Friday Offcuts – 2 May 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s edition of Friday Offcuts.As Australia prepares to vote tomorrow, AFPA compares major party forestry policies - rating the Coalition higher than Labor based on sector-specific commitments. It’s essential insight as the industry looks to the future - and Australians make their vote count. In New Zealand, safety and innovation are in focus. Claymark and WorkSafe NZ have launched an AI-driven hazard detection initiative following a serious workplace injury - an industry first. Meanwhile, the transport sector welcomes TruckSafe NZ, a new safety programme modelled on Australia’s successful system. On the education front, the Carbon Forestry 2025 programme has just been released. With the Climate Change Commission’s latest ETS advice boosting confidence in carbon markets, the August conference in Rotorua will be a must-see event. NZ will also host the International Conference on Timber Bridges in June. This week, we also cover a new micro-credential in timber design, Mt Gambier’s growth as a forestry education hub, a national survey on operator training, a satellite launch, and the world’s largest wooden structure. Don’t forget—the 2025 NZ Youth Micro Innovation Challenge deadline is near, with $10,000 up for grabs to bring your ideas to life. Read on for these stories and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
2025 Federal Election - the impact on Australian forestry
An Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) analysis of the
major Parties’ forest industry policy and funding commitments has
found the Coalition provides the better future for the sector rather
than Labor this Federal Election, Chief Executive Officer of
AFPA, said Diana Hallam this week.Diana Hallam said that following record commitments from Federal Labor and the Coalition in 2022 – the 2025 Federal Election campaign has delivered a more subdued policy and funding suite from the major Parties and we recognise that neither the Coalition, nor Labor, has committed in full to AFPA’s Election Platform – Australian Timber. Australia’s Future. “However, we do thank all the sides of politics which have offered constructive policies for our sector at this Election. AFPA has scored the Coalition three and a half stars out of five because of the leadership it provided on key areas of forest industry policy. Labor has been awarded two and a half stars out of five, despite not having released a specific policy for our sector as a whole, with the star score based on other announcements and existing policies,” Diana Hallam said. Under the leadership of Shadow Minister Jonno Duniam and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, the Coalition has been vocal about its support for native forestry, stating “A Dutton Government will not support any further bans on native forestry” , while also committing to establish new Permanent Timber Production Zones to support ongoing access to both native and plantation timber. The Coalition has also committed to delivering a key AFPA policy request – Country of Origin labelling for timber and wood products. This is a much-needed reform, so consumers can clearly understand where the timber they’re buying comes from, whether its Australian or from overseas. Labor has not committed to Country of Origin labelling to allow people to buy Australian, which is disappointing given their strong focus on ‘Buy Australian’ in the recent Budget and during the campaign. A Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program with $40 million in grants for mills to utilise wood from their own region has also been committed by the Coalition along with the removal of public funding from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) – whose business model is to destroy honest businesses through continual disruptive lawfare. Federal Labor has committed $24 million for upgrades at Tasmania’s Boyer Mill, which AFPA welcomes, but stresses that, sector-wide manufacturing facilities are struggling with higher input costs, including energy. Labor has also committed to a new ReMade in Australia brand that will benefit our manufacturing facilities. We acknowledge the Albanese Government and Minister Julie Collins are in the process of continuing to deliver some of Labor’s 2022 Federal Election commitments, including funding for Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI), development of the National Timber Fibre Strategy, funding through the Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP), skills and training funding and support for Regional Forest Industry Hubs. Federal Labor has also committed to ongoing support for native forestry, stating “We remain committed to providing a framework that allows a sustainable native forest industry to continue” . More >> Source: AFPA AI game-changer for timber manufacturing
AI-driven hazard detection is coming to timber manufacturing,
thanks to a new agreement worth nearly half a million dollars between
WorkSafe New Zealand and a major player in the wood processing industry.
Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products, is putting $481,000 into a range of initiatives. It comes after a worker had two fingers amputated in a machine at Claymark’s Rotorua factory in February 2023. WorkSafe’s investigation found the machine was unguarded and there was an ineffective system for maintenance. Training and supervision of workers also fell short. WorkSafe has now accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Claymark. An EU is a binding commitment to fund and resource comprehensive health and safety improvements. Claymark’s EU includes:
“We are looking forward to seeing Claymark pioneer its AI innovation to benefit the timber processing sector more broadly. Agreements like this are all about enacting positive improvements from an adverse event,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon. “The initiatives align with WorkSafe’s priority plan for manufacturing, which is one of the most high-risk sectors for workers in Aotearoa. Unsafe machinery is a persistent problem in the sector, which businesses cannot overlook.” EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if they are not upheld. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. "At Claymark, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority," said Claymark’s executive director Paul Pedersen. "An incident involving one of our team members has had a significant impact – both physically and emotionally. We acknowledge the effect this has had on the individual, their whānau, and our wider community, and we are committed to learning from this experience to ensure safer outcomes for everyone," he said. Through our enforceable undertaking, we see a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful, people-focused change - both within Claymark and across the wood manufacturing sector. More >> Source: WorkSafe NZ Image credit: Claymark NZ  Programme announced for Carbon Forestry 2025
The Carbon Forestry
Conference 2025 programme is now live, with
registrations open. This year’s event features a robust lineup of
speakers and panellists, including a wider range of local carbon
specialists and international carbon forestry companies—making the
programme stronger than ever.While continuing to address issues related to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), this year’s conference will also broaden its lens to examine the growth, development, and challenges of voluntary carbon markets globally. In related news, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) has released its latest advice on ETS unit limits and price control settings for 2026–2030. According to the Climate Forestry Association (CFA), the CCC’s recommendations reflect a commitment to restoring confidence, clarity, and certainty in the ETS. The Commission reaffirmed that the ETS remains New Zealand’s primary tool for reducing domestic emissions. It noted improved, though still fragile, market confidence, stating the purpose of its advice is to support “a credible, predictable and stable market.” CFA Chief Executive Andrew Cushen says the report underscores the need to give long-term confidence to market participants. “The advice on ETS unit settings helps achieve that, with a welcome approach of fact-based analysis and carefully calibrated recommendations that will help keep our approach on track while maintaining consistency in our national approach,” says Andrew Cushen. He also welcomed the Commission’s proposed auction volumes over the next two years, “The ‘steady as she goes’ approach to auction volumes over the next two years will support confidence for market participants to act, while reducing the uncertainty the Commission identified was created by several years of policy shifts and ad-hoc interventions.” Cushen emphasised the importance of the ETS unit settings process as a technical, not political, exercise, “The ETS unit settings process is intended to be a simple series of mechanical adjustments to ensure our climate approach is on the right track – not a chance to provide political commentary or change Government policy. Likewise, the Commission’s advice is intended to be fact based, expert and aligned with the Government’s climate policy.” Register now for the Carbon Forestry Conference 2025. For the full details, the Climate Forestry Association's press release on the ETS is available further below in this newsletter.  Canadian expert for international timber bridge conference
David Moses, Canadian timber bridge expert, will be a keynote
speaker at the International Conference on Timber Bridges, in Rotorua,
New Zealand, in June. He will talk on "Breathing New Life into Timber
Bridge Engineering in Canada"David is the founder of Moses Structural Engineers a Toronto-based firm whose core purpose is a “Lasting Impact” on cities and communities. David has over 25 years of experience in structural engineering design of many large timber structures and bridges across Canada and the United States. David will present recent timber highway bridges and pedestrian bridges, new and restored, across Canada, showcasing the engineering and craft of timber engineering. David says that “many new timber bridges have been built in recent years – these serve as examples that inspire a new generation of bridge designers to consider building with wood.” The conference in Rotorua is expected to have 200 participants, with more than 40 papers on many aspects of design and construction of timber bridges, for main highways, railways, walkways, and cycle tracks. Visit https://ictb-conference.org/2025/ for more information.  Australian forest harvesting operator training survey
Ensuring industry has access to skilled and competent operators
is an ongoing challenge. This survey aims to generate some baseline
information about approaches and challenges relating to training and
assessment of forestry operators in Australia.Given significant cross-over, the survey will support two aligned projects:
The survey has been designed for and is focused at forest services businesses. However, we know that other parts of the supply chain have relevant perspectives and can provide useful insights. We welcome your contributions. If you find a section is not relevant, or you are unable to answer, please just move onto the next question. Results from the survey will be anonymised and aggregated. The data gathered will only be used for the purposes of these two projects. If you would rather complete the survey over the phone, call Tim (0437 524 933) or Damien (0427 446 753). Your input is invaluable. Click here to start the survey. Source & image credit: AFCA Biomass launched to count forest carbonESA’s groundbreaking Biomass satellite, designed to provide unprecedented insights into the world’s forests and their crucial role in Earth’s carbon cycle, has been launched. The satellite lifted off aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 29 April 2025.Controllers will spend the coming days carrying out the ‘launch and early orbit’ phase, meticulously verifying that all systems are functioning correctly. This critical phase also involves a series of intricate manoeuvres to deploy the satellite’s 12-metre-wide mesh reflector supported by a 7.5-metre boom. Once this phase is complete, Biomass will join the portfolio of pioneering missions operated from ESA's mission control centre. Carrying the first P-band synthetic aperture radar in space, the Biomass mission is designed to deliver crucial information about the state of our forests and how they are changing, and to further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle. ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, said, “I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who has been involved in developing and launching this extraordinary mission. Biomass now joins our esteemed family of Earth Explorers – missions that have consistently delivered groundbreaking discoveries and advanced scientific understanding of our planet. “With Biomass, we are poised to gain vital new data on how much carbon is stored in the world’s forests, helping to fill key gaps in our knowledge of the carbon cycle and, ultimately, Earth's climate system.” More >> Source: ESA  Mt Gambier educating Australia’s next generation of foresters
This week, environmentally driven students from across the
nation have gathered at the University of South
Australia’s Mount Gambier campus, to participate in the
residential component of the Plantation Management unit of the Graduate
Certificate in Forestry, the first program of its kind in Australia.
