Australian Forests & Timber June 2023

Front Cover: Australian Forest Contractors Association Hall of Fame inductees Graeme and Steven Cox from Tasmania. Story Page 14.

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Time to discuss sustainable forest resource security

The decision by the Government of Victoria to accelerate the cessation of selective and sustainable native forest harvesting is an unnecessary surrender to environmental activists.

It will result in even more hardwood being imported into Victoria from Tasmania and NSW. It will also add to current imports - already worth $5.5 billion - much of which comes from the tropical forests of developing nations with lesser environmental standards than Australia.

That’s no way to protect and conserve Australia’s native forest estate or to halt global deforestation practices. Sustainable forestry management practices play no role in deforestation in Australia and decision makers need to understand the ramifications of their decisions.

Australia has signed a global pledge to halt deforestation practices by 2030.

Decisions by State Governments to cease sustainable forestry management in Australia are contrary to the objects of the pledge and will lead to more unsustainable and illegal logging in other countries. Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) were created to ensure Australians can continue to access the hardwoods they need while protecting our native forest estate. Elements of RFAs include im-

MY VIEW

Joel Fitzgibbon AFPA CEO

pacts on environment, social and economic factors. For 31 years that’s what they have taken into consideration and the forest sector is continually improving management practices to ensure the longer-term health of Australia’s native forests.

A quality, accessible and fire-resistant forest is a worked and managed one. That’s the other benefit our RFAs deliver, as climate impacts have increased on native forests management practices, research and development has focused on how to build resilient sustainably managed forests.

Access to native hardwood resources provides the private sector and Government Business Enterprises involved in the sustainable management of native forestry, with the incentive to manage our forest and there is a growing focus on better understanding the practices of how First Na-

tions people managed the land for tens of thousands of years. That’s good for our economy, good for jobs, and good for the fauna that call our native forests home.

RFAs are an agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and AFPA acknowledges that the Federal Government is committed to upholding the RFAs. However, if the RFAs are falling short because of activist lawfare then the solution is to strengthen them rather than abandon them.

On that basis, this is now a problem for the Federal Government as we approach a hardwood supply crisis.

It’s time to elevate our growing import dependance and shrinking sovereign capability to the National Cabinet.

That’s the only way to establish a national plan in a timely way. Stopping native forestry in one state to import the product from another state is not a plan. With a decision of the Federal Court on a challenge to the RFAs in NSW pending, AFPA is calling upon the Federal Government to urgently engage with the States to secure the domestically produced hardwood supplies our economy needs.

Australia is already a net importer of forestry product. Just as Australian investors are coming to realise the greater role forestry

can play in addressing climate exchange and how much more we can do with carbon-storing-wood in the built environment, some state governments seem intent on killing the sector. Whilst some will argue that Australia should rely on its plantation estate. In real terms – despite the Albanese Government’s welcome recent assistance measures - the plantation estate is in decline and hardwood trees take at least 45 years to grow.

Australia’s forest sector is a sophisticated one and research and development is focused on doing more with each tree and innovation which allows structural timber to be manufactured using softwoods. The Albanese Government is supporting these efforts. But where will timber come from?

AFPA again acknowledges the Federal Government’s support to grow the plantation estate, but the harsh reality is, it cannot replace the timber and fibre-products our sustainable managed native forests provide to Australia for our everyday products Australian’s love and decision makers take for granted.

Australia needs its sustainably managed native forest estate, and something has to be done for the sake of sovereign capability, our natural environment, and regional jobs.

Vic Govt’s certainty for timber workers – it’s certain to devastate

Really, what more can be said about the shocking Victorian State Government decision to shut down the native timber industry six years early.

The decision has been rightly labelled as flawed, disgraceful, gut-wrenching and devastating.

It is truly hard to fathom why such a decision was reached.

The impact of this deci-

sion will be swift and far reaching.

Country towns in Eastern Victoria will be gutted.

Investment in the towns will dry up as people leave town seeking jobs elsewhere.

Harvest and haulage contractor Rob Brunt told the

Weekly Times that he would be laying off his 15 employees at the end of June.

He pointed out that those employees would have difficulty selling their houses.

And Mr Brunt said he would be forced to sell his plant and equipment into an already flooded market.

Forestry Australia president Dr Michelle Freeman nailed it when she said the consequences of this deci-

sion had not been considered.

This decision, she said, will disproportionately impact on the mental health, wellbeing and economies of regional communities that depend on this sector. She is of course spot on. But that, sadly, is just the tip of a very big iceberg.

PM accused of using ‘weasel words and political games’

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to use weasel words and political games to mislead native hardwood timber workers in a series of answers to Federal Parliament during Question Time, according to Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.

Mr Chester said the Prime Minister was under pressure to explain his repeated claims that the National Reconstruction Fund supports forestry workers, despite doing a deal with the Greens to exclude the native timber sector from the funds.

“The Prime Minister and his frontbench might think it’s funny to play word games and mock the Coalition but I can promise him that timber workers and their families were unimpressed with his Question Time antics today,” Mr Chester said.

“Laughing as workers lose their jobs, and refusing to answer questions on the lack of Federal Government support for the native hardwood timber industry, were the hallmarks of a Prime Minister who is all about Parliamentary tactics and nothing about blue collar workers.

“Either Mr Albanese doesn’t know the difference between softwood, hardwood and the plantation sector or he is trying to trick the native timber industry into believing he supports their cause in the wake of Victoria’s decision to ban the industry next year.

“As he waffled and feigned indignation in Question Time, the Prime Minister refused to provide a single example of how the National Reconstruction Fund will support native hardwood timber industry workers and their families.

“That’s because the deal with the Greens specifically excludes the native hardwood timber industry from receiving any funds and Mr Albanese has no problem with Premier Dan Andrews’ appalling decision to destroy timber communities in Victoria.

“If the ban goes ahead, Victoria will simply raid other states for native hardwood timber or import more hardwood products from countries with poorer environmental protocols.

“Surely the Federal Government is worried about Australia’s sovereign capacity to provide the hardwood we need for a growing population and understands how Victoria’s decision will have national cost of living and environmental implications.”

Mr Chester said the Prime Minister needed to find the courage to stand up to Dan

Big, really big or bloody massive?

Andrews and protect blue collar workers in regional areas.

