Media Release

EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE

21 March 2026

International Day of Forests 2026 – ‘Forests and economies’

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins in celebrating International Day of Forests 2026 and highlighting the role sustainably managed forests and plantations play in providing the renewable fibre that underpins the manufacturing of many innovative wood products which support jobs and regional communities.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “Given the world’s ongoing challenges such as wars, logistic constraints, housing shortages, living cost increases, and extreme weather events, this year’s theme ‘Forests and economies’ is both very important and timely. Sustainably managed forests produce an increasing range of innovative and renewable wood products, including many new engineered wood product solutions, that store carbon, reduce emissions, inspire designers, build new homes and businesses, and are used in many other essential and surprising applications around the world.”

“Investing in sustainably managed forests, plantations and our renewable wood product industries provides many social, economic, and environmental benefits. Policy makers across the world are recognising the significant potential of using renewable and low emission timber solutions in the built environment, to provide essential shelter, store carbon long-term, cut emissions, and underpin quality jobs and vibrant communities,” Mr Matthew concluded.

The theme of the 2026 International Day of Forests is Forests and economies, celebrating the essential roles of forests in driving economic prosperity. These roles go well beyond income and jobs from forest production and the trade of renewable raw materials and foods. With many countries seeking to move toward a sustainable bioeconomy, forest products offer nature-based solutions as replacements for carbon-intensive materials while generating new economic opportunities. Forests are indispensable for healthy economies – today and for future generations. See here for more United Nations FAO information.

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2026.03.21 EWPAA Media Release – International Day of Forests 2026

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, EWPAA CEO. (b) (07) 3250 3700 (m) 0429 990 528

 * About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE

4 November 2025

New Technical Officer joins the EWPAA team

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is pleased to announce a new member of the technical team, with Justin Tonks starting work this week.

Prior to becoming one of EWPAA’s Technical Officers, Justin has had 30 years of operational and technical experience in the timber industry. He has broad expertise in timber composites, manufacturing and operations, including comprehensive knowledge of quality, environmental and safety improvement systems. Justin’s last role was the Manufacturing Manager at Forest One’s processing facility located at Benalla in Victoria.

Justin joins EWPAA at an important time for our timber industry, where the role of independent credible product certification is more important than ever to ensure fit-for purpose products are used to build our essential homes and businesses.

Announcing Justin’s appointment, EWPAA CEO Gavin Matthew said: “Justin is well known around the timber industry for his technical expertise, broad manufacturing knowledge, hands-on management style, and just being a friendly approachable person. Justin will be a great addition to EWPAA, helping to ensure we continue to deliver expert technical and manufacturing support to members, trusted product and process certification services, expert standards development, and innovative research and development outcomes that benefit industry.”

Justin added, “I am excited to be given the opportunity to join EWPAA, it’s a great team that’s respected throughout our industry, and is known to deliver direct value and effective outcomes. I am especially looking forward to supporting our timber sector so that it continues to manufacture innovative, reliable, and renewable timber products.”

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2025.11.04 EWPAA Media Release – new EWPAA technical Officer

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew. EWPAA CEO. T: +61 (7) 3250 3700. M: +61 (0) 429 990 528

* About EWPAA. The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is the technical association for manufacturers of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE

10 July 2025

Timber Fibre Strategy release welcomed, joint action now needed

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins other industry voices in welcoming Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP recent release of the long-awaited Albanese Government’s Timber Fibre Strategy, which looks at opportunities and challenges currently facing our sector, details national priorities, and frames actions for investment and growth out to 2050.

The Timber Fibre Strategy was developed by the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership which is made up of Federal Government, industry and unions representatives, and details six key priority areas for collaborative action to continue to address the significant issues facing Australia and our renewable industries, these are:

• Building sovereign timber fibre manufacturing capability and capacity
• Meeting demand for timber fibre resources
• Healthy forests, actively managed
• Attracting and engaging people and other industry enablers
• Supporting and growing regional communities
• Innovating the timber fibre value chain

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “The release of this long-awaited Strategy is timely and identifies many of the joint actions we need to take to address our critical housing challenge and support the necessary investment in regional manufacturing capacity and jobs. This is further recognition that our renewable industries can build new homes and businesses, reduce emissions, store carbon, provide jobs, and manufacture essential products, including innovative engineered wood products.”

