Issue286

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 1issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

THE new Global Timber Forum has sent out a statement of commitment to potential supporters worldwide and is now constructing a website.The GTF was unveiled at the Global Wood Forum in Malaysia last October. It was heralded as a new networking and communications platform for the forest-based and wood-processing sector worldwide and a channel for sharing industry best practice across a range of areas, from marketing, to meeting the demands of anti-illegal timber legislation.Backers of the concept from more than 40 countries

gathered at a meeting in Rome in May hosted by the European Timber Trade Federation, Food

and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and Timber

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7812

issuE 286 | 09.09.13 | PAgE 1

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Cont Page 3

Forum casts netfor best practice

LNP: no more forest lockupsPolicy endorses AFPA ‘renewable future’ plan

Russ Ainley calls it a day

• Housing recovery ‘not done deal’

• Innovation forums help shape industry’s future

• VAFI welcomes FSC assessment of VicForests

• Conflict of interest claim against Aila Keto

THIS ISSue

New global communication platformopens dialogue between 40 nations

Global grasp .. new networking and communications platform for the forest-based and wood-processing sector worldwide.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.132

iNdusTRy NEws

FREECALL

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Opening up global supplychains saves environment3 industry bodies support Sydney seminarA KEYNOTE speaker for an industry seminar in Sydney next month believes that cleaning up global supply chains is the way to protect the environment, and he has made this his life’s work.Experienced forester Scott Poynton who set up Tropical Forest Trust in 1999, is helping some of the world’s largest companies transform the way they source their products. Mr Poynton’s model for change in timber is now widely applied across other product groups, including palm oil, leather and stone. His work protects the environment and improves the lives of people around the world.Mr Poynton says every day media headlines show what damage can be done by companies’ ignorance of where their products come from, but with real commitment to change, companies can be a force for good.Three industry bodies have joined forces to stage a timely value-chain seminar in Sydney on October 11 – Forest and Wood Products Australia, the Australian Timber Importers Federation and the Timber and Building Materials Association.Scott Poynton’s enthusiasm, passion and drive to help companies become more responsible has helped grow

TFT into a global not-for-profit organisation with more than 90 member companies and over 100 committed staff across 14 countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, Cameroon, Vietnam, India, China and the US.TFT’s work has so far impacted more than 8 million ha of the world’s forests, billions of dollars worth of products and improved hundreds of thousands of lives.Working between these two worlds of business and nature, Mr Poynton brings people together and mediates to turn seemingly impossible situations around to benefit all parties.While setting up TFT, Mr Poynton was managing director of the Vietnam subsidiary of ScanCom International,

the world’s largest supplier of wooden outdoor furniture products, where he presided over tremendous growth while simultaneously shifting the company’s entire production for the European market to Forest Stewardship Council certification.He has led forestry-related economic development efforts for the World Bank in Romania, Vietnam, India, Laos, Russia and Papua New Guinea. He holds a Master of Science in Forestry from Oxford University, where he was awarded the prestigious Oxford Forestry Institute’s Jubilee Prize.The seminar at Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel will cover key aspects of the timber industry supply chain, together with wider aspects of the timber industry’s business environment, wood-based product marketing and matters related to company-level business success.Other keynote speakers include Katrina Hodgkinson, NSW Minister for Primary Industries; John Gillam, managing director of Bunnings Ltd; Prof. Sue Holliday, National Housing Supply Council; and Dr George Goroyias, senior principal and head of wood products, Asia–Pacific Management Consulting.

Scott Poynton .. transforming large companies.

Burnt radiata logs find a market in ChinaABOUT 25,000 tonnes of burnt logs from trees killed in the January bushfires in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley have been sold to China.The radiata trees were part of a Forestry Tasmania plantation at Ellendale when the fire raced through the area causing severe damage.Southern Tasmanian production manager for Forestry Tasmania

Craig Patmore says the trees were 26 years old and due for harvest.He says the trees could not regenerate and were killed by the bushfire and the remaining logs were all fire damaged.“Local processor was unable to process the logs and the international sales team went to work and managed to find a buyer in China,” he said.

The logs will head overseas in two shipments and will be peeled and turned into veneer sheets of plywood for the construction industry.Mr Patmore estimates the logs were worth hundreds of thousands of dollars before being burnt, and Forestry Tasmania had managed to cover its costs with the Chinese purchase.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 3issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

CeRTIFICATION

Trade Action Plan (TTAP). The Rome meeting discussed the potential roles of the GTF and initiated the process for drawing up a development road map. This included appointing a seven-strong expert panel to draft the statement of commitment – Andreas von Möller (representing the industry in Europe), Robbie Weich (South America), Francoise van de Ven (Africa), Sheam Satkuru-Granzella (Asia) Cindy Squires (North America), Liu Nengwen (China), and John Halkett (Oceania).The statement commits supporters to exchange ideas and best practice to give the sector a more coherent voice, facilitate collaboration, and contribute to an international communication strategy. They also pledge to back “efforts to promote long-term growth and market development of the timber and wood products industry”.The construction of the GTF website is being funded by the European Timber Trade Federation and the Timber Trade Action Plan. It will include latest GTF information, with feedback facilities and mediated self-posting to encourage discussion of current issues, international collaboration and development of common industry position statements on key strategic topics.The site will also feature regularly updated news and information on main areas of

interest and potential industry development identified at the GTF Rome meeting. These include opportunities for timber and wood products in the global drive to green building and sustainable development; timber marketing and promotional campaigns and communications initiatives; and the role of sustainable timber harvesting and production in maintaining the forest and mitigating climate change.Other areas of the GTF site will comprise international industry reports and statistics, event information, member contacts and associated international links. The facilitator for the GTF, Rachel Butler said the global timber forum was a community network.“This concept is not just generated by the industry – we already have considerable support pledged by other organisations,” Mr Butler said

“This statement and the website are a significant step in making the forum a reality, and

thanks are due to those who have contributed to make this happen.”

