Friday Offcuts – 24 July 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's issue of Friday Offcuts.Wildfire resilience leads the news, with New Zealand forest owners investing NZ$8.1 million annually in preparedness and firefighting capability across most of the country's plantation forests. We also look at new NSW research showing that only 17% of private native forests are commercially suitable for timber production, underscoring the challenges of maintaining future timber supply. This issue also highlights how innovation is reshaping the sector - from engineered timber being promoted as a practical alternative to cement in many building applications, to Australian investment in turning forestry residues into sustainable aviation fuel. We also cover New Zealand's first heavy electric wheel loader trial, expert planting advice ahead of National Tree Day, and a range of research and industry updates from across New Zealand, Australia, and around the world. A reminder that earlybird registrations for Residues2Revenues 2026, our Brisbane conference, close on 31 July. Read these stories and more in this week's Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Forest owners invest $8.1m annually in wildfire protection [NZ]
A new survey shows the forestry sector maintains New Zealand's
largest private landowner investment in wildfire preparedness and
firefighting capability, with forest owners spending an average of $8.1
million on fire protection annually.The investment extends beyond emergency response, covering training, specialist equipment, vehicles, prevention activities and insurance. The 2025 Wildfire Statistics and Forest Fire Management Capabilities Study found forest owners maintain trained fire crews, heavy machinery, specialist firefighting equipment, water supplies and fire management plans across 77 percent of New Zealand's plantation forest estate. New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) Fire Committee Chair Sean McBride says the study demonstrates the significant investment forest owners make in capability and equipment to ensure wildfires can be detected and contained quickly year-on-year. "Forestry is the only private landowner group in New Zealand maintaining substantial in-house wildfire suppression capability, " Sean says. "Forest owners maintain trained crews, water supplies, pumps, tankers and heavy machinery so they can move quickly when a fire breaks out. "This capability also supports Fire and Emergency New Zealand, neighbouring landowners and rural communities during wildfire events." The survey found that the most damaging fires recorded by forest owners start outside forest boundaries, often spreading from grass or scrub into plantations. “Most rural fires ignite in grassland outside forests but can quickly cross from one property to another,” Sean says. “While forests are generally more resistant to ignition than surrounding grass and scrub, those grassland fuels dry quickly, ignite easily and can spread fire rapidly into neighbouring properties including forests. "This is why forest owners invest heavily in people, equipment and local capability. Our crews know the forest roads, water points and terrain, enabling them to respond quickly when every minute counts." The study found the number of slip-on firefighting units - where a water tank or pump is mounted on a ute or truck – are an increasingly important tool for forest owners’ rapid wildfire response. The number of units have more than doubled in recent years, from 12 in 2022 to 28 in 2025. "These units are critical for enabling crews to get water directly to a developing fire promptly," Sean says. With El Niño forecast to bring drier, windier conditions and elevated fire danger across many parts of New Zealand this summer, maintaining a strong level of readiness will be particularly important. Sean says preventing fires from starting remains the most effective way to reduce wildfire risk. "People cause around 98 percent of New Zealand’s wildfires, so everyone has a role to play in mitigating the risk. Before carrying out work, check the conditions and current fire danger, follow any restrictions and postpone activities when the risk is high to prevent fires from starting. "While the forestry sector invests heavily in prevention and suppression capability, the safest and most effective method is a fire that never starts." Source & image credit: NZFOA 17% of NSW private native forest fit for timber production [AU]
New spatial modelling published in Australian Forestry, the
peer-reviewed journal of Forestry Australia, finds that only a small
share of the private native forest estate along the New South Wales
coast and tablelands can support commercial timber production.
Of the 3.6 million hectares assessed across 11,722 properties, just 0.6 million hectares, or 17 per cent, is both available and commercially suitable. The finding raises the question of leakage as debate continues over the future of the Great Koala National Park in north-east New South Wales. If private native forest cannot deliver at the same scale, where does the timber come from?
