WoodChat

Periodically, WoodChat places a focus on presenting the latest work around building safely in bushfire-prone areas, in particular highlighting the work of the Codes and Standards team. During this episode, we wanted to speak to Boris Iskra, National Manager Codes & Standards at Forest and Wood Products Australia in a more general sense to get a snapshot of the other important work that FWPA is involved with in this space, and the importance of this work for the forestry industry, the economy, the public and the environment, as well as getting an update on some exciting recent and upcoming developments. Listeners will hear from Boris about new and revised Codes and Standards that are already in-place, plus planned and imminent additions for the future. Boris will also explain about the recently-formed FWPA Industry Standards Reference Panel, which was put together to ensure pertinent Codes and Standards relating to the industry are put forward and reviewed, as well as the process by which this takes place. In addition, we speak to a member of the Standards Reference Panel to get their take on its activities and importance - sharing his thoughts is Gavin Matthew, CEO at the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA), who represents the interests of the Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) sector as part of his role on the panel.

At WoodChat, we explore a diverse array of forestry and timber-related topics. Some episodes have greater relevance to the Australian industry, while others have global significance. This episode is focused on bushfires. At the time of recording in January 2025, the catastrophic Los Angeles bushfires have been dominating headlines worldwide. Sadly, Australia has plenty of experience managing similar events. Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is a long-standing supporter of the safe use of timber in the construction of resilient buildings in bushfire-prone areas, with much of its research, WoodSolutions program and Codes & Standards activities focusing on this space. We spoke to Boris Iskra, National Manager Codes & Standards at FWPA to get his take on the recent Californian fires, the ever-evolving measures taken in Australia to ensure safe construction with timber in bushfire-prone areas, and some of the latest, positive developments in this area. Additionally, listeners will hear from Kersten Gentle, CEO of the Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia (FTMA) and her thoughts on why timber is the ideal choice for building in such areas, for a whole host of reasons. Learn more about FWPA's work: https://fwpa.com.au/

In the latest episode of FWPA's WoodChat podcast, listeners are invited to explore the transformative role of nutrition in enhancing forest productivity across Australia. This insightful episode features researcher John McGrath, who shares insights about three pivotal projects, with the potential to shape the long-term future of forest management for maximum yield and productivity. The discussion kicks off with the hardwood yield gap project aimed at identifying forest management actions to help reduce the hardwood yield gap. This work successfully helped to recalibrate the Agricultural Production System sIMulator (APSIM) model for hardwood productivity. This tool offers a better understanding of environmental limitations to maximising hardwood yield, and invaluable guidance for forestry professionals. Moving on to the softwood nutrition project, McGrath highlights the long-term collection of historical date to enable the extension of the pre-existing South Australian predictive tool ProFert into Western Australia. The recalibrated tool is already helping forest managers in WA to better predict fertiliser response in softwood plantations. Similarly, a project was also conducted with a focus on hardwood, and the complex interactions between climate, temperature, soil, and nutrient responses All projects emphasise how tailored nutrition strategies and an understanding of additional external variables are essential for optimising tree growth, yield and profitability across diverse environments. Additionally, the episode also includes details of how Wespine - the largest sawmill in WA – supported the work that resulted in the recalibrated version of ProFert for WA. During the episode, Resource Manager Brad Barr shares how the initiative will help address long-term challenges such as the ongoing impact of bushfires, while simultaneously improving resource efficiency. For those invested in forestry progression, this episode of the WoodChat podcast is a must-listen.

Explore FWPA's Statistics & Economics program by listening to the latest episode of our WoodChat podcast series. Join us as we chat with Dr Erick Hansnata, FWPA Statistics and Economics Program Manager, to gain insights into the organisation's newly enhanced Data Dashboard - an essential tool that aims to transform industry data access and support critical business decisions. During the episode, Erick also discusses planned improvements to the Timber Market Index - a powerful tool for tracking price movements and trends. In addition, hear highlights from FWPA's three-part online webinar series designed to create understanding and engagement amongst the forestry and construction industries of the market potential of timber as the government continues to work to build new homes to address the gap between supply and demand.

