Australian Forests & Timber News - May 2017 by Provincial Press Group

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Altus Renewables at Tuan.

The conveyor line from Hyne Timber to Altus.

Over-the-fence deal does a power of good for major businesses A

INSIDE

SIMPLE conveyor belt joins Hyne Timber's Tuan Mill and neighbouring Altus Renewables. Such is the way for efficient transformation of one plant's sustainable byproduct into another plant’s core business -- biofuel. It is certainly not unusual for large scale plantation softwood processing plants to exist as part of a supply chain hub and while each one of these hubs are unique, the manufacture of timber biofuel for clean, renewable energy production is common place. In this case, the timber by-product is compressed through a manufacturing process of its own into small pellets which are highly sought after in Japan and some European countries to fuel clean energy production in what were once entirely coal fuelled power stations. David Knight, Plant Manager of the Altus Renewables' 100,000 MT capacity pellet facility next to Hyne Timber near Maryborough, said their customers want durable pellets with high calorific value. "We essentially buy all the sawdust and shavings we can

get from over the fence at Hyne Timber. "Our plant then densifies the wood by-product including drying the timber to maximise fuel quality while making transport significantly more cost efficient. "Pellets are transported to the Bundaberg Port by trucks where they are stored in a dedicated building prior to being shipped to customers in Europe and Japan who will co-fire the pellets in their coal-fired power stations. "Well, at least that’s about 95% of our plants' pellets. The other 5% service domestic customers ranging from equestrian bedding, kitty litter to home heating solutions. "The latter continues to gain popularity in colder climates for the high heat, high efficiency with little ash and fumes, if any. Some heater systems re-burn their own fumes for added efficiency and environmental benefits," Mr Knight said. With products being shipped off overseas or bagged up for other domestic market needs, it’s hardly surprising that many locals don't know these two operations exist in the forest,

ew radial sawmill N becomes reality Page 3

collectively employing around 200 people directly, and hundreds more indirectly. David joked that he is often asked what he does for a living and when he replies, "we make pellets", people assume they make timber pallets for transportation. "Now, I tell people we make biofuel from timber. I might still have to explain that, but it makes for a more interesting conversation," Mr Knight concluded.

Hyne Timber was established in Maryborough in 1882 with the Tuan Mill, now one of the largest softwood processing plants in the Southern Hemisphere, established in 1985. The company employs around 570 people, 300 of whom are in the Fraser Coast Region alone, a region faced with higher than average unemployment rates. Altus Renewables, headquartered in

Loganholme, Queensland, is also in the process of working on a new 500,000 MT pellet plant project in the Green Triangle in South Australia. The plant near Maryborough is an example of advanced manufacturing, operating a clean, lean process supported by robotics and technology. Both Hyne Timber and Altus Renewables also fuel their own heat plants using timber biomass from sawdust or timber shavings.

ASH - Vic. Government stalemate continues THE AUSTRALIAN Sustainable Hardwoods/Victorian Government stoush over a long term log supply is currently in a state of limbo; the CFMEU continues to put pressure on politicians and the possibility of more talks remains just that ... a possibility! The official line from union is that discussions are continuing with the government and the company, however, there may be more developments soon as the union is scheduled to meet with all the workers on site. ASH’s Heyfield Mill workers still face job cuts from September with a planned closure next year.

$110 million plantation promise Page 8

ASH had been offered a 155,000 cubic metres per annum contract by VicForests from 2014 through to 2034. However, early this year VicForests said it was not authorised to offer any more than 80,000 cubic metres of log in 2017-18 and less than that in the following two years. “We have been forced into this position by the government. The only thing that will change this trajectory is if there is a new supply agreement offered by the government that is respectful of our business needs,” ASH CEO, Vince Hurley had told staff Continued on page 8

KIPT takes the next step establishing a future Page 12

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In the news

State-of-the-art commercial radial sawmill becomes a reality A sign of what can happen when industry has the security and confidence to invest.

F EVER there was a time that the forest, fibre and wood products industry in Victoria needed a good news story, this was it. In a year that has been tumultuous to say the least, the opening of the new Radial Timbers sawmill at Yarram was the good news story the industry needed. And what an achievement -- a $4.5 million state-ofthe-art commercial radial sawmill, the first of its kind in Australia, that has the ability of tripling the capacity of the current Radial Timbers mill. Officially opened on 21 April by Darren Chester, Federal Member for Gippsland, the mill is a fantastic investment and accomplishment for the business. It is a great display of the forward thinking and innovation that is happening in the forest, fibre and wood products industry in Victoria, and a sign of what can happen when industry has the security and confidence to invest. As he officially opened the sawmill, Mr Chester spoke about the importance of the industry to the Gippsland region, stating that “Gippsland has a rich and proud history as a timber producing region. Investments like this [the mill] will lead to a great future as we make the best possible use of our timber resource. “It’s a good example of what can be achieved when governments work in partnership with industry," he said. Tim Johnston, CEO of VAFI, welcomed the opening of the mill, and is excited to see the where the business goes from here. “I congratulate Radial Timbers on this exciting occasion, and I look forward to seeing the new mill in operation, and the potential for further expansion in the future. “Radial Timbers have built a mill that really is the first of its kind in Australia. They have used Australiandeveloped technology that allows them to triple their www.timberbiz.com.au

Carolyn Crossley - Mayor Wellington Shire Council, Chris McEvoy - Radial Timbers, Darren Chester MP - Federal Member for Gippsland, Jon Lambert - Heartwood Plantations

production capability and they are to be commended for constantly looking at ways to improve their operations all along the supply chain,” he said. “This mill is a real boost for the local community, the wider Gippsland region and for the timber industry in general. With employment opportunities in regional Victoria hard to come by, it provided secure work for the duration of the build and will provide ongoing work as it operates.” Radial Timber grows, mills and distributes a range of unique and standard products from durable Victorian hardwood timber. It is the only commercial radial sawing mill in the world, using Australian patented technologies to produce more timber from fewer trees. Radial sawmilling differs from conventional sawmilling, and cuts logs into wedges, essentially mimicking the way a log naturally splits as it dries. Nathan Trushell, Acting CEO VicForests, said that the sawmill shows a promising future for both Radial Timber and the greater Victorian timber industry. “This is a great example of how our industry is constantly adapting and evolving,” Mr Trushell said.

“As the main supplier for Radial Timber we are proud to support them during this exciting time and look forward to seeing the beautiful radial timber products enter the market,” he said. The sawmill, which cost $4.5 million and took 12 months to build, provided

local employment for the duration of the build and will also provide jobs for a number of new on-going workers at the mill. “This expansion will secure our long-term viability within the industry and more than triple our production, bringing more jobs and activity to the

region,” said Chris McEvoy, managing director of Radial Timber Australia. “We are confident that between our 10 year contract with VicForests and over 2000 hectares of high value plantations that we have established in the region that we will be around for many years to come,” he said. The Yarram radial mill, which processes 4000 cubic metres of logs per annum, mainly uses native forest timber sourced from VicForests, but this will progressively be replaced by hardwood plantations. "We have just been reissued with a new VicForests allocation for 10 years, which will be ramped up with proposed mill extension from 4000 to 12,000 cubic metres," Mr McEvoy said. "The idea before making any investment in a new greenfields mill is to guarantee resource. The agreement with VicForests is very important because Continued on page 4

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Gibson expertise in high demand

.E GIBSON and Sons is a fourth generation family-owned engineering business that can trace its roots back to the late 1800s making it the oldest and most experienced sawmilling equipment supplier in Australia so there's little doubt that its expertise would be called on for the manufacture and installation of Radial Timbers new mill. The whole process started way back in 2011 when Gibson’s was originally approached by Keith Savory (then mill manager) in March of that year. "Keith had worked Gibson equipment for some time and recommended us to Chris (McEvoy)," said current Gibson Sales Manager Robert Mudge. Discussions/final designs were resolved in August 2013 regarding the manufacture of a new multisaw into the existing sawmill. Manufacture of the multisaw started in September 2013. "Actual trials were conducted in our workshop in December 2013 -- the timber was transported up from Yarram -- and final designs completed. "Installation followed that Christmas," said Robert. Discussions/final designs regarding the whole new mill had started in June 2013 and then early in 2015 the purchase of the Hamilton/Conventional mill was explored. "In June 2015 final site layouts were produced with the current mill positioned on the block; expansion has been allowed for; the installation of

a small log line to handle the thinning from the plantations coming on line." Robert said orders for Stage#1 Conventional Mill were placed in November 2015 and that installation started in March 2016. Orders For Stage#2; Radial Mill were placed in June 2016 and the first load for the site left in October 2016. Commissioning commenced in January this year. "We’d never done anything like this before, because the original equipment was built on the run... it evolved!!! "The principles of the sawing method were easy to observe but the significance of every component on the machine was difficult to value; springs, counter weighs, adjustable knobs etc. How important were they? Were they still current/significant to the performance of the machine? "Extensive discussions were conducted with the operators (Josh Innes and Heath Pownall) to determine the idiosyncrasies of the equipment," Robert explained. "Cycle times, kWatts, feed

speeds etc, everything had to be looked at and valued. Manual operations were observed and automation designed to mimic the operators' actions. "The things we thought simple to reproduce were sometimes the most difficult," he added. On the flip side "things that we worried about and expected to take a lot of time during commissioning/ trials didn’t necessarily cause any concern". "We need to thank Chris McEvoy, his Mill Manager (James Mander) and the crew for their support during commissioning. The beauty of this mill site is that we had the conventional mill to fall back on to give us the time to commission the new Radial mill properly," Robert said. "Our site guys should get a mention -- Pat Daley in particular. "He arrived on site to start installation of the secondhand mill from WA in March of last year. Installation and reconditioning of the equipment all occurred at once.

"His determination, problem solving skills and the ability to work with Radial management, mill crew, electricians, site contractor etc., was invaluable," said Robert. AE Gibson is located at Kendall on the mid north coast of New South Wales. In the past decade Gibson has invested heavily in developing the latest technology which has resulted in the company emerging as one of Australia's leading manufacturers of hi-tech timber processing equipment. This has led to Gibson being awarded contracts to supply machinery as well as complete sawmills to Fiji, PNG and New Zealand ,competing against international opposition. "AE Gibson is committed to achieving client satisfaction through research, development and continual upgrading of our products and services to maintain the highest possible quality. Our goal is to supply our clients with a quality product, at a competitive price and within the agreed time period," Robert said.

