Australasia's home for timber news and information

Industry downturn claims a logger’s favourite

“As the forestry industry keeps spiralling downward due to issues outside of our control, many people involved in all facets of our industry will find themselves with some time on their hands and a new career being sought. One such person is Col Shipard, a long time servant of the har
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US pilot plant for wood material stronger than Kevlar

The Forest Products Laboratory of the US Forest Service has opened a $1.66 million (US$1.7 million) pilot plant for the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from wood by-products materials such as wood chips and sawdust. Prepared properly CNCs are stronger and stiffer than Kevla
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South African Arbor Week

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in South Africa launched Arbor Week with the theme, "Our Forests - Our Future”. South Africa will be celebrating Arbor Week from 1-7 September to raise awareness about the importance and value of trees. Source: Timberbiz
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CSIRO study says forestry may benefit from carbon farming

A study conducted by researchers from CSIRO and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) suggests industrial plantation forestry could potentially contribute towards Australia’s national target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) if a carbon price is in place. Source: Sci
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Forestry projects quit by Origin

Origin Energy has quit $133 million worth of options for forestry projects in Australia amid fears that the price of carbon will plunge, according to The Australian Financial Review. Abandoning plans for a carbon price floor could make it cheaper to buy carbon units. Sources: Austral
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Greenfleet welcomes EU carbon link

Australian carbon offset organisation Greenfleet welcomed the announcement to remove the floor price and link Australia’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) with the European Union (EU) ETS. Source: Timberbiz
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Radio campaign to sway SA government

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has launched a radio advertising campaign over fears 1000 timber industry jobs are at risk in South Australia. The CFMEU said that high log prices are threatening the viability of local operations. Sources: AAP, Business Spec
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Tasmanian Aborigines back forestry associations

Tasmanian Aborigines have thrown their support behind industry groups who have pulled out of the forestry peace talks. Although they are not official signatories the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre said it would follow the associations’ lead as they lacked support from conservation groups
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Gunns solvent but profits slide

According to the Sydney Morning Herald insolvency firms are circling Tasmanian woodchip exporter Gunns, jockeying for the job of taking on management of the company should it fall into administration following a $904 million loss. Sources: Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News, Business Spe
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