The model measured how much of each property could be harvested, how far timber would travel to a mill, how steep and rough the ground is, and the value of the species growing there. Forest that is protected, too rugged to work or too far from a mill was set aside. What remained split heavily to the north. The northern private native forestry region held 0.5 million hectares, equal to 20 per cent of its private forest, while the southern region held 0.1 million hectares, or 9 per cent. “Much of the existing assessed private native forest is not commercially available and suitable,” Cameron said, pointing to small harvestable areas, low-value species, poor site quality and distance from mills. Timber production in the north is more likely to be viable than in the south, with more large properties within reach of more mills. Properties in the south’s lowest suitability class sit an average of 98 kilometres from the nearest mill. Even inside the workable 17 per cent, timber values cluster in the middle, with nearly 62 per cent of properties rated medium and only 0.2 per cent very high. Two or more decades typically pass between light selective harvests, so much of the resource is regrowth not yet ready to cut. The modelling lands as the New South Wales Government makes permanent the closure of 176,000 hectares of state forest in the Great Koala National Park. The reserve ends timber harvesting across its extent. “Not all wood products can be produced by the plantation industry,” the research states, with Australian native timber production down nearly 70 per cent over the past two decades. The authors note that hardwood plantations remain far from a universal substitute for a country that already faces a wood shortage. Blackbutt and spotted gum, valued for their durability and strength, supply the flooring and decking trade and the poles that carry the state’s electricity network. Private native forests were routinely harvested for sawlogs, poles and girders, sleepers and fencing timber, the paper notes. On the other side of the ledger, 83 per cent of the assessed estate, five hectares in every six, is likely to be managed chiefly for environmental and social values rather than timber. Landholders, agencies and processors now have property-scale rankings to guide where limited harvesting effort is best directed. The authors describe that output as the first comparison of ranked results across two discrete forest regions. The study concludes that the private estate cannot meet the expectations placed on it, with just 0.6 million hectares rated commercially workable and much of that still decades from harvest. For more information: Alaibakhsh, M., Cameron, N., Stone, C., & Samuel, J. (2026). Mapping and evaluating the suitability of the private native forest estate in northern and southern NSW, Australia, for commercial timber production. Australian Forestry. Source: Forestry Australia  Cement has not practical substitutes? Not quite [NZ]
The Government’s recent “Domestic Cement Production
Secured” media announcement highlighted their view on the
strategic importance of maintaining New Zealand’s domestic cement
manufacturing capability. In explaining its decision to support Golden Bay Cement, the Government stated within the release that “Cement has no practical substitutes” and is needed for the construction of homes, hospitals, schools, roads, and other nationally significant infrastructure. Govt Press Release - Domestic Cement Production Secured While cement undoubtedly remains an important construction material, the assertion that it has no practical substitutes does not reflect the growing role of mass timber, lumber, and engineered wood products in modern construction. Across New Zealand and internationally, mass timber technologies such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) are increasingly being used as viable alternatives to concrete and steel in a wide range of building types. Homes, schools, healthcare facilities, offices, and multi-storey commercial buildings are already being successfully delivered in New Zealand using locally manufactured timber-based structural systems. Importantly, the very building categories cited in the Government’s announcement - homes, hospitals, and schools - are among those where timber solutions are proving particularly effective within New Zealand. Timber construction offers faster build times, reduced embodied carbon, lower building weight, and strong seismic performance, while also supporting domestic wood manufacturing, the economy and regional employment. Roads, foundations, and many infrastructure projects will continue to require concrete and cement. However, it is equally important for this Government to recognise that for many building projects, timber and wood products are already a proven and practical substitute. The continued growth of mass timber demonstrates that innovation is expanding the range of options available to designers, builders, and building owners and that, in many cases, there are practical alternatives to cement already in use today. Our message to the Government is simple. When it comes to building homes, hospitals, schools, and multi-storey buildings, there is a practical, proven, and readily available alternative to construction materials such as concrete and cement. That alternative is New Zealand grown, harvested, and manufactured wood products. Supporting wood in construction is not about picking winners. It is about making the most of one of our country’s most important renewable resources, supporting our regions, and retaining hundreds of millions of dollars in additional economic value within New Zealand. Source & image credit: WPMA Forest scientists share top tips for National Tree Day [AU]
This Sunday morning, in parks, paddocks and backyards across the
country, thousands of Australians will kneel in the winter soil and