“Make no mistake, this native timber ban is a Danmade disaster which will devastate Gippsland communities and take us a generation to recover from,” Mr Chester said.

“My communities are resilient and have stood united as they faced fires, floods and droughts but nothing can save a town from the madness of Dan Andrews.

“Gutless Victorian Labor MPs should have stood up for blue collar workers and protected their jobs from these inner city Greens policies, and now the Prime Minister has to make a stand.

“Last year the Prime Minister tweeted after speaking at the Australian Forest Products Association dinner in Canberra: ‘We want

a thriving and a sustainable timber industry… one that provides jobs and drives down our emissions for years to come’.

“After a year in Government, the Prime Minister hasn’t lifted a finger to support Victorian timber communities and the families that will lose their income as a result of this decision.

“There’s no compensation package that can replace the bush skills, heritage, community spirit and economic value of the native hardwood timber industry.

“The combined impacts of judicial activism, environmental protests, green law fare, and an abject failure of the Labor Party to support our world class and environmentally sustainable native hardwood timber industry is devastating regional communities.”

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Victoria's timber closure

We’ll become activists and maybe then enjoy government support

In 2019 on a weekend of extreme fire danger forestry contractor Brett Robin was working in emergency response fighting the Bunyip fire as a forestry dozer operator. The Bunyip fire ended up burning over 10,000 hectares incinerating an estimated 5000 greater gliders.

When a Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) dozer was trapped on the fire line, he with two FFMV fire crew drove through the flames to rescue the trapped operator.

His reward was to be one of the thousands of workers to lose his job as part of the Labor/Greens agreement to close the industry in January 2024.

Contrast this with the actions of the Greens and activists who organised a protest action and tied themselves to forestry machinery preventing it being deployed to the string of fires that weekend.

The activists eventually agreed to release the machinery provided they were not arrested, and they weren’t.

By that stage two Melbourne’s water catchments were blazing – one controlled by forestry machinery to just 5 hectares, the other incinerating an estimated 200 Leadbeater’s possums and hundreds of gliders because forestry machinery was blockaded by activists.

But rather than punish these criminals, the Andrews Government held open the back door to them in the courts, refusing to amend the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 to close a loophole which has ultimately led to the excuse given this week for destroying the livelihoods of thousands of regional families.

Unlike the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Section 347), the Timber Act fails to specify just who has the authority to take legal proceedings for even the most minor breaches.

This means that any halfarsed activist group with outrage to generate can get standing in the Victorian

Decision flawed and motivated by ideology

Forestry Australia is dismayed by the announcement to stop native forest harvesting in Victoria at the end of the year, highlighting that the government has failed all Victorians in making this decision.

MY VIEW

Supreme Court and cripple an industry. And they did.

They don’t win the cases –they are overturned on appeal or thrown out – but the goal is to get injunctions to stop harvesting rather than prove some minor point in the Act.

And they exploited this loophole over and over with surprisingly well-funded cases, forcing VicForests to fork out 10s of millions of dollars in court costs and compensation for unfulfilled timber contracts.

The activists then cry out that VicForests is unprofitable.

On top of that, when VicForests tries to recover $2m in court costs from one of these activist minority groups, the Government tells them to back off. See how this works? They usher activists into the courts through the back door and protect them against the ramifications of failure.

The most galling thing is that the Government then has the temerity to hail itself as the saviour of the regional people it has thrown into a future of uncertainty and anguish through its deals with activists and green factions.

These are people like Brett Robin who have cared for our forests for generations, ensuring they regrow and can provide our most renewable resource in perpetuity. They are hard-working honest people who are bewildered why they have been victimised when forest harvesting occurs in such small proportion of the for-

est estate (0.04% harvested and regrown each year).

They wonder what all this impact on the wildlife is when they see possums, gliders, koalas, potoroos, etc, etc thriving in forest regrowth. They can’t understand why, if the activists are to be believed, all these animals don’t seem to exist in the huge portion of forest already locked up in reserves and National Parks.

They are bewildered by this notion of wilderness in forests which have been burned in wildfires and blown over in storms, or that humans have no place in the forests. Try telling that to indigenous landowners who lament the fact they can’t even heal country by clearing up storm damage in the Wombat State Forest without rabid activist extremists trying to tell them they have no idea about land management.

They wonder where our wood will come from if not from our most carefully managed forests and scoff at the notion of plantations which will take decades to yield trees on land which doesn’t exist.

Perhaps Brett Robin and the droves of soon to be unemployed should become activists. Instead of generating timber from

regrowth forests for renewable wood and fibre products or putting their lives at risk in times of disaster, they can generate outrage while enjoying all the benefits of forest products in the comfort of their homes.

Tiny self-interested groups through to corporate activists such as the Wilderness Society know full well it’s where the money is and when you make enough of it, you can pay academics to generate more outrage for you or mount Supreme Court actions for even more publicity.

To hell with international acceptance of forestry as a climate solution or that we’ll end up putting more stress on countries which don’t have our strict environmental controls. Who cares if we distort the science and the truth of forestry – the papers love a headline. Cha-Ching!

What does it matter if half a billion animals will die in the next wildfire because we oppose fuel reduction and forest management? We need outrage because outrage sells, and recent events have shown us that it’s a guarantee that this Andrews Government will back us in all the way.

Unlike hard-working regional Victorians in our endangered timber towns.

The Victorian Government’s decision to end native forest harvesting at the end of the year is flawed and rather than being based on science, it is a decision motivated by ideology.

President of Forestry Australia, Dr Michelle Freeman said this is a big step backwards for sustainability.

“There are very few production systems on the globe that offer stronger sustainability credentials than well managed native forests. In fact, we know that well managed native forests can actually provide superior biodiversity, fire and climate outcomes,” Dr Freeman said.

“Simply excluding harvesting from native forests does not guarantee biological diversity, particularly from the broader threats of wildfires, invasive species, and climate change. Closing the native forest timber industry in Victoria will constrain the silvicultural and management options for State forests.”

Dr Freemen said timberproducing native forests are managed primarily for high quality sawn timber and wood panel products on much longer rotation cycles than plantations. The products sourced from native forests are not interchangeable with what is currently available from our plantation estate.

“In making this decision, the Government has provided no answers regarding where the timber forgone from Victoria’s native forests will be sourced from.

