Australasia's home for timber news and information

Opinion: Kersten Gentle – setting the record straight on timber frames and fire

The debate on the “right” materials to use when building homes in bushfire-prone areas often sparks fierce opinions and misguided claims. While some advocate for alternative materials, timber framing remains a viable, safe, reliable and effective option when designed and b
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HIA wants political parties to fix housing affordability at election time

The Housing Industry Association wants all political parties contesting the 2025 Federal Election to take immediate and decisive action to address what is now widely accepted as a worsening housing affordability crisis. Source: Timberbiz HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin warned of
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AFPA welcomes Dr Lawrence to his new role at AFWI

The Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed Australian Forest and Wood Innovation’s newly appointed Executive Director, Dr Joseph Lawrence to the role ahead of what the AFPA sees as an exciting phase for forestry sector research and development. Source: Timberbiz “AFPA and
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Australian Forest and Wood Innovations appoints new executive director

Australian Forest and Wood Innovations has appointed Dr Joseph Lawrence as its new Executive Director. Dr Lawrence’s 20-year career has specialised in research collaboration, innovation, and industry development. Source: Timberbiz Dr Lawrence has led initiatives across major industrie
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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank slammed for dropping TP Bennett

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank has been slammed over its decision to withdraw its longstanding support for Tasmanian forestry contractor T P Bennett & Sons and drop them as a customer on “ESG (environmental, social, and governance) grounds”. Source: Timberbiz The Austra
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Explaining the value of timber framing

For builders and construction companies, standing out in a competitive market means more than delivering quality homes it’s about effectively communicating the value behind the materials you choose. Timber framing is the backbone of many Australian homes, offering sustainability, effi
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Imported timber volumes rise sharply, better labelling needed

New data shows imported timber volumes increasing at the cost of Australian jobs and an urgent need for ‘country of origin’ timber labelling. Source: Timberbiz A sharp increase in the value of imported hardwood products from places like Indonesia and Malaysia into Australia over the p
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Opinion: Peter Rutherford – cute and cuddly gets gov’t funding not tall and green

On 24 November 1939, the Coffs Harbour Advocate reported, among other things, that “now there are only 200 known koalas in the whole of New South Wales, including those in captivity”. NSW Environment Minister Sharpe’s media release of 3 December 2024 stated, “that our grandchildren wi
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Introducing Gippsland Forestry Hub’s 2024/25 committees

The Gippsland Forestry Hub has announced its 2024/25 committees, reflecting a dynamic blend of expertise across its executive and general committees. Source: Timberbiz The Executive Committee, led by Chair Trevor Nicklen, continues to focus on sustainable forestry initiatives, while t
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Moderate recovery in housing

Building approvals data reveals the ongoing strengthening in the new home building market and continue to point to a moderate-pace recovery in 2025. Source: Timberbiz The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its monthly building approvals data for November 2024 for detached houses
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