Friday Offcuts – 29 November 2024
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Offcuts.This week, the Melbourne leg of ForestTECH 2024 brought together forestry professionals from around the world. The event served as a platform to share insights and discuss the latest developments in forest management and precision silviculture, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on innovation and technology. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our retiring Director, Brent Apthorp. Brent has been the driving force behind every ForestTECH programme, editor of Friday Offcuts for over two decades, and hosted 500+ events. A technical forester by trade, Brent’s influence has been immense. Now, he’s embarking on new adventures, with plans for more hiking, biking, and hunting in Otago’s stunning hill country. In this issue, the New Zealand Institute of Forestry addresses recent comments from the Prime Minister, highlighting the sector's significant contributions to science and innovation. Meanwhile, councils in New Zealand are tackling the energy crisis, which continues to challenge industries like forestry — often the backbone of rural communities. In Australia, South Australia is stepping up bushfire safety with its new AI-powered detection network. The critical labor shortage in the trucking sector sparks calls for reform, while Tasmania’s forestry industry celebrates much-needed infrastructure upgrades at Bell Bay, boosting export opportunities. Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts. Enjoy.
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This week we have for you:
Science, technology and innovation in NZ forestry
Letter from NZIF to NZ Prime MinisterI write on behalf of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) to express our deep disappointment regarding your recent statement on RNZ suggesting forestry does not embrace science, technology, and innovation (ST&I), while dairy does. Such a claim misrepresents the forestry sector and dismisses the tireless efforts of professionals, researchers, and innovators who have made this industry a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy and environmental sustainability. Forestry has a long history of innovation underpinned by science and technology. Scion, and its predecessor the Forest Research Institute, has been at the forefront of forestry research since 1987, building on the legacy of the New Zealand Forest Service, which embedded ST&I into its operations. These institutions have driven advancements which have transformed the sector, making it safer, more productive, and more sustainable. Key innovations in ST&I include:
Your statement not only undermines the sector but also discredits the work of dedicated scientists at Scion and across the forestry industry. On behalf of NZIF, I believe the sector deserves an apology, particularly the scientists who have worked diligently to advance forestry’s contributions to New Zealand. I also strongly encourage you to visit Scion to better understand the transformative work being done and the potential it holds for New Zealand’s future. Leadership demands informed perspectives which recognise and celebrate all industries contributing to New Zealand’s prosperity. I urge you to reconsider your remarks and engage directly with the forestry sector to gain a full appreciation of its achievements and potential. Signed James Treadwell, President, New Zealand Institute of Forestry More >> Source: NZIF AI bushfire detection network ready for SA’s bushfire season
The rollout of a new bushfire detection camera network using
artificial intelligence (AI) to protect the state’s forest
plantations and communities in the South East has been completed in time
for fire danger season, with industry now in conversations
about trials across other parts of the state.The Pano AI system – introduced, for the first time, commercially in Australia – aims to improve early fire detection and is part of the State Government’s $2.346 million upgrade of the region’s fire tower network. The program also receives significant support and funding from the state’s forest industries. "This game-changing system has already been invaluable in detecting fires within the plantations, but importantly, they have also protected the wider community by detecting fires beyond the plantations," said Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. The network of eight cameras, overseen by the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA), strengthens extensive fire management and surveillance measures in place across the region, helping to ensure local communities and planation forests are protected. "Our AI-powered detection network acts as a force multiplier, providing rapid, accurate fire insights from strategic locations with incredible visibility over the region," said Andrew Prolov Head of Australia GTM, Pano AI. "We are a company driven by safety and do all we can to help keep people out of harm’s way." The AI-powered bushfire detection and monitoring system uses ultra-HD 360-degree panoramic cameras, AI and satellite technology to detect the