WARNING – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that the following materials may contain the names and voices of deceased persons. The latest episode of FWPA's WoodChat podcast is focused on recently completed research which has showcased great potential for the development of sustainable native forestry activities in the Northern Territory led by Traditional Owner communities. Listeners will hear from Northern Territory Government Project Manager Dallas Anson and University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor (Adjunct) Mark Annandale about their involvement with the initiative, which aimed to boost the forestry capacity of Traditional Owner (Yolngu) communities in the East Arnhem region. “The overarching principles behind this project include Traditional Owners making informed decisions about what they do on their land before anything takes place and supporting the sustainable livelihoods of the Indigenous people within the project,” Mark said. “The Traditional Owners were interested in pursuing sustainable forestry opportunities, but there was no foundational knowledge about their needs and desires from forestry, the forest resource itself, or the kinds of timber products that could be manufactured from it,” Dallas said. “This project addressed those foundational questions about what a combination of Traditional Owner and western forest management practices might look like in the region.” Elsewhere in the episode, Indigenous project participants Mabo Mununggurritj and Balupalu Yunapingu share their experiences. The project saw training offered to Traditional Owners in operational skills and forest management principles, and the establishment of a Sustainable Native Forestry Demonstration Site where products were manufactured from locally harvested timber. Other activities included raising stakeholder awareness of the value of sustainable Indigenous-led commercial forestry, and the consideration of potential business development opportunities. FWPA facilitated this important work by providing funding to match the investment made by project partners including the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Gumatj Corporation, Northern Territory and Queensland governments, and other regional organisations. Read more about this project: https://fwpa.com.au/report/indigenous-commercial-forestry-opportunities-east-arnhem-northern-australia/

In 2023, the FWPA-supported Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life entered an exciting new stage in its evolution with the appointment of its new Director, Professor Tripti Singh. With more than 20 years of experience in managing collaborative, multi-million-dollar research programs, Professor Singh is a leading figure in wood protection research. In this episode of WoodChat, we catch up with Tripti to find out about her plans and vision for the future of the Centre. We also speak to the researchers heading up two key Centre-led projects - one that's investigating the termite resistance of fast-grown plantation heartwood timber species, and another that's focused on improving the environmental profile of treated timber by identifying appropriate alternative uses for it at end-of-life.

This episode we take a focus on biosecurity. You'll hear about three exciting research initiatives aimed at improving Australia's protection measures to help mitigate the risks posed to our forests by exotic pests and diseases. Lucy Tran-Nguyen, GM of Partnerships and Innovation at Plant Health Australia, tells us about The National Forest Pest Surveillance Program - also known as Forest Watch Australia - which commenced on the 1st of July 2022, and recently completed its first full year of activity. Lucy also told us about The MyPestGuide Trees app, which equips all forestry stakeholders with the tools to do their bit and help minimise the damage caused to Australian forests and trees by the presence of exotic pests and diseases. In addition, you'll hear from Dr Madaline Healey, Research Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast's Forest Research Institute, about work to improve risk management for invasive forest pests and diseases right across the South East Asia region.

Today we bring you the second part of our focus on the latest initiatives from the FWPA-supported ForestLearning program. Tune in for everything from ForestLearning resources that utilise the latest technologies, to award wins, outstanding feedback from kids and teachers, and much, much more!

In today's episode, we focus on the latest achievements of the FWPA-supported ForestLearning initiative. And with so much exciting news to report - from new and highly innovative resources, to award wins, glowing testimonials from kids and teachers, the embracing of new technologies such as drones, and much, much more - we'll be presenting this episode in two parts … a first in the history of WoodChat! So make sure to keep an eye out for Episode 2 next week.

During the latest episode of FWPA's WoodChat podcast series, listeners will hear from two thriving Australian forest and wood products companies adopting smart manufacturing principles. Applying these principles during the wood processing stage brings a range of benefits, including increased profitability, improved worker safety, and better environmental outcomes. Hosts Sam and Georgia spoke to Trevor Innes, Technical and Sustainability General Manager at Timberlink, and Daniel Wright, Director and National Business Development Manager at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), about some fascinating recent innovations in timber manufacture.

In the face of a climate likely to become hotter and drier in the future, and with bushfires continuing to pose a significant threat, a variety of forestry-related research initiatives are currently underway across Australia. As an industry, forestry is particularly vulnerable to bushfire threat, with the associated risks having the potential to impact plantation companies, native forest managers, wood processors and manufacturers in a variety of ways. The latest episode of WoodChat focuses on a recently-completed FWPA-supported research project aimed at increasing the industry's capacity to minimise the impacts of future bushfire events. This work is focused on updating fuel accumulation and fire spread models for Australian forestry plantations. The project was co-funded by most of Australia's large plantation managers, with matching funding from the Australian Government. During the episode, we also provide a round-up of other interesting projects around bushfire mitigation and management happening around Australia. Discover more about what you hear during the episode at the following links: https://www.forestry.org.au/nbmp-objectives-kpis/ https://fwpa.com.au/characterising-and-managing-fire-risks-to-plantations-under-changing-climates/ djadjawurrung.com.au

