poor trading conditions experienced by this sector for the past 12 months or more.
Optrimism .. ABS figures point to a positive overall picture for the building and construction industries.
“Master Builders expects that continuing low rates and the return of business confidence should underpin a strengthening positive outlook for the building industry,” CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said. The Housing Industry
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Association says ABS population projections imply strong demographic demand for housing will continue to be a feature of the Australian economy. “Access to appropriate and affordable housing is a very important factor in maintaining the standard of living expected by the community,” HIA economist Geordan Murray said. “Throughout the last decade, housing supply policy has not been given the priority deserving of issues that play such an important role in our economy and in the welfare of the community. “The ABS projections send a clear message to policy makers around the country. Ensuring that the supply of new housing can meet the needs of a growing population is an urgent and ever-present policy priority.” Even the lowest projections show Australia’s population nearing 26 million by 2020 and 29 million by 2030. “Housing these people will require a considerably higher
average build rate than what has occurred over the last 20 years and that won’t happen without a concerted and cooperative focus on policy reform,” Mr Murray added. The good news on housing affordability continued in the September quarter with improvements driven by further interest rate reductions. The HIA-Commonwealth Bank Housing Affordability Index increased by 3.2% in the September 2013 quarter to a level of 75.1. The aggregate capital city affordability index increased by 2.6% over the same period to reach 72.2, a level that is 15.2% higher than in the September 2012 quarter. The increases were stronger across regional Australia, with the affordability index rising by 3.4% over the quarter to reach 78.2. This level is 17.4% higher than in the same quarter in 2012. “Despite widely-publicised dwelling price increases in some markets in recent months, affordability has continued to improve as a result of reduced interest rates,” HIA senior economist Shane Garrett said. “Since late 2011, the RBA has cut rates by a total of 225 basis points, including reductions in both May and August of this year. As a result, the discounted variable interest rate for mortgages has declined from 7.05% to 5.18% over the same period. “Affordability has been further enhanced by continued increases in weekly earnings over the past year.”
Continuing low rates and the return of business confidence should underpin a strengthening positive outlook for the building industry’ – wilhelm Harnisch Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
eVeNTS
wHAt’s On?
DeCeMBeR
MARCH 2014
5: release of the Queensland Goverment’s response to Forest and Timber Industry Plan.
19: Forestwood 2014. Politics, Policies and Business Impacts. Pan-industry conference jointly hosted by Forest Owners Association, Wood Processors Association, Pine Manufacturers Association, Forest Industry Contractors Association, and supported by Woodco, NZ Farm Forestry Association and the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington. Registration opens October 2013. Contact conference organisers Paardekooper and Associates on +64 4 562 8259 or email info@forestwood.org.nz Visit www.forestwood.org.nz
Venue: Salisbury Research Station, 50 Evans Road, Salisbury, Brisbane. 9: Timber Industry and Variety Queensland Bush Bash and sponsor appreciation luncheon. Starting at 12 noon. Vagelis Restaurant, Shop 2, 30 Racecourse Road, Hamilton (cnr Rossiter Parade). Hosted by Brisbane HooHoo Timber Industry Club 218. RSVP by December 6, 2013 to Tim Evans on 0417 726 741. Email: t-vans@bigpond.net au or Jim Bowden on 0401 312 087. Email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
FeBruAry 2014
MAY 2014
17-21: Gottstein wood science Course, Melbourne. Inquiries to Dr Silvia Pongracic (Gottstein Trust), 0418 764 954 or secretary@ gottsteintrust.org or www. gottsteintrust.org
9: Frame Australia, Park Hyatt Melbourne. National one-day event for engineered timber and building pre-fabrication and the only event for the complete supply chain with a unique forum on
markets, products and systems for timber and wood used in the detached housing and multiresidential dwelling markets. Conference – Prefab Timber and Engineered Wood in Building Construction – covers timber and engineered wood developments, manufacture and supply of prefab truss and frame, and panelised buildings. Reduced registration and sponsorship costs. Updated proposals on www.frameaustralia. com Contact: Kevin Ezard on (03) 9537 3800 or 0419 538 638 email kevin@frameaustralia.com
Australia’s forest, wood, pulp and paper products industry now has a stronger voice in dealings with government, the community and in key negotiations on the industry’s future, as two peak associations have merged to form a single national association.