first signs of fire – and assist industry and emergency services’ response to an incident. The network detected 25 unplanned fires in SA during the 2023-24 fire danger season as the cameras were being rolled out, with key incidents detected including the German Flat fire in January and a vehicle arson in Tantanoola in April. The system also provided real time intelligence to aid fire suppression activities. Other measures supporting South Australian communities this fire season include the stationing of a new Blackhawk helicopter at Parafield Airport with more than 30 aircraft in place, as well as the Alert SA app expanding to a multi-hazard platform. The eight camera stations operating across the Limestone Coast contribute to the 15-camera station detection network managed by the forestry industries throughout the wider Green Triangle region into Victoria. A Pano analyst provides first-hand validation of the fire detection, after which notifications are sent to the GTFA and CFS. Incident notification is via an online user interface, Pano360, which includes features like asset and weather map layers to increase situational awareness. Staffed fire towers will continue to operate in the South East to ensure the region’s 130,000 hectares of plantation estate and surrounding community benefit from early fire detection. Analysis of the roll out across the Limestone Coast will be important to considering the AI system’s suitability across other areas of the state. Nathan Paine, CEO of South Australian Forest Products Association, said, "The single biggest threat to our plantation estate, and our communities, is bushfires and that is why as an industry we invest almost $13 million every single year in prevention, detection, and response." More >> Source: Government of South Australia Image credit: Pano AI  Energy crisis: councils must look locally for solutions
With New Zealand in the midst of an electricity supply crisis,
councils are taking up the challenge to start looking at locally led
solutions to future-proof their communities.This was the leading topic at LGNZ’s Rural and Provincial Sector meeting, with over 45 Mayors and CEs from Rural & Provincial councils in Wellington today. The event saw John Duffy, CEO of Consumer NZ and John Kidd from Enerlytica lead a panel discussion on the challenges facing our communities due to the energy crisis, and role of councils in helping to mitigate this issue. LGNZ Rural Chair, Mayor Alex Walker says that the current energy crisis is high on the agenda of list of challenges facing rural and provincial communities. “While households have so far been sheltered from the true impact of power price increases, small communities are feeling it in other ways. A prime example is the Ruapehu timber and pulp mills closing in September due to the high cost of power; that resulted in 200 job losses which was a massive blow to the community." New Zealand’s electricity prices, which were the highest in the developed world earlier this year, meant that businesses set up in the 1980’s – when power was cheap – were all now facing the same problem. Compounding the issue is the increased pressure on electricity infrastructure because of our growing population, an increase in extreme weather, and greater reliance on electricity as a fuel for things like transport and industrial processes. Councils are also worried that the current energy woes and rising cost of energy will become an insurance issue in the near future, which will impact on council operating costs. This is a concern, and we need to work together to address the issue. Enerlytica’s John Kidd says it is important for councils to think about different ways to tackle the issue. “The ideas of decentralisation and partnerships are some of the ways forward. Things like solar farms and more Photovoltaic (PV) on rooftops should be encouraged by local leaders. Councils are big users of energy, so there’s also an opportunity for partnerships between local government and energy suppliers to work together on reducing the overall end user costs. “We’ve seen private sector partnerships achieve this, shopping centres and airport operators partnering with solar panel providers – using rooftops and land parcels to deliver energy into the site,” says Kidd. Mayor Alex Walker says central government holds a lot of the levers, but it is also clear that councils can play in a leadership role in planning for the future. “There is clearly a need for more decentralisation and building rural community resilience; having good energy production at a community level rather than relying on the national grid all the time. Following this conversation we’ll need to work with each other as councils, the private sector and the Government to come up with a national plan of action. We’re up for the challenge, as doing nothing is certainly not an option.” Source & image credit: Local Government NZ Australia’s trucking labour shortage
Australia’s trucking labour shortage is now reaching
critical levels. Calls for major legislative reform in the industry from
individuals, companies and organisations have often fallen on deaf ears.