“Australia has a global and moral responsibility; Australia has high standards of environmental stewardship and should not transfer its demand for wood and timber products to developing nations with less stringent standards,” Dr Freeman said.

Justin Law

Forest & Wood Communities Australia Managing Director

● Forestry contractor Brett Robin during the 2019 bushfires in eastern Victoria.

Green Triangle key to methanol plant plans

Residue from Blue Gums in the Green Triangle will be turned into green methanol in Portland under a proposal being put forward by an Australian energy company.

The Portland Renewable Fuels Project will be one of the largest green methanol developments in the world.

HAMR Energy is an Australian energy company dedicated to accelerating the nation’s transition to

nol is expected to grow to 380 million tonnes and be worth more than $200 billion dollars by 2050.

More than 100 global ports currently handle or store bulk methanol, including major ports in Australia. More than 100 methanol powered vessels will be in operation by 2027, creating 5 million tonnes of new demand.

The company says it will produce green methanol by

This included:

• access to forestry residue from the local sustainable plantation forestry region

• access to the South West Renewable Energy Zone, one of Australia’s largest

• infrastructure access with a deep water port, rail and road networks

• and most importantly a regional community that is skilled and has an understanding of major in

“And Portland has a deep water port, which allows us to get product to market,” he said.

Mr Stribley said softwood could be used in the methanol plant.

“But with other users taking the softwood we just feel at the moment there’s not as much users looking at the hardwood residue,” he said.

“So demand for it is less.”

He said his company had

● HAMR Energy Director and Company Secretary David Stribley.

Driver and owner wellbeing programs back on the road

The Professional Ownership & Driver Wellbeing Program is back encompassing not just the PODW program but also the ‘Rollover’ Program to present a complete and comprehensive training package designed for ‘best practice’ across the whole transport industry as well as non-transport industries.

The Australian Forest Contractors Association has again engaged Alan Pincott, from Australian Trucking Safety Services & Solutions and Kirstin Pincott, KJ Training & Consulting, to present the new Professional Freight Task Management program.

Mr Pincott said that apart from diver awareness a lot of accident avoidance was also about management understanding what pressure the drivers are under.

“Anybody that’s driving in a high risk industry, as far as chain of responsibility goes, probably should be doing this course,” he said.

He said that the industry regulators have their regulatory advices about managed managing fatigue, driver distraction, and drug and alcohol in the workplace.

“So this aims to address a lot of that stuff in a safety management system.”

Program selections will include a choice of either half or full day courses designed by the facilitators based on individual company requirements. Cost will depend on location and numbers required.

The PODW program was developed by ATSSS and KJ Training and Consulting to address the ‘human fac-

tor’: fatigue, inattention and complacency, which are the underlying causes of several recent crashes in heavy and light vehicles in the forest industry.

PODW guides drivers to adopt a proactive, intrinsically motivated view of solutions to driving challenges.

Focusing on an overview of COR legislation, introduction to driver wellbeing (alcohol and other drug use, sleep and fatigue), situational awareness introduction to driver safety (attention and concentration, trip planning, how to respond to an accident and affects of trauma).

The objective of the PODW program is to empower drivers to take control of the factors which place them at higher risk of a crash, recognising

that professional drivers are at higher risk of crashes or accidents due to the nature of their work.

The program is run in an interactive manner with mixed media presentations aimed to engage drivers, encourage discussion and participation, and provide practical advice and solutions for low risk driving.

It explores when drivers are at higher risk of a crash or incident, hypothesise the reasoning behind these incidents, and provide simple tips and tricks to maintain concentration and attention.

For more information on attending one of the sessions or should you be interested in booking a session for your company please email office@afca.

asn.au

SESSION SCHEDULE

AUGUST

● 4 Aug  -Portland, Vic

● 15 Aug - Beerburrum, Qld

● 16 Aug - Maryborough, Qld

● 17 Aug - Gladston, Qld

● 18 Aug - Cairns, Qld

SEPTEMBER

● 19 Sept - Tumut, NSW

● 20 Sept - Barham, NSW

● 21 Sept - Oberon, NSW

● 22 Sept - Coffs Harbour, NSW

● 28 Sept - Orbost, Vic

● 29 Sept - Rosedale, Vic

OCTOBER

● 11 Oct - Mount Gambier, SA

● 12 Oct - Hahndorf, SA

● 13 Oct - Hamilton, Vic

DECEMBER

● 5 Dec - Donnybrook, WA

● 6 Dec - Manjimup, WA

Forestry Corp seeking contractors for five-year log haulage

Forestry Corporation of NSW has announced an open tender for the loading and haulage of logs from the state’s softwood plantations. Forestry Corporation is inviting bids from interested parties for the loading and haulage of logs from softwood plantation forests in the Bathurst, Walcha, and Bombala areas to sawmills across the state.

The open tender process is designed to select the most efficient and safetyfocused contractors for this large-scale transport task, with contracts set to start on July 1, 2024 and run for a period of five years, with two one-year extension periods.

“With the announcement of this tender, Forestry Corporation is not only supporting the responsible management of a valuable renewable resource, but also providing long-term contract opportunities that will benefit regional businesses and communities across the state,” Rachel

Johnson, General Manager Softwood Products Division said.

The quantity of logs to be handled each year will be between 600,000 and 900,000 tonnes, transported across multiple freight lanes.

This is one of the largest regional transport projects in the NSW market.

“The loading and haulage of plantation softwood is a critical part of the timber industry in NSW, and this new tender presents a unique opportunity for contractors to support the sustainable use of a renewable resource while driving economic growth in regional areas,” Peter Stiles, Sales and Procurement Manager said.

Safety is a top priority for Forestry Corporation, and contractors will be required to fully comply with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW) (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) obligations, integrating CoR requirements into their operations and foster-

ing a safety culture consistent with that of Forestry Corporation.

In addition to safety, cost efficiency is also expected, and Forestry Corporation is seeking innovative solutions for the delivery of services.

The use of higher mass limited vehicles and multimodal rail and road solutions is encouraged, as Forestry Corporation seeks to minimise environmental impact and optimise transport efficiency.

“By investing in the responsible management of softwood plantations, Forestry Corporation is demonstrating its commitment to both the environment and the local economy. We are excited to see the positive impact that these long-term contracts will have on regional businesses and communities,” Dean Anderson, Regional Manager Snowy Region said.

