Australian Forests & Timber News

23/04/2026

The passing of John Mulligan has left a void in the ranks of those who advocate for science and experience based forest fire management.

Born in Orbost in 1931, John had a lifetime of experience in how to actively manage forest fuel levels to deliver real social, environmental and economic outcomes for those living in and around the forests of East Gipplsand and elsewhere in Victoria.

More about John's life recollections of fire in East Gippsland, including the 1939 fires can be found at the following link.

https://southeasttimberassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Fire-in-East-Gippsland-by-John-Mulligan.pdf

20/04/2026

We came across this video that was produced by Forestry Australia and called Can’t See the Trees. It is an animated Lego style video that goes for several minutes and is highly entertaining and informative.
It has a catchy tune and really does a good job at describing albeit in very general terms what it’s like to be a forester.
“Woke up at 5, pulled on the boots. Mud from last Tuesday still stuck to the roots. Drove 3 hours down a logging track. Phones got no signal. GPS won’t come back. Someone at the barbecue asked what I do. I said I manage forests. They said, “Oh, that’s cool. So, you just hug trees and watch them grow.” Man, I’ve been pruning since before you’d know. We’re out in the bush while you’re stuck in town. Counting every tree ring, measuring the crown…”
It’s well worth a look.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/04/2026

25/03/2026

The Bob Brown Foundation has refused to engage with CSIRO research putting one million koalas in Australian forests, as a Griffith academic breaks from the March for Forests.

09/03/2026

WEBINAR | International Day of Forests 2026: Forests and Economies

Forests generate at least $450 billion in economic value each year. Join Jack Hurd, Head of the Earth Systems Agenda at the World Economic Forum, and Lyndall Bull, Vice-President of Forestry Australia, as they explore how forests contribute to the economy—both in the traditional forest sector and beyond.

Learn why recognising the full value of forests is critical, and how responsible, inclusive innovation can unlock investment opportunities while supporting healthy, resilient forests for the future.

📅 Thursday 19 March | 5:30–6:30 pm (AEDT)
🎓 RFP CPD Points: 1.00
🎟️ Members: Free | Non-Members: $70
🕙 Register by 10 am, Wednesday 18 March

🔗 Register here: https://www.forestry.org.au/webinar-international-day-of-forests-2026-forests-economies/

05/03/2026

After the recent announcement of the proposed new national park in northern New South Wales, I have prepared a story about one of Australia’s most politicised animals: the koala. You’ve probably seen the headlines predicting their extinction and the constant calls for ever-expanding national parks. But much of this debate rests on simplistic, and often misleading, narratives.

Drawing on history, fire ecology, forest management and population science, the article examines why koala numbers have always risen and fallen in cycles, how modern “hands-off” preservation often worsens those extremes, and how today’s fear-driven messaging shapes major public policy.

If you care about koalas, forests, or the future of evidence-based environmental management, I think you’ll find my story both challenging and worthwhile.

You can read more at this link https://www.robertonfray.com/2026/03/06/the-koala-conundrum-saving-australias-most-profitable-species/

02/03/2026

In 2019, the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) reported there were 626 environmental charities (ECs). In the Australian Charities Report 11th edition, the ACNC reports that in 2025, there were 3,112 ECs, almost a 500 percent increase in 6 years. Total income for the sector in 2018-19 was $1,319 billion ($1,319,000,000). In 2025, total income for the sector was $3,775.7 billion ($3,775,700,000).

A recent Timber & Forestry E News article again brings into focus the fundraising techniques of some ECs. When it comes to fundraising by environmental NGOs, their campaigning is not constrained by the provisions of the Trade Practices Act, under most circumstances, as they are generally considered not to be engaged in trade or commerce.

The ACNC will not investigate every alleged breach of law by a charity. The ACNC will only investigate serious offences (for example, fraud, money laundering or terrorist financing) that are likely to affect public trust and confidence and where this is necessary to protect the assets of the charity and the people it serves.

In February 2023 Australian, state and territory treasurers agreed to a set of nationally consistent fundraising principles for environmental charitable fundraisers.

Charitable organisations must ensure that their employees, volunteers, contractors and anyone else who they engage or arrange to raise funds on their behalf comply with 16 principles including:

6. Never mislead, deceive or knowingly use false or inaccurate information when fundraising.

It appears the guidelines are no barrier to the following statement on the NCC donation page:

“Our breathtaking forests are being destroyed – cut down and pulped for wood chips and cardboard. While Victoria and Western Australia have ended native forest logging, the NSW Government is spending taxpayer dollars to log what is left of koala, greater glider and other endangered animals’ homes.”

If I didn’t know better, I would think that the only koala and greater glider habitat that is left, is on state forest and will be logged.

Ironically, on the same page, the NCC is concerned about alleged clearing of unspecified native vegetation for primary production in Australia.

A photo of a wind farm (an overseas location?), in what appears to be heath vegetation, under the donor page “Climate Action in NSW” heading, seems to suggest that the NCC is OK with clearing native vegetation for wind farms.

For a definitely Australian context, a photo of initial construction works for the Lotus Creek wind farm in Australia is below.

https://donate.nature.org.au/?tc=26_q3_web_fr

https://www.timberandforestryenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Issue-887-web-1.pdf

25/02/2026

14/01/2026

In a commentary in the Latrobe Valley Express, Victoria’s Forest and Fire Management Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman stated that: “…you should know that Victoria is prepared and that our land and fire agencies have worked all year to reduce bushfire risk. We are prepared and ready to respond...

13/01/2026

Our readiness during last week’s extreme and catastrophic conditions has transitioned to the next phase of active firefighting.

HVP’s plantations in the north east have been significantly impacted. While we’re still assessing the extent of the losses, our teams have been regrouping and reorganising for the long road ahead. This includes the ongoing fire response in the north east, and also other parts of Victoria as the situation evolves.

Stay tuned to the advice and warnings from our emergency service agencies to make good decisions. Monitor conditions, stay informed and check multiple sources of information. Visit ww.emergency.vic.gov.au download the VicEmergency app and tune into your local emergency broadcaster.

We’ll have more information to share in the coming days. In the meantime, we want to acknowledge everyone contributing to the response effort – whether that be our HVP staff and contractors, all emergency agencies, volunteer groups, neighbours and surrounding communities. Many of you have also been directly impacted by these fires, and we thank you for everything you’re doing. We’re in this with you for the long haul.

12/12/2025

27/11/2025

We have expressed deep disappointment that Australia’s sector has again been horse-traded on new national environment laws today.

The EPBC laws, negotiated between the Albanese Government and Australian Greens, ignore the evidence showing Australia’s native industry is and already delivering strong environmental outcomes.

The reforms will not achieve improved outcomes in native forests, but instead undermine the future of Australia’s world-class and sustainable native forest industry.

CEO Diana Hallam said: “I have grave concerns for the future of our native forestry and plantation industries after seeing the new laws."

Read more - https://ausfpa.com.au/grave-concerns-for-future-of-native-forestry/