FWPA SMAC Update: January 2026
Welcome to the first SMAC Newsletter of 2026. There has already been considerable activity in the new year, and with the SMAC CEO Roundtable fast approaching (4-5 February, Pullman Hotel, Sydney), this edition sets the scene for the priorities ahead.
Industry Health Check
Dr Erick Hansnata’s latest insights cover a range of important market dynamics:
Australia’s softwood log exports in 2025 were 43.5% higher than 2024, a solid result, though still below the 2020 peak. Softwood sales continued to strengthen across 2025, averaging 208,086 m³ per month in the first half of the year and climbing to 241,612 m³ per month from July to November.
LVL imports are now under scrutiny, with Chinese shipments increasing sharply and import prices falling to levels that are difficult to sustain. FWPA’s preliminary LVL Issues Paper highlights several market trends requiring the industry’s attention and further analysis.
Meanwhile, residential construction challenges, including rising material and labour costs, supply chain disruptions and capacity constraints, are shifting builder and buyer preferences toward alterations and additions rather than new builds.
SMAC Update
The LVL Issues Paper is available to members and outlines key findings from FWPA’s preliminary investigation into this growing market concern. Also worth revisiting are two recent reports: the FWPA analysis on the share of timber versus steel in residential construction, and the FWPA benchmarking summary.
Research and Development
The ARC Advance Timber Hub held its Strategic Planning Day in December, with outcomes now available. The Hub’s work is structured across three themes: Innovative Solutions, Transformative Benefits and Planning Change.
The National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (NCTDDL) mid-term review is underway. Led by Ian Tyson, the review team will be conducting stakeholder interviews and distributing a survey in early February 2026. Members are encouraged to participate and provide input.
Important Dates
- 4-5 February 2026: SMAC CEO Roundtable, Pullman Hotel, Sydney
- 9 March to 20 April: AFWI National Open Call, expressions of interest
- 24 March 2026: AFPA report launch “Building a Low Carbon Future for Australia,” Parliament House, Canberra
- 29-30 April 2026: Sydney Build 2026 Expo, ICC Sydney
- 18-19 May 2026: FTMA National Conference, Sunshine Coast
- 23-24 June 2026: WoodTECH 2026, Brisbane