But is it about to change?The trucking industry is the backbone of Australia’s economy. Regarded as the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and 13th largest in the world, it constantly transports a plethora of goods and services to producers and consumers across the country, tirelessly maintaining its intricate flow. And as the country’s freight task is expected to increase 57 per cent by the year 2040, the sector, as it fast becoming evident, will only become more important. But despite this essential role in delivering a high quality of life to Australians around the country, the trucking industry faces an extreme and ongoing labour shortage that threatens Australia’s supply chain. The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has attempted to engage with the government in the hopes of inciting positive change. NatRoad’s 2024 Call to the National Cabinet revealed alarming statistics from its industry survey, completed in collaboration with the International Road Transport Union (IRU). This survey found that in July of this year, there were over 26,000 vacant truck driving positions across Australia, with the number to increase should the industry fail to act. More >> Source: Prime Mover  OneSafe Group celebrates 100th meeting milestone
The OneSafe Group has recently celebrated its 100th meeting,
marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to enhancing
safety across the forestry industry. Initiated in 2016,
OneSafe Group was established as a collaborative by OneFortyOne and its
partners to improve safety practices within the forestry industry and
communities involved.Companies represented in the group are: OneFortyOne, Fennel Forestry, Greenfreight, LV Dohnt, Merrett Logging, Moreland Holdings, QUBE Forestry, Reid Logging, Tabeel Trading, LITA, PFP, GEM, Teagle, TPPL, Trimble, I&D Contracting, and WFC. OneFortyOne Marketing and Operations Manager Ockert le Roux, said the group aims to align safety practices with a shared approach to managing risks. “This initiative brought together senior leadership from various organisations and includes contractors as integral stakeholders in safety strategy,” Ockert said. OneSafe Group’s achievements so far “Since the group’s inception we’ve made measurable progress in safety throughout the local industry.” OneSafe Group innovations include the development of a Contractor Safety Induction System, application of machinery isolation improvements, and implementation of fatigue guidelines. “Additionally, the group has introduced Guardian safety systems throughout its log haulage network and in selected light vehicles in the high-risk category” Ockert said. “Guardian is an in-vehicle monitoring system which detect distractions and fatigue related events when the vehicle is in use. It alerts drivers through and alarm and a chair-shaker when a microsleep event occurs. It also sends a notification to fleet owners to investigate and address events with drivers. Improving standards for everyone in the industry OneSafe Group has been instrumental in improving safety standards within the forestry industry by introducing safety leadership training, increasing safety awareness, and developing robust safety protocols like the Drug and Alcohol Policies and Fatal Risk Control Protocols. The group also shares best practices and lessons learned from incidents across participating organisations, embedding safety metrics and performance audits into regular operations and contracts. “By learning from each other and implementing improvements, we have achieved an 86% reduction in Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) over the past 9 years.” What’s next for OneSafe Group? As OneSafe Group celebrates its 100th meeting, the collective looks forward to further reducing TRIFR, and future goals include expanding safety culture transformation, continuing to develop safety innovations and tools, and strengthening partnerships with contractors to collectively improve safety outcomes. “Reaching our 100th meeting is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of everyone involved in the OneSafe Group,” Ockert said. “Our ongoing efforts to innovate and improve safety practices have made a significant impact, and we are committed to continuing the pursuit of a safer industry for all.” More >> Source & image credit: OneFortyOne Reaction to proposed axe of Toi Ohomai forestry courses
The proposal to cut programs from a Rotorua apprenticeship
training program has blindsided the forestry and wood manufacture
industry. The proposal from Bay of Plenty's Toi Ohomai
Institute of Technology would mean up to twenty job losses, the Tertiary
Education Union said.Courses proposed to be cut included timber machining, forest management, social and youth work and rehabilitation studies, it said. Senior tutor in Forestry and Wood manufacturing Kerry Parker told Checkpoint there had been a lack of consultation with industry players over the proposal to cut the courses. They had not been informed as to what would happen to those students who had yet to complete their apprenticeships, he said. "Because we're the only place in New Zealand and in the southern hemisphere that does this type of training, they're just like... 'What happens to our employees that are halfway through their apprenticeship'," he said. More >> Source: RNZ Image credit: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Strengthening timber trade with new assurance system
The NZ Government is delivering on its commitment to combat
trade in illegally harvested timber, with consultation starting today on
operational details to implement New Zealand’s legal harvest
assurance system, Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced this
week. “The system will limit the risk of importing illegally harvested timber and provide the international market with confidence in New Zealand’s timber and timber products,” Mr McClay says. “As markets increasingly demand verifiable assurances, this system will help us maintain and expand access to higher-value opportunities worldwide.” The legal harvest assurance system is designed to:
