Australasia's home for timber news and information

Recommissioned wood pellet plant for WA

An Australian wood pellet processing plant in care and maintenance for the past five years is set to be recommissioned due to a low Australian dollar and increased international demand. Source: ABC Rural Plantation Energy secured $7 million of funding from multinational energy company
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Can’t see the Taliban for the trees

The Taliban has used a rare public statement in the name of its leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, to call on Afghans to plant more trees for worldly and other-worldly good. Source: ABC News Official Taliban outlets released the “special message” under Akhundzada’s name
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Solomon Islands timber certification program

Timber exporters are developing a new model that will strengthen the legality of sawn timber exports by working towards third party certification. Source: The Solomon Star The Solomon Islands Timber Processors and Exporters Association (SITPEA) is supported by the Pacific Horticultura
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Native Forest Restoration Trust appeal for Far North Forest

The Native Forest Restoration Trust has launched an urgent appeal to grasp what it describes as an amazing opportunity to save a unique area of indigenous Far North forest. Sources: New Zealand Herald, The Northland Age Considered to be of international conservation significance, the
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NZ log exports recover strongly with improved demand

Log exports have recovered strongly following the improved demand over the past year from China, New Zealand’s largest market for logs and sawn timber. Sources: New Zealand Herald, Bay of Plenty Times The recovery follows a slump caused by excessive inventory in 2015. The health
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Legislation to stop dumpers

Forest managers in South Australia’s south-east are hopeful new legislative powers to help the public dob in litterbugs may help combat the problem of illegal dumping in forests.  Source: ABC News This month, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) launched its Dob in a Lit
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Toxic Kopper site approved for housing 

A former timber treatment site in Bungendore has been approved for residential development despite it being contaminated with cancer causing substances. Source: The Canberra Times Despite the contamination, it has been 11 years since the Environment Protection Authority tested the sit
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The cost of the NZ fires 

Canterbury businesses, including plantation owners, are scrambling to assess the value of losses as a result of the devastating Port Hills fires. Source: Stuff NZ McVicar Timber, a Christchurch-based timber and sawmilling company with plantations in the Port Hills is among those count
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Xlam feeding the need for CLT 

The long wait for Australian-made cross laminated timber (CLT) is nearly over. Xlam Australia will open its first CLT manufacturing plant in Wodonga and be producing panels for construction by the close of 2017. Source: Architecture and Design The company shared its plans to build a f
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Flat pack apartments now more common 

A material used in construction for centuries is making a comeback, as developers and builders take timber to new heights. Source: ABC News On a site in Campbelltown, where four apartment towers are being built, almost the only noise you can hear is from another construction site near
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