Issue 159

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: [email protected] 1issuE 159 | 07.02.11 | PAgE

By JIM BOWDEN

THE technical workforce and services of Australia’s timber industry associations are now at their lowest level and well below international standards, a finding that could have implications for the wood manufacturing sector.“The worry is this reduction in association resources and personnel has been in free fall for about 10 years and puts the industry at a severe disadvantage against the technical strength of competitive products,” an industry analyst said.An association resource matrix compiled by industry shows that since 2002 both national and state technical, promotional, lobbying and merchant services

have declined by more than 50%. The technical sector has taken the major brunt with a

70%-plus reduction in staff.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: [email protected]

6494

Cont Page 3

issue 159 | 07.02.11 | Page 1

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BRAiN DRAiNShortage of technical staff reflectssqueeze on industry associations

ThIs IssuE• Furniture, cabinet making, joinery sectors move for single body• DAFF forums on illegal logging policy

Open day kick-starts Year of Forests• Gavin teaches history of furniture• Carpenters Day hammers carbon message for wood• Hardwoods contribute to eco-housing project

It’s getting lonely in the lab.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.osmose.com.au

www.forestrystandard.org.au

www.timtech.info

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3256 1779 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 159 | 07.02.11 2

KEY representatives of the furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries met at a landmark forum in Sydney last Friday to formulate a national ‘one voice’ organisation to front governments on a range of issues threatening the livelihoods of 100,000 workers in the sector.The new organisation – the FCJ – would:• Create and deliver a single united voice to federal and state governments.• Build and develop a reliable and regularly updated book of industry stakeholders.• Develop a strategic industry plan and seek government endorsement and funding to implement this planThe industry plan will undoubtedly focus on challenges to improve the Australian furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industry (FCJ). That plan will detail programs aimed at improving the capacity of the industry, its profile in the community and the marketplace in which it operatesThe plan will articulate elements addressing capacity issues including management and owner education programs; design and innovation culture; environmental sustainability; computer-based manufacturing and design; and business clusters and supply chain improvement“In short, it will build a roadmap for the industry, with a target of developing a business culture of export readiness and import substitution,” the chairman of the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Ron Scott said in a keynote address

to the forum.The plan will also articulate elements addressing the profile of the industry in the community including raising awareness of high quality, high value Australian product, campaigns to demonstrate the perception of value in quality Australian made furniture, furnishings and joinery and promote environmental best practice productThe plan will also deal with market failure and programs to enhance consumer protection such as occupational and business licensing in the sector; warranties and guarantees; relevance and compliance with ANZSIC or international standards; and safety and environmental securityIt was suggested a national FCJ Council be formed with membership comprising all parties within the industry.Mr Scott said that over the last 15 years the FCJ industry’s place in the Australian marketplace had been challenged by

INDUSTRY NEWS

Cont Page 7

Victorian Association ofForest Industries

Level 2, 2 Market StreetMelbourne 3000

Tel: +61 3 9611 9000 Fax: +61 3 9611 9011

Email: [email protected]: www.vafi.org.au

The Victorian

Association of

Forest Industries,

representing the

interests of the

Victorian timber

Industry

Ron Scott .. a roadmap for industry.

Furniture, joinerycabinetmaking in‘one-voice’ moveLandmark forum in Sydney

www.tabma.com.au

TRusTTABMAif youwant ..

Apprentices, trainees or cadets Short or long-term staff recruitment Oh&s training and independent audits Whs training and information

Debtors control and collection

Membership services

Contact us onsydney – (02) 9277 3100Adelaide – 0407 102 244Perth – 0414 908 465Brisbane – (07) 3254 3166hobart – 0407 102 244


http://www.vafi.org.au

http://www.tabma.com.au



In the UK, Canada, Sweden, the US, Germany and South Africa these resources have more than doubled in the past decade.New Zealand is also placing more emphasis on timber products research and the export of modular building systems.The declining Australian figures show that complaints by some sectors of industry that forest and forest products associations are “too big”, employing too many people, don’t hold water.In the face of rapidly increasing competition from alternative products, the timber industry is in a vulnerable position. Never before has the industry been

so well placed to position its product more favourably in the ‘green revolution’ of energy efficiency building codes and emphasis on carbon reduction.Aggressive and increased competition is coming from

steel frames and trusses, fibre cement products, aluminium and composite decking, while timber poles are up against steel vineyard poles and cement and steel electricity and transmission poles.In the marketing of their products, competitors are targeting the alleged perceived weaknesses of timber products, with steel frame and truss producers stating their products do not rot and are safe from insect attack.The current cyclone and flood disasters on the east coast will throw up challenges to the industry to find new high-tech timber building solutions.After the severe failure of plasterboard in flood-damaged houses, manufacturers are already countering the high performance of plywood and timber panelling with new methods of installation and product guarantees.If industry wants new wood technology, it must also ask where are the people who can provide it?The proposed Wood Products Council, an alliance of seven trade associations whose members represent diverse segments of the wood products industry, including manufacturers of lumber, engineered wood, architectural millwork and wood composite panels, has not developed beyond its aims and objectives.Membership funding available to support industry associations is a complex issue; industry has put the financial squeeze on associations for some time. But if the rate of decline in personnel continues on its present path, many associations may disappear before the end of next year.Some industry leaders are

Targetting architects and designers.

