Friday Offcuts – 9 May 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Offcuts.We begin with Tuesday's election, which saw a decisive victory for the Australian Labor Party. The Australian Forest Products Association has warmly welcomed the re-elected Albanese Government and expressed its eagerness to collaborate on vital industry priorities. The New Zealand Government has confirmed new restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions, a move aimed at protecting productive farmland amidst growing political pressure, driven by the ETS's impact on new forest establishment. Further regional news sees the Gisborne District Council introducing new resource consent conditions for forestry applications, and we explore a recent shift to rail transport that is successfully cutting log transport costs. In Australia, FWPA has launched a new digital toolkit to bolster "The Ultimate Renewable™" campaign. Efforts are also underway in South Australia to eradicate the spread of Giant Pine Scale, we feature a detailed review of carbon offsets for forestry, and Forestry Australia issues a call for nominations for its prestigious industry awards. Finally, we highlight the upcoming global rollout of the STA Explorer, a cutting-edge tree planting tracker, and delve into the emergence of innovative AI-powered systems for early bushfire detection. Read these stories and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Forest products sector welcomes new Albanese Government
Australia’s forest products industries congratulate and
welcome the re-elected Albanese Government and all members and senators
of the new 48th Parliament who we will work with to
achieve improved sector-wide outcomes, Chief Executive Officer
of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Diana Hallam said.
“We congratulate Prime Minister Albanese on Labor’s election victory and increased majority, and we’ll now get down to business working with the new Government on a range of issues impacting forestry and the supply chain. We also welcome all the new and re-elected MPs and Senators of the new 48th Parliament and will continue our tradition of advocacy with them,” Diana Hallam said. “We are eager to get straight to business with the new Government on policies announced during the campaign including the new ReMade in Australia brand and housing sector initiatives, and the soon-to-be-released Timber Fibre Strategy developed during the first term of Government by the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership. “Our sector faces many challenges, from long-term timber and wood-fibre supply to immediate construction market issues, ensuring we have a skilled workforce geared to needs, illegal imports, social licence to operate and making sure Australians understand the importance of what the sector does. AFPA will continue lead advocacy for the supply chain, addressing these issues in Canberra. “We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Julie Collins MP, along with Shadow Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon. Jonno Duniam, for their ongoing support and all other parliamentarians who represent our industries across the Parliament. “Forestry and the supply chain directly employs 80,000 Australians, indirectly another 100,000 and creates essential products for our everyday lives, while fighting climate change. AFPA will ensure it gets the attention the sector deserves in Canberra,” Diana Hallam concluded. Source & image credit: Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) NZ Govt on track to ban full Farm-to-Forest conversions
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed that
restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on LUC 1-6 farmland will
be in place this year, and reaffirmed that they will take
effect from 4 December 2024 - the date of the original announcement.Enabling legislation will be introduced to Parliament during Q2 of this year. “The Government is focused on maintaining strong food and fibre production while supporting sustainable land use. We remain concerned about the effect that farm conversions are having on highly productive land — particularly sheep and beef farms in Northland, the East Coast and parts of Otago and Southland,” Mr McClay says. The new rules, now progressing through Cabinet, will ensure balance and recognise the value of both forestry and farming, while providing certainty for our food producers. Key changes include:
“These sensible rules will give certainty to rural communities, while providing clarity for foresters,” Mr McClay says. Click here for more information. Source: NZ Government  Shifting log transport to rail has reduced costs
In late January, a Whanganui forest management company switched
to transporting its logs by rail, taking eight truck and trailer loads
off the road to New Plymouth each day. Forest360 director
Marcus Musson said the decision was purely financial as fuel, tyres, and
repairs and maintenance were all contributing to spiralling cartage
costs.“With rail, a train will use 10% of the fuel per tonne, compared to a truck,” he said. “The switch to rail means there is less exposure to increasing fuel costs.” Forest360 provides harvesting and full forest management services to large and small forest owners throughout New Zealand. The cost of transporting logs to port falls on the forest owner, and Musson said it represented a significant portion of the harvesting cost structure. He said rail was a more efficient method of moving logs. More >> Source: NZ Herald Image credit: Forest360 Toolkit empowers industry to share Ultimate Renewable™
A new digital toolkit is now available to help
organisations across the forestry and wood products sector promote
The Ultimate Renewable™ — an FWPA-led
campaign that champions the environmental, social and economic benefits
of choosing sustainably sourced wood.Developed to support consistent messaging across the industry, the toolkit provides ready-to-use resources that make it easy to participate and share the story of wood with a broader audience. The Ultimate Renewable™ is an industry-wide initiative designed to improve consumer perception of forest and wood products and raise awareness of their sustainability credentials. By joining the campaign and sharing its message, businesses can help educate the public, build trust in the sector, and increase the reach and impact of industry investment in sustainability communications. Importantly, this long-standing campaign also plays a role in supporting the forest and wood products industry by strengthening public understanding of certified sustainable forestry, enhancing the sector’s social licence to operate, and helping secure long-term demand for responsibly sourced wood products. How you can get involved
Source & image credit: FWPA  Kiwi timber expert for international bridge conference
Daniel Moroder will be the kiwi keynote speaker at the International
Conference on Timber Bridges, to be held in Rotorua in June.
