Australasia's home for timber news and information

Ex Labor Party member new acting CEO of FIFWA

Adele Farina has been appointed chief executive officer (Acting) for the Forest Industries Federation WA commencing 11 October 2021. The appointment comes as current FIFWA Executive Director Melissa Haslam begins maternity leave from the end of this week. Source: Timberbiz A qualified
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Russian timber group continues its reforestation drive

Segezha Group a leading Russian vertically integrated timber holding with a full logging and added-value wood conversion cycle, is continuing its planned reforestation effort in its lumber harvesting regions. This year, the territories rented and then reforested by the company will ex
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Carbon negative 75m tall timber tower opens in Sweden

A new cultural centre in Skellefteå, Sweden is opening its doors to the public for the very first time. The Sara Cultural Centre delivers a state-of-the-art cultural venue and hotel that positively contributes to the local community while at the same time being an international showca
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Automated cargo handling trial completed for woodchip loading

Iknow Machinery, Nippon Paper Industries and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha have conducted a cargo handling trial of the world’s first automatic crane operation system, which was developed for woodchip carriers by Iknow Machinery. Source: Timberbiz The trial was performed at Toma
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PEFC Ben Gunneberg to address Responsible Wood AGM

PEFC International CEO Ben Gunneberg will be presenting at the 18th Responsible Wood Annual General Meeting. Responsible Wood CEO, Simon Dorries said he was delighted to welcome Mr Gunneberg who has agreed to address the AGM attendees and provide an update on new PEFC initiatives. Sou
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Wenita Forest Products now totally under New Forests management

Two European pension funds, APG Asset Management on behalf of its Dutch pension fund client ABP, and UK’s Pension Protection Fund, have agreed to purchase Sinotrans New Zealand Limited’s shareholding in Wenita Forest Products Limited. Source: Timberbiz Wenita is the largest producer o
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Strong demand for housing remains after stimulus ends

Detached building approvals rose in August 2021, suggesting there is still strong demand for housing despite the end of stimulus measures in March according to the HIA. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has just released its monthly building approvals data for detached and multi-uni
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First responders training blocked by Vic Govt inaction despite bushfire season

The failure of the Andrews Government to fix legal loopholes in the Timber Code of Practice has blocked training for essential service workers, firefighters and first responders, placing communities at risk. A court injunction on two forestry training sites in East Gippsland has obstr
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Ministers agree to work together to grow the forestry estate

State and territory forestry ministers have agreed to work together to grow the forest estate and secure the future of the Australian forestry industry. Speaking after a meeting of ministers on Wednesday, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the Federal Gove
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Opinion: Guy Trafford – How is Australia handling its opportunities with forestry

With the interest and concerns over the amount of New Zealand pastoral land going into forestry it prompted me to look over the ‘ditch’ to see if comparable interest was being generated over there. Australia has not progressed their emissions reduction policy to the same degree as New
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