State-of-the-art commercial radial sawmill becomes a reality Continued from page 3

we are still 10 years away from our own plantation resource being mature enough to harvest. "Our oldest plantations are about 12 years old. The earliest we can harvest them is between 22 and 25 years we are about half way. We needed something in the meantime until we can phase in the plantation resource." Almost 100% of Radial’s products, which include shiplap cladding,

decking, screenboards and a range of unique radial products, end up in high end Melbourne and interstate markets. Radial Timber is now in the planning

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

stages for a further expansion of a new dry mill on the site adding another $1.3 million investment into the region. www.timberbiz.com.au

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In the news

Gippsland timber industry city rally demands Government act

A N N E R S DEM AN DI NG the Victorian Government act to save Heyfield’s timber mill jobs, community and the town, expressed the frustration of forestry industry workers, contractors and supporters who rallied in Melbourne city streets. The CFMEU-organised rally saw almost 1000 from across Gippsland march to Parliament House steps, closing down parts of the city in a bid to save 260 jobs at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods’ (ASH) mill which has decided to close due to lack of access to adequate timber stocks.

During the rally the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union called for more logging to be opened up by reducing a 200m exclusion zone around possible sightings of the endangered Leadbeaters’s possum. However, Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said no more timber could be provided. In a rare city show of the industry’s transport resource, over 60 timber jinkers that had been driven to Melbourne to support the rally, lined some of the city’s major streets including in front of Parliament House. Timber transport contractors, drivers and their

ASH distributor Phil McCormack drove one of his company trucks to Spring Street to support of the mills workers.

Melbourne roads c-logged up!

Conway’s driver Mark Tyquin (2nd from left) and partner Jodie, pictured with industry colleagues in front of Parliament House.

Next to an ASH finished product truck Raymond Murphy (Sale) and Kane Gould (Stratford).

families standing alongside their rigs were visibly affected as they shared their stories with other industry colleagues and Melburnians who stopped to enquire about how the mill closure would affect their lives and transport businesses. Transport operators, many being family businesses and having finance commitments on their rigs, face an uncertain future

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

when the mill commences it closure program later this year. “This show of support has been a huge boost for the campaign to save the mill and the battle is just beginning,” said Luke Hilakari, Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council The Union is ramping up its fight to save the mill.

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In the news

$110m plantation promise in Victorian budget

HE VICTORIAN Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) has welcomed the announcement in the Victorian State Budget of $110 million in funding towards plantation establishment in the Latrobe Valley. VAFI Chief Executive Officer Tim Johnston said the funding would help strengthen Victoria’s longterm wood supply. “This is the first step in augmenting existing wood supply and will benefit the whole industry supply chain. It is helping to build a strong and resilient forest, fibre and wood products industry that contributes significant economic, social, and environmental benefits to Victoria,” he said. “As the area of new plantations established has steadily declined over many years, I congratulate the

Victorian Government for investing in a resource that is renewable and recyclable, and will help Victoria operate in a low carbon economy. “Given wood is the material of the 21st century, VAFI looks forward to working with the Government in determining the next steps to bring this plantation establishment to fruition,” Mr Johnston said. The forest, fibre and wood products industry is the lifeblood of many rural and regional communities across Victoria; it is a $7 billion industry that employs 21,000 Victorians and supports another 40,000 to 50,000 local jobs, many of these in regional areas. Victoria has the largest total area of plantations in Australia with more than 420,000 hectares of commercial hardwood and softwood plantations. Hardwood plantations (mostly bluegum)

make up roughly 47% of plantations while softwood plantations (mainly radiata pine) account for 52% of the plantation area in the state. Plantation forestry provides additional economic diversification across regional Victoria as well as environmental benefits including carbon sequestration. Australia’s national industry governing body, the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), also gave the thumbs up to the Victorian Government plantation plan. AFPA CEO Ross Hampton said the move would provide a major boost to Victoria’s plantation estate and if properly targeted, strengthen Victoria’s long-term wood supply. Mr Hampton said softwood and hardwood plantations provided more than 80% of

VAFI Chief Executive Officer Tim Johnston.

the wood fibre and timber for our national forest product industries, and in 2016 plantations added $778 million to the Victorian economy. “However, investment in new plantations in Australia has effectively come to a standstill. “Although we are experiencing strong demand for wood fibre, much of the growth has been filled by imports. This is, in part, because we aren’t providing sufficient plantation resource in this country for our domestic manufacturers. “The forest products industry looks forward to

working with the Victorian Government to ensure that that this investment is directed towards projects that help grow our sustainable industry and the tens of thousands of regional jobs we support,” said Mr Hampton. Latrobe City Council Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said Latrobe City was awaiting further information following the announcement in the budget. “As yet we have no understanding of time frames, potential sites or any details of significance. Once we have some information, we will inform the community,” the Mayor said.

ASH - Vic. Government stalemate continues Continued from page 1

“VicForests says there aren’t enough logs. If you keep locking up commercial coupes because of possum sightings and don’t unlock others in their stead, is it any surprise that you will eventually run out of timber?” said James Lantry (spokesman for ASH owners). Mr Lantry said the CFMEU had sought modelling advice from VicForests, but there has been no advice as yet as to the outcome. “The government made an announcement they were contemplating buying the mill and they are taking steps now to talk to us about that. We’ve made it clear we are not particularly interested in that option especially at the numbers the premier was suggesting they purchase the mill for,” he added. “If Vicforests meet its supply plan this year --the agreed target of supply -- we will probably have enough to run the mill until the latter part - probably to the end - of August. if they fall short (probably in the realms of 9-10000 cubes short), we will run out of timber early in August.” Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston met with the Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford on 31 March to further discuss wood supply issues. Senator Ruston said 8

the Australian Government was Valley’s biggest employers. working constructively with the “Securing a long-term future for Victorian Government to ensure the timber industry in Latrobe Valley production forests continue to be a and the wider Gippsland region source of wood supply for industry, means job security and economic while also being managed to protect sustainability,” she added.. threatened species. These two “With the loss of jobs in our objectives are region, following not mutually the closure of exclusive. the Hazelwood “Of the 8 million hectares Power Station, “While wood supply is a matter this week’s State of public native forest in for the Victorian ove r n m e nt ’s Victoria, more than 90% is G Gover n ment, a n nou ncement the Australian unavailable through reserve ($110m for Gover nment plantation protection ..." continues to establish ment) encourage is a welcome Victoria to source of hope explore all avenues to secure a for the industry and its long-term reliable wood supply for industry,” prospects,” the Mayor said. the Senator said. Victorian Association of Forest “The Australian Sustainable Industries Chief Executive Officer Hardwood timber mill is located in Tim Johnston said while he noted the Heyfield, in the Wellington Shire. government’s comments about their Latrobe City Council is aware that commitment to the mill remaining the mill’s current owners are looking operational, this proposal does not to relocate operations away from change the overarching issue of ever Heyfield and we understand the constricting timber supply, due to pain this will cause in that small ongoing transfer of production forest community,” said Latrobe City to parks and reserves, and the future council Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan. of the whole industry in Victoria. ”Earlier in the year, Latrobe City “Of the 8 million hectares of public Council also raised concerns over native forest in Victoria, more than delays in negotiations between 90% is unavailable through reserve VicForests and the timber industry protection, or unsuitable for timber as it impacted Australian Paper harvesting,” he said, and called on Maryvale – one of the Latrobe the government to urgently finalise Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

its review of Leadbeater’s Possum prescriptions, which should take a whole-of-landscape approach including assessing numbers in National Parks, Reserves and Special Protection Zones [SPZs], as well as timber production areas. Nathan Trushell, VicForests Acting CEO, said the timber supply offered to the Heyfield mill was at a level that could be sustainably produced from the available forest also taking into consideration the existing contracts VicForests has with other customers. “Since VicForests initial discussions with ASH, detailed reviews of our resource modelling by external experts have shown that these volumes are in line with the timber resources available to us,” he said. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews earlier said the offer made to ASH was for a three year contract consisting of one year’s timber supply at 80,000m3 and two years at 60,000m3. The offer also included a $5 million industry support package including support for a business case for retooling. “The Government believes that the Heyfield mill can continue to operate at the proposed volumes. Premier Andrews said the Government did not rule out assuming operation of the mill at a fair and reasonable value in the event that it becomes necessary. www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

Roy Head - TCA Young Community Ambassador By Amanda Fisher

EET A keen member of the next generation of the Australian timber industry - Roy Head. Roy lives in inner city Sydney with his partner, Ari. It's intriguing that she’s ‘a keen Greens supporter and he's in native timber manufacturing. Talking with Roy offers an interesting insight into the diverse and contemporary personal stories of people within our timber communities. Despite the family running a timber business, Roy did not originally intend to join the industry. He gained a media and communications degree from Macquarie University before working in the Information Technology sector. He’s understandably proud of his family’s ties to the timber industry with a history that spans back to the First World War. The company began in 1919 following a promise that had been made between two friends on the battlefields of Gallipoli, that if they survived the war, they would start a sawmilling business together. And they did just that. At 29, Roy manages the sales team of his family’s hardwood flooring business, Australian Solar Timbers, with offices and production facilities based out of Kempsey, northern NSW. Roy is the fourth generation to follow into the family business. He leads a diverse professional and personal life that stretches from the Australian Solar Timbers manufacturing site at Kempsey on the tranquil NSW north coast region, to

his Sydney city based job as sales manager. Added to that is international travel associated with an offshore element of the business. Whilst lack of certainty around Australia’s native hardwood supply continues to pressure some sections of our timber fibre industry, Roy is a passionate advocate for this industry. He sees it as being amid transformation and having a wonderful environmental story that must be promoted so it is understood in the community. As the industry changes, Roy and his family continue to adapt with a commitment to environmentally conscious technology. Australian Solar Timbers pioneered the use of solar kilns in Australia. More recently, Roy has been working to develop engineered timber flooring products to adapt to changes in the building industry with increased demand for apartment living. Outside of work commitments, Roy finds time to volunteer with the ‘Big Brother Big Sister’ program as a Youth Mentor. Roy enjoyed building his networks and knowledge through the Timber Community Australia Young Community Ambassadors Initiative. As part of this he spoke to Sydney primary school students last year about modern forestry, the diverse skills applicable and the emerging career opportunities. "I wanted to engage with young people and talk about the fantastic opportunities available throughout our industry. For me it is a satisfying career, in both