“However, the release of the Strategy is only the first step. All levels of government and industry stakeholders will need to work together to progress the many joint actions, including establishing supportive policies and incentives, if we are to achieve the Strategy’s ambitious vision and make a real difference to the big issues facing Australia,” Gavin Matthew said.

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2025.07.10 EWPAA Media Release – Timber Fibre Strategy release welcomed, joint action now needed

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, CEO of EWPAA. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528

 * About EWPAA. The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is the technical association for manufacturers of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE

13 September 2024

Engineered wood products creativity showcased in new EWPAA mezzanine office.

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) new mezzanine office and board room was formally opened by EWPAA Chair Stuart Toakley on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, enthusiastically attended by industry and supply chain representatives.

The new office is open and welcoming, showcasing the flexible use of a range of EWPAA member company’s renewable engineered wood products (EWPs), and offers staff a creative new space to work in and interact with industry. It demonstrates even an initially bland industrial unit can be made into a vibrant workplace with many modern conveniences.

EWPAA Chair Stuart Toakley declared the new office was the ‘cherry on top of the cake’ of recent investments made by EWPAA and reflected the association’s leading role in providing timber technical expertise, product certification and testing throughout Australasia.

A previously mezzanine roof storage space has been transformed by the capable hands of well-known industry stalwart and retired EWPAA employee, Andy McNaught. Though he may be retired, he’s still very much committed to our industry and promoting EWP use. From start to finish, Andy has skilfully designed, managed trades, and built the new workspace. The EWPAA team are deeply grateful to Andy’s immense knowledge, his years of service, and the impressive quality and functionality of the new build.

As you enter EWPAA’s front door, you’re greeted by a commanding laminated hardwood tabletop, skilfully manufactured by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), followed by more ASH laminated stair treads, leading to the new mezzanine office landing. Here you are captivated by a modern aesthetically immaculate feature of Austral Plywood vertical strips, accentuated by a backing charcoal painted wall. The Australian Panels’ particleboard STRUCTAflor may be easy to miss, as it’s not been used as a flooring product, but makes up the external cladding of the panelised framing sections.

The unsung and unsighted heroes but are just as important are the now-clad products, AKD timber framing from the Caboolture sawmill, and Wesbeam e-joist. Two EWPs that do the job well and are a sensible and renewable choice for renovations and lightweight timber framing builds.

Where the new office space really comes together is the exquisite interior. Australian Panels Easycraft Easy VJ100 is a simple product, that truly adds extensive value to the room. The softened texture from the floor-to-ceiling profile leads perfectly into the charcoal feature wall. Austral Plywood ceilings, doors, and trimmings are ever present, as they both pop with a flash of colour and grain texture yet are subtle and warming.

EWPAA CEO Gavin Matthew said “The new build reflects our commitment to innovative use of EWPs, our members, their products, and our renewable timber industry. The new workspace, created masterfully by Andy McNaught, is a welcoming environment which we’re proud of, and will show off every chance we get”.

[Photos of the build are attached]

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Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, EWPAA CEO. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528

2024.09.13 EWPAA Media Release – New mezzanine office now open

* About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE

5 August 2024

EWPAA congratulates Suzie Steiger on 20 years of service.

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) staff have paid tribute to valued employee Suzie Steiger after 20 years of impactful service.

Suzie Steiger is employed as the Timber Testing Centre’s (TTC) General Manager, leading TTC’s timber testing laboratory activities, and EWPAA Operations Manager, coordinating essential accreditation and certification activities, and reached the impressive milestone on the 2 August 2024. Suzie started work with EWPAA in 2004 and has seen significant change and growth over the 20 years, in both her work roles and the organisation’s activities.