Consultation is open until 26 February 2025, and details are available on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website. Source: NZ Government NZ Log Market Report - November 2024
The log market has remained stable over the last month, with
little change to domestic and export prices. Given the high
price volatility of the last 12 months, there is a general sense of
“lets hope it lasts”, with prices good enough to keep our
people working whilst forest owners are getting a reasonable return on
their 26 – 30 year investment.Current national harvest levels are in very approximate symbiosis with demand, but there is a potential for those planets to fall out of alignment as we approach the higher production summer months in NZ. The big unknown facing the world wood fibre trade, surrounds Trump mania and just how the imposition of tariffs on China exports to the US will play out. The China market generally remains in a very much sitting on its hands mode, with nervousness being the order of the day. This reveals itself in a reluctance to negotiate purchases of NZ logs beyond the immediate term. On the surface, the China market looks in reasonable shape. Softwood log inventory levels across the Eastern Seaboard remain a very healthy 2.9mil m3 and daily consumption is running at 60,000 m3. This equates to about 1.5 mil log m3 usage per month, which is currently running at about the same level as supply. Just to emphasise how important China is to the NZ forest sector, 1.5mil cubic metres of logs would build about 65,000 average kiwi houses, equating to 750,000 houses per year. And that level reflects a China consumption that remains relatively subdued compared to the last 3 years! Sitting underneath what looks like an OK market, is a continuing slide in China domestic prices. There is the potential for NZ production to pick up in the summer months, dovetailed to the likelihood China manufacturers are about to face some tariff headwinds with about 40% of their furniture, mouldings and componentry sales to the US. Since the US election, there has been a noticeable reduction in buyers prepared to sign contracts or issue Letters of Credit for Kiwi logs. Market indicator A grade logs have remained stable in November at a selling price of US$CFR125 per m3. Most commentators are suggesting the currently CFR levels are likely to face some heads winds for December and January settlements. Over the last month, both Uruguay and the US Pacific North West have re-entered the China softwood log supply sandpit that has been dominated by NZ for many years. This is not good news in the longer term if successful. Most commentary suggests they will struggle to secure a sustainable cost-effective supply chain, but any additional volume is certainly not required right at the moment. More >> Source & image credit: Laurie Forestry A closer look at Google's first mass timber buildingGoogle has announced a new office that showcases the principles we’ve long applied to our real estate: creating sustainable spaces that allow Googlers to do their best work. It’s our first building made using mass timber, a new type of engineered wood that involves layering and laminating smaller pieces of wood together to create larger beams and walls. Take a look at 1265 Borregas in Sunnyvale, California, and find out how it was designed to benefit both Googlers and the community in the state our company calls home.1265 Borregas reflects our latest ways of working. The building features neighborhood spaces designed to support active collaboration, hybrid connections, and heads-down focus work. It also showcases our focus on nature-based (or biophilic) workplace design. Research suggests people are able to focus and do their best work when surrounded by nature, and a building like this one achieves this by keeping the timber exposed inside and outside of the space, while providing natural daylight and sweeping views of the Northern California landscape. Automatic wooden blinds adjust to the sun’s position and minimize glare, and an underfloor air system provides optimal comfort. Decreasing carbon emissions Mass timber’s regenerative qualities and its ability to absorb and store carbon over time — a process called sequestration — makes it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for building. It also helps decrease carbon emissions that come from the extraction, production and transportation of traditional building materials. Because of this, 1265 Borregas is projected to have 96% fewer embodied carbon emissions1 than an equivalent steel and concrete structure, when you factor in sequestration over time. Achieving these climate benefits requires careful attention to the mass timber lifecycle, which is why 100% of the structural mass timber lumber we used for 1265 Borregas was procured from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Helping the community and industry One of the biggest advantages of mass timber construction is that pre-fit building parts accelerate structural assembly, resulting in less construction traffic and on-site construction noise (like jackhammering), while also decreasing construction waste. At 1265 Borregas and its neighboring sites, we planted three acres of pollinator-friendly native plants, including coast live oak, California sagebrush, California wild rose and common milkweed. On the northeast corner of the building, you’ll find public artwork — inspired by Atari, which was previously headquartered in this location. This building shows what’s possible when you combine sustainability and construction efficiency into an office building, while also prioritizing employee wellbeing. We hope that others in the industry will join us in this approach in support of a more sustainable future. More >> Source & image credit: Google  SnapSTAT - New Zealand's declining industrial baseClosures earlier this year of pulp, paper and sawmill in Ohajune and Penrose are the latest public sign of the decline of New Zealand’s industrial sector. Energy statistics show an ongoing decline of NZ's industrial base since 2010.
