Australasia's home for timber news and information

TasRail takes delivery of logtainers

Tasmanian freight operator TasRail says 40 new custom-built log transport containers should help ease the burden on the state’s roads. Source: ABC News The containers were funded by a $1 million federal grant. They each carry 22 tonnes of logs, and TasRail CEO Damien White said
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Greater gliders change pre logging surveys

VicForests has agreed to lock up 100 hectares of forest after environmentalists discovered 15 Greater gliders. Source: ABC News Environmentalists argue VicForests has not done a good enough job at surveying the forests for protected rare and threatened species, so they are conducting
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Tiwi woodchip shipment number 2

Port Melville on the remote Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory is a hive of activity with workers busy loading the year’s first shipment of woodchips. Source: ABC News Under wet-season skies, the Daio Papyrus is being loaded with around 35,000 tonnes of woodchips produced fr
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DesignBUILD incubator for industry

DesignBUILD is championing emerging talent and innovation in Australia’s architecture, building, construction and design industries through its new program DesignBUILD Incubator. Source: Timberbiz The program powered by Cbus Super will be a key feature at this year’s DesignBUILD at th
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Forestry sector Tas portfolio to be announced

Treasurer Peter Gutwein could again assume responsibility for the forestry sector after the retirement of Paul Harriss. Premier Will Hodgman is set to unveil a new-look Cabinet after Mr Harriss’ shock departure, less than two years into the role. Source: ABC News Mr Harriss is t
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Minister Ruston to chair FIAC event

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston will chair the 6th Forest Industry Advisory Council (FIAC) meeting to discuss issues affecting the sector. Source: Timberbiz Minister Ruston said a range of issues would be discussed at the meeting, including
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New CEO for Timber Queensland

Peak industry body Timber Queensland has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Mick Stephens as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective mid-March 2016. Source: Timberbiz Retiring CEO Rod McInnes welcomed the appointment of Mr Stephens as his successor saying his
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US slowdown keeps wood prices weak

Random Lengths reports that the slowdown in construction and wood products imports by China could last throughout 2016, increasing US wood product supplies and keeping wood product prices weak in the USA this year. Source: NR Today The log price, at 2.8 times the quoted lumber price,
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New study – all trees break at a fixed speed

During storms, there is a critical wind speed, of around 42 m/s (90 mph), at which almost all tree trunks break – irrespective of their size or species – according to a new study done by researchers in France. Source: Physics World The team has shown that the breaking phenomenon can b
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Cloning 3000 year old trees

After 20 years David Milarch believes he’s zeroed in on what it takes to clone a 3000-year-old tree. Source: ABC Net If you want to share David Milarch’s vision of the future, you’ll need commitment, drive and a good set of climbing ropes. But if you’re afraid
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