ForestTECH – the premier tech event for the forestry industry
The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) recently held its annual technology event, ForestTECH, which brought together more than 300 delegates from the forestry industry, including forest resource managers, remote sensing specialists, inventory foresters, tree crop managers and those involved in forest establishment. In-person attendees were joined by representatives from forestry companies located in Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile, the USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia, thanks to live streaming.
FWPA representatives attended the Melbourne event in person, showcasing the use of ForestLearning’s ForestVR technology.
Over the two days a range of topics was featured including details of new data collection technologies for forest estate reporting and operational planning, and precision forestry innovations around forest establishment, mechanised planting, and tree crop management.
The program also included presentations on trial results and key lessons learned from:
- commercial mechanised planting operations for pine and eucalypts in Australia
- observations around hydrogel usage at the time of planting as a means of extending planting seasons
- details of how fleets of mechanised planting machines are being employed across steeper slopes in South America
- information on innovations in satellite-based corrections to assist in field mapping and data capture.
Since 2007, ForestTECH has established itself as Australasia’s premier technology event for the forestry industry. The success and international standing of the event has seen planning already begin for the 2023 ForestTECH event, set to be held in November. Speaking opportunities are already open, and more information is available at https://foresttech.events/ft22/.
Planet Ark ACE Hub’s Circularity conference
Planet Ark’s ACE Hub’s inaugural Circularity conference took place in November 2022, and featured a diverse program of panel discussions, workshops, case studies, and keynote sessions on various topics related to the circular economy. The conference, attended by 300 members of Australia’s growing circular economy community, was opened by Paul Klymenko, former CEO of Planet Ark, who emphasised the urgency of Australia transitioning to a circular economy.
Arthur Huang, Founder of Taiwan trash material upcycle company MINIWIZ and respected global leader in circular economy innovation was the keynote speaker. Huang led a thought-provoking discussion on the economic, environmental, and social benefits of the circular economy. He also shared examples of past, current and future projects at MINIWIZ, and details of how the company uses design to make spaces more sustainable and circular.
The conference also covered progress and policy developments in key Australian states, strategies for engaging consumers on issues relating to the circular economy, and ways to reduce emissions.
Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards
The 2022 Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards event was held in November in the magnificent Hunter Valley wine region.
The construction industry’s prestigious awards represent a celebration of Australia’s best builders in residential, commercial, and civil/infrastructure construction, and offer recognition for the projects that have won them acclaim.
The WoodSolutions National Sustainability Residential Building Award went to Souter Built for its innovative project the Pepper Tree Passive House in New South Wales. The project features triple-glazed thermally broken windows and doors, and the entire dwelling has a ventilated facade and roof cavity to allow for the building envelope to control its moisture. An internal air-tight membrane and external permeable membrane help achieve airtightness, allowing for the building’s environment to be controlled using minimal energy.
Fairbrother Construction, Tasmania took out the WoodSolutions National Sustainability in a Commercial Building Award for its work on the UTAS Cradle Coast Campus. Carbon capture has been achieved in the building through extensive and innovative use of mass and lightweight timber. Reductions in operational carbon emissions are achieved via a broad range of strategies, including construction that minimises air leakages, extensive use of thermal insulation and windows, and management of solar gain to avoid unnecessary heat loads.
The WoodSolutions-sponsored awards recognise excellence in sustainability in both residential and commercial buildings through design principles, material choices and construction practices aimed at delivering better sustainability outcomes from the built environment.
Timber Queensland presented ‘Check your deck and nail your outdoor timber detailing’
A free webinar on specifying timber and connections for outdoor use featured experts Ralph Bailey, Principal Architect at Guymer Bailey Architects, and Matt Smith, National Field Engineer. During the session, attendees were guided through best practice for design, detailing and maintenance to ensure long-term durability for outdoor timber applications. A recording of the webinar can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XcHpIY4hQJC2hbAfRUFbmg.
23rd Australian Timber Design Awards hosted by The Ultimate Renewable™ Brand Ambassador, Adam Dovile
A familiar face was on hand to name the winners at the 23rd Australian Timber Design Awards in December 2022, in the shape of Better Homes & Gardens personality and The Ultimate Renewable™ Brand Ambassador, Adam Dovile.
The Waterfront Tavern by H&E Architects won the overall prize which recognised outstanding projects in timber, while also supporting a growing timber culture in Australian construction by encouraging and promoting exceptional timber design.
The Waterfront Tavern, located in an artificial harbour within the Shell Cove development south of Wollongong in New South Wales, received praise for its innovative use of timber and exceptional artistry.
Meanwhile, the People’s Choice Award was given to Bay Pavilions Arts and Aquatic Leisure Centre by NBRS & Donovan Payne Architects.