From Page 1

ISSUES

Natural disasters beg forbetter building solutions

Cont Page 4

ForestWorks performs a range of industry

wide functions acting as the

channel between industry, Government

and the Australian Vocational Education

and Training (VET) system.

Core services:

• Skill Standards

• Material Development

• Networks

• Strategic Skills Planning

• Project Management

• Data Collection• Research

• Industry Advice

• Career Advice

• Adult Learning Expertise

ViCTORiAPO Box 612, North Melbourne 3051Tel: (03)9321 3500Email: [email protected] sOuTH WALEsPO Box 486, Parramatta 2124Tel: (02)8898 6990Email: [email protected] Box 2146, Launceston 7250Tel: (03)6331 6077Email: [email protected] BRisBANEPO Box 2014 Fortitude Valley 4006Tel: (07)3358 5169Email: [email protected]






www.lswgroup.com.au


avoiding the issue, stalling until the proposed big industry ‘merge’ – the single national voice – happens sometime in April.Drawing international comparisons, the UK Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) employs 150 technicians in its head office in Buckinghamshire alone and many more throughout England.TRADA is talking with top level architects and designers, inviting them to speak at In Touch with Timber 2011 in September.‘The program is still taking shape, but there will be a clear focus on using wood innovatively and imaginatively,” TRADA marketing manager

Rupert Scott said.“Timber is an adaptable and dynamic material and we intend that In Touch with Timber will be a vibrant reflection of what

is new, topical and cutting edge in structural design and architecture today.”Meanwhile, the government of British Columbia, Canada, is

continuing its ‘wood first’ policy and France now has a law that wood be used in building construction. New Zealand and Japan are also considering ‘wood first’ policies.Established in 2007, Canada’s ‘wood first’ programs aim to increase the use of wood in non-residential construction (schools, health care facilities, retail establishments, etc) throughout Canada and targeted areas of the US.These programs are designed to educate architects, engineers, specifiers and builders on the advantages of and opportunities for using wood in non-residential applications.‘Wood first’ shares the cost of approved projects with industry and other partners, typically

Challenges .. to find new high-tech timber building solutions.

ISSUES

From Page 3

uK research sets international pacein cutting edge design technologies

Cont Page 6

TimTech Chemicals!The locally owned company that brought competitionback into the Australasian market is 10 years old.A big thank you to the Australasian timber industry foryour support over the last 10 years!

TimTech is 10 years old, better and stronger, with patentedtechnology, top people and excellent service.TimTech.... Still putting Values and Value into timber protectionon both sides of the Tasman.

When we started in 2001 the big boys didn't want us in their cosy market and pulleda few dirty tricks. Fortunately they failed to get rid of us. It hasn’t been easy, butthanks to our loyal customers, our great team and innovative technology TimTechis still growing.


www.timtech.info


FEBRuARY14-18: Wood Science Course. University of Melbourne and CSIRO, Melbourne. Contact Silvia Pongracic on 0418 764 954 or visit www.gottsteintrust.org

MARCH4-5: Forest Industry Engineering Association Residues to Revenues Conference (incorporating Green Energy Expo), Bayview Eden Hotel, 6 Queens RoadMelbourne. Call 1800 126 398 to register or www.woodresiduesevents.com

30-31: Residues to Revenues. Technologies to improve wood wastes utilisation. Rotorua, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

APRIL4-5: Residues to Revenues. Technologies to improve wood wastes utilisation. Melbourne. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

8: South Eastern Australia 2011 Farm Forestry and Firewood Expo, Bendigo, Vic. City of Greater Bendigo’s Huntly plantation, north of Bendigo. NORTHERN United Forestry Group (NUFG) - a not-for-profit community group with a focus on growing trees for sawlogs and firewood - will host the expo at the Huntly plantation, north of Bendigo. Some trees (all hardwoods) within the Huntly plantation that need to be thinned will be available for demonstration purposes. Contact: Mal Brown, Northern United Forestry Group. Tel: (03) 54352588.

Mob: 0419 108 817.

EvENTS

WHAT’S ON?MAYMay 21-June 5: Forest biomass four-nation industry study tour. New Zealand, Austria, Germany and Finland. Includes LIGNA Hannover Wood Fair, Germany. Email: [email protected]

25: Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) and New Zealand Institute of Forestry Conference (ANZIF 2011). Auckland NZ. Theme: ‘Pacific Forestry’. Visit www.anzifconference.co.nz

30-June 3: LIGNA Hannover Wood Fair.