“As Mount Gambier continues to emerge as the nation’s leading hub for softwood plantations, processing and forest innovation, it is incredibly fitting for the University of South Australia in Mount Gambier to host this unit, as this program is helping to educate the next generation of foresters”, said Mr Nathan Paine, Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA). “The coordination and development of the post-graduate program has been made possible through the $300,000 investment from the Albanese Government’s Forestry Workforce Training Program, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a strong, skilled forestry workforce”, continued Mr Paine “Equally critical to the program’s success is the $1.6 million commitment over five years from forestry companies, which underwrote student places to guarantee program delivery. Without this strong industry support, the program would not have been viable. This collaboration highlights the forestry sector’s commitment to workforce development and its recognition of the importance of ongoing education and training”, Mr Paine added. As there is no longer any undergraduate degree in forestry, the Graduate Certificate in Forestry is being developed and delivered through a collaboration between 5 universities: University of Tasmania, Australian National University, University of South Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast and University of Melbourne. With no single University able to deliver a comprehensive program independently, this national initiative represents a collaborative approach between academia, industry, and government to ensure education delivery. Coordinated by the University of Tasmania, the program brings together the expertise of five universities to deliver a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience in sustainable forest management and forest product processing and utilization. “This program is yet another example of what can be achieved when the forestry industries, ForestWorks educational institutions, and government come together to support an industry that literally helps build the nation,” said Mr Paine. “The South Australian Forest Products Association is working with the South Australian Government to deliver a range of exciting programs designed to drive innovation in our forest industries from installation of the nation’s biggest AI-powered fire detection network through to the new Forestry Centre of Excellence and investment in a new Tree Breeding Australia R&D facility. “Recognising the Green Triangle as a key softwood manufacturing hub in the nation, we warmly welcome all participating students to Mount Gambier and look forward to the next generation of foresters contributing towards the future of Australia’s forestry and timber industries”, concluded Mr Paine. Source: South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) Image credit: University of South Australia  NZ log market report - April 2025
The New Zealand log market continues to face significant challenges as international market conditions weaken. In China, the A-grade CFR price has fallen sharply to 110 USD per JASm³, driven by increased log supply and cautious construction activity. India is also showing signs of softening, with uncertainty around global trade flows leading to weaker demand and lower timber prices.Domestically, the construction sector remains subdued despite recent interest rate cuts, with residential building consents trending lower and government infrastructure spending reduced. Although lower interest rates may support a recovery later in the year, this has yet to materialise in increased log demand. Compounding these pressures, the New Zealand dollar has strengthened against the US dollar, reducing the competitiveness of New Zealand logs in overseas markets. This currency shift is putting further downward pressure on At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices for forest owners. AWG prices for export logs in New Zealand reduced by an average of 9 NZD per JASm3 and are expected to fall further in May as log prices continue to soften and the NZ dollar strengthens against the US dollar. The PF Olsen Log Price Index has fallen to $118. The Index is now $1 above the two-year average, and $2 below the five-year average. Domestic Log Market The New Zealand domestic log market continues to face significant challenges, primarily due to a sustained downturn in construction activity. Recent data from Stats NZ indicates that in the year ended February 2025, there were 33,595 new dwellings consented, marking a 7.4 percent decrease compared to the previous year. This decline underscores the ongoing softness in the residential construction sector, which directly impacts demand for structural logs and timber products. Sawmills are navigating a delicate balance. While there is a pressing need to adjust log prices to maintain operational viability, there's also a recognition that substantial price reductions could lead to decreased harvesting activities, further tightening supply chains. This precarious situation is compounded by broader economic factors, including reduced government spending on infrastructure projects and tighter credit conditions, both of which are dampening overall construction activity. Although recent interest rate cuts offer a glimmer of hope for revitalising the housing market, the anticipated uptick in construction activity has yet to materialise. As winter approaches, the domestic log market remains cautious, with stakeholders closely monitoring economic indicators and housing demand trends. China US Tariffs Currently, sawn timber (lumber in American terms), wooden panels and other wood products are excluded by the US from reciprocal tariffs. This includes rough and surfaced lumber, plywood, MDF and other wood-based panels, blockboards, etc. More >> Source: Scott Downs, PF Olsen World's largest wooden structure encircles Expo 2025 Osaka
