Friday Offcuts – 24 January 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Offcuts.Our top story is the NZ Government's decision to merge several of the country's Crown Research Institutes. This move is expected to significantly impact forestry research, as Scion will merge with three others to form the new Bioeconomy PRO. Innovatek will be running an exciting new event in Rotorua this May. Forest Bioeconomy 2025 will bring together international startup leaders and forest and wood technology innovators to drive innovation in high-value bioproducts. In other tech news, JCB has developed a world-first hydrogen combustion engine, Rocket Lab's is launching OroraTech's wildfire detection satellites, and CSIRO continues to invest in a circular economy. We highlight upcoming changes to Australia's illegal logging laws, which is aimed at combating illegal timber trade. Also, there are concerns surrounding a proposed new carbon method in Queensland, and the heightened fire risk posed by high fuel loads in South East Australia. And finally, there is a wealth of industry stats in the just released NZ Forest industry insights quarterly update. Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Science sector reform - forestry set to have central role
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) says the
Government’s decision to merge the country’s seven Crown
Research Institutes (CRIs) could strengthen forestry’s important
role in bolstering the bioeconomy.The announcement, which will affect forest research CRI Scion, will see all CRIs merge into four Public Research Organisations (PROs) focused on the bioeconomy, earth sciences, advanced technology and health and forensic sciences. Forest Owners Association chief executive, Dr Elizabeth Heeg, says while the merge will result in significant change for Scion and its staff, it also presents an exciting opportunity that aligns closely with the sector’s strategic direction to strengthen the bioeconomy. “We are cautiously optimistic that the creation of this new Public Research Organisation places forestry at the forefront of facilitating New Zealand’s transition to a more sustainable future, all the while providing for our wood and fibre needs,” Elizabeth says. “Our sector is already a major producer of renewable resources. It has great potential as a source of bioenergy and gives New Zealand a huge competitive advantage as the world moves away from fossil fuels. “Other primary industry residues simply don’t compare in energy or monetary terms.” Under the reform, Scion will merge with AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research and Plant & Food Research to form the new Bioeconomy PRO. This PRO is said to be focused more on economic outcomes while continuing to deliver public-good science. “Scion has done critical work on shifting New Zealand’s dependency on fossil fuels to an economy using biological processes and renewable materials from planted forests,” Elizabeth says. “Their role in protecting, strengthening and growing New Zealand’s forest estate of pine and alternative timber species should not be understated. “Retaining this expertise and the commercial opportunities and partnerships fostered by Scion over the years will be important for setting forestry in good stead under this merge.” While forest growers are optimistic the suite of changes will improve the science system, execution will be critical to the reform’s success. “Merging CRIs into four key entities will not be an easy feat without any additional funding,” Elizabeth says. “Research and development is the area of highest investment for funds raised under the Harvest Wood Material Commodity Levy and forest growers will want assurances that there will continue to be a focus on fundamental forest research under the new structure, as well as sufficient funding for this essential work to continue, particularly at a local level. “Equally, without investment in this space, forestry’s role in the bioeconomy will be much more difficult to fulfill.” Once fully established, the bioeconomy is estimated to inject a further $30 billion into New Zealand’s economy. New Zealand has already begun paving the way for a wood-based future, using its forests to produce a variety of biological resources including construction timber, paper, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and now renewable bioenergy. Elizabeth says more investment in this area creates exciting possibilities. “Today’s announcement signals a commitment to seeing the bioeconomy come to fruition, with trees featuring as a very critical component to complete that pathway.” Source: NZFOA Forestry sector set sights on high value bioproducts
“Recent pulp and paper mill closure announcements are set to be
replaced by more positive news of exciting moves for using our logs and
other forest resources for higher value export products from across
forestry and wood products sector”, says Rotorua-based forest
