The younger generation of timber players must continually strive to develop innovative and sophisticated timber-based products in order to thrive in the market that has grown very competitive of late. Source: Timberbiz

Carter Holt Harvey has informed staff it plans to cut around 70 jobs in Rotorua and Tokoroa before Christmas. Union members are meeting today to discuss the proposals. Source: Otago Daily Times

Fulton Hogan has received Overseas Investment Office approval to sell forestry estates in Otago, New Zealand. The Christchurch-based company said it was looking to sell-off non-core assets in a bid to strengthen its balance sheet. Source: TVNZ

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its initial proposals for the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, and is inviting Australians to have their say. Source: Timberbiz

Australia’s export earnings from agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors are forecast to remain strong in 2012–13, according to the Agricultural commodities – September Quarter 2012. Source: Timberbiz

The independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is investigating potential reform of around 1,000 NSW licences to reduce the burden on individuals, businesses and the community. Source: Timberman

Federal industry and innovation minister Greg Combet has announced $8.2 million of funding for the Bombala Mill, after mill owners Dongwha Timbers’ successful application for a Clean Technology Investment Program grant. Source: Timberman

If Vietnam wants its timber producers to benefit from the growing eco-conscious and more lucrative international furniture market, national forest institutions should look for ways to get smallholder plantation forests certified, said Louis Putzel, a senior scientist at the Center for