Australasia's home for timber news and information

Farmers paid to plant mixed tree species

Farmers in six regions across the nation will have the opportunity to get paid to plant mixed-species trees on their property, under a new government trial program. Source: Farmonline Farmers can already participate in carbon markets under the Emissions Reduction Fund, but the new Car
Continue Reading →

Apprentices wage subsidy extended to September

The Federal Government’s Boosting Apprentices Commencement (BAC) wage subsidy now run until September this year. The BAC sees the Federal Government pays for half of an apprentice’s or trainee’s wages, up to $7000 per quarter, and has been offered since October 2020 and ha
Continue Reading →

Figures show log exports hit hard by China ban

Australia’s log exports totalled 218 km3 in January 2021, down 9.5% on a year earlier as Chinese import bans continued to impact the trade. The result would have been even lower had it not been for shipments to India rising steeply in January. Source: IndustryEdge However, trade with
Continue Reading →

With WoodSolutions Forestry works in harmony with threatened species

The latest episode of our WoodChat podcast series takes a look at a new research project that is monitoring the impact of forestry activities on a number of iconic at-risk Tasmanian species, such as wedge-tailed eagles, masked owls, giant freshwater crayfish and Tasmanian devils. Sour
Continue Reading →

Big River joins final link in Pacific Highway upgrade

Woolgoolga to Ballina was the final link in the Pacific Highway to be upgraded to four lanes and is now open to traffic. The Pacific Highway Upgrade project includes advancing the highway to motorway over its 155-kilometre length, nine interchanges, more than 170 bridges and in excess
Continue Reading →

Timber NSW still standing and growing

Timber NSW is becoming increasingly frustrated by reports that it is closing down to make way for a new entity being set up by Australian Forests Products Association. Timber NSW general manager Maree McCaskill she has received calls from members, people from other member associations
Continue Reading →

Friday analysis: Turning a blind eye to a work safe environment

Everyone who works in Australia – actually anywhere – should have the right to expect to work in a safe environment free of risk of injury or harm – physical and/or mental. That unalienable right is even enshrined in legislation across the country. But that legislation is challenged o
Continue Reading →

Revised FSC Chain of Custody to benefit Australia

On 15 January 2021, the FSC International Board of Directors approved the addition of FSC Core Labour Requirements based on ILO Core Conventions to the FSC Chain of Custody standards. Source: Timberbiz The Forest Stewardship Council published its revised Chain of Custody standard (FSC
Continue Reading →

WoodSolutions education program embraces shift to blended learning

The past year has required the education system to move from a face-to-face setting to an online one. Making education and upskilling as interactive and dynamic as possible for students and professionals. Source: Timberbiz New technologies, resources and techniques for engagement are
Continue Reading →

Member for Gippsland tells ministers you must buy Australian paper

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has written to all Federal Ministers encouraging them and their departments to buy Australian paper. Mr Chester said all Ministers and government departments using imported paper in their offices should switch to Australian paper. Source: Ti
Continue Reading →