Media Release

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]

END

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/

EWPAA Media Release

21 March 2023

International Day of Forests – celebrating wood’s environmental and health benefits

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins in celebrating International Day of Forests, and the essential role sustainably managed forests and forest plantations play in providing environmental and health benefits, while also supplying renewable 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, economic shocks, living cost increases, and extreme weather events, this year’s theme is both topical and important, being ‘Healthy Forests for Healthy People’. Sustainably managed forests provide direct health benefits but also produce an increasing range of innovative and renewable wood products, that store carbon, inspire designers, build new healthy homes, and are used in many other essential applications around the world.”

“Investing in sustainably managed forests and our renewable wood product industries provides many social, economic, and environmental benefits. Wood products are natural and provide measurable feelings of well-being and health outcomes to those that live and work in timber-based buildings. It is important policy makers recognise the significant potential in the built environment to provide essential shelter and cut emissions, by using renewable timber building solutions and low emission products,” Mr Matthew concluded.

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

2023-03-21 EWPAA Media Release – International Day of Forests

* 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

14 July 2022

Timber to play a big role in a Net Zero Future for the Built Environment

The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) welcomes the announcement by the Federal Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare MP and Australian Research Council (ARC) of $3 million in research and development (R&D) funding to establish an ARC Research Hub to ‘Advance Timber for Australia’s Future Built Environment’ based at the University of Queensland (UQ).

The Timber Hub (led by UQ Professor Keith Crews) aims to support the transformation of Australia’s timber and construction sectors by stimulating growth in innovation, increasing the uptake of timber products used in buildings, and establishing a roadmap for change.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “This new funding and industry’s strong support for the Timber Hub recognises that our renewable timber products can reduce emissions and waste, store carbon, provide skilled jobs, and build the types of new homes and businesses needed in a net zero future.”

“Timber is a renewable biological resource that can be manufactured into a range of essential products, including many innovative engineered wood products, which should be the preferred building materials in a low emissions and circular economy that can also provide many social, environmental, and economic benefits.”

“We are proud to be a partner organisation and see the Timber Hub’s identified R&D themes of manufacturing innovation, building product performance, supply chain optimisation, low emissions, and circular economy closely align with our industry’s strategic objectives,” Mr Matthew concluded.

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

 2022-07-14 EWPAA Media Release – Timber to play a big role in a Net Zero Future for the Built Environment

* 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

14 April 2022

Investing in wood product manufacturing is investing in a renewable future

Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) joins the chorus of industry voices in welcoming the Coalition’s election commitment today of $219.5 million to support R&D activities, foster innovation, and build capacity in our renewable wood product manufacturing industries.

EWPAA’s Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Matthew said, “The Coalition’s package is timely amongst the ongoing COVID, logistic and timber supply challenges that the building supply chain currently faces, and recognises that our renewable industries can reduce emissions, store carbon, provide jobs, and manufacture essential products to build new homes and businesses.”

If elected, the Coalition has committed to:

• $100 million to establish a National Institute for Forests Products Innovation, including a central Launceston hub with up to 5 regionally located centres Australia-wide
• $112.9 million in grants to underpin new wood processing technologies to maximise log recovery, process smaller logs, and create new and innovative products
• $6.6 million to extend funding for the 11 Regional Forest Industry Hubs

“Wood fibre is a renewable biological resource that is manufactured into a range of essential products, including many innovative engineered wood products, which should be recognised as preferred building materials in a low emissions future that can also provide many social, environmental, and economic benefits.”

“We urge the other political parties campaigning in this crucial Federal election to also acknowledge the long-term benefits of investing in our renewable industries, and make significant commitments to plant new production trees, support innovation, and build modern wood product manufacturing capacity across Australia,” Mr Matthew concluded.

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

2022-04-14 EWPAA Media Release – Coalition investment in wood product manufacturing

* 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/