¢ Roy Head doing his media training in Canberra as part of the TCA Young Community Ambassadors training.

creating products that last a lifetime, and also being a part of an industry that actually reduces our global carbon footprint." Roy is enthusiastic about the family company’s involvement in a collaborative project with the CSIRO and other industry and construction leaders including internationally acclaimed Hassell Architects and engineering consultancy firm, ARUP. The group are investigating new technologies that will increase the strength, durability and weather resistance of timber products to replace nonrenewable building materials such as steel. He describes the industry as overflowing with ‘great stories’ about the social, economic and environmental benefits of sustainable native forest management and the use of timber products. "Where we fall short is our disconnection with the city. Traditionally we have not communicated these

Roy Head with father Douglas.

great stories effectively to the broader public. It is something that the industry is aware of, and is beginning to change." "There are a lot of misconceptions about the industry with ‘emotive responses’ to forestry and managed harvesting. It is worthwhile to consider that the timber industry offers a renewable building material when compared to steel, concrete or bricks. Forest management, when managed sustainably, is a carbon neutral industry." Roy says that he and Ari ,a Greens supporter, “represent

Gavin’s expertise can help you GAVIN DE ALMEIDA is the new Advertising Sales Manager for Australian Forests & Timber News. He has a diverse background spanning not only sales in mainstream media but across the wider public relations and communications sector. “I have developed a keen interest in branded content and native advertising and have a strong focus on reverseengineering the advertising sales process from the consumer standpoint, which is where I think advertisers get the most benefit,” says Gavin. “As a niche publication Australian Forests & Timber News has fantastic www.timberbiz.com.au

PRIVATE COMMERCIAL NATIVE TIMBERLAND FOR SALE - 88 ha (217.45 ac) (42.5 ha still to be logged)

FOR SALE - ICY CREEK

Set amongst the beautiful Central Highlands of Victoria, this (permitted for harvest) native forest property is perfectly located within an easy drive to Melbourne (within 100 radial kilometres to Melbourne’s CBD and only 6.4 radial kilometres to the iconic town of Noojee). Consistently and sustainably utilised for the delivery of high-quality mixed eucalyptus timbers since around 1900, this highly productive property presents a range of future highest and best uses including; continued sustainable logging use, agricultural use following harvest, long-term vegetation regeneration, rural lifestyle development/subdivision, carbon and/or biodiversity offset. Ideally positioned between government maintained roads (Duggan’s & Vesper Roads) the internal roads are well-formed allowing excellent year-round access across the entire property. The flat to slightly undulating topography of this property underpins exceptional quality, ideal for the astute investor. Key Features • 42.5 hectares of high-quality mature forest. • Existing harvest permit in place. • Average volume per hectare - 455m3/Ha. • Total remaining volume approx. 20,000m3. • Dominant species- Mountain Grey Gum, Brown Stringy Bark and Silver Top Ash. • Underpinned by indep. inventory and past harvest records. • Highly desirable timber resource sustainable for local sawmills and/or export markets.

potential particularly due to its focus on essential equipment for the forestry industry. I look forward to helping our customers grow their businesses and build their brands.” When he’s not at work, he is a contributing restaurant and music reviewer for Glamadelaide and plays in an indie rock band where he’s the principal composer and songwriter. Gavin de Almeida Ph: 61(08) 8369 9517 E-Mail: g.dealmeida@ ryanmediapl.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

that environmental values and sustainable forestry go hand in hand and are not at odds with each other when discussed openly”. An important aspect of sustainability, according to Roy, is the recognition and promotion of product certification. Consumers should have confidence that the products they choose come from sustainably managed forests. We look forward to bringing further personal stories to readers about the TCA's Young Community Ambassadors.

Contact us for a free copy of the Information Memorandum David Smith M +61 418 332 780 Leonard Carrillo M +61 409 870 942 Stuart Wilson M +61 404 550 429 Email info@smithagriinternational.com.au

May 2017

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In the news

First WA business adopts FOLS

ilson’s Harvesting & Haulage is the first West Australian business to adopt the FOLS Skills Verification Program. Based in Yornup, Western Australia, Wilson’s is a large harvesting and haulage, infield chipping and biomass company, with 110 employees. Wilson’s Director, Ian Wilson said the decision to adopt FOLS came at a time when the business was looking for a way to verify and demonstrate the skills of their operators. “We saw an article in Australian Forest & Timber News about HVP Plantations adopting FOLS in Victoria. After some investigation and talking with ForestWorks we decided FOLS would be a really useful tool for managing the skills and training of our operators.

“We see the benefits of FOLS as two-fold – we see it as a tool to verify operators’ skills, which will be useful when tendering for contracts; it is also valuable for identifying any skills gaps in the business and helping us to forward plan. “With FOLS we can now easily demonstrate our capabilities to Forest Managers when tendering for work,” Ian said. “Although FOLS is not widely used in Western Australia yet, there are many forest managers who are familiar with the program as they operate in other States. These forest managers understand FOLS to be a credible system for demonstrating the skills and capabilities of a workforce,” said Ian. Wilson’s is also a member of the Australian Forest

¢ Ian Wilson, Director of Wilson’s Harvesting & Haulage, shaking hands with Eric Kowald, Truck Driver for Wilson’s Harvesting & Haulage, who just received his FOLS.

Contractors Association (AFCA). AFCA became advocates of the FOLS Skills Verification Program in July last year, after signing an agreement with ForestWorks to provide AFCA members and their operators with discounted FOLS fees.

Government recognises opportunities to utilise wood energy from our forests THE FEDERAL Government has reaffirmed its strong support of Australia’s forestry industry. "We support the jobs of hard working local people in the forest industries. Everyone should be celebrating our forestry industry, not demonising it," said Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, in a statement recognising the International Day of Forests. "A strong timber industry means towns in regional Australia prosper—they keep their schools, shops and hospitals. What's more, there are significant and expanding opportunities to utilise the energy in our forests," the Senator said. "This year’s theme for world forestry day is Forests and Energy—recognising that wood is a major source of the world's renewable energy. "The Turnbull Government recognises the expanding opportunities to utilise wood energy from our forests. We have reintroduced native forest wood waste into the Renewable Energy Target. This will help Australian companies earn renewable energy certificates for the energy they generate from wood biomass. "It provides an economic incentive to remove wood waste from forests, reducing fuel loads and fire risk." Senator Ruston said the UN recognises that sustainably managed forests are a vital source of the world’s renewable energy. "Wood is the original stored energy— it’s carbon positive, it provides base load power and it’s been used as a source of www.timberbiz.com.au

Stacey Gardiner, AFCA General Manager.

energy for generations. Wood energy from the forest—a major source of the world’s renewable energy," Senator Ruston said. "While the international theme in 2017 is Forests and Energy, we have so much more to celebrate," said Bob Gordon, CEO of the Institute of Foresters. "IFA members have a proud history starting out as the ‘custodians’ of Australia’s forests but now work with the original custodians to ensure our children and children’s children can enjoy the beauty and bounty of our forests. "Activities happen worldwide to celebrate the role forests have played in the development of human civilisation. Originally they provided our ancestors with warmth while today we use timber in multi-storey wood buildings and recognise that forests, when managed sustainably, can provide renewable energy without introducing any more carbon onto the biosphere. "Australia lags most developed countries by relying on fossil fuels to provide the bulk of its energy needs. A greater focus on renewables along with the inclusion of forestry by-products in the Renewable Energy Target should see an increase in bioenergy contribution to Australia’s overall energy mix as we develop a low-carbon economy. "Australia’s forests and plantations provide carbon sinks, tourist hubs, biodiversity havens as well as construction material and beautiful timber for boats, furniture and even items as diverse as bicycles and lampposts. IFA members are working to ensure they continue to do so into the future," Bob said.

Stacey Gardiner, AFCA General Manager, said FOLS provided organisations with the opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism. “FOLS provides forestry managers with the confidence that the business they have engaged has adequately skilled people to do the job, which is becoming increasingly important particularly for those involved in FSC and AFS and chain of responsibility,” said Stacey. Diana Lloyd, ForestWorks General Manager, said FOLS offered businesses a streamlined system to manage the skills of employees and improve safety in the workplace. “FOLS verifies the currency of an operator’s skills and that they have undertaken the required nationally recognised training,” said Diana. Forestry Corporation of NSW, in their northern forests around Coffs Harbour, Wauchope and Grafton, has asked its

contractors to move all operators on to FOLS. To date, more than half of the expected 200 operators have submitted their applications. It has been quite a smooth process with operators providing training records, a signed currency statement from their employer and a signed application form. Forestry Corporation NSW will be reimbursing operators for a third of the cost of the three-year FOLS once it is issued. A summary of each operator’s FOLS endorsements will be utilised by Forestry Corporation of NSW to identify training gaps and a plan will be developed to address these. PRIVATE COMMERCIAL TIMBERLAND FOR SALE BY EOI - 128 ha (317 ac)

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST closes 3rd May 2017

Ideally located within the iconic Yarra Ranges of Victoria and in close proximity to the town centre of Noojee (12 radial kilometres -7.5 miles), the Mt Horsfall Timberland property represents an iconic mature commercial forest located on a single Freehold Title. The forest has consistently and sustainably delivered high-quality timbers to the local sawmilling industry since approximately 1918. The Loch Valley, within the Yarra Ranges represents some of Australia’s most productive forested country with average annual rainfall of approx 1,449 mm (57 inches) and highly productive soils packed with nutrients. This highly productive Mt Horsfall property is ideal for continued sustainable timber production (surrounded by Hancock Victorian Plantations and VicForests Crown Land) or for an alternative use to meet the growing international conservation/ecotourism market. Key Features

M +61 418 332 780

Leonard Carrillo

M +61 409 870 942

Stuart Wilson

M +61 404 550 429

E info@smithagriinternational.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

¢ Diana Lloyd, ForestWorks General Manager

May 2017

• Located in the Loch Valley and only 2 hours from Melbourne CBD (94 radial kilometres - 58 miles). • 128 hectares (317 acres) on 1 freehold title surrounded by commercial forests on Government Crown Land. • Standing volume (independent inventory) > 106,000 m³. • Mature Eucalypts regnans trees aged from 21, 41 and some up to 76 years old. • High annual rainfall (1,449 mm - 57 inches), deep red fertile soils, undulating terrain. • Well managed, good internal and external government roads provide excellent year round access. • A natural alternative to Government held forest reserves, an ability to secure future timber resource (pending permit approval). Highly desirable resource for local sawmills and/or export markets.