A hugely positive mid-term review of the FWPA-supported National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life has resulted in the extension of the Centre's important research activities for a further five years, with the potential for three more. The latest episode of FWPA's WoodChat podcast series features an interview with Director, Professor Jeff Morrell, who talks about the evolution of the Centre since commencing in 2017, its work to place Australia at the forefront of international best practice, and efforts to underpin consumer confidence in timber products. Listeners will also hear directly from scientists involved with exciting Centre-led research projects. Transcript: https://fwpa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FWPA_WoodChat_transcript_episode-26.pdf

Discover how new research into priority areas identified by Australian forest growers will be addressed, thanks to six new PhD research scholarships at the University of Tasmania. The research projects were selected for funding by a working group of FWPA and forest grower members, known as the Grower Research Advisory Committee (GRAC). Successful PhD students will work to address a wide range of challenges, from the risk that browsing herbivorous mammals pose to plantations, to traits in genetic material that affect resistance to drought, heat, diseases and pests. Also covered will be management approaches to help maximise tree survival under various conditions. For each of the six projects, GRAC members and companies with a particular interest in each specific research area will become project partners and/or advisors, meeting regularly with supervisors and students in either a formal or informal capacity, to allow industry direct input into the projects.

Discover an approach that will enhance the Australian forestry industry's sustainability credentials through improved use of natural resources. Learn more about a recently completed FWPA-commissioned report which lays out a series of sample ecosystem accounts for use by the forestry industry. Plus discover how one Australian forestry company is leading the way by committing to the development of an annual report relating to its own activities in this area.

Take a deep dive into some exciting Australian projects focused on the fusion of forestry and technology to help shape and strengthen the forests of the future. Listeners are invited to discover how scientists are working to make smarter, healthier and more productive forests, utilising everything from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to genomics and airborne sensors.

Listeners will hear about research efforts to increase the Australian timber industry's bushfire preparedness, and capacity to minimise the adverse impacts of future fire events on forestry plantations.

Listeners will hear about a research project that took an in-depth look at the various elements of Australia's log and woodchip export supply chain, and how it can most effectively be managed. The team behind the comprehensive FWPA-supported study reviewed optimum conditions for logs during storage, haulage and at ports. Their findings are now being used to identify solutions and innovations for an enhanced and more cost-effective timber export process.

In this episode we consider the potential for technologies to be installed permanently within forest environments, to inform better decision making and support optimal forest management. During the episode, listeners will hear about advanced technologies currently being used in Tasmania to monitor the nests of at-risk wedge-tailed eagles, in what could be the first step towards developing a ‘fully networked' forest.

The latest episode of our WoodChat podcast series takes a look at a new research project that is monitoring the impact of forestry activities on a number of iconic at-risk Tasmanian species, such as wedge-tailed eagles, masked owls, giant freshwater crayfish and Tasmanian devils. During the episode, the hosts speak to Dr Amy Koch, Biodiversity Research Manager at the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) which is leading the initiative. Results will be used to improve understanding of the effectiveness of current protocols that guide forest management practices where these species are known to be found. This knowledge will help determine whether new or adapted approaches could better protect animals, and minimise the impact on forestry operations. “It's hoped greater knowledge about the species' habits will allow for the development of more finely-tuned, species-specific management practices that will benefit wildlife and foresters at the same time,” Koch explained.

The latest episode of WoodChat focuses on a new research project investigating the potential for commercial Indigenous forestry in the Northern Territory's East Arnhem Land. The goal of the research is to support and empower the Traditional Owners to facilitate a sustainable forest-based livelihood.

This episode focuses on ForestLearning, a program of online learning options to educate children about the sustainable nature of forestry. The program includes various resources developed to enable school children to engage with and understand the world of forestry, and even pay virtual visits to locations they would not normally have had access to ... all without leaving the classroom! The current situation with COVID-19 has meant that teachers, parents and schoolchildren are seeking out new opportunities for remote learning. And for that reason, ForestLearning has continued to investigate, develop and roll out new resources. The program includes everything from online work sheets and quizzes, to opportunities to connect with foresters out in the field via Zoom, and the use of virtual reality to allow students to experience forest and mill environments first-hand.

This episode focuses on the development of new business models that could see areas of Australian farmland utilised for planting trees. A team of researchers have developed and tested a number of new business models for commercial tree plantations, which could yield mutual financial, social and environmental benefits for the timber industry, rural landowners and investors. The models were designed in collaboration with industry and rural landowners after analysing landowner needs and their past experiences with tree investment, and consider the positive impacts of trees on carbon, biodiversity and water. Listeners will hear from Professor Rodney Keenan of the University of Melbourne, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, who led the research.

This episode focuses on the development of new technology, allowing growers to easily and affordably assess wood quality across their resources. The researchers have been developing processes and tools that will support decision making around location and management, improving the quality of forest stands. The people behind the Forest and Wood Products Australia-supported research say the ability to predict, maintain and improve timber quality in plantations will help decrease risk and improve the productivity, competitiveness and profitability of Australia's growers and processors.