plant a tree. Planet Ark’s National Tree Day turns 30
this year, and Australians have planted almost 28 million trees through
the event since 1996.Schools get their turn a little earlier, with Schools Tree Day on Friday, 24 July 2026. The scientists, professionals and growers who manage Australia’s forests would like those trees to still be standing for generations to come, and that is why Forestry Australia has released its top nine tips for planting a tree that thrives. Whether a seedling grows into a healthy, mature tree is determined largely by what happens before planting and in the months and years that follow. Careful preparation, selecting the right tree for the right place, and consistent follow-up care are as important as the enthusiasm of planting day. Forestry Australia Director and tree grower Leon Holt said, “Planting a tree is something anyone can do to make a positive and enduring difference for your community and environment. Our handy tips for tree planting ahead of National Tree Day will help to make sure your efforts continue to have an impact for many years to come.” Here are the top nine tips from the experts:
The same is true of Australia’s forests, which need ongoing, active and adaptive management to stay healthy and resilient. That is the everyday work of Forestry Australia’s members, who draw on science, practical experience and local knowledge to care for our forests now and into the future. Forestry Australia spokespeople are available for interview ahead of National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July. More >> Source: Forestry Australia  Testing New Zealand’s first heavy electric loader [NZ]A Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader is helping PermaPine test what sustainable equipment can really deliver in one of New Zealand’s most demanding timber processing environments.Set on a 100-acre site outside Taupō, PermaPine is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of timber posts and poles. The site runs 24/7, peeling up to 11,000 meters of timber per day and steaming and treating up to 11,000 cubic meters per month. Moving material efficiently across such a large site is critical to keeping production running smoothly. At the same time, the business is on an ongoing journey to reduce its environmental footprint. Having already invested in renewable energy through a biomass boiler - which uses timber residues to produce the steam required to dry and fixate products - PermaPine saw the L120 Electric as the next step. The trial set out to determine whether electric equipment could meet both sustainability goals and the realities of industrial-scale operations. Ian Potter, Operations Manager, PermaPine, said: “New Zealand is known for its outdoor environment, and we’ve got a great country. We need to ensure we’re protecting it. As a business, we’re always striving to improve, and sustainability is something we’re really working on. It’s part of a journey, not something you do once, but something you think about on an ongoing basis.” A first-of-its-kind electric wheel loader trial The L120 Electric trial marked a significant milestone, becoming the first fully electric wheel loader in New Zealand fitted with log forks and operating in a true 24/7 environment. Rather than limiting the machine to light duties, PermaPine deliberately deployed the L120 Electric across multiple areas of the site to fully test its capability. Potter continued: “I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The L120 Electric got passed around - it went over to our log yard, the treatment plant and did some work in the yard as well. The general feeling from everyone was positive. Moving around the site is effortless, no matter the ground conditions, it’s responsive, has good lifting capabilities, great visibility from the cab and is comfortable. It’s working well in our application, and we’re enjoying using it.” More >> Source: Volvo  Turning forestry waste into Australian-made jet fuel [AU]
The federal government has announced a $32 million investment to
help support a plan to convert forestry waste into Australian-made jet
fuel.The funding, made through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will be provided to Melbourne based company HAMR Energy as it seeks to develop a series of low-carbon liquid fuels (LCLF) projects using residual forestry biomass. HAMR, founded in 2020, is in developing several sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects, including one that uses residual forestry biomass and renewable energy to make low-carbon methanol, which is then converted into low-carbon methanol or other low-carbon liquid fuels. SAF has emerged as the likely best way to decarbonise hard-to-abate transport industries such as aviation and shipping, which still rely on liquid fuels because batteries do not, and likely will not, be able to meet all their clean power needs. The company has already secured partnerships and investments from big-name stakeholders including Thyssenkrupp, Honeywell, OneFortyOne, Qantas, and Airbus. More >> Source: The Driven Image credit: HAMR Energy ---- Further reading: HAMR Energy secures up to $32 million in ARENA funding to advance forestry-to-fuels projects [HAMR Energy]  What does one ha of softwood plantation actually produce? [AU]
As part of FWPA’s data analysis and our ongoing campaign to
highlight the benefits of using timber, we estimated that a single
hectare of softwood plantation can produce enough wood products to
build four houses, manufacture around 700 shipping pallets,
and supply more than 100 metres of fencing, while still leaving material
available for landscaping products, appearance-grade timber, and