technology specialist, John Stulen.“Industry leaders from across the forestry supply chain are getting behind a new initiative to support new technologies and processes for extracting high value chemicals from logs and other forestry byproducts from sawmills”, he added. In collaboration Scion, the New Zealand Product Accelerator, chair Steve Wilson is initiating a new forestry biofactory to foster new developments for making new bioproducts from forest resources to deliver much higher value export products to fruition. “To bring our industry innovators together, we are pleased to announce a new conference called Forest Bioeconomy Innovations. It will run on 20-21 May 2025 in Rotorua. We are bringing international startup leaders together with forest and wood technology innovators to supercharge new processes to complement and eventually replace pulp and paper mills to a large degree,” says Stulen. “We are also working closely with officials and the Minister at MPI/Te Uru Rakau and key industry leaders to showcase sustainable and potential bioeconomy export products from New Zealand’s vast forest resources.” Local entrepreneurs are already developing new products from sustainable resources:
More >> Source: Innovatek  Australia’s illegal logging laws will change in March
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring illegally
logged material is not incorporated into Australian wood
products.The arrangements, commencing on 3 March 2025, represent an opportunity for government, industry and end users of wood products to have greater confidence in the source and supply of timber. This will provide greater confidence to the Australian public of the strong collective commitment of all parts of the Australian supply chain to responsible forestry practices. Transitioning to new arrangements The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Act 2024 (Amendment Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (the Rules) were finalised in December 2024 and will come into effect on 3 March 2025. The new legal requirements will involve changes to company processes and the Government is committed to supporting compliance within the regulated community with clear and accessible guidance. For the first six months of the Rules being in effect (from 3 March 2025 – early September 2025), audits will be conducted as usual, but will focus on education and guidance for non-compliance matters relating to the application of new/changed due diligence arrangements. What does this mean for importers and processors? Aspects of a company's due diligence requirements will change on 3 March 2025. Until then, existing requirements remain in place. Information on the practical changes for importers and processors is available in E-update 49. Guidance material More information on what will happen from 3 March 2025 is available in the Navigating New Rules: Transitioning to new arrangements factsheet. Two digital kits (‘digikits’), with resources and information for representative groups, are available to distribute amongst networks. Further guidance material will be available ahead of 3 March 2025 to assist companies in meeting due diligence requirements. There will be an opportunity to provide feedback during the first six months of the updated legislation, to ensure guidance is fit-for-purpose. Due diligence requirements varies for different products, with certain products—such as composite products—requiring more detailed consideration. Help is available for navigating these challenges, and are open to feedback. More information on the changes coming into effect under the Amendment Act and Rules is available in E-update 49. Source: E-Update 50: January 2025, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Forestry industry insights quarterly update
Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, has released
the quarterly edition of the current state of the forestry and wood
processing industries. Forestry industry insights are provided
for decision makers within the forestry and wood processing industries,
investors, and economic development agencies.This quarter, export revenue for forestry is showing signs of improvement, while wood processing products are displaying mixed results over the last three months to October 2024. Volumes of wood products manufacturing and domestic log prices showed little variation, while building consents are ticking upward very slowly. Whilst building consents increased by 3.5% for the quarter ended October 2024, there has been a 16% year-on-year decrease in the number of new dwellings consented. The recent release of the National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD) 2024 reported an increase in the size of New Zealand’s forestry estate, but a decrease in standing volume for the year-ended April 2024. This year’s report used spatial data for the first time for forests smaller than 1,000 hectares in the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay. Domestic log prices decreased slightly in the October 2024 quarter. We may see a positive change in prices in the next quarter if the slow and steady increase of building consents continues. At Wharf Gate (AWG) A-grade export log prices increased 13.2% for the October quarter reflecting a mix of better exchange rates, lower inventories at China ports and lower shipping rates. Chinese government initiatives promoting housing renovations and interior decoration may also provide future benefits for the New Zealand log export market. Export revenue for paper and paperboard, sawn timber and sleepers, and other forestry products have all increased on a quarter-to-quarter and a year-on-year basis. However, chips, panels, and pulp have produced negative export revenue performance for the same periods. Australia and New Zealand paper and packaging On 20 November 2024, Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS) has announced plans to discontinue paper production and focus solely on pulp manufacturing at the Kinleith Mill in New Zealand. Oji is currently consulting on their proposal with their employees. This mill supplies paper to three of