Daniel will describe the past, present, and future of timber bridge design in New Zealand. He will start with a historical survey before describing the design and construction of the recently opened Onetai highway bridge near Thames, the first timber highway bridge in New Zealand for over 50 years. Looking to the future, Daniel will describe the Timber Bridge Guidance Document being developed for the NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi. This Guidance Document will become part of the NZTA Bridge Manual in due course. Daniel is a well-known timber expert in New Zealand, being immediate past president of the New Zealand Timber Design Society, and Technical Director at PTL Structural & Fire. He has designed and managed construction of multi-storey timber buildings and bridges, with a focus on practical and cost-effective solutions. Source: ICTB 2025  Forestry Australia calls for nominations of forestry leaders
Forestry Australia is calling for nominations for three of the
highest honours in the field of forestry and forest management in
Australia: the N.W Jolly Medal, Forestry Australia Fellows and the
Prince of Wales Award.The N.W. Jolly Medal is Forestry Australia’s highest and most prestigious award, named in honour of Norman William Jolly (1882-1954), who made a remarkable contribution to the development of professional forestry in Australia in the early 20th century. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional service to forestry, reflecting the diverse and significant contributions made across a wide range of disciplines and forest management activities. Former winner Rob Youl OAM said the Norman Jolly Medal recognises and celebrates the increasing diversity of Australian forestry, and demonstrates that the breadth and philosophy of forestry training have wide appeal to employers and institutions. Dr Christine Stone won the award in 2017. “I was honoured to be the first woman to receive Forestry Australia’s highest award, the NW Jolly Medal,” Dr Stone said. “Since then, the Forestry Australia Board Directors and Jacquie have made significant progress in promoting gender equality, both within the Institute and more broadly in the forestry profession. I therefore encourage the nomination of women for this year’s awards.” In 2023, the NW Jolly Medal was awarded posthumously to Dr Kevin Tolhurst, Kevin who was aware, and delighted, that he was receiving the Medal and sadly passed weeks before the presentation. CEO of Forestry Australia, Jacquie Martin, said generations of foresters and forestry scientists were inspired and influenced by Kevin. “Kevin Tolhurst was generous with his knowledge and time, and ever the gentleman who was always considerate and kind. It speaks to Kevin’s intellect that he was nationally and internationally recognised as an expert in a wide range of areas – fire ecologist, fire scientist, professional forester, lecturer, practitioner, academic and collaborator." The Prince of Wales Award recognises the achievements of an outstanding young to mid-career forest professional. This prestigious award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to forestry practice, innovation, and leadership at an early stage of their career. Awardee, Jenna Hammond said she was incredibly honoured to receive the Prince of Wales Award. “I’m passionate about making forestry more inclusive and engaging for young professionals,” Ms Hammond said. “Promoting the benefits of active forest management and supporting and inspiring the next generation, especially young women, to consider a career in forestry is important to me.” The title of Forestry Australia Fellow is an honour bestowed upon a voting member of the Association who has been recognised by their peers for their outstanding service to the forestry profession and to Forestry Australia. In 2018 Kerrie Catcpoole was awarded a Forestry Australia Fellowship. “I have always been proud to be a member of Forestry Australia as it is underpinned by integrity, professionalism, and people who genuinely care about forests,” Ms Catcpoole said. Nominations close: 5:00 pm (AEST) Monday, 28 July. More information can be found here. More >> Source & image credit: Forestry Australia Carbon offset: A proposal to reduce native forestry harvesting
Opinion and opportunities piece, John O’Donnell. The author read an ABC article by Fiona Willan, in relation to a carbon scheme to protect trees from logging.It is understood that this would see state forests added to the nation's existing carbon credit scheme and the proposal is one of four chosen for priority development by the federal government and the state government agencies that manage the forests could then earn carbon credits by slowing or stopping logging. Industrial polluters could then buy those credits to offset their emissions as the nation moves towards its goal of reaching net-zero by 2050. The proposal has been criticised by the timber industry and the federal opposition. The author glanced through the article and proposal, other information at hand, and noted important issues that were not and apparently are not being considered. The US is well onto reducing bushfire risks, increasing forest fire resilience, reducing carbon emissions and tackling community safety under their US bipartisan infrastructure bill, US National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and other legislation and policies. Here in Australia, much of the focus appears to be focussed on destroying native forestry harvesting, and it is the author's belief is that Australia is currently paying and will pay the price for this. The author has outlined 10 important factors in Section 2 in relation to the push to stop or reduce native forestry logging under an expanded carbon credit scheme, these are outlined in the full review document attached here. There is considerable science supporting the success of native forest harvesting in capturing carbon, this is outlined in detail in the review. In the author's opinion, what is usually missed in relation to native forestry and harvesting and carbon capture and offsetting science include a number of issues:
Full Report Source & image credit: John O’Donnell  Gisborne's new standard for forestry consent conditions
Gisborne District Council has reached a major milestone with the introduction of new standard forestry consent conditions, developed after more than a year of collaboration and consultation with industry stakeholders. The new conditions, which respond directly to the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use, represent a significant step forward in advancing sustainable land management in the region.Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says the conditions strike a careful balance between enabling the forestry sector and protecting the environment. “These conditions are an important step toward providing certainty to the forestry sector and meeting our environmental obligations. This marks a key moment in our commitment to a more sustainable future for Tairāwhiti.” The conditions represent Council’s interim position and will guide decision-making on forestry resource consent applications on a case-to-case basis. They form part of a wider programme of work, with Council continuing to develop a more integrated and holistic approach through its forestry plan change. Council will also remain responsive to emerging scientific data and insights, ensuring our approach continues to evolve in line with the latest environmental research and best practice. Ms Thatcher Swann acknowledged the constructive partnership with the forestry sector in shaping the new conditions. “Both Council and the forestry industry have dedicated significant time and effort to develop these new consent conditions. This collaboration has resulted in meaningful progress toward finding common ground and setting a clear path forward.” While some differing views remain, Council is confident that these new consent conditions provide a solid foundation for ongoing collaboration. “Our goal is to continue improving and working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for both the environment and the local economy,” concluded Ms Thatcher Swann.  Next-gen tree planting tracker's global rollout
In an announcement set to resonate with forestry operations
worldwide, the next evolution of the STA logger—known as the STA
Explorer—is due to launch in late 2025. Designed to bring
more precision, flexibility, and ergonomic efficiency to field-based
tree planting operations, the new STA Explorer builds upon the proven
foundations of its predecessor while introducing powerful new
capabilities specifically geared toward forestry applications.STA Explorer devices will be sent to select partners across Australia, New Zealand, South America, and North America beginning mid-2025, ahead of a broader commercial release in the fourth quarter. One of the first to trial the STA Explorer in the field will be Uruguay-based forestry company Montes del Plata, whose use of the original STA logger has already helped reshape their approach to planting accountability. The original STA logger has already seen widespread uptake across the forestry and conservation sectors, focusing on herbicide application. Its lightweight form factor and ability to be attached to a variety of tools—without requiring any modifications—have made it a popular choice for recording precise movements in the field. The STA Explorer retains that same versatility. Whether mounted to a spraying lance or attached to a planting shovel, it moves fluidly between workflows, capturing activity across operations without interruption. For forestry companies tracking replanting or regeneration compliance, this flexibility is especially valuable. But the STA Explorer goes further—packing in hardware upgrades and sensing capabilities specifically tuned to the nuances of tree planting. One of the headline features of the STA Explorer is the integration of an onboard accelerometer designed to automatically detect tree planting actions. This sensor-based recognition allows workers to operate as normal—without pushing buttons or logging points manually—while the device accurately marks each planting event. To address an important pain point in digital planting records, the STA Explorer includes a built-in safeguard: when multiple planting motions are detected within close proximity, it flags the subsequent entries as “retries.” These typically indicate a replanting of the same hole due to a failed attempt, and the system avoids double-counting them as separate trees. For plantation companies seeking to ensure both coverage and accuracy, this layer of intelligence adds critical value. Data collected by the device is stored locally and processed later, allowing for full offline operation—a feature particularly important for remote forestry sites where connectivity is limited or non-existent. Another major leap in the STA Explorer platform is the introduction of a high-accuracy variant. While one model will offer the same dependable positioning as the original logger, the second will support post-processed kinematic (PPK) workflows using national base station infrastructure (when available). This allows forestry operators to refine GPS tracks to sub-foot accuracy—or even to within centimetres in certain environments. More >> Source & image credit: TerraLab SnapSTAT - Australia mines more lithium ... ... than any other country in the world.
AI-powered bushfire detection to protect forests
Bushfires pose a significant threat to Australia and New
Zealand’s environment, economy and communities, with traditional
detection methods often failing to provide timely warnings.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bushfire detection systems are
emerging as a vital tool to enhance early intervention, protect forests,
and safeguard lives and infrastructure in response to this challenge.