25-June 4: LIGNA industry tour (Germany, Italy, Austria).

JuNE15-17: SawTECH 2011. Sawing technologies to improve mill performance. Brisbane. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

21-23: SawTECH 2011. Sawing technologies to improve mill performance. Rotorua, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

JuLY13-14: Carbon Forestry 2011. Key investment drivers and future business opportunities. Auckland, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

sEPTEMBER5-7: NZ Forest Industries Expo 2011. Venue: Rotorua Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Forest industry leaders and companies from across the world are booking their tickets to participate in the expo (FI2011) and make the most of the 2011 Rugby World Cup while they’re there. Exhibition sites have already been booked by a number of NZ and Australian companies,

and inquiries being received from Canada, China, Vietnam and Austria. The expo will showcase the best that Rotorua, the wider Bay of Plenty region and the rest of New Zealand has to offer when it comes to forestry and wood products. Contact: Dell Bawden. Tel: +64 73627865. Mob: +64 274745485. Email: [email protected] Website site: fi2010.co.nz

6-7: Wood Technology Clinic 2011. Series of clinics held within the NZ Forest Industries Expo. Rorotura, NZ. Visit www.fiea.com.nz

OCTOBER 21-November 2: 5th International Woodfibre Resources and Trade Conference: Woodchips and Biomass for Global Markets. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore. Presented by DANA Ltd, Pike & Co and Wood Resources International, followed by field trip to Cambodia on November 3, 4 and 5.The field trip is an optional extra to the conference registration fee and will be limited to 80 participants. Field trip participants will fly from Singapore to Sihanoukville with an overnight stay. Transfer next day to Siem Reap which will include a visit to world famous UNESCO heritage site Angkor Wat. Return Saturday morning. Who should attend? Plantation and other forest owners, plantation investment fund managers, existing-future biomass producers and users, existing-future wood pellet producers and users, bankers and investment analysts, woodchip producers, wood fibre trading companies, woodchip end users.

National Association ofForest Industries Ltd

(Est. 1987)PO Box 239,

Deakin ACT 2600Tel: (02) 6285 3833.Fax: (02) 6285 3855

Web: www.nafi.com.au

SUSTAINABLE.RESPONSIBLE.

The NationalAssociation of Forest

Industries (NAFI)is striving for an

ecologically sustainableAustralian societyachieved through

dynamic,internationally

competitive forestindustries.

NAFI’s mission is torepresent the interests

of members bypromoting theenvironmental

sustainability andthe prosperity ofAustralian forest

industries.

http://www.gottsteintrust.org

http://www.woodresiduesevents.com

http://www.fiea.com.nz



http://www.anzifconference.co.nz







http://www.nafi.com.au



www.holtec.org


covering up to 50% of a project’s eligible costs. Funding extends to technical support and training provided by technical advisors; market opportunity studies, public opinion studies, stakeholder knowledge surveys, benchmarking surveys; promotional missions, trade shows, seminars, product directories, generic promotional brochures, technical literature, outreach programs; and technology transfer and training, including quality assurance and

demonstration projects;

In South Africa a timber marketing forum will promote the use of wood in the face of rapidly increasing competition from alternative products.

The inaugural meeting of the organisation in Isando on June 22 will see the unveiling of a constitution, logo and a strategic plan.

“As an industry, we have done little in a coordinated manner to promote the benefits of timber,” said the organisation.

ISSUES

From Page 4

slip sliding away

Lobbying 2002 2007 2010

Na.onal0 A3P 3 5.5 6NAFI 6 9 5ATIF 0.5 0.5 0.5

Victoria VAFI 9 3 3.5NSW NSW FPA 8 2 1Qld TQ (formerly TQB) 6 5.5 3.5Tas FIAT 3 3 2.5SA 0 0 0WA FIFWA ? 2 2

35.5 30.5 24

Technical>[email protected] EWPAA 9 7 11.5

AWPA 6 7 0ATFA 0 2 3PTAA 9 0 0

Victoria WPV (from TPC) 13 0 0NSW TDA NSW 8 5.5 3.5Qld TQ (from TRADAC) 12 3.5 1Tas TTPB 2 2 0.5SA TDA SA 3 2 0WA TPC WA 3 0 0

65 29 19.5

MerchantsNa.onal0 FTMA 0 1 1Victoria TMA 10 2 3NSW TABMA NSW 15 11 10Qld TABMA Qld 0 3 3Tas TABMA SA 0 0 1SA 0 0 0WA TABMA WA 0 1 0