In the news

Next generation of seedlings to be grown from Tarkeeth seeds

¢ Kangaroo Island thinning operations.

KIPT takes next step in establishing solid future

USTRALIA’S ONLY listed timberland company, Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers, was scheduled to settle its purchase of the former New Forests estate on Kangaroo Island on 28 April, following the successful conclusion of a $33.5m capital raising. The purchase of the NF estate on Kangaroo Island for $55 million was announced and a deposit paid in October last year. The transaction means KIPT will own about 80% of the plantations on the Island, which has around 18,000ha planted, mainly with bluegum. The company has access to a bank debt facility of $25m to assist in completing the purchase. Funds from the placement and rights issue will be used for the balance of the acquisition costs and for working capital. Timber on Kangaroo Island is currently a stranded asset. While some pines were planted in the early 1980s

¢ Logs loaded for processing.

for processing in the local sawmill, most of the Island’s eucalypts were planted (for woodchip) during the managed investment scheme fiasco in the mid-2000s. Accordingly, the maturity profile of the Island’s estate favours harvesting in the next few years. The company has lodged a development application with the South Australian Government to construct a deep-water wharf to enable it to export around 500,000

green tonnes per annum. Funding for the wharf is already in place. Forest productivity levels on the Island have proved to be excellent, due to reliable rain, mild summers and low evaporation. Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers now has the challenge of turning that productivity into cash, by getting approval for its deep-water wharf. Source: Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers Ltd

Engaging and thought-provoking speaker NOEL PEARSON, Director of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, has been named as a Keynote speaker for the 2017 Institute of Foresters conference about tropical forestry to be held in Cairns from 14-17 August. Noel is Director of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, an organisation promoting the economic and social development of Cape York in far north Queensland. "An engaging and thought-provoking speaker, Noel is sure to leave conferencegoers wanting more - and more will be provided," said Dr Kevin Harding, Chair of the Conference Organising Committee. 12

"Noel will be joined by Professor Sandra Harding, Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University Australia. "An economic sociologist by training, Professor Harding has a keen interest in the global Tropics, northern Australia and economic development. "There are few countries in our region that have not been influenced by forestry leaders trained in Australia. "The conference location brings focus on Northern Australian development, particularly the role that forestry should play in development initiatives that are canvassed in the 2015 Northern Australia White Paper," said Kevin. Australian Forests & Timber News

MILLIONS OF seeds have been collected from a seed orchard in Tarkeeth State Forest near Bellingen in preparation for growing the next generation of seedlings for replanting timber plantations along the north coast. Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Grafton Nursery Manager Kath French said the seed orchard was a group of trees with good genetic qualities that was specially planted in Tarkeeth State Forest 15 years ago to produce a reliable supply of good quality seeds. “We plant more than half a million eucalyptus seedlings a year in State forest timber plantations on the north coast and we want to ensure every seedling we put in the ground has the best chance of growing into a strong, straight tree that will produce the timber the next generation needs,” Ms French said. “We do this by harvesting seeds from trees with good genetic qualities that have proven to grow well on the north coast and cultivating these seeds in our Grafton Nursery so that they produce robust seedlings that are well adapted to local conditions. “About half of the seedlings we grow each year are sown from seeds collected from our seed orchard in Tarkeeth State Forest, with the rest sown from seeds collected from trees with good genetic features that we’ve found in forests throughout the state. “Over the coming months, the seeds we’ve collected will be dried, extracted and graded in preparation for sowing. Later in the year, we’ll sow around seven kilograms of seed into individual containers where they will be cultivated into seedlings to be dispatched to recently harvested plantations next planting season.” Forestry Corporation’s Senior Planning Manager Dean Kearney said Tarkeeth State Forest contained 850 hectares of timber plantations that were currently being harvested and replanted. “This autumn, we’ll be

May 2017

¢ Forestry Corporation collecting seeds from the seed orchard within Tarkeeth State Forest near Bellingen

replanting more than 1,000 seedlings in every hectare of Tarkeeth State Forest that was harvested last year to reestablish timber plantations harvested last year,” Mr Kearney said. “These seedlings will be a mix of mainly blackbutt and some tallowwood, many of which have been grown from seeds harvested from trees right here in the forest, so they are perfectly adapted to the local conditions and will rapidly regrow this timber plantation. “The timber plantations were planted on former farmland during the 1960s and 70s to supply our generation with the timber and wood products we need, and we are now replanting them with even higher quality timber to ensure a renewable supply into the future.” www.timberbiz.com.au

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY NEW H822D SERIES HARVESTERS

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When you're on a good thing, stick to it! R

EMEMBER THAT advertising catchphrase ... when you're on a good thing, stick to it! Well, after gathering material for this story that seems to be the perfect way to sum up how some contractors feel about Tigercat forestry machines. First off the rank was Fennell Forestry Pty Ltd, a family-owned business which is based in Mount Gambier and runs a highly successful infield chipping operation, 24 hour timber haulage operations plus clearfell large pine operations. This business was established in 1991 by Graham and Val Fennell and Ronnie Nilsson. Though it started small, it has since grown into a major plantation hardwood and softwood harvester and transporter. The company, which employs about 75 staff, is still managed by members of the Fennell family. Barry Fennell Executive Director and Sister Wendy Fennell, Managing Director at Fennell Forestry, have been a part of the business almost since its inception, so, when you seek an opinion from them you know it's backed by experience. Actually, Fennell Forestry took delivery of the very first Tigercat 1085C (25-tonne) Forwarder to be sold in Australia. The massive Tigercat 1085C shares some similar componentry as its cousin the Tigercat 1075C but boasts a superior Tigercat manufactured drive-line

incorporating significantly stronger bogies and transmission to allow a higher payload. "The new Tigercat 1085C was commissioned into our clear fell softwood operation at the start of February 2017, as a replacement for an existing Forwarder," said Wendy. "Traditionally we operated Timberpro 840 Forwarders in our clear fell operations, which have served us well as far as production went. The decision to change this was driven by operator comfort, maintenance costs and service/parts support. "It's still early days with the Forwarder only having 750 hours on the clock, however, figures are indicating lower running costs. Operator acceptance of the machine has been positive with operators commenting on how comfortable the machine is to operate. Visibility from the cab as well as the addition of the slope bunk enables the operator clear line of site on the work zone," she said. "Serviceability is good, all pumps, valve banks and engine bay is easily accessible. The cabin is spacious, enabling good ergonomics for the operator. The innovative sloped bunk with its larger capacity allows greater loads, whilst having butts all one way, combined with the safety of a lower centre of gravity. "Sales and service from

Onetrak (Onetrak Mt Gambier) provide us with superior support and service. They have a comprehensive knowledge of the Tigercat machines, combined with the understanding of their customers operational demands which means they are a valuable partner. "Generally, the standout points of the latest machine – Fuel efficiency, operator

comfort, and serviceability," said Wendy. The number of Tigercat machines currently in use by Fennell Forestry– 8 in total consisting of FellerBunchers, Skidders, Harvesters, and a Forwarder. The extreme duty 25-tonne Tigercat 1085C is a high capacity forwarder specially designed to excel in steep terrain applications. The Tier2 power plant produces 308 horsepower, and the infinitely variable WideRange® drive provides extremely high tractive effort while permitting quicker working travel speeds. Excellent component layout and easy access to service points makes for quick and painless daily maintenance routines. The operating environment is expansive and comfortable with optimized sight lines and ergonomics. Incabin sound levels are under 66 db at full 2,200 rpm engine

speed. Lighting, operator controls and interface and the climate control systems are well engineered, contributing to high productivity and reduced operator fatigue during long shifts. From down south to up north and the Imbil (Queensland)-based family operated business GMT Logging, which has been operational for decades. GMT, too, has a close relationship with Tigercat as Adan Taylor, General Manager GMT Logging (also Chairman of AFCA) explains. "We purchased a 1075C Forwarder last November. Actually, we've been buying the 1075 size Forwarders for quite some time. This is our fourth. "Basically, we bought it because we recently won a tender for a new export contract, and needed to establish another crew to carry out the work and the 1075C was the newest model Forwarder on offer from Tigercat. Joining the new 1075C is a new Tigercat LS855C (shovel version) set up with a harvester boom and Tigercat’s 5195 felling head. "This (1075C) came with the sloping bunks and fixed headboard and the banana boom (reaches over the top of the headboard). We had seen it at AUSTimber and were aware of the new design because we had been to Canada in the October and seen the new

model over there," Adan said. Adan's opinion on the latest Forwarder ... "We're pretty happy with it. The sloping bunks, headboard and boom are well setup ... it works quite well. "There haven't been a lot of changes in the cabin ... a few little things to make it more comfortable," he added. "We love our Tigercat Forwarders, as they are a good and reliable workhorse all round, solidly built, efficient and comfortable to operate. "We've had a long relationship with Onetrak. We're very happy with their service and back-up. This is a major reason why we keep buying their machines. They're also very well built machines." The super duty 20-tonne Tigercat 1075C is a high capacity forwarder designed for demanding, high production applications. Incidentally, the 1075C is currently in real demand with a new unit commissioned this month in firewood operations in the Balranald area and four more scheduled to be commissioned in the Tumut area by July. Back down south again to KC & MR Boult's operations in the Mount Gambier region of SA. They've recently purchased their third Tigercat H822C Harvester after formerly being aligned with a competitor. "These new Tigercat H822C units are working in the Mt Gambier region of SA in pine thinnings. The

¢ Tigercat 1085C in Fennel Forestry operations.