Oji’s Australian-based packaging facilities, potentially creating ripple effects across the Tasman. This situation aligns with a broader trend of declining demand for printing and communication papers in Australia, where consumption has dropped by an average of 10.1% annually over the past decade. EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) The implementation of the EUDR, initially set for December 2024, has been delayed for 12 to 18 months, depending on business size, allowing more time for compliance. The regulation aims to curb deforestation and forest degradation by requiring detailed geo-location data from exporting countries. However, it has faced criticism from nations like Indonesia, the USA, and China, citing concerns over its country-rating approach and security concerns of detailed geo-locations. View the full report. Source & image credit: Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service  World's first hydrogen combusting engine
JCB has cleared significant hurdles in its development of the
world’s first hydrogen combustion engine after securing landmark
rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used
commercially in machines, the company announced.JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for over three years. JCB has confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025. This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said, "JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment. This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.” JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025. JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage and progressing well. Source & image credit: JCB  January 2025 Market Update
Opinion Piece: Marcus Musson, Forest360 Director
Another New Year, another hole in the belt, another bunch of ‘get fit’ and ‘sobriety’ resolutions that probably won’t make it past the couch or fridge, and another year of anticipation on what might be around the corner for the commodity trades. The past few years have certainly been ones to forget with massive inflation related cost increases, erratic demand thanks to the Chinese construction implosion, and unforeseen weather events. Hopefully, like Joe Biden, these will be buried in the past and 2025 will be one out of the box. We all have hope, but unfortunately, reality generally gives us a quick backhand to shake us out of dreamland. While 2025 has started well with increased At Wharf Gate (AWG) export returns, the underlying demand profile isn’t much different from last year. January’s AWG prices are up a few dollars to around $128/m3 in Southern North Island and Northern South Island ports with $2-3 more in Tauranga and Marsden and up to $20/m3 less in Lyttleton and other southern ports. These numbers will get the woodlot sector fired back into life, especially during the summer months, but these increases are purely driven by lower shipping and exchange rates, not demand. The market does not need increased supply, and any increase in supply will likely result in lower sales prices. Chinese New Year holidays (CNY) start on the 29th of January this year and many sawmills have already closed as their workforce return to their home provinces. This shutdown generally lasts 4 weeks, and there is some expectation that this year the break may be slightly longer. Off port uplift in early January was around 65,000m3 per day and inventory is sitting at a shade under 2.9million m3, an increase of approximately 200,000m3 on the month prior. It is likely that inventory will get close to 4 million m3 post CNY which is getting into pucker territory for exporters. There is some sliver of good news with the Chinese construction sector reporting that residential house price declines have slowed with a 5.3% decline in December compared to 5.7% in November. December marks the 18th consecutive month of price decreases, and it is now widely expected that the bottom has been or is close to being found. There’s still purportedly around $US1 trillion of stimulus to be thrown at the sector to try and get some traction, but with around 2 years’ unsold housing stock in the system, it may not be until mid-2026 that we see some significant upwards momentum. More >> Source & image credit: Forest360 Proposed native forest carbon method raises more questions
The peak state body for the forest and timber industry in
Queensland has raised major concerns with the recent announcement
by the Australian Government of a proposed new carbon
method known as the Improved Native Forest Management in
Multiple-use Public Forests.Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said “This proposed method raises far more questions than answers for addressing long term climate mitigation and the integrity of the carbon credits intended to be generated.” The method is at odds with the high level principle identified in the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th assessment report that states:
“This is in direct contrast to many life cycle analyses of managed forests with sustainable timber harvesting, which show long-term sustained carbon benefits when the substitution of steel and concrete in the built environment is included along with carbon stored in forests and harvested wood products,” he said. The method fails on multiple accounts to meet the very principles Minister Bowen set out following the recent Chubb review into the land based carbon sequestration market. These failures include:
The native hardwood sector in Queensland contributes almost $700 million each year to the economy and supports 6000 jobs across the state, providing much needed building and housing materials. We believe this proposal is ideologically motivated by the method proponent (NSW Government) to further restrict native forestry in Australia, which can contribute to poor land management outcomes including higher risks of bushfires. Timber Queensland is calling on the Australian Government to withdraw this method immediately and to undertake a review into how the approval process seemingly ignored the counterfactual science. “The irony is there is a definitive need for a carbon method that deliberately encourages forest thinning and sustainable timber harvesting as a tool to improve tree growth and productivity, forest health and long-term carbon outcomes in many public and private native forests. This is particularly the case in Queensland,” said Mr Stephens. Source: Timber Queensland  Safeguarding Australian exports logs - methyl bromide
Australian log exports rely on the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) to control pests and meet the phytosanitary requirements of key markets such as China and India. However, MB was banned internationally for specific uses under the United Nation’s Montreal Protocol because it degrades stratospheric ozone. There is increasing international pressure to cease use of MB for other purposes, such for export logs. For example, the European Union have banned the use of MB for all treatments including quarantine, and other countries like New Zealand mandate the recapture and destruction of the compound.Work Safe Australia recently reviewed the use of fumigants including MB and changed its time-weighted average (TWA) value from 5 to 1 ppm. Practically, the TWA value guides the safety standards and operational procedures imposed by government for MB fumigations. Therefore, the APVMA will need to review the buffer zone distances and recapture requirements associated with MB use before the new TWA values come into place on December 1, 2026. Increased buffer zones for MB use could have massive implications for Australian log export, as seen in New Zealand where they increased up to 700 m. Therefore, industry urgently needs strategic directions to address the risk of MB withdrawal and restrictions on its use, especially new research on alternative treatments. In response, Forest and Wood Products Australia funded work led by VSICA Research to address these issues and provide strategic direction for industry. The project aims to:
The review identified the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments including their relative cost, with the fumigants methyl iodide, ethanedinitrile, sulfuryl fluoride, and phosphine emerging as short-term prospects, and joule and microwave heating as longer-term solutions. Preliminary field experiments conducted in Portland, Victoria showed that methyl iodide killed natural and surrogate pest populations in log stacks very effectively. Though more research is required, early data also showed that methyl iodide can kill wood wasp larvae (Sirex noctilio) in logs, which is an important quarantine pest for Australia’s trading partners (Fig 1).  If you are interested in learning more about the research project or have any questions relating to the topics discussed, please email Dr. Dylan McFarlane at dylan.science@outlook.com. Source: Dr. Dylan McFarlane (VSICA Research, VIC) Concerns for South East Australia's fuel management
Editorial by John O'DonnellThe NSW Rural Fire Service 2023/2024 Annual Report is now available and worth discussing. Hazard reduction burning and mechanical removal totalled 139,927 hectares for NSW (Appendix pages 98 and 99):
Unfortunately, areas of annual hazard reduction burning and mechanical reduction in NSW are both at very low rates and vary by year. The areas of fuel reduction in NSW and estimated percentage of forested area based on 20 million hectares of forest in NSW were:
In addition, many of the forests with extensive hot intense bushfires of 2019/ 20 have high fuel loads and are now 5 years old. In many cases there are extensive areas of dead trees, heavy grass/ bark fuel and dense understories, all contributing to a potential timebomb in many bushfire seasons. Bushfires have already occurred in these new fuels, one was described along the lines of a knife through butter, another was described as moving quickly through the understorey fuels. If we don’t increase prescribed burning and preparedness, SE Australia will continue to get more of the same intense bushfires with large impacts and forest death. There are large opportunities to expand the use of small aircraft, helicopters and drones for low intensity burning operations, using placed grid patterns for fires to join up in the cool of the evening and unburnt patches. There are potential opportunities for a number of prescribed burning drones with individual brigades/ mitigation officers and fire regions. Conclusions In conclusion, these matters and opportunities are raised in order to optimise the safety of fire fighters, communities, forests, the environment and heritage sites, avoiding repeat large area intense bushfires as much as possible. More >> Source: John O'Donnell CSIRO’s innovate to grow: Recycling and circular economy
The latest 'Innovate to Grow'
program from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency,
will help small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in the
recycling and circular economy to advance their research goals.