25 18 18

125.5 77.5 61.5

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E:GHIJ7K0L021M

NO:8P;;0E:GHIJ7K0L0$3M

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The benefits of timber

This industry association resource matrix shows staff numbers are now at their lowest level. A linear interpolation of the technical resource, suggests the figures will reach zero in June 2012



http://www.calibre-equipment.com


overseas imports, the majority from China.“Sadly, our politicians have placed a higher emphasis on re-election than on serving our country and our people in the best possible way,” he said.“This has also been exacerbated by an army of senior bureaucrats who do not care, who do not understand, and who subscribe to economic theories which have been disproved the world over.”In economic terms, Mr Scott said the industry suffered from market failure. In economic terms, the country was suffering from government failure.“Our current taxation system has not kept up with the taxation systems around the world, where the taxation focus is on consumption. Instead, between our federal and state governments, but particularly our state governments, the emphasis is on taxing capital – the means of production,” Mr Scott said.“State governments achieve this through land taxes and payroll taxes. The federal government achieves this through inadequate depreciation allowances.“Government failure also extends to its management of information asymmetry. Imported product is regularly caught out advertising itself as Australian made or that its meets ASNZ standards.”Mr Scott said government failures also extended to its management of warranties, payment deposits and licensing.“Imported product is not required to comply to the standards required by federal and state government law, the most astounding of which is the no warranty to 12 month warranty placed on imported

joinery products, while Australian product must supply a seven-year warranty.“As a result, Australian furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery businesses must compete with product imported overseas on a totally unfair playing field.“Sadly, however, the politicians and the bureaucrats do not understand that this is no game; people’s livelihoods, their businesses and their jobs,

INDUSTRY NEWS

Cont Page 8

FCJ plan to deal with market failureand consumer protection programs

From Page 2

On the line .. 100,000 jobs in furniture, cabinetmaking and joinery.


www.tanalised.com


WEST Australian timber trader Whittakers Ltd has reached an agreement with the Forest Products Commission to take in an additional 14,400 tonnes of jarrah sawlogs for processing and converting into value-added products including furniture feedstock, flooring and joinery.The company is expanding its Greenbushes Sawmill and processing facility to handle the increased intake.“Under these new arrangements we will be able to operate more efficiently with certainty in pricing and log supply,” Whittakers’ chief executive Trevor Richardson said.Mr Richardson indicated that Whittakers would ultimately be employing 33 additional staff at Greenbushes over the next 12 months and would welcome any of the experienced personnel to be stood down at Gunns Manjimup to contact them regarding employment opportunities over the next 12 months.

David Hartley, acting general manager of FPC, said the government had worked hard to stabilise the timber industry which had gone through several difficult years.“The industry is still adjusting to a regrowth timber resource and Whittakers’ decision to expand its operation signals that it is starting to turn around.”Whittakers mills jarrah, karri and marri sawlogs, and invested $10 million in 2006 in a new mill for cutting small regrowth logs.Gunns Ltd will close its Deanmill jarrah sawmilling site on February 18 with 44 employees made redundant. The decision comes after a review of WA operations announced last October.Gunns will maintain its Manjimup processing and Welshpool retail sales operations to reduce stock over the next 12 to 18 months. A decision on the level of activity at the Manjimup site will be made during that period.

depend on fairness, and it is trite macro economic theory that assures them that when their full-time manufacturing jobs disappear, they can get part-time jobs at fast food restaurants or other hospitality industry enterprises.”Mr Scott said it was also important categorically state that the industry supports competition from imports – as long as it is on a fair basis.“We support imports – imports of quality goods that are fit for purpose – on the market in a level playing field.

The purpose of the FCJ forum in Sydney was to bring together the key players in the furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries and build a community – a community that will advocate its position to the government and consumers.

“We need the entire furniture, cabinet making and joinery industry to recognise that the industry is under threat,” Mr Scott stressed.

“We need for the entire industry to recognise that the best means of meeting and overcoming this threat is through a collective will and community action.”

INDUSTRY NEWS

From Page 7

ForestrySA seeks new Harvest and Transport servicesin Green Triangle.

ForestrySA is calling for proposals for the supply of harvest and transport services in the Green Triangle region.

A briefing and field tour day will be held in Mount Gambier on Thursday 10 February 2011.

Up to 900,000 tonnes per annum is available for harvest or for transport:

Chiplog (T1) 70,000 tonnes/paFirst thinning (T1) 60,000Second thinning (T2) 100,000Third thinning (T3) 100,000Clearfall (CF > 2.3m3) 360,000Clearfall (CF < 2.3m3) 210,000

It is intended that separate harvest and transport contracts will be awarded. This is planned to take place during mid-2011, with new contracts taking effect on 1 January 2012.

To register for the briefing & field tour on 10 February 2011 and for the issue of documentation, please contact Emma Bigham at ForestrySA on +61 (8) 8724 2812.