Improvements meet community expectations

Opportunities for industry in aglobal drive for green buildingFrom Page 1

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‘This concept is not just generated by the industry – we already have considerable support pledged by other organisations’

– Rachel Butler

The GTF commitment panel .. Andreas von Möller (Europe), Robbie Weich (South America), Francoise van de Ven (Africa), Sheam Satkuru-Granzella (Asia) Cindy Squires (North America), Liu Nengwen (China), and John Halkett (Oceania).

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.134

iNdusTRy NEws

Frame Australia 2014 Conference and ExhibitionFrame is the only national event for the complete supply chain of structural timber, engineered wood products and pre-fabricated frames for the detached housing and multi-residential dwelling markets, and embraces the key industry sectors from manufacturing through to building construction.

Frame offers an exceptional opportunity to suppliers for access to target markets, and a Sponsorship Proposal is available at www.frameaustralia.com.

For further information contact conference director Kevin Ezard: [email protected] or phone (03) 9537 3800.

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Paper makers seek ‘true value’government procurement policyTHE Australian Forest Products Association has called on the federal Coalition to recognise the true economic value of buying Australian-made paper products such as office copy paper, printing papers, newsprint and tissue.AFPA CEO Ross Hampton said the 21,000 people working in domestic paper making facilities had been greatly encouraged by the recent comments by Sophie Mirabella, MP, about the government purchase of overseas made jackets for Australia’s military forces’.She described this situation as an “absolute betrayal of Australian manufacturing jobs”.The Australian government uses 6500 tonnes of copy paper each year as well as

a further 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of paper for printing of publications and brochures. However, current purchasing decisions pay little or no heed to the social and environmental risks from many imported paper products, such as products sourced from illegal logging or with poor environmental

standards.

“The potential for imported paper landing at dumped prices adds a sense of further urgency for our many regional communities which benefit from local paper manufacturing,” Ross Hampton said

“Furthermore, there is scant regard for the damage being

done to regional jobs and communities from imported products. Local products provide additional tax revenues to governments and important flow-on employment and benefits. For every ream of Australian made copy paper for example, around $1.81 is returned to governments in the form of taxes and charges.”

Mr Hampton said the Labor government had been exploring with industry a pilot scheme to ensure paper procurement decisions took into account these offshore risks and the ‘true value’ generated from domestic procurement.

AFPA calls on the federal Coalition to commit to this pilot program.

Install a ream .. of Australian-made paper.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 5issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

eVeNTS

WHAT’S ON?

Australia’s forest, wood, pulp and paper products industry now has a stronger voice in dealings with government, the community and in key negotiations on the industry’s future, as two peak associations have merged to form a single national association.

The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has been formed through the merger of the Australian Plantations Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI).

AFPA was established to cover all aspects of Australia’s forest industry:

- Forest growing; - Harvest and haulage; - Sawmilling and other

wood processing; - Pulp and paper processing; and

- Forest product exporting.

For more information on the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) or to enquire about membership , please call (02) 6285 3833.

sEPTEMBER

11-13: woodEXPO 13, Rotorua, NZ. World leaders in wood processing, manufacturing and new product technologies will speak at the region’s first ‘business-to-business’ wood industry show. The new expo will provide local companies – management as well as production staff – exposure to new technologies that can improve their own efficiencies and productive capability. Leading technology providers from Europe, North America and Asia will join with each of the main equipment and product suppliers from New Zealand and Australia. Full details on the expo, summit and technology workshops are available on www.woodexpo2013.com

27: FSC Friday.A global celebration of the world’sforests highlighting the importanceof responsible forest management.Every year, schools, businesses,individuals, forest owners/managersand other organisations around theworld get involved in spreading theword about FSC and responsibleforestry. Visit http://www.fscfriday.org/index.htm

OCTOBeR

11: Forest and wood Products Australian AgM. In conjunction with meeting of the Australian Timber Importers Federation and an industry value chain seminar. An industry dinner is planned for Thursday evening, October 10. Information about the AGM and seminar will be circulated at a later date.Time: 8:30-10:30 am. Venue: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney. Inquiries to Ric

Sinclair, FWPA (03) 9927 3200 or [email protected]

11: Building stronger value chains – Australian timber industry seminar. Time: 10.30 am- 5 pm. Venue: Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney. Joint hosts: Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA); the Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF) and Timber Merchants and Building Material Association (TABMA). This will be the industry’s ‘must-attend’ event for 2013. Inquiries to John Halkett, ATIF (02) 9356 3826; Colin Fitzpatrick, TABMA (02) 9277 3100 Ric Sinclair, FWPA (03) 9927 3200 or Eileen Newbury, Leading Edge Events International (03) 9597 0948. Seminar sponsorship inquiries to John Halkett.

11: Australian timber industry annual gala dinner and awards presentation. Time 7:30 pm onwards. Timber and Building Material Association (TABMA) Doltone House, Pyrmont, Sydney. Pre-dinner drinks 6:30 pm. Inquiries to Colin Fitzpatrick, TABMA (02) 9277 3100 or [email protected]

NOVeMBeR

23: TABMA Queensland timber industry gala dinner. Moda Events Portside Level 2, Portside Wharf Hamilton. Contact Alicia on (07) 3254 3166 or [email protected]

deCeMBeR

4-5. Focus on improving transport and logistics in theforestry sector. It will build on the excellent program designed by the Forest

Industry Engineering Association.Visit www.foresttechevents.com

FEBRuARy 2014

17-21: gottstein wood science Course, Melbourne. Inquiries to Dr Silvia Pongracic (Gottstein Trust), 0418 764 954 or [email protected] or www.gottsteintrust.org

MARCH 2014

19: Forestwood 2014. Politics, Policies and Business impacts. Pan-industry conference jointly hosted by Forest OwnersAssociation, Wood Processors Association, Pine Manufacturers Association, Forest Industry Contractors Association, and supported by Woodco, NZ Farm Forestry Association and the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington. Registration opens October 2013. Contact conference organisers Paardekooper and Associates on +64 4 562 8259 or email [email protected] Visit www.forestwood.org.nz