A gridded wooden structure formed using traditional joinery
makes up The Grand Ring, which Japanese studio Sou Fujimoto
Architects has used to encircle the Expo 2025
Osaka in Japan. At 61,035 square metres, it is the
largest wooden architectural structure in the world, according to Guinness World Records.
The Grand Ring was designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects as Expo 2025 Osaka's main circulation route, but also to provide spaces for visitors to take shelter from rain, wind and sun. Its circular design, which has a circumference of two kilometres and a diameter of 700 metres, is intended to symbolise unity between the 150 participating countries. The Grand Ring has a modular, dismantlable wooden structure that marries modern and traditional construction techniques, such as Nuki joints – a Japanese connection in which a horizontal beam is slotted through a vertical post, often seen in traditional temples and shrines. Approximately 70 per cent of the timber used for the structure was sourced in Japan, including cedar and cypress, while the remaining 30 per cent is foreign Scots pine. More >> Source: Dezeen Image credit: Expo 2025 CCC advice for the ETS boosts forester confidence
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice to the
Government reflects efforts to restore confidence, clarity and certainty
in the Emissions Trading Scheme, according to the Climate
Forestry Association (CFA).The CCC, last week, released its latest Advice on NZ ETS unit limits and price control setting for 2026 – 2030. The Commission underscored that the ETS is the main tool for reducing domestic emissions and that confidence in the market mechanism has improved but remains fragile. The Commission said the aim of its advice was to support “a credible, predictable and stable market.” Climate Forestry Association chief executive Andrew Cushen says the Commission’s report highlights the need to give market participants the confidence to invest over the long term in supporting New Zealand’s climate goals. “The advice on ETS unit settings helps achieve that, with a welcome approach of fact-based analysis and carefully calibrated recommendations that will help keep our approach on track while maintaining consistency in our national approach,” says Andrew Cushen. “In particular, for many members of our organisation, it was encouraging to see the weight placed on feedback from the sector, and in particular, an acknowledgement of the vital importance of participation in the ETS for Māori landowners and forestry interests.” The Commission’s report highlighted that the ETS offers important opportunities for Iwi/Māori to lift their prosperity, while also recognising there is concern among Māori that the contributions of forestry – to exports, employment, the climate and wider environmental benefits such as biodiversity, water quality and erosion control – are not fully recognised. Andrew Cushen says the Commission's acknowledgement of changes to the unit surplus is also welcome, and shows that the market already has its own self-correction mechanisms built in. The Commission said the number of surplus units in the market has reduced more quickly than previously forecast, since its 2024 advice, with a 17.7-million-unit reduction in the surplus estimate. This reduction included 3 million units identified through refinements in the surplus estimate methodology. Overall, Andrew Cushen says the ‘steady as she goes’ approach to auction volumes over the next two years will support confidence for market participants to act, while reducing the uncertainty the Commission identified was created by several years of policy shifts and ad-hoc interventions. “The ETS unit settings process is intended to be a simple series of mechanical adjustments to ensure our climate approach is on the right track – not a chance to provide political commentary or change Government policy. Likewise, the Commission's advice is intended to be fact based, expert and aligned with the Government's climate policy.” “The forestry sector, the market and ultimately our climate ambitions and actions rely on this process to provide the stability and confidence we need to make long-term decisions about our investments for the future.” “The advice we see from the Commission does that.” Source: Climate Forestry Association (CFA) --(2022)2.jpg) Timber design for construction: Online micro-credential
WoodSolutions and the University of Tasmania have launched a
groundbreaking Timber Design for Residential Construction
micro-credential, providing professionals with the skills and
knowledge to master sustainable timber design in compliance with