AUGUST 2014 6-9: AwisA 2014 exhibition. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The AustralianWoodworking Industry Suppliers Association Ltd has decided that the exhibition will move from Sydney to Brisbane next year. Inquiries about booking space: email info@awisa.com or call Geoff Holland. Tel: (02) 9918 3661. Fax: (02) 9918 7764. Mob: 0412 361 580 Email: info@awisa.com
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has been formed through the merger of the Australian Plantations Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI).
$100m forest peace deal commitment priority: Giddings FEDERAL support for the pulp mill is welcome, but delivering the outstanding $100 million forest peace deal money is a more pressing concern for Tasmania, Premier Lara Giddings has said. Ms Giddings said federal assistant minister for regional development Jamie Briggs’s statement that the government was looking at options to help “de-risk’’ the $2.5 million stalled project was “premature’’. ``While the state government
remains hopeful that a pulp mill project will be realised, the fact is that the project is currently going through an expression of interest process and does not have a proponent at this point, therefore it is somewhat premature to be speculating about what may or may not eventuate,’’ she said. The Gunns site and proposal has been put up for expressions of interest by receivers KordaMentha and has reportedly attracted serious
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interest from US and European corporations. Tasmanian Opposition Leader Will Hodgman said he had discussed the option of federal support for the pulp mill with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, but did not think Tasmanian taxpayer dollars should prop it up. ``I think we need to exhaust all avenues before we slam the door shut on this project forever,’’ Mr Hodgman said.
AFPA was established to cover all aspects of Australia’s forest industry: - Forest growing; - Harvest and haulage; - Sawmilling and other wood processing; - Pulp and paper processing; and - Forest product exporting. For more information on the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) or to enquire about membership , please call (02) 6285 3833.
ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13 | PAGe 5
PeFC GenerAL AsseMBLy KuALA LuMPur
Malaysia committed to economics of sustainable forest management MALAYSIA was committed to manage its forests in a sustainable manner to take full benefits of the environmental, social and economic benefits they provided, the Minister for Plantation Industries Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said at the opening of the PEFC’s general Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. “While lack of financial resources, institutional capacity and human resources often hampers the implementation of good practices in the forests, Malaysia already pledged to keep at least 50% of its land area under forest cover at the Earth Summit in 1992, and in 1998 established the Malaysian Timber Certification Council to promote responsible forest management,” the minister said. “The Malaysian standard achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Asian national forest certification system to achieve international recognition by PEFC, and today one third of the permanent reserved forests in Malaysia is certified as sustainably managed.” Responsible forestry was the key to Malaysia’s future, he said. The timber industry was
PAgE 6 | issuE 298 | 02.12.13
Moderator of the PEFC stakeholder dialogue Michael Buckley of Turnstone Communcations, based in Singapore (second from left), with panellists Peter Finch, managing director, Segamat Boards Sdn Bhd, manufacturers of specialist MDF, Richard Lee of Regent Furniture, and Ernie Koh, executive director, Singapore Furniture Industries Council.
one of the major contributors of the country’s export earnings. In 2012, the sector generated almost 4.6 billion Euro of export earnings and contributed close to 2.9% of the country’s total merchandise exports. The long-term availability of timber from healthy forests is thus of strategic importance for Malaysia. With more than 300,000 people working in the industry, the social dimensions of sustainability are critically important to the rural development of Malaysia. The PEFC general assembly
PEFC general-secretary Ben Gunneberg addresses the stakeholder dialogue in Kuala Lumpur.