The open tender process is expected to attract strong interest from transport op-

erators across South-eastern Australia, and Forestry Corporation looks forward to partnering with the best companies to deliver this important project.

Tender documents are available on the NSW Government eTender website, and tenders close on June 21, 2023.

“We want to foster successful long-term partnerships with carriers so they and the communities they are part of can benefit from the significant growth opportunities available,” Jason Molkentin, Regional Manager Northern Region said.

This is a unique opportunity for transport contractors to secure a long-term contract with one of the largest forestry corporations in NSW.

The successful bidders will provide all necessary management, administration, and coordination activities to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the log product loading and/or haulage services to Forestry Corporation.

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Trees on farms

Activating farmland in Northern

The ActivAcre Program has landed in Northern Tasmania and is set to create new income for farm businesses, while delivering environmental benefits.

ActivAcre works by incentivising farmers to grow trees on their less productive land in return for a reliable, annual income — increasing the productivity of existing farm activities. The program also aims to improve environmental outcomes for farms, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity, soil conservation and water quality.

Underpinning ActivAcre is Sydney-headquartered New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies, which developed the program over a period of two years using its experience in managing forestry within agricultural landscapes for sustainable production.

New Forests have turned to Tasmanian-owned plantation and natural assets management company SFM to oversee the program, thanks to their industry expertise and local roots. SFM currently employs 25 staff and manages over 50,000 hectares of plantation resources across southern Australia.

As part of the initiative, ActivAcre and SFM will plant new trees on underutilised farming land to create a regular income for farmers, enabling them to share in the benefits of both timber and carbon markets.

Maximising productivity of the land

Managing Director of SFM, Andrew Morgan, says ActivAcre had been co-created with a group of farmers to enable trees to be integrated within the agricultural landscape in a manner that works for them.

“In developing the program with farmers, we identified that there was between 10 and 20 per cent of unproductive farmland in Tasmania. We need to consider ways to maximise the productivity of all land without negative environmental or social impacts,” he says.

“This requires a level of flexibility that enables landowners to have trees in their landscape that won’t impact other farming pursuits: in fact, it’ll enhance them.

“With climate change and the growing future demand for timber in Australia, we need programs like this that are flexible in nature and strive to partner with landowners and the community—the right tree in the right place for the right reasons.”

Tailored planning for individual landscapes

SFM has dedicated a team of agroforestry specialists to the ActivAcre Program: Alex Tabor is one of them. She has worked in the forestry and agroforestry industries for nearly two dec-

ades and says the livestock yield and environmental outcomes from trees planted on farms are outstanding.

“Growing trees is without a doubt one of the best uses of the landscape,” she says, “but it’s all about growing the right species, in the right place.

“As soon as you plant trees, you stop the wind from blowing over your paddocks, you reduce water evaporation, and you make

the environment behind the shelterbelts gentler.”

As ActivAcre’s Land Assessment Manager, Alex will be looking at site productivity and risks associated with plantations in the farming landscape. Her job will ensure that every shelterbelt and woodlot is bespoke to each farm.

“We are doing site-specific, appropriate silviculture that will produce high-quality, robust plantations,” she says.

“The ActivAcre team is highly experienced and highly skilled at what we do, and farmers will see that in the outcome.

“Farmers will grow plantations that help meet the needs of their farm and work with the landscape of their farm; it’s not just, ‘we want your back paddock’; we want to make sure that what we do supports your enterprise with no cost upfront, and with a lease payment for the farm.”

• Rob and Eliza Tole on their Cressy property.

Tasmania with trees

From unproductive land to income-producing ground

Cressy farmer Rob Tole can attest to Alex’s comments, having planted more than 50 hectares of trees on his 560-hectare Greenvale property. He’s seen considerable benefits to his land and livestock.

Roughly 12,000 lambs graze on the fourth-generation farmer’s land every year, on top of a diverse mix of crops like peas, beans and chicory seed.

“Our trees provide protection for our livestock, which is particularly important during lambing and extreme weather events,” he says.

Mr Tole welcomed a program like ActivAcre for farmers looking to diversify their income and have experts take care of the tree planting and monitoring process.

“It turns unproductive ground, which was previ-

ously covered in weeds like gorse, into income-producing ground.”

“A program like ActivAcre means landowners can focus on their usual farming practices, diversify their income and see substantial gains to their crops, livestock, soil and water table levels,” says Mr Tole.

Investing in partnerships

Professor Rod Keenan, Chair of Forest and Ecosystem Science at The University of Melbourne, says a program like ActivAcre that unites industry and farming communities is needed.

Professor Keenan has worked as a research scientist and science advisor in several Australian states and with the Australian government as an advisor on forests and climate change, and has undertaken research across Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea and South-east

Asia. He recently led the Next Generation Plantation Investment Research Project, which explored options for increasing trees in rural landscapes.

“By working in active partnership with farmers,

the project manager can build the long-term relationships needed to make this investment model successful,” Professor Keenan says.

“Co-design can ensure the trees provide benefits on-

farm and more timber resources for local industry.”

Northern Tasmanian farmers are encouraged to express their interest in the program by visiting the ActivAcre website www.activacre.com.au

● Rob Tole with his farm plan which includes trees planted under the ActivAcre Program.

Hall of Fame honours a family affair

It doesn’t happen often that two members from the same family are inducted into the Australian Forest Contractors Hall of Fame, but it does happen.

Just ask the Cox family in Legana, Tasmania, just north of Launceston.

Graeme was inducted some time ago, and more recently his son Steven Cox was honoured at a lunch in Tasmania to celebrate the milestone to make up for his inability to attend the AFCA dinner in Traralgon last year.

Graeme’s daughter Julie Cox-Mckinnon says the family is proud of both of them.

“Dad’s amazing. And as our family we just are so proud of them. I can so proud of dad for sticking with it and for making decisions along the way that that just benefit Cox logging,” she said.

Cox Logging, as it now is, has always been a “small” business running three or four staff.

“I think that’s helped us get through all the hard times as well,” Julie said.

“Dad’s a very, very hard worker doing six and seven days, some weeks.

“And Steven is too. He’s a very hard worker too; he’s got the ethic, and the values his dad does.

“He grew up with dad with Cox Logging and being in the logging industry,” she said.

