Episódios
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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 this episode may contain the names or voices of deceased people.
A recently completed research project has showcased great potential for the development of sustainable native forestry activities in the Northern Territory led by Traditional Owner communities.
In this episode of WoodChat, we hear from two of the leading researchers from this project - Northern Territory Government Project Manager Dallas Anson and University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor (Adjunct) Mark Annandale.
Dallas and Mark discuss their involvement with the initiative, which aimed to boost the forestry capacity of Indigenous communities in the East Arnhem region.
During the episode, listeners will also hear from Indigenous project participants, Mabo Mununggurritj and Balupalu Yunapingu about 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 exploration of potential business development opportunities.
With thanks to the Traditional Custodians of the Gumatj lands.
Read more about this project: https://fwpa.com.au/report/indigenous-commercial-forestry-opportunities-east-arnhem-northern-australia/ -
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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. - Mostrar mais