was part of the first-ever PEFC Forest Certification Week, which also featured the PEFC stakeholder dialogue on advancing sustainable timber supply chains in Asia. The overwhelming response brought together diverse stakeholders across the forest sector landscape to take stock and identify opportunities to catalyse uptake of sustainable practices within the Asian region. During the week, PEFC welcomed the European Timber Trade Federation and the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations as PEFC International stakeholder members. PEFC secretary-general Ben Gunneberg said the organisation was looking forward to enhanced opportunities for collaboration in a common effort to promote responsible forestry. Speaking after the event, Mr Gunneberg said the general assembly was a major tipping point in mainstreaming forest certification in Asia. Sponsors for the week were APP Timber, Bracelpa, Bureau Veritas, MTCC, MWV and Raft. Further information can be found at www.pefc.org
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internAtiOnAL FOCus
Quebec injects $430 million in ‘fresh start’ forestry programs QUEBEC, Canada’s largest province, has announced a series of measures that will inject $430 million into its forest industry. The total, which includes $100 million in new money, will attempt to stem the bleeding in a sector that has seen 30,000 jobs lost since 2008 – one-third of the entire workforce. Announcing the deal, Quebec Premier Pauline Marois promised a “fresh start,” for the industry, which covers 750,300 sq km of forests. “We don’t know all of the challenges that the future holds but we are launching a strong message, a new start for Quebec’s forest industry,” Ms Marois said. The money will be spent within seven years, including $320 million on modernising the forestry sector over the next three years. Another $50 million, to be spent between now and 2020, will go towards creating a program of residual forest biomass energy production aimed at reducing fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Another $27 million will be spent on sustainable development initiatives that the government believes could yield triple that amount in profits. Another $67 million will be spent over three years for various forestry management, clearing and reforestation projects. And $10 million will go to stimulating the development of private forests through a system of property tax reimbursements that could benefit 130,000 small producers. Richard Garneau, president and chief executive of Resolute Forest Products, a major employer in the region, said that the promises were significant and could restore investor confidence.
“This is an important step,” he said. “The government has decided that forestry brings economic development and jobs supporting jobs. I hope it will have a lasting impact on the perception that investors have about the Quebec forest industry.” Quebec Forest Industry Council chairman Michel Lessard said the forest industry was a leader in the green economy thanks to innovative businesses. “Our industry has been
Pauline Marois .. launching a strong message about forests.
developing new processes which, among other things, make it possible to use renewable materials to make products that can be substituted for products made using non-renewable resources,” he said. “We have also achieved considerable gains in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, more than 90% of public forest lands is now covered by environmental certification.”
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issue 298 | 02.12.13 | Page 7
eVeNTS
Timber merchants enjoy TABMA waterfront dinner MORE than 180 industry leaders, timber merchants and special guests joined in the fun of TABMA Queensland’s annual gala dinner overlooking Brisbane River at Moda Events Portside on November 23. One of the last premier events on the timber industry’s 2013
social calendar, the dinner attracted guests from three states. Queensland manager Alicia Oelkers joined with TABMA Australia executives from Sydney – Peter Hutchinson, president, and Colin Fitzpatrick, CEO – to welcome revellers.
Happy trio at the TABMA Queensland dinner .. Richard Workman, Versace Timbers, Matt Colley, Tilling Group, and Jacinta Colley, Simmonds Lumber
Preparing to kick up their heels at the TABMA Queensland dinner are state manager Alicia Oelkers with board members, from left, Mitch O’Mara, Tradeware Building Supplies, Roger Healy, Simmonds Lumber, Graham Leddy, Versace Timbers, Michael Gaske, Ozline Timbers, Brad Saunders, Parkside Timbers, Mal Goatham, Pacific Wood Products, and Danny Meredith, Lindsay Meyers.
Enjoying the fun at the TABMA Queensland dinner are Jacinta Colley, Simmonds Lumber, Jenni Day, Versace Timbers, and Alicia Oelkers, state manager.
Sponsorship Opportunity Frame Australia 2014 Conference and Exhibition Frame is the only national event for the complete supply chain of structural timber, engineered wood products and pre-fabricated frames for the detached housing and multi-residential dwelling markets, and embraces the key industry sectors from manufacturing through to building construction. Frame offers an exceptional opportunity to suppliers for access to target markets, and a Sponsorship Proposal is available at www.frameaustralia.com. For further information contact conference director Kevin Ezard: kevin@frameaustralia.com or phone (03) 9537 3800.
