Australasia's home for timber news and information

Housing stimulus plan released by MBA to stem huge fall

A housing stimulus plan that includes $40,000 cash grants for people building a new property as its centrepiece has been released by the Master Builders Association (MBA). Current industry forecasting indicates new home building will fall by almost 50%, putting half a million jobs at
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East Gippsland crushed under Victorian Government inaction

East Gippsland native timber harvest and haulage operators are in a dire situation with the State Government again unjustifiably halting their work, according to the Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath. Source: Timberbiz Ms Bath said that two weeks ago, she had written to the Mini
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Fletcher Building feels the housing downturn, 1500 jobs lost

Fletcher Building is sacking 1500 people, including 500 in Australia, because of a sharp drop in demand as residential construction is hit by a coronavirus-related slowdown, and it has warned of further problems ahead for the housing market. Source: Timberbiz Fletcher is to cut staff
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New Tasmanian industry forestry body formed

The Tasmanian forest products industry has formed a new peak body, the Tasmanian Forest Products Association to represent its interests and concerns to the community and with local, State and Federal governments. Source: Timberbiz The TFPA’s membership includes all the major growers a
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Are Greens spiking trees in Tasmania? A deadly serious concern for sawmillers

Tasmanian Police are investigating fresh allegations of “deadly” tree spiking in Tasmanian forests, as protests in logging areas starts up again. The spiked logs were supplied to at least two southern Tasmanian sawmills on Tuesday, destroying saws worth up to $15,000 and,
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Friday Analysis: Spiking a log is simply bastardry

It is surprisingly hard to put into words the bastardry being inflicted on Tasmania’s mill operators. Spikes have been found in several trees at two Tasmanian sawmills leaving political parties at loggerheads over who is responsible for the industrial sabotage. Source: Bruce Mitchell
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Eden-Monaro seat a three-way female battle

A mother-of-five has entered the battle for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro despite the chaos surrounding the seat’s vacancy. Karen Porter will be running as an independent under the ‘New Liberals party’ banner after Labor member Dr Mike Kelly announced his retiremen
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Renewable.bio seeking hardwood biomass

Perth-based Renewable.bio is seeking expressions of interest for the supply of 100,000GMT of hardwood biomass on an FOB basis at suitable Australasian ports in 20,000 to 40,000GMT lots. In particular it is looking for fire affected and low-grade timber. Source: Timberbiz The biomass m
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ForestLearning launches Forest VRTM App

ForestLearning, an initiative of Forest and Wood Products Australia has announced a soft launch of the ForestVRTM Apps for IOS App Store, Android Play Store, and Oculus Store. Source: Timberbiz This is great resource with an ever-increasing number of people looking for online alternat
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Commercial construction looks to a devastating downturn

The commercial construction sector is facing a devastating downturn due to the impact of COVID-19 unless governments act to provide stimulus. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said commercial construction activity is being forecast to severely decline. Source: Timberbiz “C
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