renewable-energy sawdust. These figures help illustrate the significant value that can be generated from a relatively small area of sustainably managed plantation forest. They also demonstrate how a single harvested resource can be transformed into a wide range of products that support housing, manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy. This article explains how these estimates were calculated, the assumptions underpinning the analysis, and what they reveal about the efficiency and versatility of Australia’s softwood plantation resource. The Starting Point: 125 m³ of Wood Product per Hectare The estimate begins with two numbers from FWPA-ABARES research collaborations. First, the average sawlog yield across softwood plantations in the National Plantation Inventory (NPI) regions1 is about 300 m³ of sawlog per hectare. Second, not all of that log converts into usable sawnwood. Some is lost to processing, offcuts and residue. The recovery rate is the ratio of sawnwood production divided by sawn log harvested. It has averaged 41.8% over 2010–2025. Multiplying the two gives the headline figure: 300 m³ sawlog/ha × 41.8% recovery rate ≈ 125 m³ of wood product per hectare That 125 m³ is then split across end-uses using the average product mix from FWPA’s monthly softwood sales volume data. This is the same series that tracks how much of Australia’s softwood goes to structural timber, packaging, and other outdoor and appearance products. Structural timber: enough to build four houses Structural timber used for framing detached houses accounted for an average of 50.6% of total softwood sales volume between 2010 and 2025. FWPA’s residential construction research found that a typical detached house requires approximately 14.58 m³ of structural timber. Based on these findings, the volume of structural timber produced from a single hectare of softwood plantation is sufficient to frame and build around four average detached houses. More >> Source: FWPA Comparison of forest practices - NZ, BC & Finland [NZ/Int]The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) has put together a comparison of annual harvest levels in British Columbia (BC), New Zealand, and Finland. This analysis also provides context on differences between these three major forest jurisdictions such as forest types, ownership structures, Indigenous participation, forest management practices, wildfire impacts over a 10-year average, and the value of forest sector exports.BC is home to one of the largest forested areas in the western world, with 57 million hectares of forests, 95% of which are publicly owned. Of this total, 22 million hectares are available for sustainable timber harvesting. Finland has a total forested area of 23 million hectares with 20 million hectares available for harvesting.  New Zealand has 10 million hectares of forests with 1.7 million hectares available for harvesting. Despite these differences in size, the annual harvest from New Zealand in 2023 was 31 million cubic meters, nearly matching the 35 million cubic metres harvested by BC, while Finland produced nearly double that volume, with 66 million cubic metres. This comparison suggests that notwithstanding BC’s larger forest area and strategic focus on diversifying and enhancing manufacturing of higher value forest products, other forest jurisdictions are excelling in capturing the growing demand for low-carbon and sustainably produced wood products and biomaterials. By examining key differences in ownership, forest management, and the manufacturing profiles across these jurisdictions, BC can identify opportunities to develop a more robust and competitive forest sector. More >> Source & image credit: BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI)  FPInnovations launch new forest seeding by drone trial [Int]
In the wake of wildfires, bringing affected areas back into
production poses a major challenge, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. In Canada, wildfires affect an average of 2.8 million
hectares of forest each year, underscoring the importance of
exploring innovative solutions to support restoration efforts.With financial support from the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF), FPInnovations is evaluating the potential of aerial seeding using drones as a complement to traditional reforestation methods. In the spring of 2026, field trials were conducted to test various drone systems and validate several aspects of this approach: their operational capability, the accuracy of remote sensing technologies in targeting the most suitable sites, and the germination performance of different seed capsules and seeds. The goal is to assess not only the technical feasibility of this technology but also its economic viability and the contexts in which it could offer the greatest benefits. The results of this study will help determine the role that drone seeding could play in future reforestation strategies. Conducted in collaboration with government, academic, and industry partners, this project could expand the toolkit available to forest managers and offer new options for accelerating the regeneration of fire-affected areas. The preliminary results of the study will be released in the fall of 2026. More >> Source & image credit: FPInnovations Nippon Paper to launch softwood plantation projects [AU]
Nippon Paper Resources Australia has launched a softwood tree
plantation project and a carbon credit generation project in the Green