In this episode, we share best-practice methods on building with wood in bushfire-prone areas, with a focus on the important work FWPA is doing to provide resources for the construction industry and consumers about building resilient homes with timber. Photo credit: Peter Bennetts

Today we focus on the exciting takeaways of FWPA and other Australian representatives who were amongst the 2,500 scientists from 92 countries at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress. Hear directly from attendees who travelled to Brazil for the congress in October. Conversations cover key themes including deforestation and climate change, as well as the willingness amongst attendees to collaborate on a global scale for the benefit of forests everywhere.

In a unique collaboration, Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has joined forces with Australia's other agriculture and horticulture industries to develop exciting new diagnostic technology. The latest episode of WoodChat focuses on the move, which has the potential to change and speed up the detection of airborne pests and diseases, ultimately boosting productivity and profitability for forestry and other industries. The project was made possible thanks to a grant under the Australian Government's Rural R&D for Profit program, which enable nationally coordinated, strategic research that delivers real outcomes for Australian producers.

Fascinating new projects are seeking to bring the seemingly opposing worlds of Virtual Reality (VR) and forestry together. The latest episode of Forest and Wood Products Australia's (FWPA) WoodChat podcast focuses on an initiative from the University of Tasmania demonstrating how field operators can accurately perform assessments in an immersive, VR environment, with benefits ranging from improved safety, to ease of access and reduced labour costs. We also learn about a series of recently launched VR tours for teachers and school children, which could completely change the way young people learn about Australian forests.

Ongoing evolution and rapid advancements in technology have led the forestry sector to take steps towards preparing current and future workers for the changing demands of the industry. The latest episode of Forest and Wood Products Australia's (FWPA) WoodChat podcast focuses on initiatives that are equipping the industry's future leaders, and engaging young people from disciplines not traditionally associated with forestry. We speak to Matthew Linnegar, Chief Executive of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and Tammy Auld of Timberlands Pacific about the FWPA-supported For Our Future initiative, as well as James Kondilios of the Australian National University, a recently announced recipient of an ABARES Science and Innovation Award.

The advantages of prefabricated timber systems in construction are being given a boost by researchers trialing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking technology to improve on-site processes. In this episode of WoodChat we speak to Perry Forsythe, Professor of Construction Management at the University of Technology Sydney, which has been testing the value proposition associated with attaching small, computerised tags to timber construction elements manufactured off-site.

Engineering students from across Australia have been benefiting from exposure to the most up-to-the-minute technical developments and innovations in timber construction, thanks to support from Forest and Wood Products Australia. This week, we speak to a number of students for a rundown of their experiences at the World Conference on Timber Engineering – one of the most prestigious events in timber engineering, engineered wood products and the design of timber structures.

New research is showing positive results when harnessing 3D printing technology to combine timber waste products and recycled plastics, and create a high-performance construction element. In this episode, Professor Sandra Löschke, Director of Architecture Design and Technology at the University of Sydney, talks to us about her research in this area.

We explore the use of drones or ‘Unmanned Ariel Vehicles' (UAVs) in forest management, speaking to Dr Christine Stone of NSW Department of Primary Industries and Rod Meynink of MBAC Consulting Group, who have put UAVs into action. The technology presents opportunities to detect animal habitats and support forest and fire management.

Hosts Sam and Victoria speak to David Rowlinson - Make It Wood Campaign Manager at Planet Ark about his initiative to educate and encourage the increased use of responsibly sourced timber in construction, due to the variety of compelling benefits when compared to other materials.

Episode 4 of WoodChat sees hosts Sam and Victoria talk to Robert Southerton, Managing Director at Gondwana Genomics about the genetic DNA testing system they developed. The world-leading technology can predict key commercial attributes of a future adult eucalyptus tree using just a single seedling leaf in the early stages of its life.

In this episode, we meet with distinguished international academic and leading industry figure, Professor Jeff Morrell of Oregon State University. We discuss, amongst other things, his recent appointment as Director of Australia's National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, and what he hopes the Centre will achieve for the industry both in Australia and internationally.

Forest managers will now be able to gauge the likely effect of the climate on growing conditions in their specific areas, thanks to a new interactive online tool developed by the CSIRO. In this episode of WoodChat, we talk to CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr Patrick Mitchell, about the revolutionary new tool and what it could mean for the future of the industry. You can request to the tool via Google Forms https://bit.ly/2JkG2zx

Biophilia is the principle that exposure to nature increases human wellbeing. In this episode of WoodChat, we talk to Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer of the University of Canberra about research that suggests bringing biophilic elements such as wood into the workplace can boost employee satisfaction and productivity, and what that could mean for the forest and wood products industry.