More: Here Forestry welcomes new Bell Bay ship loader investment
The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) has today
welcomed news that TasPorts will construct a new ship loader at Bell
Bay – assisting the transport of goods to expanding
overseas markets from our sustainable forestry industry. Speaking at the announcement of the new ship loader, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the new ship loader was long overdue at Bell Bay. “The provision of essential public infrastructure such as road, rail and wharf access are key for the continued viability of the forest industry,” Mr Steel said. For years, the TFPA has been pushing for the construction of the new loader. In fact, we started lobbying for its construction as part of our 2021 State Budget submission. Forestry relies on the State’s main ports, as they are essential in receiving and sending forest and wood products to interstate and overseas markets. “There is huge demand for Tasmania’s sustainable and responsibly sourced forest products, including our wood chips,” Mr Steel said. “Tasmanian wood chips are essential in the production of cardboard and paper that we need and use every day. Wood chips are also vital for the creation of new energy sources – such as biomass. The new ship loader will open bigger and more markets to Tasmanian businesses, address industry’s need for greater efficiency and biosecurity, and reinforce the port’s role in the state’s export economy. The TFPA congratulated TasPorts and the Tasmanian Government for committing to this vitally important piece of infrastructure, which will support the sustainable Tasmanian forestry industry, the state’s communities, and the greater Tasmanian economy. Source: TFPA Image credit: TasPorts Highlights from the FWPA 2024 AGM
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) held its Annual
General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 14th November through an online
meeting. FWPA board members and staff were in attendance, along
with members and industry stakeholders. In his address to the AGM, FWPA Chair Craig Taylor emphasised FWPA’s appreciation for the support of our industry associations, in particular, our three national representative bodies, the Australian Forest Products Association, the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia and the Australian Timber Importers Federation. He also expressed FWPA’s thanks for the support received from the Australian Government through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. FWPA board updates The 2024 AGM marked the end of service for three FWPA board directors. Craig expressed gratitude on behalf of FWPA to Steve Dadd, Nick Roberts and Yvonne Pengilly for their care and dedication during their time on the board. To fill these vacancies, FWPA Members (both those in attendance at the AGM and those that had submitted proxies advance) unanimously elected Dr Michelle Freeman, Mr Matt Crapp and Mr Cameron MacDonald as Non-Executive Directors of FWPA for four-year terms. “We welcome Michelle, Matt and Cameron to the FWPA board and thank them for their willingness to support our company with their time and expertise,” said Craig. “I am certain the new directors will bring unique perspectives and similarly strong commitment to excellence as our outgoing colleagues.” Craig extended his appreciation and recognition to continuing board members Katie Fowden and Professor Tony Arnel, and to the entire FWPA team led by Andrew Leighton FWPA’s CEO. Meet our new FWPA Board Members
In his address, Craig Taylor reflected on a challenging year for the forest and wood products industry, and the impact of these challenges on FWPA’s operations. “High interest rates, cost of living pressures weakness in key export markets, relatively low housing starts, and construction activity have contributed to a downturn in demand for wood products manufactured in Australia,” he said. “Our members have had to tighten their belts – and in turn, FWPA had to do the same: operating with reduced revenue and planning for a potential further year of doing more with less. I congratulate the whole FWPA team in delivering a small surplus for the financial year whilst receiving another clean and unqualified external audit." The 2023-24 annual report outlines the activities, highlights and results from a productive year at FWPA. More >> Source: FWPA Softwoods Working Group appoints new chair
The Softwoods Working Group (SWG) is very pleased to announce
the appointment of Dean Anderson as its new Chair, SWG
Executive Officer Carlie Porteous, said. “Dean brings a
wealth of experience and expertise to the job and has dedicated more
than 40 years to the forestry industry across Australia,” she
said. “Under his leadership, we are confident the SWG will
continue to thrive and further its mission of fostering sustainable
growth and resilience within the forestry sector."Dean holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from the Australian National University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a qualified Incident Controller. Throughout his career, Mr Anderson has held senior roles in commercial operations, natural forest management, environmental assessment, and plantation management. His experience is predominantly in New South Wales but includes stints in South Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Scotland. Ms Porteous said Mr Anderson has served as either an Incident Controller or Deputy Incident Controller for multiple state-significant bushfire emergencies. “Notably, he was part of Australia’s first deployment of forest firefighters to North America in 2000. Dean and others were awarded the National Emergency Medal for their contributions during the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires,” she said. Dean also has a strong background in governance, having served on the board of the Timber Development Association for 15 years, including five years as Chair, promoting timber use and addressing technical aspects of timber construction. “Dean steps into the role following the remarkable 37-year tenure of Peter Crowe OAM, who was recently celebrated for his outstanding contributions.” Ms Porteous said in recognition of his service, Mr Crowe has been honoured with the title of Chair Emeritus of SWG. Mr Anderson said he was privileged to be elected Chair by the members of SWG. “I look forward to working with our diverse membership, which includes representatives from local government, forest product processors, and plantation growers, as well as the wider community. Together, we will continue to ensure that our region prospers from the softwood plantations that are vital to our economy and environment,” he said. SWG’s ongoing focus on key priorities will include the protection of softwood plantations from fire; coordinated and effective weed control, especially blackberry; supporting Australia’s forest product needs while addressing climate change and land competition; and advocating for improved infrastructure and showcasing the benefits of softwood plantations. Source: Softwoods Working Group --(2022)2.jpg) Jobs
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