Prefab Timber and Engineered Wood in Building Construction PAGe 8 | ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13
2014 Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 email: cancon@bigpond.net.au
industry news
High-level reference group selected for economics program
FWPA sets strategic direction INDUSTRY service provider Forest and Wood Products Australia Ltd has selected a reference group to provide strategic direction to its new statistics and economics program. After a receiving nominations from across the forest and wood products sector, FWPA has selected candidates that have both senior experience and a passion for improving the information base available to the industry. The program has been established to improve the timeliness and accuracy of the information which is available to industry and other key stakeholders. After extensive consultation to identify industry concerns, the program is focused on improving the base line data in four key areas – information to support / improve commercial operations; information to support investment decisions; safety; and socio economic data. Progress is being made in expanding the data aggregation opportunities for the industry including expanding the coverage of the softwood timber survey and establishing a new hardwood timber survey. FWPA managing director Ric Sinclair expressed his thanks to senior members of the industry who contributed their time and effort. “It is very pleasing to have senior industry leaders from the growers, processors and
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Ric Sinclair .. improved decision making.
importers involved in reference group,” he said.
the
HEAD OFFICE Custom Publishing Group unit 2- 3986 Pacific Highway Loganholme 4129 Qld, Australia Address all correspondence to PO Box 330, Hamilton Central, Qld 4007
Mr Sinclair indicated that the reference group will provide valuable guidance on the dennis@industrye-news.com key statistics required for PUBLISHER improved decision making. In Dennis Macready addition, due to the range of dennis@industrye-news.com skills present, reference group members will also provide real operational perspectives on the specific data which needs to be gathered”. The reference group comprises: Islay Robertson, HQ Plantations (grower); Matt Crapp, NewForests (grower), Des Tolan Carter Holt Harvey (processor), Clinton Skeoch, Boral (processor), Shane Vicary, AKD (processor), Frank Moretti, Gunnersen (importer), Dean Henderson, Big River Group (processor), and Shawn Britton, Brittons Timbers (processor).
editOriAL inQuiries TeL: +61 32661429
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mAnAgIng EDITOR Jim Bowden Tel: +61 7 3266 1429 Mob: 0401 312 087 cancon@bigpond.net.au ADVERTISIng Tel: +61 7 3266 1429 cancon@bigpond.net.au
Opinions expressed on timber & Forestry e news are not necessarily the opinions of the editor, publisher or staff. we do not accept responsibility for any damage resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising. the Publisher is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims or damages resulting from content on this e news. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the Publisher- Custom Publishing Group.
issue 298 | 02.12.13 | Page 9
ISSUeS
solve the forest safety crisis!
Owners committed to independent inquiry FOREST owners in New Zealand are asking politicians, unionists and commentators to help them solve the industry’s safety crisis and to stop making political capital out of tragedy. “We are all agreed – inside and outside the industry – that the death and serious injury toll is unacceptable,” says Forest Owners president Paul Nicholls. “But there appears to be no willingness by our critics to engage with the facts and help us find solutions. Labour Minister Simon Bridges implies that we have all the answers. That’s going too far.” Mr Nicholls said FOA was rolling out a range of initiatives developed in consultation with growers, contractors, the ACC [Accident Compensation Corporation] and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. “We know that these, along with better enforcement by his ministry, will yield huge improvements – especially among those that operate on the fringe of the industry,” Mr Nicholls said “But serious harm accidents still occur in our best forests where harvesting teams are well-trained, experienced and
Forest safety .. industry rolling out a range of initiatives developed in consultation with growers and contractors.
Simon Bridges
Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls
‘there appears to be no willingness by our critics to engage with the facts and help us find solutions’ – Paul nicholls
The Victorian Association of Forest Industries congratulates the winners of the 2013 VAFI Sustainability Awards The peak body for the Victorian forest and wood products industry
Innovation Award Winner: Australian Paper
motivated. We don’t know why this is, which is why we are committed to having an independent expert inquiry. We need all aspects of our operations analysed to find out what we can do better.” Forest Owners health and safety chair Sheldon Drummond says Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly deserves praise for bringing the issue to public prominence, but criticises her for playing fast and loose with statistics to make her case. “Everyone has the right to return home safely to their families after work,” he said. “But when Ms Kelly states that the accident rate in NZ forests is several times higher than the UK and Australia, she unfairly exploits bereaved families, because it implies there are easy answers that forest owners and contractors have callously not adopted. “As Ms Kelly knows, the accident rate in NZ forests is almost identical to that in British Columbia, where the terrain is very similar to New Zealand. In Britain and Australia, the accident rate is about 10% lower than here – the result, we believe, of easier terrain.”
