AUSTimber is an industry event that has been running in Australia in one form or another since the 1970s. The point of difference is the concentration on demonstration of advanced machinery rather than a simple exhibition. Source: Timberbiz
AUSTimber has also had a strong focus on forestry production with excellent support from the major international harvesting equipment brands.
This year, AUSTimber2016 will be staged in Gippsland for the first time with the In-forest demonstration site provided by sponsor HVP.
When the organisers began discussions with Latrobe City on bringing the AUSTimber2016 event to the region, the first response was to welcome it as an event that could bring tourism dollars.
But on reflection the environmental benefits provided by carbon storage in wood fibre and the already prominent size of the forest products industry in the region meant they saw the positive future this industry can bring.
In keeping with the requirement for running an efficient supply chain, AUSTimber features an international conference on Sustainable Supply Chains for the timber industry of the future with the plenary session lead by Professor John Sessions of Oregon University and Rob de Fegely of the Institute of Foresters of Australia.
There is a good range of papers by international speakers on research projects around the world that are providing answers to some of the industry’s greatest concerns and opportunities.
However, it is the ability to include the general public in AUSTimber2016 that makes the event even more important to the industry.
Local year 10 students will participate in the schools’ program at the start of the week. This is a series of field trips where students will be taken into certified, sustainably managed forestry and manufacturing locations so they gain a clear understanding of the industry’s sustainable management practices.
As part of this program, AUSTimber will target a native forest production coup that was logged about 15 years ago and using this backdrop to describe how native forests can be and are managed for the benefit of the environment and community.
The feedback we get from these visits will be passed on to other localities through the National Timber Councils Association and other interested associations to help spread the message among young people and their teachers.
The Expo days will be an opportunity for the general public to come and see the forestry industry so they can see the sophistication of the equipment being used and get a feel for the modern industry.
This will also be an opportunity for young people and their families to see what jobs and training are available in the industry.
Given the constant need for recruitment, this is an important opportunity to display the kinds of jobs available and the people who share the industry.
While it is important for industry and suppliers to get together and have a good look at what aids to productivity are there to help build productive efficiency, it is also important for the industry in its entirety to be present at the event and take the opportunity to interact with members of the general public and put on a public face that will benefit us all in the coming years.
A full list of events and information is at www.austimber.org.au