Julie said Steven was driving a skidder from a very young age did falling for around nine years from when he was 17.

“He had a couple of accidents so we’re lucky we still

got him,” she said “But he’s very multi skilled. And he does everything and anything mechanical to driving the machines.”

Julie said that when Cox Logging was formed the AFCA helped set up the partnership including all the codes and regulations and standards.

“They were really wonderful and they’ve been wonderful ever since and we they give great information,” she said.

“We’d like to be involved with the AFCA more but we can only do what we can do.”

At its core, Margules Groome stands for objectivity, impartiality and ethical business practice. Professionalism and integrity underpin everything we do.

● Steven Cox with his daughter Mia, Allison Cox , Rodney Mckinnon, Elaine Cox , Graeme Cox and grandaughter Alissia Cox-Mckinnon, and Julie Cox-Mckinnon.

● Graeme Cox at work.

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Australian Forest Contractors Association is restructuring

The appointment of current Australian Forest Products Association general manager Carlie Porteous as manager of the Murray Region Forestry Hub has been welcomed by the hub’s chair Peter Crowe.

Mr Crowe said Ms Porteous brought more than 12 years experience in the forest and wood products industry to her new role.

The AFCA announced on Wednesday that it was establishing two new positions - General Manager –Policy and Engagement and Manager – Member Services and Programs - to replace the existing General Manager role.

“AFCA has experienced considerable growth in its membership base,” says Adan Taylor, Chair AFCA.

“To continue advocating on behalf of members to improve their business outcomes as well as the sustainability of our working forests the AFCA board is establishing two new positions that will replace the existing General Manager role.

“We appreciate Carlie’s support during the recruitment process and transition period; and congratulate her on her new role as the Manager, Murray Region Forestry Hub and the Softwoods Working Group,” says Mr Taylor.

It is expected Ms Porteous may continue in her role until the end of the year, and then afterwards, provide strategic oversight for a day a week during the transition period to “bed in” the new roles.

She will move to Albury with her family to take up the position.

“Carlie has been involved in most aspects of the value chain and brings a wealth of experience to her new position,” Mr Crowe said.

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“Her introduction to the timber industry was through Visy’s fibre supply certification, where she developed and successfully implemented Visy’s full supply chain Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification scheme, which is still the largest certificate in the Australasia region.

“She has gone on to represent the needs of forest contracting businesses as general manager of the Australian Forest Contractors Association, growing the business profile, engagement, and numbers considerably since her commencement,” he said.

“Carlie also has nearly 10 years of experience in the

waste transport industry in multiple roles including contract management, operations, and project implementation.

“She continues to prove her investment to the industry as a voluntary member of the Board for FSC Australia and New Zealand as well as a Trustee for the Gottstein Trust.”

Mr Crowe said Ms Porteous would commence in the new role in July and, together with her family, will move from Queensland to Albury later in the year.

Eleven regional forestry hubs were created under the National Forest Industries Plan to identify the constraints limiting forestry and timber industry growth.

The MRFH takes in about 3.5 million hectares east of the Hume Freeway, west of the Great Dividing Range, south of Gundagai, and includes plantations in northeast Victoria down to Lake Eildon.

Key forestry towns in the NSW part of the hub are Tumut, Batlow, Tumbarumba, Gundagai and Adelong, while in Victoria the hub centres around Corryong, Tallangatta, Myrtleford and Wangaratta.

This area contains around 170,000 hectares of softwood plantations (public and private). The Murray Region is home to one of the largest softwood-plantation forestry industries in Australia.

Mr Crowe thanked the outgoing executive officer, Phil Clements, for his dedicated and valuable input into establishing the MRFH.

“Phil has a vast knowledge of the timber industry in the region, and he will continue in a non-executive role to contribute to the development of the MRFH,” he said.

AFCA launches masterclasses to boost businesses

The Australian Forest Contractors Association is launching an important series of masterclasses to help businesses go from good to great.

The 12 month program, supported by Paccar, is open to members, non-members, business leaders and emerging leaders in harvest, haulage, civil and silviculture sectors.

The AFCA will provide attendees with industry and ‘Peer to Peer’ support to improve skills and networks.

• Attract and retain a highly efficient workforce.

• Communicate the strategic plan effectively to get team buy in.

• Explore the benefits of embedding succession planning into your business strategy.

The program will:

• Assist in career progression by offering ‘Peer to Peer’ support,

• Support dialogue across the industry,

• Improve business performance and sustainability,

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The program will support dialogue across the industry, improve business performance and sustainability, problem solve by helping others, impart knowledge and encourage innovation and leadership.

The aim is to help attendees:

• Understand the interplay between external forces, industry trends, financial targets of the business and its internal capabilities in order to set, recommend and/or execute strategy.

• Recognise and adjust to new threats to or opportunities within the existing strategy and industry environment.

• Problem solve by helping others.

The masterclasses will be presented by Michelle Redfern, an accomplished executive who has held leadership roles for Australian blue-chip companies, along with FTSE-listed outsourcing company Serco during her corporate career.

Michelle’s strategic and commercial acumen has been honed throughout her career by managing P&L businesses and vendor panels and leading complex outsourcing and supply chain deals.

For more information on attending one of the sessions or booking a session for your company please contact office@afca.asn.au

● AFCA gteneral manager Carlie Porteous.

● AFCA chairmnan Adan Taylor. ● Murray Region Forestry Hub chairman Peter Crowe.

Investing with a timber industry super fund

With strong returns and quality member service, it’s no wonder 50,000+ members trust First Super to look after $4bn of their super.

First Super has been the industry super fund of choice for the timber, pulp and paper, and furniture and joinery industries since we were founded in 2008. The company has since expanded to take care of superannuation for members and employers from all walks of life.

As an industry fund, First Super’s profits go straight back to its members. First Super’s goal is growing customers super for retirement –and every cent counts.

Super is a long-term investment, and it’s worth taking the time to consider the difference your choice of fund can make to your retirement. Small differences in your super fund’s returns can make a big difference over a long period.

Against the backdrop of 2023’s changing economic climate, First Super continues to thrive.

First Super’s Balanced (MySuper) option has been ranked No.2 in Australia in SuperRatings’ 2022 ranking of Balanced products by 1-year return.