AugusT 2014

6-9: AwisA 2014 Exhibition.Brisbane Convention and ExhibitionCentre. The Australian WoodworkingIndustry Suppliers Association Ltdhas decided that the exhibition willmove from Sydney to Brisbane nextyear. Inquiries about booking space:email [email protected] or call Geoff Holland. Tel: (02) 9918 3661. Fax: (02) 9918 7764. Mob: 0412 361 580 Email: [email protected]

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.136

iNdusTRy NEws

CFMeu out to nail faulty importsWork safety campaign pressures governmentTHE jig’s up for imported Asian trash masquerading as ‘fit-for-purpose’ building material on the Australian market.The CFMEU, which represents more than 950,000 workers and a construction industry contributing $100 billion to the economy, has targeted defective building products as the major platform in a hard-hitting ‘safe jobs’ campaign directed at the federal government.In a lead article in its inaugural Our Work magazine, the CFMEU promotes the union’s ‘Let’s Spread it Around’ campaign, a push to ensure that imports do not breach Australian standards which is says are gaining momentum.The campaign will keep pressuring the federal government to ensure that imports do not undermine the job security of Australian manufacturing workers and the safety of workers and the community.CFMEU says finally governments are starting to come around, agreeing to support an industry-led project which will look into the prevalence of non-compliant, substandard building materials

on Australian constructions sites.This was an outcome of the Manufacturing Leaders Group, which was an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Manufacturing Taskforce.CFMEU national secretary Michael O’Connor, who is a member of both the taskforce and the manufacturing leaders group, said non-compliant sub-standard imported manufactured products were extensively used in Australian construction and other sectors.“They undercut Australian-made products, costing manufacturing jobs and putting pressure on workers, families and communities,” he said.“The imports in question also often put construction workers and the community at risk. Their production can have other negative social, economic and environmental consequences.”The government has agreed to contribute funding to the project, which will look into the prevalence of substandard

imported engineered wood, steel, glass, adhesives and paints on Australian construction sites.

The CFMEU will be represented on the project’s advisory committee, and its results are expected later this month.

A case in point was highlighted in the Our Work magazine where a large commercial

construction job in Melbourne had workplace safety issues with external glass purchased from a Chinese supplier and assembled into frames in Thailand.It is claimed that between 400 and 500 glass panels had defects, and the replacement glass from the same supplier was just as bad.CFMEU organiser Bob Dolman said in the article he could tell some hair-raising stories about the dangers of using defective imported glass in commercial construction.Meanwhile, the CFMEU sought pre-election policy commitments from the government and Opposition to stop the undercutting of Australian-made products by sub-standard imports.Non-government members of the Manufacturing Taskforce noted last year that Australian manufacturers were increasingly finding that they were competing against products that did not conform to regulatory requirements and did not meet standards to which domestic businesses must adhere.This places local businesses

Cont Page 13

Mike O’Connor .. sub-standard imports put construction workers and the community at risk.

‘They undercut Australian-made products, costing manufacturing jobs and putting pressure on workers, families and

communities’ – Michael O’Connor

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 7issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

A PRELIMINARY assessment of VicForests’ forest management practices against Forest Stewardship Council standards is under way in the stateVictorian Association of Forest Industries CEO Lisa Marty said VAFI was a strong supporter of forest certification as a voluntary and market-based tool to promote responsible forest management.“Forest and chain-of-custody certification provides an independent third-party guarantee for consumers that wood or paper products have been sourced from a forest or plantation that is managed in compliance with a standard for good management,” Ms Marty said.“VicForests is already certified to the Australian Forestry Standard and there is a growing interest from customers and stakeholders for dual certification of forestry in Australia.”Ms Marty said that as a government business enterprise operating in public forests, VicForests was already required to meet rigorous regulatory requirements for sustainable forest management, and each year auditors commissioned by the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries audited its level of compliance.“These audits indicate VicForests has a strong rate of compliance, with the 2012 audit on tactical planning for timber harvesting finding very high levels of compliance with no instances of non-compliance, and a 2011 audit of harvesting and closure activities found the organisation to be compliant in 93% of the items audited,” she said.“VAFI supports best practice forest management, including strong stakeholder consultation, transparency and accountability and we look forward to

participating in the stakeholder consultation process.”

VAFI is a member of both FSC Australia and AFS.

Meanwhile, FSC Australia will be holding four ‘knowledge tree series’ sessions across Victoria and Tasmania over the next two weeks, targeted to assist stakeholders to effectively engage in the FSC system.

Applications for the standards development group will close on September 16.

CeRTIFICATION

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Industry welcomes FSC assessmentof VicForests’ management process

Sound management .. Victoria forests assessed for FSC standard.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.138

Early warning -mark your diary now!

Australian Timber Industry Seminar 2013

Building stronger value chains

Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney, NSW Australia

FRIDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2013Also on the day:

Forest and Wood Products Annual General Meeting and research forum

TABMA-hosted Annual Gala dinner and awards presentation

Seminar sponsors

Yes it is the Australian timber industry’s day of the year for 2013 – you need to be there!

For seminar program and registration brochure go to: www.leadingedgeevents.com.au/building-stronger-value-chains.html

Enquiries to: John Halkett, 02 9356 3826 or [email protected]

A U S T R A L I A

®

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 9issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

THE Reserve Bank must retain its bias toward low interest rates and should not rule further cuts in cash rates to bolster a sustained housing recovery, says Master Builders Australia.“The Reserve Bank’s decision to leave rates on hold at 2.5% was expected given the recent run of partial indicators including housing finance and building approvals that show the previous rate cuts are gaining traction,” Master Builders chief economist Peter Jones said.“But a sustained recovery in building and construction is by no means a done deal given the volatility of these forward indicators,” Mr Jones said.[The RBA kept Australia’s official cash rate on hold, following a historic cut to interest rates last month which saw rates reduced

to a 53-year low of 2.5].“The RBA must not rule out additional monetary policy stimulus if an expected post-election boost in confidence does not eventuate,” Mr Jones said.Master Builders Australia’s recent National Survey of Building and Construction reported an industry in the doldrums; many businesses are struggling to stay afloat.“The challenge facing a new government is also to implement policies to restore business and consumer confidence which has been missing for some time,” Mr Jones said.“The new government shouldn’t be complacent in thinking that low rates are a panacea. It must

HOuSINg

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 7,000 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!