Australian SMEs are invited to apply for the 8-week Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program, delivered in partnership with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), which is supported by the Australian government’s Trailblazer Universities Program. The program is led by experienced researchers and will help participants examine technical challenges, explore research and development (R&D) opportunities, and develop actionable business and funding plans for their R&D idea. CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow was launched in 2020 and has equipped over 600 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their R&D opportunities. CSIRO’s Ending Plastic Waste Research Lead, Dr Deborah Lau, said it’s critical to bring science and industry together so we can create circular pathways for plastics and other recyclable waste. “Over 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic waste have been produced globally since 1950, with only 9 per cent recycled each year. This is commercially and environmentally unsustainable,” Dr Lau said. "Working with SMEs is essential to unlocking R&D opportunities that accelerate breakthroughs in science and technology. Through this program, we aim to spark innovation that will shape a sustainable circular ecosystem for plastics and waste through recycling, redesign and reuse.” Amy Hunter, Deakin REACH Executive Director, said SMEs and the startup sector have a tremendous opportunity to play a key role in developing greener supply chains in Australia. “Supporting CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow Recycling and Circular Economy program connects more businesses to Deakin through our REACH ecosystem, so we can support them to drive innovation and solve problems that will develop greener supply chains in Australia,” she said. Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu from Little Green Panda, a company turning agricultural waste into biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics, participated in CSIRO’s 2023 Innovate to Grow: Recycling program. “We made lots of progress and came up with a direction for steps we need to do and the people we need to speak to in order to get this project kickstarted,” she said. Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:
Learn more and apply or discover more programs for SMEs. Source & image credit: CSIRO  Rocket Lab to launch wildfire detection satellites
Rocket Lab USA, a global leader in launch services and
space systems, has announced it has signed a contract for a
responsive launch on Electron with Orora
Technologies (OroraTech), a German company developing a
satellite constellation to monitor wildfires and alert first responders
to danger. Launching from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, the dedicated mission on Electron will deploy eight satellites to a 550km orbit within just four months from launch contract signing, enabling OroraTech to meet the season-sensitive requirements of its wildfire detection mission. The rapid turnaround is just the latest demonstration of Rocket Lab’s responsive launch capabilities for satellite operators needing urgent access to space. OroraTech is developing a constellation of satellites with thermal infrared cameras that can provide 24/7 monitoring of wildfires globally, supporting better and faster wildfire response to protect forests, people, and infrastructure worldwide. The mission will deploy its latest plane of satellites called OTC-P1 to their current constellation, further expanding OroraTech’s capabilities to first responders, governments, and industry partners. The company will expand their constellation with up to 100 satellites in total by 2028. Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: “This launch is a showcase of all the benefits of flying dedicated on Electron: control over schedule, agility and ability to meet tight deadlines and mission requirements, and the reliability of launching on the world’s most frequently launched small orbital rocket. Knowing that time is of the essence to get these satellites in space, we’re proud to be rising to the challenge and supporting the OroraTech mission to better monitor for and protect against these devastating natural disasters globally.” The mission is the latest launch to be announced in a packed 2025 launch manifest for Rocket Lab that includes the continuation of multi-launch contracts with constellation operators Synspective, Kineis, and BlackSky; a responsive space mission for the U.S. Space Force that will see Rocket Lab build a spacecraft, then launch it on Electron with 24-hours’ notice; and the debut launch of Rocket Lab’s new medium-lift reusable rocket, Neutron. More >> Source & image credit: Rocket Lab Arbios Biotech builds new biomass to bio-oil facility
Arbios Biotech, a leader in the commercialisation of sustainable
bio-oil production, is proud to announce the successful completion of
construction of its Chuntoh Ghuna facility in Prince George, British
Columbia. The facility uses Licella’s Cat-HTRTM
hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to transform forest residues
and other woody residuals into a renewable bio-oil that can be refined
into transportation fuels with a low carbon footprint. This milestone
represents a significant step forward in Arbios’ commitment to
delivering innovative sustainable solutions to drive industry and