First Super’s members’ experience today is as important as their future retirement. That’s why First Super works hard to keep its fees competitive, its products flexible, and its financial advice of the highest quality.

First Super can help with:

• A choice of five investment options ranging from defensive to growth assets catering for all risk types. New members default to the MySuper (Balanced) option.

• Four units of default death (incl. terminal illness) and total and permanent disablement cover, based on blue collar employment – white collar and professional cover available. Available to members over 25 years with an account balance of at least $6,000. Early opt-in available.

• Personal service and general advice though our local Coordinators and call centre, and personal advice from our Financial Advisors.

First Super believes in the personal touch. Its team of Coordinators visit workplaces across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania, and they are happy to clock up the kilometres if customers are further away.

First Super partners with industry associations and attend events in both regional and metro areas, so

it can stay in touch with businesses and know what’s impacting members.

First Super is big enough to perform, but also small enough to care and prides itself on tailored service, helping members achieve the best possible retirement.

“My previous fund, I really did not have any contact with,” First Super member Jill Little said.

“We were unsure who to see or who to talk to. But with First Super, there’s always someone to talk to.

“I now feel confident, comfortable and secure, that I know that my super is in safe hands. And it’ll be there when I need it.”

There are five ways First Super puts its members first.

• • Competitive fees and transparent costs. First Super is committed to only charging fees to cover costs and services, so members’ retirement savings don’t get eaten away.

• • Super and retirement health checks at no extra cost. Members can meet with a Financial Planner^ to find out if their super is on track for the future, and they won’t be charged extra for this service.

• • Affordable insurance for different types of work. First Super offers default death and TPD cover as well as optional income protection insurance at different prices for different occupations – all negotiated at lower group rates, so it may be more cost effective than getting insurance with an external provider. And First Super paid out more than 94% of insurance claims last financial year.

• Strong investment returns over the long term. First Super’s Balanced option was a top performer in 2022. And for the 10 years to 30 June 2022, it’s averaged above 8% per year.

• Local Coordinators for oneon-one meetings or workplace sessions*. Coordinators help members with paperwork, consolidating super and much more.

* Member and Employer Services Coordinators can provide factual information and general advice only.

● A First Super Coordinator helps a member with his super.

Graduate foresters growing skills

Graduate foresters are growing their industry skills and experience through Forestry Corporation of NSW’s graduate program.

Four graduate foresters were recruited in the 2022 graduate program, including Lydia Kearns, who joined the Wauchope office late last year.

Originally from the Blue Mountains, Lydia saw the combined opportunity of joining the forestry industry, working outdoors and moving to the mid-north coast.

“In my last year of studying at the University of Sydney I was figuring out my next steps, when I saw the graduate program advertised,” Ms Kearns said.

“The more I Iooked into it, the more it lined up with my background and what I wanted to do.

“My degree was in environmental science, ecology and evolutionary biology, so very interested in the native forestry industry.

“I have spent a lot of time camping and four-wheel driving in the bush, so was already familiar with State forests and what they can offer.

“Being able to work in the bush is definitely a win. It’s the best job in the world.”

After Lydia accepted the offer to join the graduate program, she had the opportunity to work from any Forestry Corporation office in the state.

“Wauchope was my preference, being close enough for family to visit,” she said.

“Everyone has been incredibly nice and welcoming — the office and work is very diverse and really a good environment.

“People have been keen to help me learn and get into the business more.”

On starting, Lydia spent a week at fire camp with other new recruits to learn the basic skills of firefighting. She is currently working in harvest planning, mapping and due diligence.

Komatsu 895.2 leads way

Komatsu Forest continues its long successful forwarder history in Australia starting back in 1985 with the Valmet 886 and carrying on through several models to the current largest model, the Komatsu 895 which has now surpassed 200 units in the field.

The Tasmanian branch has been particularly successful with over 40 x 895’s delivered which includes several customers owning all variants including the

last five deliveries being the latest Komatsu 895.2, one with Xtreme, two with SpeedShift, two with Xtreme transmissions and Comfort Ride Cabs.

Since its release in 2014 the 895 has undergone a progression of upgrades leading to three variants through the refinement process; 895, 895.1 and 895.2 .

Two New Transmission Options; SpeedShift

● Developed to operate in flatter terrain but handles stepper terrain if required. Tractive effort is same as the standard 895.1 at 262 kN. The stepless speed shift feature allows the forwarder to travel throughout its entire speed range 0 – 22 km/h without having to stop to change from low to high range. It provides the best of both worlds, torque when required and ground speed when the terrain allows for a higher travel speed.

Xtreme

● Developed for severe applications especially steep terrain application up to 35 degrees where a typical forwarder is limited to approximately 25 degrees. Its high drive torque at 307 kN making it the most powerful forwarder on the market. It’s important to note the differential/bogie system has been upgraded including larger final drive reductions to handle the increased torque all driven by a dual motor gearbox.

New Maxi XT

● The new machine control system is a market leader thanks to its full integration with other systems. Everything from engine and crane control and cab levelling to the transmission and ladders are encompassed. An unlimited number of users are easily created with different operator profiles for working in different conditions. All operator-specific functions can be fine-tuned to achieve the exact sensitivity for speed, smoothness and accuracy, that each operator prefers.

New Upgraded Comfort Ride Cab

● The new generation Comfort Ride comes with comfortenhancing features like adjustable sideways firmness and automatic side levelling at standstill and at low speed. The elevated unloading mode now also works at low speed elevated, to make it smoother to reposition the forwarder at the landing. Komatsu Comfort Ride ensures an ergonomic work environment – which allows operators to retain their focus and energy levels for longer and thereby keeping the production on a high and even level.

New SmartFlow

● The new crane control technology that delivers greater precision and control during crane operation and also reduces pressure losses in the valve, with a direct and positive impact on fuel economy. Komatsu Forest has seen fuel savings as high as four percent during a normal forwarding cycle with both loading/unloading and offroad transport.

The Dot 2 version has provided the most significant upgrades especially with the introduction of two new optional transmissions; SpeedShift and Xtreme. These enable the contractor to select the transmission that best suits their application with both providing increased speed and significantly more torque with the Xtreme.

“KF Australia will only

import the two new transmissions,” says Brett Jones MD Komatsu Forest. He believes their advantages over the standard transmission are well worth the additional cost.