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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.

Housing recovery‘not a done deal’despite low rates

Ivy Bowden (19.08.1987-30.08.2013)

Many thanks for the kind thoughts expressed and support given by friends in industry as our family tries

come to grips with this tragic loss.Sincerely

Jim Bowden

Passages

Bella-Mae Bowden (05.08.2007-30.08.2013)

Cont Page 11

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iNdusTRy NEws

Conflict of interest claim againstrainforest society in QueenslandBeattie adviser ‘living off fat of land’, says MP

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The project is keen to establish a plant near a guaranteed resource.Contact: (02) 4256 4767 or email [email protected]

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A CONSERVATIONIST who has spent much of her time campaigning against sustainable production forests in Queensland has been accused of a conflict of interest over a deal that saw her rainforest society win control of massive tracts of land, some at rents of $1 for 10 years.Australian Rainforest Conservation Society founder and president Aila Keto, 70, was on a Labor government steering committee that helped select 705 ha of land to be added to Springbrook national park in the Gold Coast hinterland.She was also an adviser to former Labor Premier Peter Beattie on the South-East Queensland Forest Agreement signed in 1999 to prevent logging of Crown native forests in the state’s southeast beyond 2025.A Murdoch media report last week said taxpayers had paid $40.15 million for 45 properties, many with spectacular views to the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads; the control of several of these had been given to the Rainforest Society with the hope of bringing them up to national park standard as part

of the buy-back scheme.An independent investigation by Minter Ellison Lawyers, ordered by National Parks Minister Steve Dickson, has raised serious concerns about the way the government scheme was implemented, says the media report.The investigators raised concerns the government

deal breached state probity requirements and Dr Keto was in “a position of conflict of interest” because of her role advising the state and as part of the steering committee.“Probity requirements were such that those assessing tenders should be free from conflict of interest,” the report stated.

Mr Dickson said he was considering the government’s options.The Minter Ellison report came after Ros Bates, MP Mudgeeraba, claimed in parliament that Dr Keto was using a house in a heritage-listed national park in one of the properties.“We all know that Aila Keto, from Australian Rainforest Conservation Society, lives there rent free, off the fat of the land of the taxpayers of Queensland,” Ms Bates told the House.She told parliament the previous

“i am deeply concerned by the lack of accountability for over $40 million of

Queensland taxpayers’ money in what appears to be a secret deal with

conservationists to secure green preferences – National Parks Minister steve dickson Cont Page 12

Reward for service .. former Labor Premier Peter Beattie congratulates Aila Keto on being named Queenslander of the Year in 2000.

Ros Bates .. a grubby deal.

Steve Dickson .. serious concerns.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 11issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

immediately take action to get economic policy settings right and commence the process of kick starting increased growth, productivity and employment.” Meanwhile, only five banks out of the eight tracked for overdrafts – ANZ, BankSA, BankWest,

NAB and But for the timber and

building industries, confidence

is the telling factor, and a report

released recently by NAB shows

that while a falling Australian

dollar and interest rate cuts are

all positive, confidence has not

yet caught up.

INDUSTRY stakeholders across Australia have provided a positive response to the recent launch of ForestWorks’ Innovation Skills Program.“Now, we are excited to announce that forums are officially under way, ForestWorks CEO Michael Hartman said.The opening forum, ‘Business is Different Now’, was held on August 22 in Mount Gambier, SA, in conjunction with the Australian Forest Contractors Association as part of its successful business development seminar series.“The feedback provided by attendees to date has been upbeat and in support of the opportunities the program will bring,” Mr Hartman said.“We are delighted to have had such a motivating beginning and we look forward to the upcoming events.”“Innovation forums are the entry point into exciting and practical innovation skill activities that can make a difference to the future of enterprises in our industry; they provide new ideas from businesses, industry and innovation experts.“We live in a dynamic world where change is occurring at an accelerating pace. Working together we will improve our industry’s capacity to keep up with the change through a skilled and productive

workforce,” Mr Hartman said.

Future innovation forums calendar:

October 3: Bunbury, WA. ‘Market Opportunities for Supply of Wood Products’ (in conjunction with FIFWA).

October 4: Bunbury, WA. ‘Improving Harvest and Haulage Contractor Reliability and Operational Effectiveness’ (conjunction with AFCA).

November 7: Perth. Held in conjunction with Forest Industries Federation of WA (FIFWA), focusing on hardwood processing.

November 7: Melbourne. Held in conjunction with the Institute of Foresters Australia (IFA).

To stay up to date visit www.forestworks.com.au/innovationskills

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Michael Hartman .. feedback has been upbeat.

Low rates are not a panaceaFrom Page 11

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.1312

iNdusTRy NEws

government’s buyback was a “grubby deal”, which she believed was an attempt to secure Green preferences for the ALP.Dr Keto admitted staying at Springbrook frequently but said her home was in Brisbane. She denied any impropriety on behalf of herself or the society and said she worked up to 100 hours a week for the forests for no pay.Her organisation has also spent about $4 million in cash and in-kind work on the Springbrook properties to bring them up to national park standards as part of the buy-back scheme.Mr Dickson said some documents were missing from the government files, including an environmental values assessment underpinning the multi-million purchases of vegetated rainforest, cleared land, commercial tourist

accommodations, farms and private houses.“The recent independent review conducted by Minter Ellison Lawyers found an alarming lack of process surrounding the Springbrook buy-back program under former Labor Premier Peter Beattie,’’ Mr Dickson said.“I am deeply concerned by the lack of accountability for over $40 million of Queensland taxpayers’ money in what appears to be a secret deal with conservationists to secure Green preferences.”Cabinet papers show 28 properties in the buy-back have since been absorbed into the national park while another 11 were in recovery status under the control of the Rainforest Conservation Society.Mr Dickson said it was not clear to him what benefits to the state, if any, came from the buy-back.The government is reviewing the use of all protected land put aside since 2002.

