Dear <<First Name>>,
The year started on a high note with the Australian Building Codes Board adopting FWPA-recommended changes to the National Construction Code (NCC), and ABARES publishing FWPA-supported research into the long-term potential for establishing new timber plantations in Australia. The NCC amendment extends the range of buildings in which fire-protected timber systems can be used and was driven by a successful submission by FWPA. It’s been incredibly satisfying to see increasing market acceptance of wood products and we anticipate exciting new opportunities for those working with timber construction systems.
Happy reading!
NCC changes mean the sky is (almost) the limit for timber construction
FWPA’s efforts have paid off, with the 2019 amendments to the National Construction Code (NCC) heralding a new era of opportunity for mid-rise timber buildings. Read more
Young Professionals add another node to their network
The WoodSolutions Young Professionals Network (WSYPN) has extended its reach beyond Melbourne this year, with a resoundingly positive response to the inaugural Sydney event. Read more
Forecast: demand for wood products will exceed the availability of plantation resources
Australia’s commercial timber plantation estate is fundamental to the sustainability and competitiveness of our forestry sector. In recent years, the softwood estate has been relatively static, which will impact the future availability of sawlogs to meet an expected increase in demand. What are the implications and opportunities for industry, to address this situation? A new report provides some answers. Read more
Building our future through leadership
FWPA’s For Our Future leadership program for 2019 is now underway with the program oversubscribed in Tasmania and Gippsland. Read more
Update on the residential framing market
Timber continues to be the structural material of choice for residential dwellings according to research commissioned by FWPA, however, there are opportunities (and threats) for substitute products such as Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and steel framing. Read more
Bringing the forest to the teachers
ForestLearning teamed up with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, HQPlantations and AKD Softwoods to directly engage with more than 100 high school teachers at the 2019 Food, Fibre and Agricultural Educators Conference in Brisbane. The response from participants bodes well for the future. Read more
Capturing the essence of forestry
Over the last two months, FWPA has been developing concepts for its 2019 consumer advertising campaign, which will reinforce the position of wood being ‘The Ultimate Renewable’. Read more
Timber Talks Episode 16: Wood Masterclass
Timber and wood products are intrinsically different to all other products we use for building. Associate Professor Greg Nolan, of the University of Tasmania, provides fascinating insight into the significance of timber’s unique characteristics for the construction industry, as well as advice for getting the best out of this sustainable material. Read more