These smart systems use advanced technology to identify fires at their initial smouldering stage, giving emergency services and communities crucial minutes that can significantly change the outcome of bushfire events, according to Dryad Networks. Sohan Domingo, VP of Sales, Technology and Operations, Dryad Networks, said, “AI-powered bushfire detection systems with ultra-early detection capabilities give emergency responders a decisive head start in the event of a bushfire. This lets them mobilise more rapidly and strategically to the precise location of the burn. This means that response teams can contain outbreaks at their nascent stage, preventing them from escalating into uncontrollable blazes that devastate large areas of wilderness and inhabited regions, and directly contributes to the safety and preservation of Australia and New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems and communities.” AI-powered systems begin monitoring long before fires are visibly established, unlike conventional detection methods that rely on visible flames or satellite imagery. The core of this capability is distributed networks of solar-powered sensors placed across bushland, which detect the chemical signatures of fire during its earliest smouldering stage. This raises the alert well in advance of visible flames, giving emergency services more time to act. More >> Source: Sustainability Matters Image credit: Dryad Networks Forestry and SA Govt to eradicate biosecurity threat
South Australia’s forest industries are working in
partnership with the State Government to eradicate the spread of giant
pine scale (GPS) in Adelaide’s northeastern suburbs.“The South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) are grateful to be working hand in glove with the South Australian Government on eradicating GPS from Adelaide’s suburbs. It would be a biosecurity disaster if this infestation reaches our 128,000-hectare commercial pine plantations and neighbouring urban forests”, said Mr Nathan Paine, Chief Executive Officer of SAFPA “Giant pine scale is a sap sucking insect that feeds on pine trees and closely related species including firs and spruces. Infected trees exhibit canopy thinning, branch deaths and tree deaths. With large numbers of pine found across Adelaide’s parks and gardens, the pest has the potential to impact our urban forest, with less shade for residents and nesting sites or food sources for local birds. A detection of GPS in Highbury in 2023 triggered an eradication process involving the removal and destruction of infected trees, with surveillance, monitoring and tree removal efforts continuing to ensure the eradication is successful”, continued Mr Paine. “It is unfortunate trees in suburban parks and reserves have had to be felled in a bid to prevent GPS from spreading yet is it imperative to protect Adelaide’s canopy cover and the businesses and the livelihoods of those working in the forest and timber industries”, said Mr Paine. “If the infestation reaches any of our commercial pine plantations it would have a devastating impact on our state’s economy and regional communities. Forestry in South Australia contributes almost $3 billion to the State’s economy, employs over 21,300 people and there are countless industries that heavily rely on our products, such as residential and commercial builders and the agriculture and horticulture industries to name a few”, said Mr Paine. “Forestry is a fundamental industry to growing our nation, with wood fibre products playing an integral role in building our nation by producing house frames, home furnishings, pallets, cardboard packaging, toilet paper and tissues, mulch and biofuels. Supashock are grateful to be involved and help the community in eradicating this biosecurity threat from the local neighbourhood and urban forests. “Without an immediate response, Giant Pine Scale can severely impact the health and safety of infested trees and the surrounding community. As locals ourselves we want to protect the remaining urban forests and conservation parks, and we are pleased to support those involved and the wider community during this process”, said Mr Steven Russo, Chief Financial Officer of Supashock. “Thank you to the Minister for Forest Industries, Clare Scriven, MLC, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), ForestrySA, Department of Environment (DEW) and SA Water, along with the City of Tea Tree Gully, for implementing and proactively responding in the removal of GPS affected trees from our community”, concluded Mr Paine. Additional information on the Giant pine scale can be found here. Source: South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) Image credit: Government of South Australia --(2022)2.jpg) New Zealand forest sector depends on the Chinese marketThe New Zealand forest sector depends on the Chinese market to consume much of its log production. Other suppliers also rely on China as an important export destination. However, in recent years, both supply constraints and weakening Chinese demand have reshaped the competitive landscape for softwood log imports. Several key exporters faced supply constraints. European log production fell after 2022 after a surge in salvage harvesting of beetle-damaged trees. Russia imposed a ban on log exports in the same year, and both Canada and the United States redirected their logs to meet domestic demand. These developments contributed to China experiencing a 41.6% decline in softwood log imports between 2019 and 2024. As supply from other countries contracted, New Zealand’s market share grew —from 40% in 2019 to 68% in 2024—positioning it as the premier softwood log supplier to China. However, this did not translate into a dominant market position, particularly when viewed in the broader context of China’s softwood log and lumber imports. More >> Source & chart credit: Alphametrik Jobs
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