Briefing documents show the Rainforest Society has a licence over five freehold properties and is allowed to derive income from them during the recovery process.However, the original restoration agreement does not require the society to deliver financial reports to government.Some of the commercial properties bought were leased back to their previous owners and the society bought two businesses. Two properties were leased back to the society for the use of members, caretakers and volunteers working on the project.The Minter Ellison report stated the processes by which the ARCS came to be a party to the Restoration Agreement. The Lyrebird lease and the Koonjewarre lease did not comply with the requirements of the State Procurement Policy and Environmental Protection Agency Policy.

“Additionally, the process did not comply with relevant probity requirements because Dr Aila Keto, as president of ARCS, was in a position of conflict by virtue of playing a role advising the state, “ Mr Dickson said.

“The Lyrebird lease is for a term of 10 years, with a 10-year option. Rent for the entire term is $1 and $1 for any further term.’’ The Koonjewarre lease had the same terms.

“Dr Keto was in a position of conflict of interest by virtue of playing a role advising the state and as part of the steering committee.”

“In expressing the views in this document it is not intended to be critical of Dr Keto. It is simply the case there was a conflict of interest, and, under probity arrangements the person with that conflict should not have participated in the decision-making.’’

From Page 10

government to review the use of allprotected land put aside since 2002

getup down on honesty in campaignabout ‘world heritage’ quality forestsA CAMPAIGN by GetUp against Liberal policy on mainland Australia continues a long tradition of dishonesty, Coalition spokesman on forestry Senator Richard Colbeck said.He said GetUp was using a cropped photograph that is copyrighted to the commonwealth and claiming that the image showed world heritage quality forest.The photo caption says, “Australia’s newest world heritage area – Tasmanian forests’.“GetUp has cropped out a logging road and a recently harvested coup that is within the new boundaries – hardly world heritage quality forest,”

Senator Colbeck said.

“This campaign shows how dishonest this whole process has been and how Getup continues to mislead Australia.”

With staff and volunteers based

in Sydney, GetUp claims to be an independent, grassroots community advocacy organisation which aims to “build a more progressive Australia by giving everyday Australians the opportunity

to get involved and hold politicians accountable on important issues”.On the organisation’s website, GetUp says “whether it is sending an email to a member of parliament, engaging with the media, attending an event or helping to get a television ad on the air, GetUp members take targeted, coordinated and strategic action to effect real change.“GetUp does not back any particular party, but aims to build an accountable and progressive Australia - an Australia which values economic fairness, social justice and environmental sustainability at its core.”

Misleading .. photograph used in GetUp campaign in Tasmania.

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iNdusTRy NEws

Australian workers must be protected against faulty imported building products.

that play by the rules at a cost and competitive disadvantage, says the taskforce.The taskforce recommended that the government take existing regulators to task, by improving the effectiveness of product conformity assessments and how they address misleading claims of conformity with regulations and standards.It also recommended that the government develop a system for conformity marking. The CFMEU, AMWU and AWU submission to last year’s Brumby inquiry into anti-dumping argued that an independent agency was required to address standards at the border and other areas of economic risk to Australian manufacturing.The LNP Coalition made a commitment in parliament last year, and followed up with an announcement in May that if

elected it would ensure that imported products better complied with the standards that locally-made goods were required to reach.

How they plan to do this is not yet clear.

Editor’s note: When confronted in the Senate in February with the example of sub-standard imported windows failing (and literally falling to the ground) in the $700 million taxpayer-funded ASIO building in Canberra, the government astonishingly stated that it believed that the current regime for the enforcement of standards on imported products was adequate.

Recently, a luxury Melbourne apartment complex faced a repair bill estimated at $9 million after nine panels of glass failed. Lawyers for the building’s owners claimed there was an “an unacceptable risk of spontaneous failure”.

From Page 6

Conformity markingsystem a ‘must’ forbuilding regulators

Returning to the action ..Brisbane Timber Industry

Hoo-Hoo Club 218’s ’77 Holden Kingswood is ready

for the 2013 Queensland Variety Club Bush Bash

from Emerald in central Queensland, via Winton and Mount Isa, to Mission Beach in Far North Queensland.

Members of the Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218 Bush Bash team committee prepare for the Queensland Variety Club’s ‘Sun, Saddles & Surf’ Variety Bash starting in Emerald in central Queensland , west to Blackall and Stonehenge, up to Winton, across to Boulia, up to Mount Isa and further north to Normanton, then across to the coast via Georgetown and Mareeba to Mission Beach in North Queensland.

Brisbane Timber Industry Hoo-Hoo Club 218 has completed its run in the 2013 Variety Club of Queensland Bush Bash, finishing in Mission Beach in North Queensland after travelling 3736 km from Emerald in Central Queensland.The Bash raised funds for disadvantaged children, travelling in the clubs’ veteran Bush Bash performer – a 1977 Holden Kingswood.The Variety Bush Bash in the club’s major children’s charity event this year.Club 218 thanks the wonderful sponsorships and contributions made to the event by forest and industry associations and many individuals.