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Community Engagement Award Winners: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods and Ryan & McNulty Sawmillers
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Environmental Sustainability Award Winner: Fenning Bairnsdale Occupational Health and Safety Award Winners: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods and HVP Plantations
PAgE 10 | issuE 298 | 02.12.13
Skills and Training Award Winner: Ryan & McNulty Sawmillers
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enGineered wOOd
new generation of designers is reconsidering timber over steel Timber towers cast shadow over concrete option CONCRETE and steel enabled the advent of the skyscraper, and in just about a century they helped that form reach mountainous heights. But these materials have an environmental impact that can’t be ignored. That fact is driving a new generation of designers to reconsider wood. Concrete and steel production is responsible for about 8% of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide. The majority of both materials go to fuel the construction boom in China, which nearly doubled its use of steel in the last 10 years. Asia’s ongoing building boom is mostly in response to the extreme demand for housing
While the density of highrise living cuts down on transportation and energy emissions, the carbon content of concrete and steel somewhat tempers the savings. Looking at a California redwood, which can stand nearly 40 storeys tall, it is not hard to imagine a wood structure reaching such heights; and its carbon profile is not just less than competing materials, it is potentially carbon negative. Canadian firm Michael Green Architecture just broke ground on what, at seven storeys with plans to expand to 20, will be the tallest wood building in
Architects believe all wood interiors are more inviting than those in similar concrete and steel structures.
created by its growing and rapidly urbanising population. More than a billion people will move or be born into Asian cities in the next 20 years. Billions more are already homeless or living in slums.
extracts from an article by CHRIS BeNTLeY Mid-west editor Architects newspaper in new york
Cont Page 12
Don’t cut corners.
Stick to the facts FACT: All certified EWPAA structural plywood and Type A bond exterior plywood have an emission class of Super EO, EO and E1 certified under a JAS-ANZ accredited system. FACT: All certified EWPAA products have a durability guarantee and all EWPAA members carry liability insurance. FACT: All certified EWPAA products can gain extra Green Star rating points – one for low formaldehyde emissions (EO or E1) and one for Super EO in office fit out.
FACT: Not all imported non-certified LVL and plywood meet these requirements. In fact, laboratory tests show many imported non-compliant products are continuously failing Australian and New Zealand standards for emissions and bonding strength and are life threatening. FACT: Manufacturers, agents and suppliers trading in inferior, unlabelled and non-compliant plywood and LVL risk damage to their businesses and their reputation, media exposure and high penalties under law.
Don’t risk it. Specify EWPAA products stamped with the approved certification.
Be sure. Be safe.
Main picture: Karri Loop House, Margaret River, WA. Winner EWPAA Sanderson Trophy for MORQ Architects in the 2013 Australian Timber Design Awards
Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Plywood House, 3 Dunlop Street, 4006 Queensland Australia Tel: 61 7 3250 3700 Fax: 61 7 3252 4769 Email: inbox@ewp.asn.,au Web: www.ewp.asn.au
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ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13 | PAGe 11
enGineered wOOd
threat of climate change means wood high-rises are only choice Cont Page 11
North America. Designers in Europe and Australia have also gone above wood’s traditional three- or four-storey limits. When British architects Waugh Thistleton set out to build the Stadthaus building in the east London, they weren’t stacking two-by-fours. Apart from a reinforced concrete plinth and fibre-cement facade panels, the entire building is made from cross-laminated timber. Essentially huge wood sections that behave like shear walls, CLT panels were the first in a series of material advances that opened up design possibilities for tall timber. Manufacturers like KLH Massivholz in Austria, where 80% of CLT is still made, pile up sheets of wood at 90 deg. angels
and paste or glue them together into something resembling a jumbo piece of plywood. CLT is assembled in the factory, which cuts down on construction errors and time. The Graphite Apartments, a nine-storey mixed-use building, was built in just under a year— months less than expected. A layer of drywall over the thick CLT panels helped the structure earn a fire resistance rating between 60 and 90 minutes, passing code. Heavy timber and CLT timber actually have built-in fire protection; dense wood will burn slowly, charring instead of catching fire all at once. Part of bringing a wood building up to code is providing enough wood so that even after fire produces a ‘char layer’, there is still enough left to support the structure. Michael Green, Waugh
Thistleton, and several European firms who have proposed a 34-storey ‘ultramodern residential high-rise building’ for Stockholm are the face of the timber tower movement. But they recently added a company from the old guard of skyscraper design to their ranks – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). SOM’s report examined five schemes with varying amounts of timber, steel, and concrete, trying to replicate the landmark building’s structure. They focused on reducing the weight of the floors, where most of the material weight is contained. Wood high-rises already built in Europe use a lot of loadbearing walls to hold up the structure. But that would limit the building owner’s options for renters, Johnson said, as would the immovable columns placed
throughout. To make the Dewitt-Chestnut system work without drastically shrinking the floorplate or beefing up the structural system, SOM zeroed in on what engineers call the boundary condition – it’s a mathematical pressure point. To illustrate, Johnson built two stacks of tile samples and placed a ruler on top to span the distance between. He balanced a can of soda water on the ruler, the building’s floor in this example. The ruler bowed beneath its weight, but its edges also flared up, making a slight u-shape. But with a few more tiles placed on each stack to pin down the ruler, it held its shape. In his example, the ruler is a solid timber floor, while the tile stacks are reinforced concrete wall joints and beams.
