Australasia's home for timber news and information

Largest commercial sandalwood harvest in WA

The world’s second-biggest producer of Indian sandalwood has completed its largest ever commercial harvest in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region. More than 106 hectares of timber has been put through Santanol’s processing shed in Kununurra, where the sweet s
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Coolest wood hog in Michigan

After the first round with thousands of votes cast, Morbark has advanced to the final round of the 2020 “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). Source: Timberbiz One of the top ten vote-getters, Morbark’s 6400XT Wood Hog Horizontal Grin
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ForestBioFacts library for forestry professionals

Forest Products Engineers and publishing company Paperi ja Puu have launched a new digital learning environment for developing the skills of professionals working in the forest-based bioeconomy and for universities. Source: Timberbiz ForestBioFacts includes information on forest-based
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Testing program underway for Hazard Class H3 materials

A research project led FWPA’s National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life has commenced a testing program for materials used in Hazard Class H3, which covers applications that are outside, above ground and exposed to the weather. The project represents the first time in 30 y
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New CEO for Private Forestry Queensland

Private Forestry Service Queensland has a new CEO following the retirement of Sean Ryan. Arna Love, who has a background in aboriculture and environmental services, including operational and safety policy and procedural development as well as implementing and managing operational proj
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Niagara Sawmilling Company buys Craigpine with job losses expected

The sale of a Southland sawmill in New Zealand has been described as “devastating” for the local community, but the company that has bought it plans to integrate the mill into its own expanding timber operations. Source: Stuff NZ Niagara Sawmilling Company has bought Southland busines
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Softwoods group wants stronger government and private forests bushfire partnerships

The Softwoods Working Group has called for a greater partnership between the government and private forestry plantations when it comes to bushfires. Peter Crowe, chairman of the Softwoods Working Group, said a greater partnership would have great benefits. Source: Timberbiz The NSW Bu
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SA CFMEU and Master Builders fear shutdown impact on builders

The South Australian CFMEU and Master Builders SA are jointly calling on the SA Government to immediately work with the industry to avoid a prolonged shutdown of construction which would damage the economy and hurt businesses and workers as the state grapples with the coronavirus outb
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Opinion: Kersten Gentle – timber disruption or shortage?

  There was no chance at any stage this year that Australia was going to run out of toilet paper, but the reality on the ground told a completely different story. Scenes of panic buying, and empty shelves meant people who were desperate for toilet paper had to go searching for it
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Friday analysis: The impact of another state lockdown

The total hard lockdown in South Australia to help prevent a second COVID-19 wave was only going to last six days. But what an impact it had in just two. And we’re not talking about having to stay home and not walk the dog or play golf. Source: Bruce Mitchell The lockdown had imposed
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