For more information and to discuss sponsorship options contact one of the committee members:Alan Jones 0419 754 681 Don Towerton 0428 745 455 Tim Evans 0417 726 741 Jim Bowden 0401 312 087

We sincerely thank the following sponsors:

Major Sponsors

John Crooke, Queensland Sawmills

HQ Plantations

Advanced Timber Systems

Sponsors (to date)

Forest and Wood Products AustraliaAustralian Forest Products AssociationEngineered Wood Products Association of AustralasiaAustbrokers Premier InsuranceBeyond BlueTim Tech ChemicalsKop-Coat NZTimber&Forestry enews

Frank WitheyAlan Jones (Hoo-Hoo Club 218 president)Spiro Notaras (Notaras Bros, Grafton, NSW)John Gill (The Timberman)Thora Wholesale TimbersNoel Griffiths (Skyline Building Services)Nigel Turvey (Gro Group, NT)David Alcock (Asia Pacific Timber Marketing)Gerry Gardiner (iTreat Timber Pty Ltd)Tim Evans (Independent Verification Services)Tableland TimbersPaul Anderson (IMEMS Pty Ltd)Peter and Carolyn MortRon Bell

Rotorua prime site for CLT: reportA REPORT by New Zealand research institute Scion considers the Rotorua region a prime candidate for a CLT manufacturing plant.In early 2013, Scion completed an internal study on the market potential for CLT on behalf of Grow Rotorua. The study reported on CLT manufacturing

costs, the potential size and structure of the NZ market, and cost-competitiveness with alternative building materials, such as concrete.

Grow Rotorua commissioned BRANZ to peer-review the Scion report and expand on the market analysis.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.1314

Old growth doesn’t just grow ontrees, says retiring Russ Ainley

iNdusTRy NEws

FPA chief dedicated to NSW forest sectorAFTER 39 years of dedicated service to the state’s timber industry, Russ Ainley, OAM, executive director of the NSW Forest Products Association, is calling it a day.Mr Ainley was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in June 2006 for services to the forest industry of NSW, in particular pursuing the balance between economic, social and environmental use of forest resources as the value of regional forest agreements.He has worked in the north coast hardwood sector and joined the NSW Forest Products Association in 1994, representing the industry on a large number of ministerial and government councils and advisory committees.He has endured more ‘industry

adjustment’ programs than many care to remember.

“With the board of the FPA we have come to appropriate arrangements regarding the

official date, and how the association’s activities may continue under a renewed leadership,” Mr Ainley said.

“I have agreed to assist with

a transition period – probably a couple of months – until a new manager is appointed, and to be available into the future to do specific tasks for the industry while-ever I am able.”During his time working in this industry, Russ Ainley has established a substantial network of very good friends and colleagues“I won’t be walking away from them,” he said. “And I won’t leave without substantial gut-wrenching.“Old growth doesn’t just grow on trees, but I still have a bucket list of jobs to complete before I die.“My family says that the sawdust is still in my heart and veins. It’s probably in my brain also!”

Friends in industry .. Russ Ainley (right) with Senator Richard Colbeck at an industry function in Canbera.

dunalley students pick up toolsagain after donation by Hoo-HooTASMANIA’S three forest industry clubs have donated $3268 to replace the specialised hand tools that were lost by the Dunalley Primary School’s boat building program in the January bushfires.The principal of Dunalley Primary Matthew Kenny said all of the school’s boats, materials and tools were lost in the fires – but the project was up and running again in 2013 thanks to the generous donation of workshop space by local shipbuilder Paccy Stronach.“And the replacement of the tools are also vital to the ongoing success of our program,” Mr Kenny said.They were supplied by Hoo-Hoo clubs Hobart 235, Launceston 239 and North West Tasmania

272.

“Donations to the boat building

program, such as that from Hoo-

Hoo, recognise the importance of

giving students the opportunity

to learn and achieve success

outside the regular classroom.

“Thanks to our partnership with

Marine and Safety Tasmania

and the Dunalley Tasman

Neighbourhood House, our students are able to experience a wide range of skills through the boat building phase, and also to enjoy the benefits of living in a coastal environment once the boats they build are launched.”The forest industry clubs have been known around the world as Hoo-Hoo clubs for more than 100 years.There are three Hoo-Hoo clubs in Tasmania – Hobart 235, Launceston 239 and North West Tasmania 272.Bob Whittle of Hobart Club, who is national vice-president of JIV Hoo-Hoo in Australia, said his interest in the boat building program was sparked during a chat he had at the slip one day with Paccy Stronach.

Coming to the aid of school’s boat building program .. back row from, from left, Paccy Stronach, Matthew Kenny (principal of Dunalley Primary), Bob Whittle, JIV Hoo-Hoo vice-president, and front, Dennis Fairfield, Launceston Hoo-Hoo, Helen and Tarmo Torenius, and Dave Stoner, Hobart Hoo-Hoo.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 15issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

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EXRACTS FROM THE COALITION’S FOREST INDUSTRY POLICY

No further forest lock-upsSupport for long-term regional forestagreements in Coalition forest policyThe Coalition will not support any further forest lock-ups.In its forest policy released last Thursday, the Coalition says it will maintain its support for long-term regional forest agreements. It will establish a 20-year rolling life to each regional forest agreement and provide resource security and a stable investment environment to the industry.This will be achieved by extending RFAs for five years following the successful completion and implementation of each RFA five-year review.The process will commence with the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement.A total of $15 million will be delivered over three years to implement a National Bushfire Mitigation Program including long-term bushfire mitigation strategies and better fuel reduction programs.Renewable energy regulations will be amended, allowing appropriately scaled renewable energy initiatives using wood biomass, to benefit from energy initiatives available to other renewable energy sources.A number of ‘red tape busters’ has been identified that will reduce the regulatory burden on the forestry industry including:• Redressing Labor’s climate change policy which discriminates against domestic forestry activities in preference for overseas credits.• Reversing the exclusion of native forest sourced wood waste as an eligible source of energy for renewable energy certificates.The cost of red tape compliance for businesses and the economy