Australian Standards.This online, self-paced course delivers industry-aligned content covering everything from timber properties and structural systems to climate-responsive building techniques. Designed to support Australia’s construction industry, the program bridges the gap between theory and real-world application, empowering builders, architects, and engineers with cutting-edge expertise in timber construction. "Timber is at the forefront of sustainable construction, and this micro-credential ensures professionals have the skills to design and build with confidence," said Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs, Forest & Wood Products Australia. "Partnering with the University of Tasmania allows us to deliver high-quality, industry-backed education that meets the evolving needs of the sector and meets our goal at WoodSolutions to boost timber competency across the built environment so that we can reduce risk and drive market confidence in timber products". This new micro-credential offers significant benefits to the Australian construction industry by ensuring that professionals are equipped with up-to-date knowledge on timber design, an increasingly vital element in sustainable building practices. As the demand for sustainable construction methods grows, this course directly addresses the need for skilled professionals who are proficient in timber-based solutions that meet local standards. By enhancing the workforce's expertise in sustainable timber design, this course fosters innovation and supports the construction industry's shift towards more climate conscious, cost-effective building practices. It also strengthens Australia's position as a leader in the global transition to circular construction methods. “By providing construction professionals with the essential skills in sustainable timber design, we are not only advancing the knowledge base of the sector but also contributing to the broader goal of creating more sustainable and resilient built environments in Australia," said Professor Tim Finnigan, Head of School of Engineering, University of Tasmania. With flexible online learning, this micro-credential is ideal for professionals looking to upskill without interrupting their careers. Click here to learn more and enrol now. Source & image credit: Wood Solutions TruckSafe NZ launches to lift heavy vehicle safety standards
A new industry-led safety programme aimed at raising standards
across New Zealand’s transport and logistics sector has officially
launched. TruckSafe New Zealand is a not-for-profit Safety
Management System (SMS) that invites heavy vehicle operators of all
sizes to work towards formal certification, with the goal of improving
safety, compliance, and professionalism.The system is modelled on the Australian TruckSafe programme, which has been running for more than 27 years. Studies show certified operators across the Tasman experienced significantly fewer crashes and insurance claims, with a 57% reduction in claims recorded within two years of certification. TruckSafe New Zealand audits will be carried out by independent experts from Avid Plus, using Audit Compliance Solutions technology. Avid Plus brings extensive experience auditing government safety programmes, including ACC’s Fleet Saver, ensuring consistency and evidence-based assessments. “TruckSafe arrives at a critical time for New Zealand’s transport industry,” says David Boyce, chief executive of the NZ Trucking Association and a TruckSafe New Zealand director. More >> Source: TransportTalk NSW voters strongly supportive of sustainable native forestry
New polling commissioned by the Australian Forest Products Association
(AFPA) in the NSW Mid-North Coast based federal electorate of Cowper
shows voters are strongly supportive of the region’s
sustainable native forestry and recognise the importance of the industry
for local communities, the economy and environment in the area,
Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said today.Importantly, more than half of those surveyed who said they’d vote for Teal-Independent Caz Heise said they wanted the industry maintained in the region – despite the candidate’s public commitment that she wants to shut the industry down. Other key results from the UComms commissioned poll of 726 residents in Cowper over the 14th and 15th of April, include:
The NSW native forest industry is responsible for almost 9,000 full-time local jobs, many of which are located in Cowper. It also delivers almost $3 billion in gross revenue and adds more than $1 billion to NSW’s gross value add. “This polling is also a message to other Teals and industry opponents contesting the Federal Election that native forestry cannot just be crossed out with the flick of a pen. You’re dealing with people’s lives here and without native forestry, the economic and community devastation would be far reaching in places that have built themselves on the sector over decades, some places longer than that,” Diana Hallam concluded. Source & image credit: AFPA  Jobs
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... and one to end the week on... World password day...
I read somewhere that the first Thursday of May marks World Password Day. This awareness day created to raise awareness of the importance of keeping secure passwords. Strong passwords ensure you can keep your personal information safe and protected. And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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