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PAGe 12 | ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13
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reFLeCtiOns
From cedar log cutters to pretty meter maids
History of Surfers Paradise written on timber cut to build houses for Sydney WHEN Gold Coast glamour city Surfers Paradise celebrated its 80th birthday last Sunday, the name of timber cutter Neddy Harper gained little recognition. On December 1, 1933 the town of Elson was officially named Surfers Paradise after a campaign by local hotelier Jim Cavill. It pipped Sea Glint, a name pushed by local MP John Appel who lived in what is now Appel Street, tucked behind Surfers. The separation of Queensland from New South Wales in December 1859 at first meant very little to life on what is today the Tweed Valley and the Gold Coast. In 1844, the cedar-getters arrived searching for timber to build the houses of Sydney and set up their camps near deep water at ‘Taranora’ (Aboriginal for little river) in south Tweed Heads. Schooners carried the logs south, but many of them were wrecked on the river bar, which remained shallow and full of shoals until the retaining walls were built in the 1890s when the channel in its turn started to continuously silt up. This problem has remained to this day. Many of the first timbergetters sent into the valleys of Tallebudgera and Nerang had been attached to main camps on the Tweed, and shifted camps regularly. Logs were cut close to the water-course in the hope that heavy rains would carry the timber down to lower reaches of the streams or even out to sea to be deposited on the beaches. But two teenage timbergetters, who arrived on the coast in 1845, were destined to become Gold Coast pioneers. Englishman Neddy Harper, 17,
The quest for red gold .. cedar planks were formed by the sawyer at the pit and carried on men’s backs to campsites.
and Campbell Duncan, 14, are believed to have been the first white men to cross the rugged McPherson range from New South Wales and reach the headwaters of the Nerang in the Numinbah Valley. The same year, two cedargetters were killed by members of the Tulgigin Aboriginal tribe at a creek on the north arm of the Tweed River, later known as Murdering Creek. Whites
chased the tribe, killing and fatally wounding dozens and banishing them to the mountains for two years. One historian later describes the revenge killings as “unlicensed slaughter”. Neddy Harper built a river wharf, opposite what is now Wharf Road at the southern end of Surfers Paradise. Soon it was the hub of a flourishing timber industry. William Duncan
decades after Jim Cavill gave the area a name that exemplifies its character – and 168 years after young neddy Harper cut his first log – surfers Paradise remains at the heart and soul of what paradise is truly about
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started a sawyer’s business nearby. Both men could speak a number of Aboriginal dialects fluently and were welcome at corroborees at Bundall and at the area where today’s Broadbeach Cascade Gardens has been established. In 1858, William Duncan, now married, left his wife, Rose, and daughter, Sarah, camped at Burleigh Heads, with an Aboriginal woman, believed to be Neddy Harper’s de facto, while he went off cedar-getting with Harper. While he was away, Sarah, four months old, died. She is believed to be the first white child to be buried on the Gold Coast. In 1865, two Scottish brothers, Robert and John Veivers, were among the most successful timber-getters in the Gold Coast region. Robert was granted 130 ha of farming land in the Nerang area. Four years later, the Gold Coast becomes the base for Australia’s first licensed floating distillery. James Steward installed a 1890 litre still in a 28 m paddlewheel steamer, the Walrus. He cruised the Nerang, Albert and Logan rivers, picking up sugar cane to make what he called Walrus rum. The pioneers proved eager customers. About the same time, timbergetters James Beattie and Jim Miller inadvertently established the first unlicensed hotel at Surfers Paradise when they build a house, jetty, storerooms and barn on the banks of the Nerang River. Planning a cotton plantation, they paid ninepence an acre for 80 acres (32 ha) of land embracing about half the present-day Surfers Paradise Cont Page 14