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

FORWARDERS

Â˘ Extreme duty 1085C in Fennel Forestry operations.

machines are frequently double shifted and work with a high level of availability," explained Gerard Boult, Harvesting Manager. That's vastly different to when the forestry business was kicked off. K.C. & M.R. Boult was formed in 1976 by Kevin and Margaret Boult, starting out with one truck, a White 4000, and a homebuilt NRM Mack Forwarder carting off pine fallers. "Today, we run 10 Harvesters, 6 Forwarders and 15 B Doubles. Three of those Harvesters are H822C

Tigercats running a double shift in T1 operations. With work picking up around 2014 and in need of a thinning machine we looked at what purpose-built machines were available," said Gerard. "Onetrak had one in stock in Dandenong and we also looked at an 855C they had in Mount Gambier at the time, looking at the build quality I made the decision to purchase our first Tigercat," he said. "Onetrak moved to Mount Gambier 12 months later and the second H822C was purchased. With a move from

Â˘ Boult's third Tigercat H822C Harvester.

hardwood to all softwood a hardwood machine was traded on our third H822C in January 2017. "Our first H822C has clocked up 10,000 hours and that's inside three years. They have proven their reliability in that time. All three machines are identical which is ideal for maintenance planning and operators being familiar with our machines." And there's another underlying factor behind the Boult move to Tigercat .... "Having the dealer support in town has been important to us

led by Jotham Allright," said Gerard. Tigercat has just released the newest model D-series H822D harvester which has built on the solid reputation created by the precious C-series machines. The upgraded D-Series cabin is large, comfortable and highly ergonomic with excellent site lines to the head and to the right-hand side. Excellent access to daily service points for painless maintenance routines. The clamshell style retracting roof enclosure

provides excellent access to the engine house. A swingout door on the right side of the machine allows the operator to easily access daily engine service points. The H822D harvester is now powered by the Tigercat FPT Tier 2 engine which will be supported directly by Tigercat and Onetrak here in Australia. New stock is expected to arrive in June 2017 and interested contractors are encouraged to contact Onetrak to arrange an inspection or demonstration.

ENSIGN LOG FORKS AND LOG GRAPPLES CAN BE CUSTOM MADE TO SUIT CUSTOMERS REQUIREMENTS. CONTACT US TO DEVELOP A CUSTOMISED SOLUTION THAT WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS. EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN AGENT & DISTRIBUTOR OF ENSIGN GRAPPLES & LOG FORKS log_grapple_hp_march.indd 1 www.timberbiz.com.au

For product and sales enquiries contact GB Forestry P: 03 8353 6655 E: office@gbforestry.com.au or visit us at... www.gbforestry.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

10/03/2017 11:18:36 AM

FORWARDERS

New Komatsu 875 Forwarder in a class of its own

OMATSU FOREST’S new Komatsu 875 is a brand new Forwarder model and is unique in the 16-ton load capacity class. From its chassis and powertrain, to its crane and bunk, this new model has been designed to deliver a higher load capacity in its primary application – final logging – and when there are particularly high demands in terms of productivity. The increase in productivity is mainly due to the new, sturdier powertrain, with its higher engine power/torque and traction, fantastic terrain mobility provided by the Komatsu Comfort Bogie with portals, a boat-shaped chassis with high-tensile steel underneath. The intelligent transmission -which optimizes power and speed based on terrain, load, and the engine’s power output on whether you are also using the crane -- has been supplemented by a larger hydrostatic system. The Komatsu 875 comes with

the option of a newly-developed crane with a gross lifting torque of 145 kNm and a gross slewing torque of 38 kNm. The combination of an improved hydraulic system and, among other features, a larger crane valve and hydraulic pump ensures superior productivity

a new type of bearing seat seal for a long service life and lower service costs. The new engine installation features a new, generously sized cooling system, variable temperature-controlled fan control, and the latest in environmental

and outstanding crane operation. The crane with a single extender reaches a full 8.5 metress and has plenty of net lifting power thanks to the weight-optimized boom system. The machine has been designed throughout to ensure excellent reliability in tough conditions, and the new axles and a new articulated joint and frame system are all built to last. This saves money in the long term by reducing downtime and maintenance. The articulated joint and drive shaft are fitted with

engineering for diesel engines being a Tier 4 option, with SCR technology but without the need for exhaust gas recirculation. This, together with the new hydraulic system, delivers low fuel consumption and a high power output at low engine speeds. The new look of the machine gives it a very smart appearance, and the numerous improvements make servicing the machine even easier. The new rounded engine hood is electrically powered and can

be used as a service platform in the open position. All filters are located beneath the hood, for easy access. There are 8 service hatches in the chassis providing access where it is needed most. A drain valve under the engine makes it easy to replace the engine oil without spillages. Easily accessible inspection points for oil in the engine, differentials and gearbox. As always with a Komatsu Forwarder, the operator is the focal point. The most modern Forwarder cab on the market has once more been upgraded. Improved operator protection is provided by a sturdier cab framework, and windows secured with bolts for straightforward replacement of worn windows. The Komatsu 875 benefits from the market’s most modern control system, MaxiXplorer. The whole machine can be monitored back at the office in MaxiFleet, the world’s first fleet management system for forest machines.

New Komatsu 875 Specifications Load Capacity : 16,000 kg Engine Power : 185kW @ 1900rpm Tractive Effort : 21,400 kp Load Gate : Telescopic Crane : Komatsu 145F Lift Torque : 145 kNm Control System : MaxiXplorer Machine Weight : 19,900 kg Torque : 1100 Nm at 1500rpm Tyres Size (8WD) : 710/45x26.5 opt:800/40x26.5 Load Area : 4.7m2 - 6.4m2 Reach : 8.5m

Slew Torque : 38 kNm 16

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

FORWARDERS

New Komatsu 895 Forwarder previewed at Komatsu Days

OMATSU FOREST launched a number of new products at its major customer event Komatsu Days. Previewed at this event was the new Forwarder model Komatsu 895, which will be available mid - 2017. Komatsu 895 is the Forwarder that became a giant in the world of mechanized professional forestry. With its 20-ton load capacity, unique powertrain with 28.5-inch bogie and wheels, and one of the market’s largest Forwarder loaders, it is the preferred choice for heavy final logging on the world’s largest forestry markets of Sweden/Norway, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Russia. The new Komatsu 895 has further productivity improvements to offer. The LoadFlex bunk has increased in size. The sturdy powertrain provides greater traction and the transmission has been upgraded since 2016 with a larger hydrostatic pump for better handling. The crane is being upgraded with a new hydraulic system and a larger crane valve for improved crane operation. For the European and North American markets, this model is equipped with a new engine

installation with an efficient and generously sized cooling system, variable temperature-controlled fan control, and the latest in environmental engineering for diesel engines (Tier 4). Emission control is based on SCR technology without the need for exhaust gas recirculation, which, combined with the new hydraulic system, delivers low fuel consumption and a high power output at low engine speeds. The new engine produces even more engine power and torque than the current Komatsu 895. Larger batteries, with the option for battery condition diagnostics via the fleet management system MaxiFleet, ensure that the machine starts even on cold, subarctic winter mornings. The new look of the machine gives it a powerful yet smart appearance, and the numerous improvements make servicing the machine even easier. The new rounded engine hood is electrically powered and can be used as a service platform in the open position. All filters are located beneath the hood for easy access. There are eight service hatches in the chassis providing access where it is needed most. A drain valve under the engine makes it easy to replace the engine oil without spillages.

There are easily accessible inspection points for oil in the engine, differentials and gearbox. As always with a Komatsu Forwarder, the operator is the focal point. The cab on the new Komatsu 895 has been upgraded as well. Improved operator protection is provided by a sturdier cab framework and windows secured with bolts to enable simple replacement of worn windows along with additional work lights. Komatsu 895 is equipped with the market’s most modern control system, MaxiXplorer. The new Forwarder model will be available with production follow-ups and operational monitoring. The machine can be monitored back at the office in MaxiFleet, the world’s first fleet management system for forest machines. The new Komatsu 895 was recently released in

Australia with the first deliveries going to Rosin Harvesting in Tumut and Kevin Morgan in Tasmania during March’17. These new units were the 92nd and 93rd of the old/new model to be delivered in the Australian market in less than four years. Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd now holds orders out to the 100th unit confirming

its wide acceptance by Australian contractors. Komatsu Forest is keen to see the impact on future Komatsu 895 sales with the release of the complete new model Komatsu 875 in the 16 tonne class which was previously dominated by the old market leader Komatsu 890.

Komatsu 895 New Specifications Load Capacity : 20,000 kg Engine Power : 210kW @ 1700rpm Tractive Effort : 26,200 kp Load Gate : Telescopic Crane : Komatsu 165F Lift Torque : 165.2 kNm Control System : MaxiXplorer Machine Weight : 23,400 kg Torque : 1200 Nm at 1200-1700rpm Tyres Size (8WD) : 780/50x28.5 Load Area : 6.1m2 Reach : 8.5 m Slew Torque : 43.4 kNm www.timberbiz.com.au

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

FORWARDERS

Fuel efficiency, power and comfort plus in new Forwarder

CO LOG'S new forwarders 574E and 594E have been developed with the driver in mind, so a lot of thought has gone into designing a completely new cab affording greater comfort and a better view. "The forwarder has also been given a new diesel engine from Volvo Penta, resulting in a fuelefficient machine offering a quick response on loading and high reliability -- a complete power pack which all in all gives better overall economy," says Johan Jaktman, director of Scandinavian Forestry & Engineering, the Australian distributor for Eco Log. The new cab comes with large-framed windows and low side windows to the front wheels to provide a better view. The cab is more spacious, affording greater comfort, with better lighting and many new refinements. "An upgrade to the driver’s cab is something our customers have been asking for, and so we are

pleased to be able to launch this cab, which delivers an entirely new driver experience," said Johan. The Volvo Penta D8 engine is known for its high performance, reliability, fuel efficiency and low emissions levels. The overall result is a machine with minimum downtimes and high capacity utilisation, delivering better overall economy. The 574E and 594E are easy to service, too. Johan said major components have been grouped on the same side of the machine to make access easier. Cab, hoods and tank can all be tilted, and the frame is fitted with a skid plate that is easily removed. Volvo Penta has a welldeveloped service network that extends across the world, ensuring Eco Log’s customers a reliable service they can trust in and the best possible availability. The IQAN control system has been improved with the addition of more integrated functions. The unit now also has a bigger screen

with touch functionality. "To make the forwarder still more competitive, we offer several options, such as different types of lighting and cab damping system," Johan said. "As well as offering the world's best forestry equipment, our engineering expertise and experience enables us to offer

Australian Forests & Timber News

Australia's best after sales support. We have more than 30 years experience in designing, manufacturing and rebuilding systems to fit Australian conditions. This, together with our extensive workshop in Tumut allows us to offer: • Servicing and maintenance plans for all equipment we sell,

May 2017

• Equipment fault finding and repair services, • Equipment upgrade or modification services. "The company prides itself on being able to supply parts and equipment on time and at reasonable prices. We are highly skilled in assessing the needs of the people we now supply and service," Johan said.