Triangle region of Western Victoria, Australia.Since 1996, NPR has been operating a hardwood tree plantation business in Australia with the aim of securing raw materials of pulp for NPI. As our existing hardwood plantations are now reaching maturity in stages, we have decided to switch to softwood species for reforestation. This policy aims not only to secure softwood raw materials for NPI but also to supply timber for residential construction, for which demand is expected to grow in Australia. Furthermore, the switch to softwood will enable the generation of new carbon credits. Starting in 2026, we will gradually convert existing hardwood tree plantations into softwood. By 2028, as part of Phase 1 of the project, we will establish approximately 1,500 hectares of softwood plantations and generate carbon credits from these areas. Furthermore, leveraging the knowledge and expertise gained during Phase 1, we will explore expanding to a total of 10,000 hectares as part of Phase 2 of the project. Australia’s carbon credit system, established under the Carbon Credits Act 2011 (Carbon Farming Initiative), is administered by the federal government’s Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and is highly regarded globally for its transparency and reliability. Under this system, a framework for the generation and trading of carbon credits, known as ACCUs (Australian Carbon Credit Units), within Australia has been established. NPR has already obtained approval from the CER in 2026 for the registration of its carbon credit generation project, and the generation and acquisition of carbon credits will begin in 2027 and beyond. Furthermore, as demand for paper used in packaging and packaging materials continues to grow, and global demand for softwood woodchips, the primary raw material for these paper products, is also expected to increase, we acquired a New Zealand-based softwood woodchip production and export company in February 2026. In addition, by launching a softwood plantation business in Australia, we aim to secure a stable supply of resources for NPI and maximize the Nippon Paper Group’s revenue from timber-related businesses. As a comprehensive biomass company “SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH TREES,” the Nippon Paper Group has adopted the “Green Strategy”—a growth strategy based on maximizing the value of forests and forest resources. Through this softwood plantation project in Australia, we aim to expand the Nippon Paper Group’s forestry and timber-related businesses and contribute to solving societal challenges. More >> Source & image credit: Nippon Paper Resources Australia NZ driver fatigue: What half a billion kms has taught us [NZ]
The launch of Transporting New Zealand's Fatigue Management: Road
Freight Update at their recent 60th Anniversary Conference provides
an opportunity to reflect on how our understanding of driver fatigue is
evolving.AutoSense was proud to support the report because it brings together many of the same lessons we've learned while working alongside fleets across New Zealand. Drawing on insights from our own Guardian Insights Report 2025/26, which captures driving behaviour recorded in 6,098 vehicles that have completed almost half a billion kilometres of commercial driving, we've come to understand that fatigue is far more complex than many of us once believed. The report highlights an encouraging trend. New Zealand Transport Agency data shows fatigue-related fatal crashes have declined steadily over the past four years. That's a positive reflection of the transport industry's commitment to improving road safety. Yet fatigue still contributed to 11 fatal crashes and 71 serious non-fatal crashes in 2025, reminding us there is still much more to do. For many years, fatigue management quite rightly focused on work-time rules, mandatory breaks and ensuring drivers had opportunities to rest. Those safeguards remain fundamental. But experience tells us they are only part of the solution. The reality is that fatigue begins long before someone gets behind the wheel. It develops through disrupted sleep, changing routines, underlying health conditions, operational pressures and the cumulative demands of everyday life. By the time a driver shows obvious signs of fatigue, the contributing factors have often been building for days. Perhaps the biggest shift in our thinking is recognising that fatigue is not a sign of poor judgement or a lack of professionalism. In our experience, it often affects highly experienced, conscientious drivers who simply don't realise how their alertness has changed. That's why the conversation is moving beyond compliance and towards understanding the human factors that influence safety. One of the strongest examples featured in Transporting New Zealand's report is Auckland transport operator VT Transport. As part of its proactive approach to fatigue management, the company uses Guardian by Seeing Machines technology to better understand fatigue risk and support conversations with drivers about their wellbeing. In one instance, those insights led AutoSense Fatigue and Sleep Specialist Katrina Aubrey to identify a driver’s previously undiagnosed sleep apnoea. Following treatment, the driver experienced no further fatigue events - demonstrating how early intervention can improve both health and safety outcomes. The example illustrates how the right technology, combined with a supportive workplace culture, can improve both driver wellbeing and road safety. Technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in fatigue management, but it isn't the whole answer. The fleets making the greatest progress are those that combine data with education, supportive leadership, thoughtful rostering and open conversations about wellbeing. They recognise that technology can identify risk, but it's people who ultimately manage it. That represents an important shift for our industry. Fatigue management is no longer just about complying with the rules. It's about understanding the people behind the wheel and creating workplaces where they can perform at their safest. After almost half a billion kilometres on New Zealand roads, that's perhaps the most important lesson we've learned. Source & image credit: AutoSense  Forestry confirms new training partnership with Competenz [NZ]
New Zealand's forestry sector has confirmed it will align its
workplace vocational training with the new Engineering and Manufacturing
Private Training Establishment (PTE), operating under Competenz.