EWPAA CEO Gavin Matthew acknowledged Suzie’s ongoing commitment and tireless efforts to ensuring EWPAA and TTC are successful and leading timber product certification and testing in Australasia.

“Suzie is a dedicated employee who inspires us all,” said Gavin. “She has a great work ethic and real attention to detail that is essential in providing high-quality timber product certification and testing activities.”

Over 20 years and multiple roles, Suzie has demonstrated a passion for timber and our industry, and a willingness to provide industry with the benefit of her expert knowledge. EWPAA joins with industry to congratulate Suzie on 20 years of impactful service to our renewable sector.

The milestone was marked by a special lunch on Friday 2 August 2024.

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, EWPAA CEO. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528

2024-08-05 EWPAA Media Release – Suzie Steiger 20 year service

* About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA MEDIA RELEASE

29 April 2024

Safety concerns rise over non-conforming timber products

 As the use of engineered wood products (EWP) continues to rise across Australia, so does concern over the impacts of non-conforming and incorrectly branded timber products being imported into the country.

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) today released a report that details the significant risks posed by use of non-conforming EWP, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), in residential, multi-residential and commercial building applications.

The ‘Non-Conforming Timber Products Update 2024’ report calls for builders, retailers, and consumers to be wary, ask questions, and use due diligence on product claims, citing possible safety risks, poor product performance and potential reputational damage as negative outcomes for using non-conforming EWP.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer Gavin Matthew commented that while the majority of industry and the market was doing the right thing, a concerning amount of timber products that do not meet the requirements set out in standards and the National Construction Code was still entering the Australian supply chain.

“It is widely acknowledged that imported timber products are necessary for a significant number of building applications and to meet market demand, yet we are consistently finding that some products do not conform or meet Australian standards or demonstrate the required evidence of suitability,” said Mr Matthew.

“Products that are incorrectly labelled or not fit-for-purpose are entering the supply chain, which is concerning as non-conforming products represent significant safety risks for builders, consumers, and the industry as a whole.”

In releasing this report, the EWPAA urges builders, consumers, and other supply-chain stakeholders to commit to using only conforming and fit-for-purpose products.

This includes remaining vigilant, asking the right questions, and undertaking due diligence on product claims, branding and product information.

The Non-Conforming Timber Products Update 2024 is available for download at this link.

Enquiries

Mel Newcombe

Cannings Purple

M: 0410 461 816

E: mnewcombe@canningspurple.com.au

2024-04-29 EWPAA Media Release – safety concerns rise over non-conforming timber products

* About EWPAA. The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA Media Release

21 March 2024

International Day of Forests 2024 – ‘Forests and Innovation’.

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins many like-minded organisations in celebrating International Day of Forests 2024, and highlighting the essential role sustainably managed forests and forest plantations play in providing renewable and innovative wood products which support jobs and regional communities.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “Given the world’s ongoing challenges such as war, logistic constraints, housing shortages, living cost increases, and extreme weather events, this year’s theme is both important and timely, being ‘Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World’. Sustainably managed forests produce an increasing range of innovative and renewable wood products (including many new engineered wood product solutions), that store carbon, reduce emissions, inspire designers, build new homes and businesses, and are used in many other essential and surprising applications around the world.”

“Investing in sustainably managed forests, forest plantations and our renewable wood product industries provides many social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is important that policy makers across the world recognise and incentivise the significant potential of using renewable and low emission wood product solutions in the built environment, to provide essential shelter, store carbon long-term, and cut emissions,” Mr Matthew concluded.

The Collaborative Partnership on Forests chosen theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is ‘Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World’ and has indicated the battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. See here for more United Nations FAO information and to engage further.

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, CEO of EWPAA. (b) (07) 3250 3700 (m) 0429 990 528

2024-03-21 EWPAA Media Release – International Day of Forests 2024

 * About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA Media Release

15 February 2024

EWPAA welcomes new Australian Forest Products Association CEO

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) welcomes the appointment of Ms Diana Hallam as the new Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer which comes at an important time for our renewable timber products sector.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gavin Matthew said, “Diana has significant previous experience working at senior levels of the Australian Public Service and has expressed a strong commitment to understanding the many issues affecting our supply chain and regional communities across Australia.”