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FORWARDERS

Ponsse ElephantKing – King of heavy loads

H E P O N S S E ElephantKing was first launched into the Australia bush late in 2015. Since then a steady stream of machines have made their way to Australia and have been acknowledged by those owning and operating them to live up to the Ponsse promise of being the most comfortable, powerful and reliable forwarder in the market today. We spoke to Davin Frankel, Sales and Service

Manager of Randalls Equipment Co, about his experience with the ElephantKing. “Like all Ponsse forest machines the EK Forwarder is designed around the operator. It outperforms its rivals in any conditions and with heavy loads. The tractive effort, the 275hp Tier 3 Mercedes Benz engine and the 20-tonne carrying capacity guarantee efficient forwarding in tough going. From my experience, you don’t often

hear silence when you ask operators if there is anything they think could be improved on a machine or if there is anything they don’t like about it. This is usually the case when I ask operators about the EK and the feedback is always extremely positive from the operators I talk to. From our side as a dealer, we are very impressed with the reliability of the EK so far.” The exceptionally powerful Ponsse K100+ loader, the load space

with a cross-sectional area of 6.7m2 and the flexible drive transmission and loader control system ensure the position of the Ponsse ElephantKing as the most effective forwarder on the market. The durable frame structure, strong bogies, sturdy cylinderpowered frame oscillation lock complete with the high ground clearance ensure smooth operation and carefree operating hours, even under difficult operating conditions. The cabin on the Ponsse ElephantKing offers a glimpse into the latest forest machine technology. It provides a working environment for skilled professionals who value comfort, safety and ergonomics. The ergonomics of controls is the top-of-the-line for forest machines and, thanks to the large cabin, wide

windows and thin window pillars, the visibility from the cabin is excellent in all directions. The new Ponsse Comfort forest machine user interface has been developed together with drivers and it utilizes years of experience.

Lower operating costs New technology and improved hydraulics offer longer service intervals, increasing effective operating hours and reducing operating costs. The service interval of Ponsse ElephantKing has been increased to 600 hours for a minor service and engine oil change and 1,800 hours for a major service. In addition, easy access to important components speeds up scheduled maintenance.

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ELMIA

Fact-finding mission to Elmia to help future forests

ORESTRY IS one of the most important industries in Brazil and trees there have a very high growth rate, however, a changing climate including drought can lead to the reduced growth of such species as cultivated eucalyptus and pine. “Brazil needs the latest expertise and technologies and they’re presented at Elmia Wood,” says Jorge R. Malinovski, General Director of the forestry consulting firm of Malinovski in Brazil. The firm organises South America’s leading forestry fair, Expoforest, in Brazil. But it is to Sweden that Brazilians come to find the very latest developments. Jorge Malinovski will

be attending the next international forestry fair, Elmia Wood 2017 (7-10 June at Jonkoping, Sweden), with some 40 decision-makers from some of the country’s major forestry companies. “They’re looking for technical innovations and international partnerships,” he says. Much of Brazilian tree cultivation is done on plantations, with the biggest increases occurring in the southeast of the country. The most common tree species are eucalyptus and pine. Other cultivated species are Paricá, Teca, Mogno Africano, Seringueira and Australian cedar. Tree growth is very high from the perspective of traditional

forestry nations. On one hectare of eucalyptus, growth is about 50 cubic metres per year, with final felling after seven years for pulp wood and 16 years for sawn timber. Although it is not possible to make a totally fair comparison, trees on Brazilian plantations grow four to five times faster than conifers in the northern hemisphere. Good conditions for forestry are the foundation for major investments, mainly in the production of paper pulp. From 2011 to 2019 capacity will more than double, from 14 to 30 million tonnes per year. At the same time, ongoing climate change is causing drought in parts of Brazil,

¢ Plantation in Brazil.

mainly in the west and northeast regions. The result can be less growth and lower felling productivity. Brazil’s forestry industry is aiming to balance this situation with the aid of the latest knowledge and technologies. That’s why a delegation from the country’s bigger forest companies

is heading to Sweden and Elmia Wood 2017. “It’s at Elmia Wood that manufacturers launch their new harvesting machinery and other forestry equipment. It’s a trade fair that all forestry professionals need to attend,” says Jorge Malinovski.

¢ Drones are being used in increasing numbers in forests throughout the world.

Separate Drone Zone UNMANNED AERIAL vehicles will have their own separate section called the Drone Zone at this year's Elmia Wood (7-10 June). The fair is collaborating with UAS Forum Sweden, which arranges Sweden’s leading conference in the field, and which is assembling experts and suppliers for the fair. “I hope visitors to Elmia Wood will go home having realised that drones are not a futuristic vision but are mature technology ready to be used in the forest industry,” said Hans Thunander, a certified forester who is already working with drones in the forest. 20

“There will be presentations and shows several times each day,” said Urban Wahlberg of UAS Forum. “The exhibitors will be leading suppliers of applications and equipment.” Drones are not completely new at Elmia’s forestry fairs. Hans Thunander says futuristic technology was exhibited at the previous edition of the fair to inspire the forest industry to think of new applications for the drones. Now they are a mature tool ready to be used. “To me a drone is like a pair of binoculars that can see around corners,” he says. “It’s just as natural an

aid as the other technology we’re already using.” Drones are strongly associated with camera surveillance but that is not their purpose in the forest. Instead they are used to gain an overview of larger areas. Using various types of sensors they can find windthrow, monitor stressed trees, count game and so on. “Just imagine not having to walk and drive through large tracts of land after a storm,” Thunander says as an example. “With a drone you can concentrate your efforts on where the damage is.” Because Elmia Wood is held out in the forest, the drones can be demonstrated

Australian Forests & Timber News

¢ Drone capturing the action at AUSTimber.

in realistic conditions. The Drone Zone is located along Elmia Wood’s large-scale forest trail. “The fair is designed to be the place where the international forest industry discovers the latest technologies and applications,” says Jakob

May 2017

Hirsmark, Exhibition Manager for Elmia Wood. “Drones are becoming an ever-more important part of forestry within the immediate future and that’s why they have a self-evident place at the world’s biggest forestry fair.” www.timberbiz.com.au

HAULAGE

Log truck drivers are owed an apology

HE AUSTRALIAN Forest Contractors Association is urging Leader of the Tasmanian Greens, Cassy O’Connor to apologise following her comments suggesting that ‘log trucks kill people’. “These comments are unfounded and demonstrate a lack of understanding of our industry, our hard-working people who live and work regionally, and support the vibrancy of many important rural communities," said Adan Taylor, AFCA Chairman.

"It defies logic to think anyone would start their work day with the intention of being involved in a fatality.” “The Forest Industry has engaged and worked with a range of stakeholders, including WorkSafe Tasmania, to deliver improvements on log truck safety. These activities are making a difference and have led to enhanced safety knowledge for log truck drivers and has driven technology advancements. "Our industry is also

supported by policy frameworks like the Forest Safety Code (Tasmania) 2007 (currently under review) along with skills development and training which provides a framework to support continuous safety improvement. In addition, AFCA has also been working closely with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to proactively address Heavy Vehicle National Law requirements," said Adan. "Most recently industry has endorsed a holistic national approach on log truck safety and industry is currently in the early stages of developing a national Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice. This will provide a whole of industry approach to driving log haulage best practice in safety. "Like all rural based industries, the forestry

industry has challenges, like large distances to markets and must rely on heavy vehicle transport, and our industry does not hide behind the fact all road users can make improvements to safety. AFCA and our industry has and continues to strive to achieve this through a range of training and policy developments. “We want our hard-working drivers to come home every night to their families and have productive and uneventful days; we want this for all road users and we are playing our part in this. "To suggest that ‘log trucks kill people’ is misleading and upsetting and it also fails to acknowledge the amount of work that has, and continues to be undertaken by our whole industry on continuous safety improvements,” he said.

¢ Cassy O'Connor.

¢ Adan Taylor, AFCA Chairman.

Is your trucking business ready for 2018? “THERE ARE changes coming to chain of responsibility in 2018, and we need to make sure that everyone is prepared for these changes,” General Manager, TruckSafe, Justin Fleming recently said at the NatRoad regional trucking summit in Toowoomba. Mr Fleming spoke about the importance of being aware and prepared for coming changes in chain of responsibility (CoR) laws in 2018. “There will be a new general safety duty that will include maintenance;

the duty qualifier will change to ‘so far as reasonably practicable’; there will be a massive increase in maximum penalties and a new due diligence obligation on executives including directors,” Mr Fleming said. “It is crucial that you are aware of your obligations and your requirements under due diligence, otherwise you and your business could suffer under the CoR changes. These changes in CoR include areas

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be a system to record any changes to your maintenance system, and there must be a process to change your system as needed,” Mr Fleming said. The NatRoad regional trucking summit brought together regulatory representatives, industry leaders as well as trucking operators in remote and rural Australia. For more information about TruckSafe can help your business, visit www. trucksafe.com.au.

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In the news

Growing intolerance for illegal timber underpins global sustainability in forest products By Senator Anne Ruston Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator for South Australia

HE AUSTRALIAN G o v e r n m e n t continues to acknowledge and support the vital role forests play in sustaining communities, economies and the environment here in Australia and around the world. Not only does the industry provide jobs for more than 69,000 people in Australia, it also contributes a significant $22 billion to our economy. Australia’s forest products sector is dependent on the sustainable use of both our native forests and plantation resources. This sustainable forest management is underpinned by the effective planning and management systems that have been established at all levels of government. I remain enthusiastic about the future of our growing

forest industry, one that is far more than just sawlogs and wood chips. The sector presents us a range of new opportunities to explore, including carbon farming, bio-energy and bioproducts. I am proud that we are maintaining our longterm commitment to a range of forestry priorities including, for example, the Regional Forestry Agreements and our illegal logging laws. It is through these policy and legislative measures that Australia continues to be recognised as a source of sustainable timber and wood-based products. Australia’s illegal logging laws, in place since 2012, seek to ensure that only products with a low risk of being sourced from illegal harvesting come into the Australian market.