Interestingly KF have another three new orders for the Komatsu 895.2 Xtreme in Tasmania later this year. “All are ordered with the Comfort Ride Cab due to the higher speeds achieved

• The Komatsu 895.2 Xtreme.

● The Komatsu 895.2 Xtreme/Comfort Cab.

in Tasmania

2023-24 Scholarship program open

Adam Faircloth a forest scientist who was awarded the inaugural $10,000 Kennedy’s Timbers Award has encouraged other early to mid-career forest and timber industry workers to apply to Timber Queensland’s Growth Scholarship program.

Adam has recently returned from his learning experience, a study tour across Australia and New Zealand to gain insights into perceived challenges, R&D opportunities, and current achievements in the field of vibroacoustic assessment.

“Getting out there and meeting people was very, very helpful. Especially early in my career,” said Adam Faircloth.

During a recent presentation outlining the learnings of his study tour Adam said his learning experience has already delivered positive impacts for his career development.

in tough terrain,” according to Brett Jones. “Originally, we expected to market a 50/50 split of SpeedShift and Xtreme units but the latest machine trend is more Xtreme transmissions and Comfort Cabs,” he added. Several other features have been upgraded in the Dot 2 such as the Comfort Ride Cab and Max XT as well as the introduction of the new SmartFlow valve

with the first unit in Australia being delivered to a Tasmanian contractor last February for testing.

“The factory’s goal has been to maintain a stable platform with continual upgrades to provide improved production” says Brett Jones. “These benefits provide the contractor improved production with operational cost reductions,” he added.

MechLog

Anthony Brown at Mechanised Logging P/L runs a large mixed fleet of logging equipment which include 7 x Komatsu 895 Forwarders working in both hardwood and softwood plantations in northern Tasmania. Anthony tends to use the Komatsu’s in the bigger timber due to larger carrying capacity. He took delivery of one of the first Komatsu 895.2 about 8 months ago and is very pleased with the improved performance.

“The new transmission (Xtreme) has made a big improvement on performance…about 10%-15% depending on conditions,” said Anthony. “Also, the Comfort Cab is a must to

handle the increase speed,” he added.

Anthony confirmed he has another Komatsu 895.2 Xtreme with Comfort Cab on order for later in the year.

Triple H Contracting P/L

Manual Hall at Triple H Contracting currently operate three Komatsu 895’s with the oldest having completed over 16,500 hrs working in both softwood and hardwood plantation. Recently they took delivery of a 4th unit, a new Komatsu 895.2 Xtreme fitted with the Comfort Ride Cab and notably it happens to be the 200th 895 sold in Australia.

“ It’s more productive, quicker in the bush both loaded and unloaded,” says Manual Hall when discussing the new delivery. “It’s the right transmission for Tassie conditions. ”

When questioned on the Comfit Ride Cab. “

You wouldn’t get the benefits without it. The higher speeds would be just too rough on the operator,” he added.

His final comment…. “The new features cost much more… but worth it.”

Kevin Morgan P/L

Kevin Morgan currently operates two Komatsu 875’s, one 895, three 895.1’s and took delivery of a new Komatsu 895.2 last Feb. Their first 895 has been operating for almost 13,000hrs and in general very happy with their Komatsu fleet especially the after sales support supplied by the local KF staff.

The new 895.2 is working in large Radiata Pine with very mixed terrain. Therefore, very interesting to get their opinion on their newest delivery fitted with the SpeedShift transmission and importantly the first new Smart Valve control in Australia.

“The new SpeedShift transmission is a noticeable improvement on the older machines,” said Michael Wells, Service Manager at Kevin Morgan P/L. “It’s early days with the Smart Valve, but very smooth and responsive,” he added . Based on the experience so far he would highly recommend it for any future Komatsu forwarder purchase.

“I made over 40 new industry contacts during my study tour, developed a lot of knowledge about the industry and have lots of excitement for the future,” Adam said.

“I’ve recently started a new position as Principal Technician of the Forest Product Innovation team at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and have started the process to enrol in a PhD.”

Timber Queensland’s Strategic Relations Manager Clarissa Brandt said applications for the 2023 – 2024 scholarship program are now open.

“The idea of applying for a scholarship may seem overwhelming. However, it is a simple and fair process that is equitable for factory workers and foresters alike, in fact for anyone involved in the industry supply chain,” said Clarissa.

2023 - 2024 Growth Scholarship applications opened on 28 March and close on 30 June. The awards on offer are the Kennedy’s Timber Award - $10 000, HQPlantations Award - $5000, AKD Award - $5000 and the DTM Timber Award - $2500. Learn more about the Growth Scholarships at https://www.timberqueensland.com.au/News/GrowthScholarships.aspx.

● The Komatsu 895.2 Xtreme.

Right tyres making work as smooth and safe as possible

Whether on mud or rocks, in the desert or forest, over ice or wet ground, operators may have to work in an endless myriad of places, weather conditions, and situations.

In challenging conditions such as these, the machinery used must be equipped with specially designed products to make the work as smooth and safe as possible.

Tires are particularly prominent amongst the core equipment.

The Indian multinational BKT, specializing in OffHighway tire manufacturing, prides itself on an everevolving catalog of 3,200 products, encompassing solutions for every specific need and situation.

The company has therefore also developed specific models dedicated to forestry, a particularly difficult

environment characterized by uneven surfaces, sometimes muddy terrain and obstacles such as logs and branches that can easily damage tires.

Forest operations therefore call for durable, powerful, and stable tires with a high load-bearing capacity; in short, tires capable of rising to the considerable challenges in forestry.

Fully aware of these needs, BKT has four different lines of highly specialized forestry products: FORESTECH, FS 216, F 240 and TR 678. They are perfect for equipping various forestry machinery, including loggers, skidders, timber loading machines, log extraction

machines and transport vehicles, so they can deliver maximum power.

FORESTECH, perfect for forwarder (self-loading) machinery, taking the fear out of stumps and obstacles: rugged strength with a powerful drive traction comes from the steel belts, strong bead and reinforced shoulder area, which also ensure excellent product durability.

A powerhouse of strength, durability, and high loadbearing capability, the FS 216 is also a tire featuring a robust lug design with an optimized, wider angle to enhance traction performance for forwarder (selfloading) and skidder machines.