will be cut by at least $1 billion a year.The Coalition says it will establish an industry advisory council for the forestry sector. The council will be co-chaired by a respected industry expert and leader, as well as by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.The advisory council will provide informative consultation and recommendations on proposed legislation or policies affecting the forestry sector. It will convene at least once every six months and the Minister will be required to attend at least two meetings of the council each year.The Coalition says Labor government has allowed waste and mismanagement to put the forestry industry at risk. It has undermined jobs and investment in the forestry industry by:• Locking up millions of hectares of forests resulting in thousands of workers losing their jobs and

many regional communities facing devastation.• Failing to support the forestry industry as a key contributor to the nation’s economy and a major employer in regional Australia;• Scrapping the dedicated Forestry Minister.Labor’s former deal with the Greens has resulted in the forestry industry facing an uncertain future. The Labor Party has failed to stand up for the people they claim to represent – proud timber workers and their industry – not working with the Greens to destroy businesses and livelihoods.The Labor Greens alliance obviously did not understand the pivotal role the timber industry played in harvesting and storing carbon. The Intergovernmental Agreement merely documents Labor’s capitulation to the Greens.This deal is not just a bad deal for forest workers and businesses, it is a bad deal for

farmers, the mining industry, furniture makers, the woodcraft sector, wood design specialists and timber boat builders.The Coalition’s policy for forestry will invest $15 million to make the forestry sector more productive and competitive.Forestry will also benefit from the Coalition’s $100 million increase in research and development expenditure.The Coalition supports a collaborative approach to research that leverages the benefits of partnerships between the private sector, research organisations, education agencies and government.FPInnovations, one of the world’s largest not-for-profit research centres, is an example of how a collaborative approach to research and innovation has been successful in transforming the Canadian forestry industry.The Coalition is encouraged by positive moves of the forest and wood products industry regarding a more coordinated utilisation of research and development funds to maximise benefits to the industry and the community.The Coalition will ensure Australia capitalises on the multiple benefits of a competitive, sustainable and vibrant forestry industry.The industry has an annual turnover of $22 billion and contributes around $8 billion to Australia’s gross domestic product and 7% of manufacturing output.More than 65,000 people are directly employed in the forestry logging and wood manufacturing sectors of the industry

Coalition forestry policy strong endorsement for priorities in the industry’s vision statement.

A number of ‘red tape busters’ has been identified that will reduce the regulatory

burden on the forestry industry

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iNdusTRy NEws

Coalition policies endorse forestindustry’s ‘renewable future’ planTHE Australian Forest Products Association has welcomed the Coalition’s forestry policy, and the strong endorsement for identified priorities in the industry’s vision statement – ‘A Renewable Future’.CEO Ross Hampton said the Coalition had backed industry calls to deliver a streamlined regulatory environment and to remove red-tape for forest, wood and paper products industries.Research and development has previously been identified by AFPA as a key enabler of growth and regional job creation.“We strongly applaud the Coalition’s indication that in addition to forestry sharing in the $100 million increase in R&D expenditure, the Coalition

recognises that there is a much bigger task at hand,” Mr Hampton saidCoalition spokesman on forestry Senator Richard Colbeck said the Coalition supported a collaborative approach to research that leveraged the benefits of partnerships between the private sector, research organisations, education agencies and government.“FPInnovations, one of the world’s largest not-for-profit research centres, is an example of how a collaborative approach to research and innovation has been successful in transforming the Canadian forestry industry,” Senator Colbeck said.“The Coalition is encouraged by positive moves of the forest and wood products industry

regarding a more coordinated utilisation of research and development funds to maximise benefits to the industry and the community.”Mr Hampton said the $15 million

the Coalition has committed for bushfire mitigation measures was vital.

“It must be recognised that the best way to reduce the number of catastrophic bushfires we experience – especially as the climate changes – is to foster sound forest management practices,” he said.

“Proactive ‘cool burns’ and careful thinning regimes can better avoid the devastating fires we are seeing more often.”

Mr Hampton said the Coalition’s undertaking that it would reverse the exclusion of native forest wood waste as an eligible source of energy for renewable energy certificates was also welcomed.

Ross Hampton .. a streamlined regulatory environment welcome.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 17issue 286 | 09.09.13 | Page

DEAD or dying trees along US Highway 550 north – rust-coloured stains on an otherwise verdant landscape – are telling Iowa forest ranger Matt Janowiak something he doesn’t want to hear – bark beetles are at work and on the move.Mr Janowiak, the US Forest Service’s Columbine district ranger, last week in the Cascade Creek drainage unveiled a plan to forestall an invasion of voracious beetles similar to the beetle attacks on the eastern side of the San Juan national forest.Listening were a dozen members from the Cascade Summer Home Group – 20 families, some of whom have owned cabins in the canyon since the 1940s. The cabins could be imperilled by a wildfire in the hills overgrown with a variety of vegetation or from the collapse of dead trees.Mr Janowiak referenced the West Fork Complex fires that ripped through 44,360 ha of largely beetle-killed spruce in the forests between Pagosa Springs and Creede this summer and the beetle-kill that is advancing relentlessly at about 3 km a year.“Those beetles are marching this way,” Mr Janowiak said. “But we have several years before they arrive. We have time to act, to be proactive.”The proposed solution is to sell timber on 70 ha to remove about 30% of large trees – two species of spruce, some sub-alpine fir and aspen. Once free of encumbrances, the forest can heal itself, Mr Janowiak said.

Several factors were considered, he said. The value of the cabins and a wooden flume that carries water diverted from Cascade Creek to Electra Lake a few miles away was important, he said.Another factor, Mr Janowiak says, is that the sale of 28 ha requires a less detailed review under the National Environmental Policy Act and saves time. A sale, in comparison to removing hazard trees quickly after a disaster, takes the pressure off the Forest Service.Thinning 18 ha by removing giant conifers would create a healthier forest and leave spruce smaller than 100 mm in diameter at chest height to rejuvenate the forest over time.