issue 298 | 02.12.13 | Page 13
reFLeCtiOns
They paid ninepence an acre for 80 acres of land embracing about half the present-day Surfers Paradise CBD From Page 13
CBD. Their house at the end of what is now Cavill Avenue developed a reputation as a place for heavy drinkers and brawls and was known as The House of Blazes. Red cedar (Toona ciliata ) was just about wiped out on the NSW coast during the first 100 years of settlement. The species was, and still is, highly sought after for its rich deep lustre and the ease of working with it. Though the timber is still available in North Queensland, in NSW the cedar industry has died and the millable trees have gone. There are still some trees to be found in New South Wales, but young trees are now vulnerable to the cedar tip moth and cannot achieve the heights of previous generations. And the big stands have gone from the remaining forests. The species can grow to around 60 m in height and its trunk can reach 3 m in girth. The largest recorded T. ciliata tree in Australia grew near Nulla Nulla Creek, west of Kempsey, NSW, and was felled in 1883. Meanwhile, the evolving
Cheeky .. meter maids at Surfers Paradise.
rank of community leaders, colourful personalities and business identities have, over the decades, found new and exciting ways to combine Surfers’ vibrant energy with bold visions of what the area can become. Iconic names such as ironman Trevor Hendy, bikini innovator Paula Stafford and meter maids founder Bernie Elsey have all contributed in different ways to the area’s diverse history. Hendy epitomises our fresh and healthy beach culture, while Stafford’s innovations
with the French-designed bikini played a role in shaping the clothing item that, more than any other, is associated with Surfers Paradise. For his part, Elsey embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has thrived on this strip of paradise. When the council introduced parking meters to Surfers Paradise in 1965, Elsey formed a troupe of ‘maids’ to feed tourists’ meters and save them from fines. Clad in skimpy gold outfits, the Surfers Paradise meter maids came to symbolise the
area’s willingness to adapt to light-hearted, some might say cheeky, innovation. It’s the capacity of Surfers Paradise to move forward – to stay relevant – that’s seen as a big factor in the coastal playground’s every-day popularity and a catalyst for huge numbers of visitors drawn there each year. Decades after Jim Cavill gave the area a name that exemplifies its character – and 168 years after young Neddy Harper cut his first log – Surfers Paradise remains at the heart and soul of what paradise is truly about. Laura Younger, chair of the Surfers Paradise Alliance, which markets and promotes the area, said many people looked back wistfully on the Surfers of yesteryear. “The rich history of Surfers Paradise will always have a hand in shaping its future, but we’re future-focused to ensure it remains the Gold Coast’s number one attraction,” she said. The alliance marked the 80th milestone with events, including the burying of a time capsule to be opened on Surfers’ centenary.
Opportunity: new engineered product Project seeks access to on-going timber resource
ThIs engineered product is manufactured from small diameter treated true round plantation logs that would normally be chipped or destroyed. Resource cost is minimal. The production system is low capital cost and can be set up in a minimum of time and at a minimum of cost. Compared with current systems such as LVL, sawn timber etc. this product has unrivalled versatility, fire resistance, projected longevity and sustainability. This product has the ability to lower the costs of floor and wall framing in modern homes, as well as being ideal for low-cost housing The entire buildings can be erected on site using unskilled labour. The product has undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney under the guidance of internationally renowned timber engineer Prof. Keith Crews.
Engineered Timber Products
Loggo products have undergone comprehensive testing at the engineering faculty of the University of Technology Sydney.