Australia, together with the European Union and the United States, two of the largest markets for timber products in the world, have been at the forefront of efforts to address the trade in illegally logged timber. The combined effort from “consumer” countries continues to drive change in “producer” countries. Following the lead of the US, EU and Australia, we are now seeing a growing trend among other nations to combat illegal logging and its associated trade including Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. In the absence of laws addressing illegal logging our products often compete in markets with products where legality cannot always be assured or demonstrated. The implementation of timber legality laws can be seen to level the playing field and provide recognition to the value of timber legally sourced from sustainably managed forests. Australian industry is well positioned to compete in these markets.

With the implementation of any new system, it can take some time to adjust to new requirements. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources continues to work with foreign governments to ensure that Australian businesses have unhindered access to these important markets. As a major market for timber products, Australia has an important role to play in contributing to efforts to combat illegal logging and its associated trade. By supporting international efforts, our laws seek to promote the strong, competitive and sustainable international trade in legal timber products, while also reducing the significant detriment of illegal logging. The growing momentum of timber legality laws across the globe is to be welcomed – the collective actions of countries in all regions will help to ensure that global efforts to sustainably manage forests becomes a reality. The Australian

Government is currently looking at options for refining our own illegal logging laws. I am looking at opportunities to reduce burden for businesses while maintaining the integrity of the laws in combatting the trade in illegally logged timber. Potential options for reform were outlined in a consultation process that concluded at the end of 2016. We received a strong level of stakeholder engagement in that process and I look forward to making an announcement about the results in the near future. The department continues to provide regular information about Australia’s illegal logging laws and any broader international developments via its Illegal Logging E-Update service. Further information is available is available on the Department’s website. http://www.agriculture.gov. au/forestry/policies/illegal

State forest rest area celebrates the life and passion of Spiro and Brinos Notaras

UCH-LOV ED Grafton identities the late Spiro and Brinos Notaras have been celebrated in a ceremony to rename a revamped rest area and memorial to the brothers in Glenugie State Forest. Forestry Corporation of NSW’s CEO Nick Roberts said the Lambrinos and Spiro Notaras Memorial Rest Area was a tribute to the passion of the Notaras brothers, who spent more than half a century working in the local timber industry. “Spiro and Brinos were much loved members of the

Grafton community and the Notaras and Sons mill is embedded in Grafton’s history. They were also long-time friends and colleagues to many of us in the timber industry,” Mr Roberts said. “We first established the memorial in Glenugie State Forest following the passing of Brinos in 2005. After Spiro sadly passed away last year, we wanted to show our respects, so we have spruced up the rest area and memorial to acknowledge the contribution both brothers made to the local timber industry.

“The Notaras brothers recognised that the north coast timber industry was an industry with a bright future, an industry to be proud of and great industry to be a part of – and this memorial celebrates that passion. “Over the past century, the timber industry has been responsible for the development of entire communities, both by creating local jobs and by producing timber for vital infrastructure such as railway sleepers, power poles, house frames and – like Notaras and Sons – timber floors.

Australian Forests & Timber News

¢ L-R: Notaras and Sons general manager Donna Layton, Spiro Notaras's son John Notaras, Spiro Notaras’s daughter Sue Notaras, Spiro Notaras's son Paul Notaras, Forestry Corporation CEO Nick Roberts.

“Importantly, the industry is sustainable, so the same forests that have been building NSW for a century are still thriving today, still producing timber, still supporting an amazing diversity of flora and fauna and May 2017

still available for the community to enjoy. “Spiro and Brinos had a big impact on our industry, and I hope this memorial stands as a mark of the love and respect all of us had for these two brothers.” www.timberbiz.com.au

In the news

Housing supply and the timber industry By Tony Pasin MP Federal Member for Barker

N THE lead-up to the Federal Budget due to be handed down in May, there has been significant debate surrounding housing affordability. The issue, particularly prominent in Sydney and Melbourne, centres on the fact that supply has failed to keep up with rising demand and as a result house prices are being pushed to historic highs. While the housing market varies across the country, it is worth remembering that 40% of Australians call Sydney or Melbourne home and as such the significant housing challenges faced in Sydney and Melbourne have national ramifications. It is widely accepted that the key to solving the housing affordability crisis centres on the supply side of the housing market equation and as such Governments are looking to supply focused economic levers in their policy responses to this crisis. This can only mean

good things for the timber industry. Australia, according to the HIA March 2017 discussion paper, is in the midst of the longest new home building cycle in modern history. That historically long period of growth is driving continued strong demand for wood products. Residential framing is still the biggest market segment for sawn timber products predominantly softwood solid sawn and engineered wood products. There has been increased demand for durable external products (cladding, decking, screens, boardwalks, landscaping) as well as treated timber for durability and pest resistance. Strong demand also continues for appearance products such as flooring, lining, joinery, cabinetry, windows, doors and stairs. Credit must be given to the industries push into prefabrication of building solutions as

well as increased R&D of engineered wood products. There has also been an industry push into timber solutions for multi-residential and commercial buildings which have traditionally used less structural timber in construction. This has been great news for the domestic MGP sawntimber industry almost all of which is used in the Australian construction market. While we are in the midst of the longest new home building cycle in modern history the renewed policy focus on addressing the housing affordability crisis has the potential to intensify and extend this

Acclaimed journalist to host AFPA’s Gala Dinner ABC RADIO National journalist Ellen Fanning will host the Australian Forest Products Association’s (AFPA) 3rd biennial Gala Industry Dinner on Tuesday, 12 September, at the Great Hall in Parliament House. Ms Fanning is best known for her work as an award-winning current affairs journalist. At 24, she broke new ground by becoming the first woman to host one of ABC Radio’s national current affairs programs. Two years at the helm of PM were followed by several years anchoring AM on ABC Radio and serving as occasional host of ABC TV’s 7.30 Report. She has interviewed every current and former Australian Prime Minister from John Howard to John Gorton and has met and interviewed world leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Israel and the United States. Most recently, she has been a reporter for the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes and is the joint host of the ABC nightly panel discussion program, The Drum. www.timberbiz.com.au

“Ellen has a wealth of experience and solid reputation as a current affairs journalist making her the ideal fit for hosting this event. She has extensive experience moderating political, business and community events in Australia as well as hosting award ceremonies for government, business groups and industry organisations over many years,” said AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton. AFPA will host a dinner of over 500 from the full value chain of the industry and parliamentary friends of forestry who have shown dedication to the ‘greenest’ of industry sectors and its mission. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott addressed the previous Great Hall industry dinner in 2014, and AFPA will announce the line-up of speakers for this year’s dinner in the coming weeks. Group and individual tickets can be purchased via the AFPA website www. ausfpa.com.au Australian Forests & Timber News

prolonged period of growth even further. In simple terms any supply side measures adopted by government such as, for example, the release of more land and/ or more efficient and lower cost approvals process, would drive growth in new housing starts and in turn fan further demand for domestic wood products. At present the timber and wood products industry has a lot to be optimistic about and we can now add the strong desire of Governments across the nation to address the housing affordability crisis as another reason to be bullish about the industry.

EPA opens new regional office THE VICTORIAN Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has officially opened its new regional office in Bendigo to service the north-west region of Victoria, including Mildura, Horsham, Macedon Ranges, Northern Grampians and Campaspe. The multi-purpose, open plan building houses an onsite lab, video conferencing, a large conference room ideal for community consultation and hot desks for EPA staff based elsewhere in the state. The new office has the space and facilities to host events, allowing staff to meet and work with the community to ensure EPA continues to effectively respond to the needs of the region. It is also large enough to allow EPA staff from other offices to work in Bendigo, boosting communication and capability to respond to incidents.

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WINCH ASSISTANCE

Komatsu Traction Aid Winch facilitates logging in steep terrain

OMATSU FOREST has introduced the Komatsu Traction Aid Winch, a high-quality capstan winch based on more than 10 yearsâ€™ experience of working with winches in the alpine regions of Europe. This year Komatsu Forest is delivering the Komatsu Traction Aid Winch for the Komatsu 875 Forwarder and the Komatsu 911/230H and Komatsu 931 Harvesters. There is an everincreasing need for winch accessories for forwarders and harvesters. Competition for land use, such as for food and bioenergy cultivation, is growing throughout the world. As a result, forestry often expands into areas where such uses do not compete for land, as in steep terrain for example. In order to harvest and forward timber in such extreme conditions, there is increased demand for specially adapted technology, including winches. Komatsu Forest has extensive experience of working with winches in the alpine regions of Germany and Austria, where the technology has been refined in cooperation with customers for over ten years. Using that knowledge, Komatsu Forest has now created the Komatsu Traction Aid Winch, a highquality winch solution that will be available as an option when the machine models listed above are assembled. The system is based on the tried and tested capstan principle where the winch has a separate drum for rope

storage, while the motor, providing traction, is installed on the capstan unit. The rope is wound nine times around the capstan drive, which gives great friction force and thus an efficient winch. The capstan system

provides even traction because the same amount of rope is always wound around the capstan unit. This is an advantage compared to a regular drum winch where the rope is wound around a drum that also houses the motor, a construction that provides uneven traction because the torque varies depending on how much rope remains on the drum. The design also offers better control over how the rope is wound onto the drum compared to a drum winch. This is because the entire tractive force acts on the capstan unit while only indirectly acting on the rope on the storage drum. As a result, the operator can rest assured that the rope will wind onto the drum without incident. The reduced traction force on the storage drum also means less stress and wear on the rope, thereby extending its service life. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch has a compact design that provides the forwarder/harvester with excellent ground clearance, manoeuvrability and visibility from the cab. The harvester winch is fitted with a hydraulic tilt, making it easy to tilt the winch downwards

to open the hood or adjust the rope angle. The winch also has quick couplings for easy removal during servicing or when driving on flat terrain where it is not needed. The forwarder winch is well integrated with the rear frame. The 130F crane model can be equipped with an integrated crane tilt option, which delivers higher net slewing force when used in steep terrain. The winch has a rope feeder unit that ensures that the rope is always tensioned inside the winch, which increases reliability and prevents problems with the rope. Winch control is integrated with the machineâ€™s control system MaxiXplorer. This enables the rope feed rate to be automatically adjusted so that it adapts to the machineâ€™s driving speed without the operator needing to intervene. The high-quality rope has a diameter of 14 mm and a length of 325 m for harvesters and 425 m for forwarders. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch is equipped with a remote control that enables a lone operator to control the winch from outside the machine, as well as to feed and anchor the rope. The winch also has different smart modes to optimise operating efficiency. The Komatsu Traction Aid Winch is quite simply a well-designed solution that offers traction aid and additional peace of mind in steep terrain and when faced with challenging ground conditions.