Spruce smaller than 100 mm won’t sustain beetles, which bore through the bark to the inner cambium layer where they lay eggs.Cabin owners in the canyon built their getaways under the now-defunct Recreation Residence Program approved by Congress in the 1930s. The legislation allowed people to build cabins intended for occasional occupancy year-round but not permanent residency. The builder owns the structure, but leases the property from the Forest Service.If it snows heavily, Cascade Creek cabin owners have to leave their vehicles at Highway 550 and ski or snow-shoe to their cabin. But they cherish

their cabins despite lack of year-round road access.

They questioned Mr Janowiak and his colleagues at length during an exploratory hike to get the lay of the land, where some beetle activity has started.

“I took down 13 beetle-killed trees this past winter,” said Rick Everett, whose grandfather in the 1940s built the cabin he occupies.

Beetles already have made inroads across the 768,900 ha of San Juan national forest. The agency’s 2012 aerial survey to detect levels of tree damage found about 16,000 ha in the forest were affected by the spruce beetle last year, bringing to the total 52,600 ha damaged by the species since 1996.

The West Fork Complex fires 90 miles east of here demonstrated what wildfire can do in stands of dead conifers – the victims of bark beetles and armalaria, a root disease. The three fires charred 109,615 acres as firefighters, hampered by steep terrain, couldn’t use mechanized equipment.

The timber sale is only a proposal at the moment. The sequence of events would begin with a formal proposal put out for public comment. The package then would be reviewed as a project causing little impact that doesn’t require an environmental assessment or environmental impact study. Matt Janowiak could sign off on the project.

– Durango Herald.

uS forest ranger’s goal: Haltthe march of the bark beetlesBattle stations ready to forestall invasion in Iowa

‘Those beetles are marching this way. But we have several years before they arrive. we

have time to act, to be proactive’ – forest ranger Matt Janowiak

Spruce bark beetle damage to trees in the Rio Grande national forest is extensive. In the Pine River drainage, east of Durango, the beetle-kill is advancing at about 3 km a year.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] PAgE | issuE 286| 09.09.1318

INTeRNATIONAl FOCuS

The lean workforce in CanadaProjected labour shortfalls spurring recruitmentand an image makeover for the forestry sector

CANADA’S forestry sector has undergone unprecedented change over the last 10 years. A perfect storm of factors – the high value of the dollar, reduced US housing starts, stalled newsprint markets, rising energy costs, unprecedented global competition, the softwood lumber dispute – have together created recent industry conditions unseen since the Great Depression.Collectively, these factors cut industry employment by just less than half, from a high of about 260,000 direct jobs in 2003 to about 150,000 at present. But the wood industry is resilient. Like its founding fathers, it’s a scrappy fighter, and on an upward swing again.However, just as the industry ramps back up, especially on Canada’s west coast, another set of thorny factors is rearing its ugly head. It’s turning out that recruiting the workers needed for the industry to hold its own, let alone grow, may be the biggest challenge yet.One of the toughest challenges is the magnitude of expected retirements. More than half of the sector’s workforce is at least 45 years old. Based on current demographics as well as past retirement and attrition patterns, it’s estimated that during the next 10 years more than 50,000 workers will be gone.This 50,000 loss represents about one-third of the industry’s current workforce. In the most optimistic of future possibilities, Canadian forest product enterprises will need to hire as many as 120,000 new workers by 2020. Even if the sector only holds its own, its labour force demand will equal nearly 40,000 new workers within the same time frame. Millwrights, saw

filers, technicians, machinery operators, scientists, foresters, engineers, electricians, IT workers, communications, sales – you name it, forestry will need it.“We need a workforce mix that will allow us to maintain existing operations while also pursuing a program of innovative new products and expansion into new markets,” says Forest Products Association of Canada director of communications Monica Bailey.“We are actively working on this, as we know sector employers are already having difficulties retaining workers, attracting youth and recruiting new employees.”FPAC is working with its members as well as other related players on a three-pronged initiative to renew the forestry sector – which is a key to attracting the workers it needs.“Maintaining and growing this industry is about people, products and performance,” Ms Bailey explains. “We need skilled people, we need to continue to create a diverse range of innovative products, and we need to keep improving the efficiency of our operations on all fronts.

“If we can communicate this reality – that forestry is a dynamic, cutting-edge and growing industry – it makes it easier to attract young people, women, Aboriginal people, new Canadians and more.”It’s also critical to get the message out that forestry careers incorporate the values that many of today’s workers hold dear. “It’s not just about good salaries,” Monica Bailey explains. “Even with high wages offered by the oil sands industry, it is having trouble recruiting because it has an image of not being environmentally friendly, and many of the jobs require that workers have to fly in and stay at a camp. Those things

don’t speak well to the values of people today.”Ms Bailey says forestry offers “green jobs” within a renewable industry that’s concerned about the environment.“This is important to people because they want to be able to make a difference throughout their careers – they want to have a positive impact on the environment and on Canada’s future,” she notes.“We also offer great work-life balance in great communities, job security, great salaries, opportunities for advancement and a chance to innovate – all of which holds a lot of appeal.” Ms Bailey adds that many forestry sector companies also offer “amazing” perks, such as skills training, pensions and in some cases four-day work weeks.“We need to make sure young people, and those around them who influence their career decisions, clearly see the sector as a ‘first choice’ option,” she says. “This is especially true for the ‘in-demand’ occupations – such as trades and professions – where forestry is in competition against many other resource sectors.”The range of jobs available in the sector is another point that FPAC is stressing. “We’ve found a lot of surprise among young people that we’re not just looking for skilled labour and of course people to do front-line work in the forest, but that we need people to fill corporate office positions in IT, HR, accounting and communications, and so on, and to fill tons of science-related positions, such as chemical and environmental engineers, geneticists and biologists.”

Job probs .. Search is on for replacement workers in Canadian forest industry.

Monica Bailey .. forestry offers ‘green jobs’ within a renewable industry.

Advertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 19issue 286 | 09.09.13 | PageAdvertising: Tel +61 7 3266 1429 Email: [email protected] 15ISSUE 203 | 12.12.11 | PAGE

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