For all other enquiries please call:Mr Adrian Hatch, ForestrySA General Manager - Sales, on +61 (8) 8724 2818 or email [email protected]









































National voice for industry

Whittakers expandsin WA as agreementdelivers more jarrah


http://www.forestrysa.com.au



AS the New Zealand wood products sector faces sawmill closures and job losses the forest harvesting sector is enjoying a booming 22 million cub m annual log harvest.“We are absolutely booming with forest harvest production right now with high volumes of export logs going to ports like there is no tomorrow,” Forest Industry Contractors Association chief executive John Stulen said.“This is a great outcome for the forestry half of the forest products industry - but it is now an industry of two halves. Over the past two years there have been many sawmill closures leaving something like half of that sector viable compared with pre-recession levels.Mr Stulen warns of the boom-

bust habit which the forestry sector is in. “The market is fast becoming fragile, too focused on one product – export logs,” he says.

“Past export booms and the corresponding busts have seen forestry frowned upon as a career choice by young people looking for certain futures.”

Mr Stulen says for many new entrants into forest contracting and for the less experienced employees working in the bush right now, there is no tomorrow – there is only today while the boom is happening.

“With Chinese New Year celebrations beginning, forestry contractors should expect a lag effect as our single largest export market takes a breather,” he said.

Timber & Forestry e-news is the most authoritative and quickest deliverer of news and special features to the forest and forest products industries in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. Weekly distribution is over 6,400 copies, delivered every Monday. Advertising rates are the most competitive of any industry magazine in the region. Timber&Forestry e-news hits your target market – every week, every Monday!

HEAD OFFICECustom Publishing Group

Unit 2- 3986 Pacific HighwayLoganholme 4129 Qld, Australia

PUBLISHERDennis Macready

[email protected]

CONSULTING EDITORJim Bowden

Tel: +61 7 3256 1779Mob: 0401 312 087

[email protected]

ADVERTISINGTel: +61 7 3256 1779

[email protected]

PRODUCTION MANAGERLeigh Macready

[email protected]

Opinions expressed on Timber & Forestry e news are not necessarily the opinions of the editor, publisher or staff. We do not accept responsibility for any damage resulting from inaccuracies in editorial or advertising. The Publisher is therefore indemnified against all actions, suits, claims or damages resulting from content on this e news. Content cannot be reproduced without the prior consent of the Publisher- Custom Publishing Group.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Log exports boomas NZ becomes an

industry of 2 halves

Getting together at the furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries forum in sydney last Friday are Tracey Gramlick, Australian Windows Association, Martin Lewis, Furnishing Industries Association of Australia,

simon Dorries, general

manager, Engineered Wood

Products Association of

Australasia, Brisbane, and

Alan Broome, Decorative

Wood Veneers Association.

See Page 2.

Meeting at FCJ forum in sydney






www.naturallybetter.com.au


HARDWOOD products have been used extensively throughout the new Whitmore Square Eco Housing project in inner city Adelaide, providing young professionals with affordable housing close to the city.The project was the subject of a national design competition initiated by Adelaide City Council with the support of the state government and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.South Australian-based Troppo Architects won the first prize and the opportunity to put its cost-effective, environmental design into practice.The aim of the project was to provide 26 apartments which would not only be affordable to rent but also help to reduce daily living costs. As a result, ecologically sustainable design principles were fundamental and sourcing materials was a highly selective process.

Boral Timber’s hardwood timber products were an ideal choice for the project, having been sourced from sustainably managed and legal forestry sources and achieving Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) chain of custody certification. They also delivered on both the architect’s and builder’s durability and grade requirements.

The wide range of products were utilised in numerous ways – hardwood decking for both screening and decking, inside and out; F27 KD structural solid hardwood timber for floor framing and bearers and joists; and F27 standard and better KD solid hardwood timber for decking, handrails, stair treads and post cladding.This was further complemented

with Boral plywood for bracing and cypress for roof rafters and purlins as well as fences and screening. A light Tasmanian oak species was used as a decorative element for internal skirting and handrails. The result is a warm and inviting space, incorporating an array of natural materials and features.

“The environmental aspects of this project, combined with its affordability, make this a really exciting addition to Adelaide’s infrastructure,” John Evins of Adelaide City Council said.

“The materials used throughout not only contribute to each home’s sustainable credentials but also enhance the aesthetics, creating a cosy, homely place to live.”

Other energy and water saving features of the project included solar cells for electricity generation; solar hot water heating; natural gas for cooking; energy metering management system to monitor and advise tenants of water, power and gas usage in each apartment; and remote operated external awnings to shade building in summer and allow solar access in winter.

Ecologically sustainable .. Australian hardwoods key feature in design of Adelaide apartments.

