Forestry and timber stories
The following stories relate to Tasmania’s Forestry & Timber sector
A sustainable dynasty

It all began with a small bush mill in the majestic blackwood forests of Tasmania’s far north-west.
27 May 2019, Edition 205
Farmer forestry benefits
The demand for Tasmanian forestry products is buoyant, and largely driven by an international market with strong prices for both soft and hardwood. Against this background, Tasmanian farmers are being urged to fully consider the many benefits of plantation timber on their properties. Private Forests Tasmania [PFT] recently hosted a field day where farmers heard there is so much more than just the value of the timber itself. PFT manager of business development, Martin Moroni, told Tasmanian Country that some of the biggest benefits actually come from better productivity in surrounding paddocks: “Often trees are thought to be in the way of farming, rather than supporting it.” He highlighted environmental and aesthetic benefits, such as animal habitats and wind breaks, with his key message being: “It’s worthwhile checking the market at the moment because it is at a high and there might be good returns, much bigger than they were a few years ago.”
23 April 2019
After the fires

Tasmania is open for business. That’s the message from tourism leaders following summer’s devastating fires.
18 February 2019, Edition 202
Wooden boat spectacular

Tasmania’s unique wooden boat festival is growing in international stature, and this year there was a decidedly American twist.
17 February 2019, Edition 202
Little dinghy with a big heart

An old clinker dinghy, abandoned in a shed and restored by inmates at Risdon Prison, will be a star attraction at the upcoming Australian Wooden Boat Festival. It is also a special tribute to the late Tasmanian politician, Dr Vanessa Goodwin.
11 December 2018, Edition 201
Accolades for Tassie timber designs
Tasmania has been lauded for its stunning architectural designs featuring timber. The much-acclaimed Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions, by Liminal Studio, took out the Excellence in Timber Products category at the recent Australian Timber Design Awards in Sydney.
7 December 2018, Edition 201
Forestry grows strong

Hot on the heels of news that Timberlink is investing $100 million in its sawmills – including at Bell Bay – Tasmania’s state-owned forestry company has turned a profit for the first time in a decade.
9 November 2018, Edition 200
Global accolades for designer who is blind

It is an incredible feat. Young Hobart designer, Duncan Meerding, is blind, yet he has just won an international award at the ‘Oscars of lighting’.
9 November 2018, Edition 200
Timberlink investment boost
Tasmania’s timber industry has been given a big boost with a $100 million investment from Timberlink in production assets. This is set to be rolled out over the next three years and will be invested at Timberlink’s Bell Bay facility, in the state’s north, as well as it’s Tarpeena Mill in South Australia. The money allocated for Bell Bay will be used to install new planer mill equipment, improve existing site infrastructure and improve safety with an upgraded internal road system. Timberlink CEO, Ian Tyson, says this demonstrates that the timber industry is thriving: “It supports the investment strategy of the soft wood sector for Tasmania. It shows the enormous future the timber industry has, both globally and within the domestic market.” Timberlink is the leading producer of plantation timber in Tasmania, sustainably growing quality pine in certified plantations.
12 September 2018, Edition 198
A beautiful veneer

Stunning architectural features and bespoke furniture are being crafted out of an innovative timber veneer, which is also helping to preserve Tasmania’s specialty woods.
13 August 2018, Edition 197