“Diana takes on this important industry leadership role at a critical time with a volatile market for our essential products, a national need to plant more for-harvest trees, a worldwide push for reduced emissions and renewable products, and international impacts continuing to disrupt supply chains.”

“The timber manufacturing sector produces many innovative, reliable, and renewable products that should be recognised as preferred building materials in a low emissions future. There is much to be done but we are confident Diana will hit the ground running, using her understanding of Australia’s public service and political environment, and work for our industry backed by the strong team at AFPA.”

“EWPAA is keen to work with Diana and her team to put in place quality policy settings that will plant more for-harvest trees, build more homes and businesses with timber solutions, and grow our forest product industries,” Mr Matthew concluded.

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, CEO of EWPAA. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528

2024-02 EWPAA Media Release – AFPA CEO

* About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA Media Release

23 May 2023

Sad day for sustainable native forest management

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins the many voices condemning the baffling and unexpected move today by the Victorian government to significantly bring forward the end of sustainable native forest harvesting in that State.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “This ill-formed decision to walk away from the existing 2030 phase-out undermines industry confidence in sovereign security, and blatantly ignores the essential role sustainably managed native forests play in supplying much-needed timber to our renewable industries while supporting valued jobs and regional communities. It is especially disappointing, considering Australia’s existing challenges, including the increasing cost of living, and ongoing need for renewable products, emission reductions, and quality regional jobs.”

“Sustainably managed native forest industries produce a range of innovative and renewable wood products, that reduce emissions, store carbon, are used in new homes and many other essential applications. This kind of baseless decision undermines any long-term certainty needed by industry or workers to make essential investment or employment decisions. This is a sad day for sustainable native forest management and a sad day for Victoria,” Mr Matthew declared.

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, CEO of EWPAA. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528

2023-05-23 EWPAA Media Release – Sad day for sustainable native forest management

* About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of a broad range of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/

EWPAA Media Release

26 April 2023

Investment in timber manufacturing innovation welcomed.

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins other industry voices in welcoming Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt’s recent announcement of successful companies to receive grant funding to underpin innovation, add value, and build capacity in our renewable timber manufacturing industries.

The Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation (AAWPI) grant program will allocate more than $108 million in funding to timber manufacturing companies across Australia and will deliver an important Albanese Government policy commitment. Funding will be provided via grants of between $1 million to $5 million to 34 successful companies before 2025-26.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “The awarding of these grants is timely to underpin investment in regional manufacturing innovation and resilience following COVID, logistics and wood fibre supply challenges. This is further recognition that our renewable industries can reduce emissions, store carbon, provide jobs, and manufacture essential products, including innovative engineered wood products, to build new homes and businesses to improve housing affordability and sustainability. Wood fibre is a renewable biological resource which should be recognised as a preferred building material in a low emissions future.”

“Additionally, EWPAA will continue to work closely with the Albanese Government on their $4.4 million policy commitment to protect industry from illegal and conflict timber imports by strengthening Australia’s illegal logging traceability and timber identification systems – a growing and concerning issue that we feel strongly about,” Gavin Matthew said.

In Australia’s uncertain construction market, participants are increasingly aware of the supply risk of ‘illegal and conflict timber products’ sourced from Russia or Belarus, transformed in other manufacturing countries, e.g., China, and then traded to unsuspecting markets.

“Australia’s construction market needs to exercise increased due diligence (e.g., on branding, supporting information, and product certification claims) when importing timber products or building with them, due to increased risk they may have been manufactured from ‘conflict or illegally logged’ timber,” Gavin Matthew said.

Inquiries: Gavin Matthew, CEO of EWPAA. (b) (07) 3250 3700. (m) 0429 990 528

2023.04.26 EWPAA Media Release – Investment in timber industry innovation welcomed

* About EWPAA. Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of engineered and solid wood products located throughout Australasia. https://ewp.asn.au/