TIMBER DESIGN

Trusted brokers to the timber industry since 1985Be SURE about INSURANCE

Contact Alan JonesTel: (07) 3010 1823 Mob: 0419 754 681 Email: [email protected]

(Licence No. 238123)

Cypress, hardwoods contribute toaffordable city eco-housing project

THE Canadian Wood Council has released a report that champions the cause for wood-framed mid-rise residential buildings in Ontario. The council wants Ontario wood used in the

framing of mid-rise buildings. It is making a case for changes to the provincial building code to allow the construction of wood-framed buildings from five to eight storeys, otherwise known

as mid-rises.The council also wants to sway the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to remove a restrictive four-storey cap on wood frame construction.

Wood council wants to go ever higher




INDUSTRY will be looking for precise details on how the federal government will implement its illegal logging policy at a series of stakeholder seminars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this week.New legislation will be introduced into parliament this year after a period of public consultation.The Australian timber industry must clearly verify the legal origin of all timber products according to the requirements set out in the legislation, including products such as sawn timber, wood panels, pulp, paper, wooden furniture and composite products.The seminars have been organised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. DAFF has indicated it will continue to consult with stakeholders as key aspects of the policy are developed.The seminars will be held in Melbourne (Best Western Airport Convention Centre) and Sydney (Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport) on February 7 and in Brisbane (Quality Hotel Airport International) on February 9.Australia now joins the European Union, Switzerland and the US in introducing legislation to ban imports of illegal timber.Forestry minister Senator Joe

Ludwig says the new laws will be instrumental in fostering global trade in legal timber products and will level the playing field between illegal and legal timber suppliers.After widespread industry consultation, the federal government will introduce legislation that carries penalties for importing illegally logged timber. Under the legislation, importers will now need to meet a due diligence test to ensure the timber they are sourcing has not been illegally logged.Instrumental in ushering in this new law was a coalition of timber merchants, retailers and environmental and social justice organisations who all banded behind the Greenpeace campaign ‘Say NO to Bad Wood’, including the World Wildlife Fund, Bunnings, IKEA

and Kimberly-Clark.“Bunnings has pushed for this outcome since 2001 when we committed to a zero tolerance approach to illegal timber in our supply chain,” general manager, marketing and merchandising, for Bunnings Clive Duncan said.“We welcome this announcement which matches our ongoing commitment to providing products that originate from legal and well managed forests,” he said.“These new laws to ban illegal timber imports will ensure that Australia takes a leading role in the protection of the world’s

most threatened forests,

joining efforts like the EU’s ‘Due

Diligence’ regulation and the

US Lacey Act.

Head of the Global Forests

and Trade Network George

White said for the legislation

to truly be effective, there must

be strict penalties to serve as

a deterrent and enforcement

actions that truly have teeth—

sending a message throughout

the global forest products

industry that illegal timber is no

longer welcome in the world’s

leading markets.

EvENTS

stakeholder seminars will demandprecise detail in illegal logging policy

Contacts:CHH Woodproducts New Zealand

Email: [email protected] Web: www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz

IPL (West Coast) LtdEmail: [email protected]

Juken New Zealand LtdEmail: [email protected] www.nzwoodproducts.co.nz

Joe Ludwig .. level playing field.

New legislation hopes to stamp out illegal logging practices.


http://www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz



http://www.nzwoodproducts.co.nz


http://www.ewp.asn.au


By JIM BOWDEN

“GAVIN is fabulous not only in the creation and restoration of fine timber pieces but also making sense of it,” said Jenny Thomson as she brushed wood shavings from her apron.Jenny, who fattens beef cattle at Bellmere near Caboolture, is one of a number of wood-loving women who attend Gavin Smith’s furniture-making school at Elimbah, north of Brisbane in the shadows of the Glasshouse Mountains.“He has thousands of little tips. He can talk about the grain of wood and the kinds of tools that work best,” Jenny said. “It’s clear that this is his love – and it’s wonderful to be around someone who loves something so much.”“The love of wood is there, in

their hands,” Gavin told us, referring to students of all ages who are learning to create and repair furniture. “And the women are the quickest learners.”Gavin Smith, 64, started as an

electrician in his home town of Glossop in north England. Ten years later he was working as a builder and cabinet maker developing an affection for wood and a desire to teach others how to use it.

He studied furniture making at the Manchester College of Arts and Technology in the UK attaining advanced qualifications in furniture making, woodcarving and restoration. He went on to teach at the college, later moving to Australia, settling in Queensland and running part-time courses at TAFE.At his Elimbah workshop, he now teaches furniture making, relief woodcarving, wood turning, hand veneering, polishing, furniture design and restoration at all levels to suit beginners and more advanced students.“The courses are designed to build skill and confidence in the use and maintenance of hand tools and also to teach the traditional and well-proven

Love of wood .. Gavin Smith at his Elimbah furniture-making school.- Picture by Tina Mitchell

WORKING WITH WOOD

Cont Page 14

gavin teaches history of furniture.. and a way to bring it back to life

‘Allow the wood to tell you which way it wants to be carved, but develop your

own style. Do what you love and love what you do’

Select the right tool – and look after them.