The decision follows extensive consultation with employers, contractors and training providers, led by the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) joint Forestry Training Committee (FTC). The NZFOA and FICA have endorsed the move, saying it provides the strongest platform to maintain consistent, industry-led training across silviculture, harvesting, engineering and forest management while improving long-term capability. "This is about ensuring forestry continues to have a training system designed by industry, for industry," says Forestry Training Committee Chair, Kevin Ihaka. "Our employers invest heavily in training because they know a skilled workforce is essential for safe, productive and sustainable forestry operations. This arrangement gives the sector greater influence over how that training evolves in future." Forestry is New Zealand's fourth-largest primary export earner, directly employing more than 8500 people. Over 90 percent of the workforce participates in formal training, with the vast majority of learning taking place on the job. Following consultation with more than 200 industry participants, employers, contractors and training providers, the FTC developed a clear set of requirements for any future training provider. These included strong industry input into decision-making, transparency around investment in forestry training, continuity of existing capability and minimal disruption for learners and employers. "In assessing potential training providers against these requirements, the proposed primary industry Private Training Establishment (PTE) was initially preferred, but after engaging with the Competenz Board and leadership team, it became clear that Competenz’s Engineering and Manufacturing PTE would be better suited to forestry’s training needs," says Kevin. Under the new arrangement, forestry will have:
Higher-level forestry qualifications, including diplomas, university degrees and other tertiary programmes, will continue to be delivered by existing universities, polytechnics, wānanga and other PTEs. The FTC will now work with Competenz, the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board and industry stakeholders to support implementation. An online briefing for industry will be held in early August to outline the transition process and next steps. Source: NZFOA / FICA Image credit: FICA TPNG Forestry July reunion in SE Queensland [AU]After a period of some fifty years, former TPNG Foresters met in South East Queensland between 9th to 16th July 2026.Dick McCarthy, editor of the PNGAF magazine series -Australian foresters in Papua and New Guinea from 1922 to 1975, travelled to Queensland to acknowlege the efforts by many of the TPNG foresters who provided invaluable assistance over the last decade in documenting those forest scientists efforts.  The PNGAF project (in serialised magazine format posted on the site issuu.com/rbmccarthy) covers the history of Australian foresters in PNG from 1922 up till 1975. It attempts to explain the strange coming together of methods, opportunities, and motives of early Australian foresters to enact lasting social changes within the PNG Forest Sector. At the same time, it provides an insight into the introduction of sustainable forest management practices and tree growing into the privately owned forest lands of PNG. Many people and organisations have contributed and continue to contribute to this social forest history project especially because its format is non-commercial and for educational purposes. The main gathering was held at the beautiful Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – Mountain View Restaurant Maleny on Monday 13th July 2026. It was a fitting venue for a group whose professional lives had revolved around scientific forest management of PNG’s forests. The reunion was made possible through the efforts of Des and June Harries assisted by Dr Barry Gray. Their hospitality and organisation were greatly appreciated. For some it had been over fifty years since they last met. Although the years have passed quickly, conversation certainly hadn't. Within minutes the group were recalling their days in the PNG Forest Service, the people they worked alongside, the challenges faced and the friendships that developed while working in one of the world's most remarkable and relatively unexplored forest environments. During the visit they presented Dick McCarthy with a copy of The Magic of Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, accompanied by a thoughtful inscription acknowledging his work in recording the history of forestry in Papua New Guinea. It was an unexpected and much-valued gesture that he will forever honour. By 1975, Australian foresters had undertaken initiatives for the development of detailed flora mapped inventories of the various forest systems of PNG; community based forest management interventions including a forest concession system catering for all parties, i.e. landowners, government agencies and developers; industrial wood processes for the conversion and treatment of PNG woods coupled with development of a structured wood processing and construction industry; silvicultural techniques and establishment of PNG species in plantation format; forestry technical and tertiary training institutions and the involvement of the Papua New Guinea people in thieir forests economic development. This ongoing PNGAF social history project would not be possible without the ongoing support and input of PNG historians and especially senior Queensland Forest Scientists. The implications for Australia and PNG of political, economic and security development in terms of PNG forestry is that there is a long standing and significant wood trade between Australia and PNG especially Queensland, encompassed within a sphere of similar forest types, similar plantation species and forest products bound by many existing long-term areas of mutual co-operation (e.g., forestry training) within the respective government and private sectors. During the period up to 1975, there was a need for PNG as an emerging nation to develop its forest sector to assist in creating its own economy utilising its resources (including wood fibre) but at the same time ensuring peoples’ interests were protected. This PNGAF project is to ensure that this forestry knowledge and the lessons of the past help current and future forest sector personnel to develop their own perspective re developing PNG’s forest sector. More >> Source: Dick McCarthy, Editor PNGAF magazine Image credit: Andrea Williams  Jobs
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And one to end the week on.. Best newspaper headlines of the year
The Editor probably should have thought twice before printing these!
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