transportation towards a carbon neutral future.“The completion of the Chuntoh Ghuna facility marks a pivotal moment for Arbios Biotech and our partners. This facility embodies our vision of creating a circular bioeconomy where low-value residues become a valuable renewable resource,” said Rune Gjessing, CEO of Arbios Biotech. “We are grateful for the support of all levels of government, the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, and everyone who has helped make this vision a reality.” The facility was developed in close partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation on whose unceded territory it stands. The Nation named the facility Chuntoh Ghuna which means “the forest lives” in the Dakelh language. Chief Logan of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation stated, “As a Nation, we are focused on working with proponents and projects that focus on long-term environment sustainability. We are proud to see the completion of Chuntoh Ghuna, a facility that reflects our shared values of a sustainable bioeconomy. Further, this project demonstrates what can be achieved when Indigenous communities and industry collaborate in a meaningful way. We look forward to the positive impacts this facility will bring as we transition to a low-carbon future.” The Arbios Biotech Chuntoh Ghuna facility is receiving support from the Government of British Columbia through the Province’s Initiative Agreement Program under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). In the development stages of the project, support was also provided by Sustainable Development Technology Canada; the BC Innovative Clean Energy Fund; and Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program. Designed to produce 50,000 barrels of bio-oil a year, Chuntoh Ghuna is the largest HTL facility in the world and sets a new benchmark in advanced biofuel production. It serves as a blueprint for future global opportunities with an easily scaled modular design. The facility will play a key role in advancing technologies to produce drop-in renewable biofuels, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a clean energy future. Chuntoh Ghuna also contributes to the local economy, creating jobs and fostering long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities. The facility has entered the commissioning phase, with operations commencing in 2025. Arbios Biotech remains committed to advancing sustainable biofuel solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships that benefit both people and the planet. More >> Source & image credit: Arbios Biotech Please note: This is a growth market and is a great example of what will be discussed at our upcoming New Zealand event, Forest Bioeconomy 2025. Further details can be found on the event website. AFWI welcomes new Executive Director
Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) is pleased to
announce the appointment of Dr Joseph Lawrence as its new Executive
Director. Dr Lawrence brings extensive experience in research
collaboration, innovation, and industry development, having successfully
led transformative initiatives across academia, government, and industry
for over 20 years. Dr Lawrence’s career highlights include senior executive roles at leading universities and government agencies. His expertise spans manufacturing, agrifood, energy, construction, digital, and health industries, and he is recognised for his ability to forge impactful collaborations that drive innovation and deliver tangible outcomes. AFWI’s Board Chair, Bob Gordon, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting the rigorous selection process undertaken by a panel that included representation from AFWI, AFPA, and the University of Tasmania. “After a thorough recruitment process, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr Joseph Lawrence as AFWI’s Executive Director,” Mr Gordon said. “His impressive track record in fostering collaboration and delivering innovation makes him uniquely qualified to lead AFWI in achieving its ambitious goals. With the support of our Board of Directors and a team of expert staff, we are confident Joseph will help shape the future of the forestry and wood products sector.” Dr Angela Castles, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Tasmania, also welcomed the appointment. “We are very pleased to have secured someone of Joseph’s calibre for the Executive Director role,” Dr Castles said. “He brings a combination of executive experience across universities, government, and industry, as well as leadership in research and development, innovation, and sectoral partnerships. His strong engagement skills and clear vision for AFWI give us confidence he will hit the ground running and engage with our important industry partners early in his tenure.” Dr Lawrence holds a PhD in Engineering Management from the University of Canterbury, where his research focused on business models for collaborative research centres. He also holds a technical MBA (MEM) and a Bachelor of Engineering. His career has been marked by numerous leadership achievements, including roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor at Federation University and Deakin University, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives for research and innovation. Commenting on his new role, Dr Lawrence said, “Joining AFWI at this pivotal moment for the organisation and the forestry and wood products sector is an incredible opportunity. My focus will be on strengthening partnerships between researchers, industry, and government to position AFWI as a leader in transformative, industry-led research,” he said. “By advancing innovation and sustainability, we aim to deliver tangible benefits that directly support and grow the sector. I’m eager to collaborate with our partners to drive impactful outcomes that address the industry’s evolving challenges.” Dr Lawrence’s appointment marks a new chapter for AFWI as it continues to drive transformative research and foster collaboration within the forestry and wood products sector. His extensive knowledge and leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future and supporting the industry it serves. Source & image credit: AFWI Jobs
Buy and Sell
... and one to end the week on... the lawyer
A man went to his lawyer and told him, “My neighbour owes me $500, and he won’t pay up. What should I do?” “Do you have any proof he owes you the money?” asked the lawyer. And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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