Jenny Thomson learns the finer skills of working with wood from master furniture maker Gavin Smith.Picture by Tina Mitchell

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FORESTRY Tasmania kicked off its celebrations for the United Nations International Year of Forests 2011 with an open day at the ‘forest in the city’ in its Hobart headquarters on January 25.The event proved to be a popular summer holiday diversion, with a steady stream of families, shoppers and naturalists flowing into the Melville Street Dome throughout the afternoon. Their curiosity was rewarded by science and fire fighting displays, indoor abseiling, and even the opportunity for the young (and young at heart) to have their photo taken with ‘Crusty’, FT’s very own giant freshwater crayfish.State Labor Member for Lyons and International Year of Forests ambassador Rebecca White was on hand to officially launch the celebrations. She said the UN’s theme for the year, ‘celebrating forests for people’, had struck a deep chord with her.“This theme resonated deeply with me, as it conveys the need to manage forests for many values, including conservation and sustainable development.“It means that these values, which are often portrayed as being in conflict, are in fact intertwined.“It also recognises that people are central to the effective management of forests.“With careful, scientifically driven management, such as we have in Tasmania, there need not be a contradiction between conserving biodiversity and providing wood products and other non-commercial values from forests.“While not all values may be delivered in any one area of forest, they are delivered across the entire landscape.“While there are of course

a number of challenges confronting the forest industry at present, it’s nonetheless important to remember that our state forests provide skilled employment for thousands of Tasmanians, and indirect employment for many more in our rural and regional communities.“And of course, our state forests also provide clean drinking water to our towns and cities, they store the equivalent of 24 per cent of Tasmania’s carbon emissions each year, and they provide a host of recreation activities and tourism attractions that appeal to locals and visitors alike.”Forestry Tasmania’s general manager, corporate relations and tourism Ken Jeffreys said the open day was just a taste of things to come, with a 12-month calendar of events planned to celebrate the International Year of Forests.“We have a number of exciting projects scheduled over the next year, such as the opening of new accommodation at Tahune, to be called the AirWalk Lodge.“This development will, for the first time, see family

accommodation available at one of Tasmania’s most highly visited tourism attractions. It will allow our guests to spend a full day experiencing all of the activities on offer at the AirWalk, as well as the many other attractions on offer in the Huon Valley.“The year will also see a number of high-profile sporting events on state forest, including

mountain biking and the multi-sport Ben Lomond Descent.“And one of our bursary recipients, Shannon Banks, is going to attempt to visit all 52 of our recreation and tourism attractions around the state over the year. She’ll be writing a blog about her adventures, which we hope will inspire Tasmanians to experience the wonders of the forests in their own backyard.”Mr Jeffreys said FT’s staff were excited by the opportunities presented by the International Year of Forests 2011.“This year, we want to show the community that we are proud of the work we do to ensure the full range of forest values are maintained in perpetuity.“Our staff worked hard to create displays for the launch that were fun and informative. The public’s reception showed us that there is a great deal of interest, and open-mindedness, about the way our forests are managed.”

Toby and Reece Richardson with Krusty, Forestry Tasmania’s giant burrowing crayfish.

Open day was a great kick-start tointernational Year of Forests 2011

EvENTS

EdiTorial inquiriEs

ph: +61 7 3256 1779

Rebecca White, MP Lyons, Tasmania’s ambassador for International Year of Forests prepares to abseil from the top of the Forestry Tasmania walkway.




nominations for the Carpenter of the Year and Apprentice Carpenter of the Year. Workmates, friends, family members and even carpenters themselves can enter right now on the website www.carpentersday.com.auWeekly prizes are available for anyone that nominates a carpenter or apprentice; these notifications will be made on the Carpenters Day facebook page: www.facebook.com/profileThese highly regarded awards attract a growing pool of great prizes from major tool and equipment suppliers.With a total prize pool of $60,000, which includes a $20,000 Jet-ski, package from Lockwood/Assa Abloy there is plenty on offer for everyone involved.Australia-wide, the highlights of the day will be a series of

free barbecues at participating suppliers’ premises and TAFEs that offer free snags, drinks and instant prizes to help celebrate the role of carpenters and building camaraderie and relationships.Barbecue locations are at www.carpentersday.com.auAn impressive list of participants is lined up to support the day, including timber merchants, builders, TAFEs, industry bodies, trade publications and more. Support packs and free promotional materials are available to barbecue hosts. Contact 1300 414 044 or email [email protected]“We’re proud that Wood. Naturally Better is the major sponsor of National Carpenters Day,” said Ric Sinclair, managing director of Forest and Wood Products Australia, the industry services company behind the program.

Nailing the good wood message .. National Carpenters Day will be biggest yet.