Log handlers should look no further than the F 240, a durable tire featuring a wide contact patch that ensures excellent stability and a tread pattern delivering

excellent traction, outstanding self-cleaning properties, and uncompromised maneuverability.

Last but not least, the TR 678 is the perfect tire for hauling heavy loads, both on- and off-road. The versatile TR 678 boasts excellent self-cleaning, traction and durability qualities.

Yet there is more to it than that. Ever poised to develop innovative solutions capa-

ble of responding to the requirements of a particularly demanding market, BKT already has some important innovations on tap scheduled to be launched in November 2023 during the Agritechnica trade fair: solutions that will lend a new impetus to the radial and conventional forestry ranges, the focus of BKT’s plans, and add to its already extensive product offering.

The Wood Project in Hastings, Victoria was started by Sarah and Nath Worth with a mission to make the most of valuable timber throughout the region. The family-owned and operated business has grown from a small firewood business to a full-service salvage sawmill making furniture and other finished timber products.

from

Keeping forest workers safe and efficient

The complexity of forestry terrain requires specialized machinery capable of increasing productivity with minimal environmental impact.

Reliability and resistance are crucial factors for safe and efficient work in the forestry sector, a challenge guaranteed by with the help of forestry chains.

The Tasmanian timber industry has been enjoying a consistent production period for the past 10 years or so with varying markets being sourced and tapped into.

Processing and management companies such as Forico, Timberlands Pacific, Reliance Forest Fibre and Sustainable Timber Tasmania have enjoyed the sustainability of their markets.

Chaffey’s Chains – now based around Robyn Conlon (Sales/support), Adam Hampson (fitting/field service and John Treloar (sales/ support) - has been supplying contractors with chains

and tracks for around 50 years.

Founder Brian Chaffey built a reputation for quality products and service.

His affiliation with Chain Protection Services provided the logging and quarrying industry with tyre protection through protection and traction chains for skidders, tracks and chains for forwarders and protection chains for quarry loaders.

After his passing in 2000, John Treloar respected his wishes and continued to service the industries throughout Australia through the supply, fitting and servicing of quality world-leading forestry chains and tracks.

These products have been tried and proven over time in the varying and harsh conditions Australia wide, particularly in the tough Tasmanian environment.

Due to the constant change and innovation of forestry handling equipment there is a need to keep

in pace with these model changes and Chaffey’s suppliers - Trygg and Eagle Jumbo - have a comprehen-

sive list with excellent support for Chaffey’s to offer including tudd chains -heavy duty 19mm rings, ring

chains, heavy duty 22mm, single wheel super tracks, forwarder tracks and super grip heavy duty links.

WORLD LEADING Forestry Chains and Tracks

Scottish heritage binds logging to milling

Keith Smiley

Peter McPherson hardly measures up to being a ‘pastor’ as the name McPherson suggests, but he would gladly turn over the tables to rid the world of ‘bureaucracy, bungling sycophants and hypocritical lobby groups’.

This descendant is a rare breed of Scottish defender, following in the footsteps of those who trod the Grafton area of New South Wales, six generations ago.

Back in 1870 they owned farms, ran cattle and dairy, and logged for survival for a roof over their heads. They turned their first harvest into a thriving business, satisfying the needs of a growing family; building houses and structures requiring mainly hardwood.

“You got to do things to keep being part of six generations. We ought to create a border line in Newcastle; run a line from the coast around the west and backup; where Sydney can have their own premier and we’ll have ours.

“My son Craig had troubles at school because he suggested they cut some of the Amazon forest, only to be chastised by teachers with ‘concern,” said Peter. But when it comes to fires, the authorities don’t know what they’re doing, so the fires keep going. There are too many on the dole, and some of these men drive our fire trucks,” said Peter.

Tableland Timbers cut their logs to size and let the young branches grow through, treating the logs as a farmer might a crop. “It doesn’t mean you cut everything like many do. Even so we work our guts out here, and get hit with taxes. Life was more fun in the past and it’s so hard to get workers.”

A few years back Peter bought log from the nearby mountain, and sold it to China through an intermediary, who never paid them. Now, as announced by the Albanese government, the Chinese want to buy more of our logs, but who would take the risk, he asks.

“Today, we are cutting hardwood log in the north coast, and up the mountain in the Tablelands; one mill out in Glenrae where my grandfather had a paddock. I’ve also got a mill at Dundurrabin, 90 kilometres

south west of Grafton, halfway to Armidale but had to close it down because we couldn’t find workers. I also cut down hardwood and send it to Victoria and to Queensland and around here, as well as selling cross arms to New Zealand. I cut a lot of poles. My logging company called Dusty’s Logging, has trucks and equipment, bought a year ago, while Tablelands does the milling.

Peter’s nephew Gerrald Lawson, injected another perspective: “The family settled at Levenstrath where McPherson Crossing became a popular water hole. Peter’s father Peter, had a bullock team, and felled with an axe and a cross cut, before the chainsaw came along. Peter junior started working at fourteen in the 1960’s logging and sawmilling while my dad drove trucks. Nowadays we work with CAT 930s loaders, and use tungsten tips on the benches. We run up to F22 but grade F14 is our bread and butter, in addition to special orders and wide stuff,” said Gerrald.

“We’re all getting squeezed, says Peter, “Even the Koala

Park will push forestry onto private properties – prices will go up, and will not be sustainable. My great uncles had sawmills but couldn’t survive with the lack of manpower.”

The company would like to upgrade its mill but are concerned the government will shut down logging. “They are hypocrites. They’ll buy from overseas, wreck another country to make ours look better. They buy their carbon credits from overseas then they cut down trees. We can’t work and make an honest living. “

After 72 years on this earth Peter is grateful for having good parents, a good wife, a good life, and wonderful kids although ‘some of them give him a hard time’. They have five children, and 26 grandies and great grandchildren. “Two sons work with me, a daughter lives in Lismore, two of my grandsons work here, and another son Kai, gives me a hand. I have no plan to retire but I like to show my boys I can still do it by working four days a week in the mill, and cutting logs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tigercat 760B Mulcher

Deere 648H Skidder

Dressta TD20MEXTRALT Dozer POA

Terex Fuchs

● Peter McPherson with grandsons Koran and Jayden and nephew Gerrald.

● Tableland Timbers harvesting operations underway near Trenayr north of Grafton.

Used Harvesters