I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R FEBRUARY 2015 Issue 1 Vol. 24 • P: (03) 9888 4834 • E: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au • www.timberbiz.com.au
New international investment in Australian wood products industry P
ERHAPS THE biggest international names in forest harvesting have already made the commitment to demonstrating their latest and greatest equipment at AUSTimber2016 when it is staged in Latrobe City, Victoria in April next year. Ten of the planned 12 live demonstration sites have already been secured and allocated even before formal site works have begun. Exhibitors were impressed with the site at HVP’s Flynn Creek plantation (about 17km South-East of Traralgon) given the eucalypt and pine demonstration blocks face each other making for a more compact operating site. The in-field chipper demonstration site is being set up under the guidance of AFCA director Phil Dohnt drawing on his vast knowledge of chipping operations and the demonstration requirements of suppliers and prospective buyers. Work will be carried out in the Autumn to clear trees to achieve the required safe operating distances, form the Forest Walk trail and complete the other earthworks
required to ensure the in-forest site is once again of world standard for exhibitors and visitors. General Manager of the event, Laurie Martin is happy with progress to date and confident of AUSTimber2016 drawing important exhibitors, large numbers of visitors and conference participants from across the timber industry. He is particularly keen to attract investors looking for opportunities in advanced manufacturing who can see the environmental and export potential offered by converting timber as an abundant raw material into higher value products refined by technology and design. “The Latrobe City Council has formally adopted Australia’s first Wood Encouragement policy and is actively working with us to ensure AUSTimber2016 is a catalyst for real innovation in the Australian wood products sector,” Laurie said. “They understand we need a lot more investment in planting production forests in this country to meet existing wood fibre needs but, if we are to realize the full economic potential of
this raw material, we also need a commitment in the industry to innovate and produce products of higher value than just logs and chips. “This would be helped if Governments at all three levels ran policies that support this kind of innovation. I’m not talking about handouts but, rather, the sort of leadership Latrobe City has shown whereby they concluded that, by stipulating timber must be considered as the primary material in council-funded construction and infrastructure, they will encourage the development of new advanced manufacturing enterprises locally, better protect the environment and deliver results for the rate payers that will cost no more than ‘business as usual’ solutions. “When I hear Trade Minister Andrew Robb talking about his quest for a Free Trade agreement with India citing that country’s pressing need for construction of housing as an exciting opportunity for Australian iron ore and coking coal I just shake my head in dismay. What about the opportunity for
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$4.5 million for SA’s SE forest industry projects THE SOUTH Australian Government will inject $4.5 million into the South East forestry industry to generate more investment and jobs. Forests Minister Leon Bignell visited the South East to make the announcement and said the funding was being offered to four companies through Phase Two of the South East Forestry Partnerships Program, and would contribute to projects worth more than $20 million.
n South Australian Forests Minister Leon Bignell.
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“The program was created to help the forest and forest products industry to recovery by encouraging further investment in new and existing businesses,” he said. “Phase One of the program saw the joint investment of $34 million in the forest processing sector in the South East, with $15.38 million in State Government grants awarded to successful applicants. “The four Phase Two grants are consistent with the recommendations outlined in the Stage Two report from the Cellulose Fibre Value Chain Study, and will support further value adding along the timber supply chain. “It will also support innovation and the introduction of new technologies.” The successful Phase Two applicants are required to enter into a funding agreement with the State Government. They had to match Government funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, payable upon achievement of key milestones as
• KOALA PLAN MAKES WORKERS ENDANGERED SPECIES
defined in the funding agreement. However, most will be contributing to projects at a higher rate than just matching the State Government’s contribution. Minister Bignell said a further $7.1 million was available to fund similar projects, and a third phase of SEFPP grants would open around March. “It is imperative taxpayers’ money is spent on projects that will make a real difference for the South East projects that maintain jobs and allow the forestry industry to grow,” he said. “The further $7.1 million funding will support projects that meet the criteria of the Cellulose Fibre Value Chain Study, and an industry seminar will take place soon to help the industry prepare viable proposals in a subsequent call for new projects.” Minister Bignell said the South East forestry region was a world-class timber resource and the forest and wood products continued on page 4
• FOCUS ON • WATER STEEP SLOPE LICENCING HARVESTING DANGEROUS PRECEDENT FOR PLANTATIONS
n Exhibitors impressed with the site at HVP’s Flynn Creek plantation (about 17km South-East of Traralgon) given the eucalypt and pine demonstration blocks face each other making for a more compact operating site.