Bringing furniture back to life

ways of furniture making,” he said.“As students progress, wood machining is introduced, together with more modern techniques such as jointing with knock-down fittings, giving them a more thorough knowledge of furniture making and design.”

Gavin likes all timber species although he is happiest working with furniture along traditional European lines. He also has a strong sense of the history of wooden furniture referring to the ‘Age of Oak’ during the reigns of the British Tudor monarchs and the ‘Age of Walnut’, roughly from 1600 to 1730.Traditional pieces often find their way into his workshop for repair and restoration.“I want this furniture to be restored as close as possible to the original piece,” he said.Gavin likes to use the English and American oaks, walnuts, ashes and beeches when he can. He prefers a harder wood and says Australian hardwoods are among the most beautiful and hardest in the world.

“We’re not just working with a piece of timber, we’re creating something special and ornate,” he said.“Allow the wood to tell you which way it wants to be carved, but develop your own style. Do what you love and love what you do.”Jenny Thomson says Gavin teaches her how to do everything.“He teaches you how to use hand tools and how to maintain them before you start using them. He forces you to do it the right way the first time.“This type of knowledge in terms of traditional handwork is disappearing,” she says. “It’s dying. There are very limited opportunities to learn woodworking from top to bottom, so I’m glad I found Gavin.“Apart from the fact that I just love timber, a living, beautiful thing, I have several pieces of lovely furniture that are special to me and were passed down through the family.“My father used to maintain them, but now they’re starting to get rickety. Gavin offered the perfect opportunity to not only fix them but have him show me how to fix them myself.”Gavin Smith can be contacted on (07) 5432 8004 or mobile 0407 151 272.

EvENTS

From Page 12

‘It’s clear that this is his love – and it’s wonderful to be

around someone who loves something so much’

Carpenters Day will hammer homecarbon message on wood products

FOLLOWING the success of the event in 2010, the third annual National Carpenters Day promises to reach an even wider audience with new activities, national events, sponsors, partners and participants.

Often the unsung heroes of Australia’s past and present, carpenters add value to the economy and community at

many levels.National Carpenters Day has been created to recognise the role of carpenters, their skills and the part they play in building a more sustainable environment by using carbon-storing wood, which has low embodied energy and helps tackle climate change.Building up to the day will be

http://www.carpentersday.com.au


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Classifiedsstructural EngineerPosition Vacant

Reports to general ManagerResponsible for • Providing Technical support to the Australasian (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji andPapua New Guinea) plywood, Laminated Veneer Lumber, Particle-board andMedium Density Fibreboard manufacturing industries.• Co-ordinating the EWPAA Research & Development activities• Development of Standards and Codes• Development of Technical Publications and Software• Answering of Technical enquiries from members, suppliers and general public• Providing design advice and undertaking basic structural designLocation 3 Dunlop Street, Newstead, Queensland 4006

PurposeTo provide high level Technical Support to meet the EWPAA Quality Policy, Goals and Objectives as established by the EWPAA Board of Directors

Key Accountabilities• Technical Support• Research & Development• Standards and Codes• Maintenance / Development of Technical Publications and Software

sELECTiON CRiTERiAExperience & Qualifications• Bachelor Degree in Structural Engineering or equivalent• Managerial Experience• Experience in the design of Timber Structures• Understanding of plywood and LVL as a building material• Knowledge on Wood Products manufacturing

Personal Attributes• Strong communication and leadership skills• Ability to delegate efficiently• Capacity to plan and monitor personal work program• Ability to work unsupervised

Competencies• Proven ability to speak / lecture in public• Proficient report writing skills• Ability to use Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access

Engineered Wood Products Association of AustralasiaPlywood House, 3 Dunlop Street,

Newstead 4006, Queensland, AustraliaTel: 61 7 3250 3700. Fax: 61 7 3252 4769

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.ewp.asn.au

Divisional ManagerBrisbane

Position Vacant

A large Brisbane-based timber company is seeking

a divisional manager with experience in the timber

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sense.

A generous salary package plus profit share will be

offered to the right applicant.

Please apply in the first instance to:

[email protected]


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Advertising SalesCustom Publishing GroupT: (07) 32561776e: [email protected]

ProductionT: (07) 3392 9810e: [email protected]

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Timber & Forestry e news is a full colour e magazineemailed every Monday to Decision Makers withinthe Australian and New Zealand Timber and Forestrysectors.

Advertising is booked with a minimum 4 weekbooking with discounts for 12, 24 and 48 weekbookings.

12 week- 7.5% Discount24 week- 10% Discount48 week- 15% DiscountClassified ads can be booked in a per issue basis.All advertisements link to customer websites oremail address with an option for rich text (flash).

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Issue 159

Documents

industry analyst

joinery industry fcj

strategic industry plan

planthe industry plan

wood preservative

treated wood

wood hardwoods

technical sector