PAGe 14 | ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13
The project is keen to establish a plant near a guaranteed resource. Contact: (02) 4256 4767 or email pat@loggo.com.au www.loggo.com.au
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Mass-timber products built by robot in mass-timber building
Growing demand for newly-patented CrossLam MASS timber construction has been used to build a new facility for the manufacture of masstimber products. Canadian company Structurlam Products has built a 930 sq m addition to its Okanagan Falls factory in British Columbia. Cross-laminated timbers, gluelaminated wood arches and steel columns were used in the expansion, built to house the $1.5 million Hundegger woodcutting ‘robot’. When the Pentictonheadquartered company, which manufactures heavy timber products, decided it needed a second addition to the original 4645 sq m facility, Structurlam’s president Bill Downing figured that it better be built out of wood. A 930 sq m addition, finished in 2011, featured steel as the dominant material. “I took lots of abuse for that,” Downing said with a laugh. This year’s expansion, where 60 of the company’s 150 employees work (another 90 work in Penticton and Oliver) was built to keep up with demand for the company’s speciality products, which include glulam, CrossLam (Structurlam has trademarked the name for cross-laminated timber) and solid sawn timbers. “This has opened a whole new world for us,” Downing said. “We’re way more efficient.” The 58 m long addition, with a 27.5 m clear span and gantry crane, will house the Germanmade Hundegger that can cut, drill and notch massive CrossLam panels within a
Structurlam factory .. blending steel with wood.
millimetre in accuracy .. “far more precise than humanly possible,” says Downing, who has a forestry degree from the University of British Columbia. The new roof is covered with
five-ply CrossLam panels, which span between the arches without the use of intermediate beams. The walls are three-ply crossLam. Now, Structurlam can
Mix and match .. the 930 sq m addition to the Structurlam Products factory in British Columbia includes cross-laminated timbers, glue-laminated wood arches and steel columns.
‘wood is simply one more choice, not the only option. every building we do is a mixture of steel and wood’
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manufacture CrossLam panels that can be up to 12 m long, 3 m wide and 305 mm thick, and weigh up to five tonnes. The panels can be three to nine layers of boards (usually 2x6), stacked with wood grain orientation alternating 90 deg. to each layer. Non-formaldehyde based glues are applied between each layer. The panel is then pressed. After pressing, the panel is planed and then manufactured for use in roof, floor or wall construction. Spruce, pine and fir, sourced from across the province, are used to make the panels. Recent calls by Canadian concrete and steel industries for a “war” against policies giving preference to wood construction are misguided, says Downing. Most structures are an amalgamation of steel, wood and concrete. “Wood is simply one more choice, not the only option. Every building we do is a mixture of steel and wood,” he said. But Downing doesn’t discount the advantages of products such as CrossLam; it comes pre-assembled, is easy to install, is as strong as concrete, but is six times lighter, is competitively-priced and is aesthetically-pleasing. Structurlam recently supplied products to build four motels in Alberta. It took only two days to place all of the CrossLam for each motel, Downing says, a definite advantage during winter conditions. - Journal of Commerce.
ISSUe 298 | 02.12.13 | PAGe 15
events/CLAssiFieds Registration of Expressions of Interest Ta Ann Tasmania is planning a plywood manufacturing addition to its Smithton Veneer mill. It is expected that positions will likely be progressively filled during the first half of 2014. To assist in planning the staffing of the mill Ta Ann Tasmania is seeking to develop a register of experienced machine operators interested in being advised of opportunities as they arise. To be placed on the register you will have extensive experience in operating any or all of the following machinery in a plywood industry: • Face/back composer • Core builders • Glue spreader and cold press • Hot press • Double saw • Sander
• More than 6700 deliveries and 15,000 viewers each week
Ta Ann Tasmania seeks to identify highly talented machine operators with a range of mechanical and technical skills including: • Plywood processing • Technical aptitude • Problem solving ability • Initiative and passion for improvement Please send a letter or email registering your interest by 30 November 2013, including contact details, email contact for project updates and details of your experience in the plywood industry to: the Human resources Coordinator, Ta Ann Tasmania Pty Ltd 150 Davey Street Hobart TAS 7000 email hr@taanntas.com TA ANN TASMANIA
PAgE 16 | issuE 298 | 02.12.13
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