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May 2017

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In the news

$2b trade deficit in wood products a source of national shame

T IS a source of some national shame that Australia has a significant trade deficit in forest products of more than $2 billion each year, especially when Australia is the seventh most forested country in the world and Australians have more forest per person than most other countries except for the Canadians and the Russians. Rob de Fégely, National President of the Australian Institute of Foresters presented the grim picture of Australia’s contribution to managing renewable forest and plantation resources to the 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference in India. "This is not an economic argument but a moral and social one. We have the space, skills, wealth and knowledge to do more. "Using wood is good – it is a carbon-positive, renewable resource - and it is almost impossible to live a day without using wood products in some form. Wood is a timeless product and we should encourage its use," Rob told delegates to the conference. He said most of Australia’s 125 million hectares of forest were either privately owned or on leasehold land yet the bulk of the production from natural forests came from public multiple use forests. "In addition, most of our planted forest estate was

either established by public forest agencies or with some form of government assistance. "Private forest owners and Indigenous Australians, particularly in natural forests are conspicuous by their absence in the long-term supply of wood products. We can change this if we have the community support and political will to do so! "Indigenous Australians own, manage or have an interest in around 30% of Australia’s forests and many are wanting greater autonomy in the management of their land and forests. "Effectively managing forests for environmental outcomes is also not the pretty picture we are often led to believe. Australia has considerable areas of conservation forests which have no effective monitoring making it challenging to make informed decisions about forest management particularly in a landscape context. Are these forests achieving what we think they are? "We need to investigate whether there is market failure in the domestic forest products market and whether incentives are needed to continue to develop new forest resources. Although I am often reminded that one of the best incentives is a simple one called profit! "Australia has a proud

Ross Hampton, AFPA Chief Executive Officer.

history of forest management and has the ability to improve conservation outcomes from its forests while meeting demand for renewable resources like wood," said Rob. The Australian Forest & Products Association (the peak national industry body representing the resources, processing, and pulp and paper industries covering the forest products value chain) also believes that Australia's resources could be better utilised. "AFPA has long argued that it makes no sense that a nation endowed with the

Rob de Fégely, National President of the Australian Institute of Foresters.

comparative advantages we have in forestry should be so reliant on overseas imports," said AFPA Chief Executive Officer Ross Hampton. "We have the land, the people and the sustainable practices which means that we should be doing more with our timber industries than we are. As an example we enjoyed record housing starts in 2015 of some 220,000 homes, and yet we imported 608,000 cubic metres of softwood to support that growth. "AFPA continues to agitate for a national plan for forestry and forest industries which

"We can change this if we have the community support and political will to do so." will deliver the right trees in the right places and allow our industries to develop the scale needed to ensure they remain globally competitive in the next decades," said Ross. 1 http://www.fao.org/3/aaz156e.pdf

Australian forestry.

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Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

In the news

In Brief Sawn softwood sales remain at near record levels On an annualised basis, for the year-ended February 2017, sales of domestically produced sawn softwood declined to 3,131,207 m3, down just 0.1% on the prior month’s year-end total. This is the first time since October 2015 that annualised sales have dipped, albeit that total sales are 15.0% higher than for the year-ended February 2016. The dip may prove to be nothing more than a moment in time, but there are indications that the industry is at or near its peak production capacity. Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers secures finance Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers has entered into a funding agreement with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Subject to certain conditions precedent, including all necessary development approvals, the bank will lend up to $57.1m in total which will support 100% of the anticipated construction cost of $30m for the company’s proposed Smith Bay Wharf plus an allowance for equipment finance and working capital. The agreement contains provisions for up to $25m of facilities should the company elect to borrow against its expanded portfolio of land and timber assets in the future. RISI takeover detailed The takeover of US-based forest products industry consulting firm RISI by Euromoney Institutional Investor has been completed. The B2B information group agreed to acquire 100% of RISI for US$125 million. RISI’s product suite comprises pricing data, mill intelligence and analytics as well as news, research and conferences covering the pulp, packaging, wood products, wood fibre and saw logs markets. Last year, it reported sales of US$29.6 million, with EBITDA of US$7.7 million. Certification target Malaysia has set a target of 100% forest certification for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in Permanent Reserve Forests by 2025 through its various initiatives such as Goal 2, Target 4 of the National Policy on Biological Biodiversity (2016-2025). Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, in revealing this, said Malaysia was among the top-notch countries in the world practising SFM management.

Accolades flow for forest science course “THE QUALITY of the course would not have been possible without the calibre of speakers across all facets of forest sciences and the forestry industry.” This was one of many accolades given to the organisers of the third biennial Gottstein forest science course at the University of Melbourne’s Creswick campus. Rohan Jacobsen, GIS analyst at ABARES in Canberra, said the format and the scheduling of the course was well planned and executed. “Although the days were on the long side I found myself just as absorbed at 5 pm as I was at 9 am,” Rohan said. “In particular, I found the two panel discussions of great value. The presentations and seminars are effective at providing much of the theory and principles of forestry, but the panel groups enabled participants to get real insights into industry leaders’ thoughts and opinions." Rohan said he hoped the courses would continue and saw value in them being run more frequently. “I will make a strong recommendation to my work area on the suitability of this course for staff who are new or recently joined within the forest-related sections in ABARES and don’t have forestry qualifications,” he said. “Again, my only qualm is that the next one is two years away.”

¢ Participants in the Gottstein forest science course assemble at the University of Melbourne’s Creswick campus.

The third biennial Gottstein Forest Science Course was a huge success according to the attendees. Other comments at the end of the course included: “brilliant”, “worthwhile and time well spent”, and “awesome”. “We are concerned that our weeklong course takes participants away from their work for the whole week,” course director Dr Silvia Pongracic, a former CSIRO scientist, said. “But we can immerse them in the forestry supply chain and when they depart five days later they are inspired.” The course takes participants on a journey from understanding the forest and plantation resource, how to manage that resource for timber and other non-timber values The challenges include measuring

the quantity and quality of the resource, what the non-timber forest products of water, biodiversity, carbon add to the management of forests, how fire can be the greatest tool or the fiercest foe, and how important the forestry industry is to regional economies. “The culmination is an expose of wood as the building material of the 21st century,” Dr Pongracic said. “It’s a lot to cover in one week, but the ‘forestry degree in a week’ seems to be gaining popularity. “With a 50% increase in numbers over previous years, Gottstein trustee and course speaker Ric Sinclair was thrilled. “It’s great to see so many young people, and especially young women, attending this course,” he said.

More than 100 million trees regrown in NSW State forests over the past five years alone MORE THAN 100 million trees have been regrown in NSW State forests over the past five years alone, bringing thousands of timber industry jobs to regional communities and maintaining thriving forest flora and fauna. Forestry Corporation of NSW’s CEO Nick Roberts said International Day of Forests celebrated the vital role productive State forests continue to play in local communities. “There are more than 500 thriving State forests throughout NSW, including over 200,000 hectares of plantations, a million hectares of native production forest that’s been harvested and regenerated many times, and a million hectares set aside for conservation and recreation,” Mr Roberts said. “Every year we replant a new crop of around 10 million seedlings by hand and we also naturally regenerate millions more trees in native forests.

¢ Brad Potts- Supervisor at Southern Highlands Contracting - Bombala planting.

¢ Sherwood Road .... magnificent scenery.

While the number of trees growing in State forests is not an exact science, based on data from our planting programs and regeneration surveys we estimate we regrow between 20 and 30 million trees in NSW State forests each and every year. “We have been working in the same productive forests for more than a century, continuously harvesting and regrowing these forests sustainably so

we have an ongoing source of timber to support NSW’s booming timber industry. With 100 to 150 million new trees growing over the past five years, these forests will continue to support this vital industry for generations to come. “Around 22,000 people work in the NSW timber industry and we have the largest number of hardwood sawmills in Australia. Equally importantly, we

Australian Forests & Timber News

May 2017

also carefully manage State forests to protect their many environmental values and welcome many thousands of campers, bushwalkers, trail bike riders, four wheel drivers, horse riders and mountain bikers each year. “Because we continue to manage these forests sustainably, they will carry on regenerating and supplying renewable timber 100 years from now and beyond," said Mr Roberts. www.timberbiz.com.au

Classifieds

Sell your used equipment, advertise your tender, offer your real estate or find your next employee. For rates and deadlines call Michael Dolphin on (03) 9888 4834 or email: m.dolphin@ryanmediapl.com.au

SALE

FIREWOOD MILLS

For Information, please, call 0419-536 804 or email your postal address to info@firewoodmills.com.au

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Waratah Harvester

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BUNCHING GRAPPLES Distributed each Thursday,

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Daily Timber News offers a snapshot of forest and timber news, research and1300 marketing content 727 520 gleaned from Australian www.onetrak.com.au and international media sources.

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Randalls Equipment Co (Vic) Pty Ltd 8 Wallace Avenue, Point Cook VIC 3030 | PO Box 87, Laverton VIC 3028

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RF continuous laminated timber press line, (came out of Door component factory), good sound condition $42,000+GST

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FOR SALE Forest King F2 Tyres

750/55-26.5 size 24 Ply Rating Brand New Unused in forest environment 8 x available at: $4500.00 each Australian Forests & Timber News

Contact:

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P: 0428 481 238

May 2017

The real BIGContinuing forwarder… Evolution

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Komatsu Forest Pty Ltd. 11/4 Avenue of Americas Newington NSW 2127 Australia T: +61 2 9647 3600 E: info.au@komatsuforest.com