Truss and Frame Industry the P3 Delivers Accurate, High Quality Printing Including All the Information You Want Without Slowing Your Saw Down

NO. 364 // NOVEMBER 2016

WOMEN IN TIMBER Leading

the way – Page 18

PAGE 13 PAGE 34 PAGE 36 BETTER BUILDING: NEXT GENERATION NEW INCENTIVES FOR FAST & EFFICIENT CLT PREFAB SOLUTIONS TIMBER RECYCLING THE CHOICE IS YOURS THE VEKTA P3 PRINTER Designed speciﬁcally for the needs of the truss and frame industry the P3 delivers accurate, high quality printing including all the information you want without slowing your saw down.

REAL TIME PRINTING • High resolution printing on two sides of the timber, without the need to slow down the saw

INFORMATION ON THE MEMBERS TO ASSIST: • Assists in fabrication with nail plate locations, stud details, camber information, orientation marks and more printed directly onto components • Assists builders on site with detailed information, making their We have two Razer saws from Vekta in our job faster and easier prenail operation. One of the reasons for purchasing a second saw is the printing capabilities that the P3 offer in terms of plate marking and truss component placement. These help the assembly team to work EASY TO MAINTAIN smarter not harder to meet the production levels • With low cost consumables and required to satisfy our customers expectations. This parts that are both easy to clean combined with the support online and technical and inexpensive to replace, the VXSSRUWLQSHUVRQJDYHXVWKHFRQÀGHQFHWR purchase a second Razer from Vekta. Vekta P3 Printer costs a fraction of what other typical print systems Thanks to the Vekta Team. cost to maintain. George Van Boven, Prenail Plant Manager Thomsons ITM – Waikato

vekta.com.au INDUSTRY INSIGHTS PUBLISHING DATA Maree McCaskill, General Manager, Publisher: Ian Brooks (02) 9126 9705 Timber NSW [email protected] Editor: Alison Turner (02) 9126 9714 [email protected] wo centuries ago in Australia we had of fi re emergency management has reached sustainable land management, world class record highs. Wildfi res are now seen as the Advertising: Julie McConachy T 0409 381 813 fi re management practices and abundant norm despite being mostly caused by humans. [email protected] biodiversity. What happened? Very quickly, When the latest mega-fi re threatens life and Subscription Manager Aboriginal land management skills and property we take comfort in the words of our Julie Hughes (02) 9439 1955 knowledge disappeared. Control over fi re was decorated fi re commissioners. There’s little [email protected] lost and we introduced plants and animals that mention of the impact on wildlife nor do we Art Director: Julitta Overdijk became widespread pests. As our population question whether the fi re could have been grew, much of our native vegetation was avoided through planned hazard reduction. Paragon Media Pty Limited cleared for the production of food and fi bre and National Parks alone won’t prevent the ABN: 49 097 087 860 Suite 14, Level 2/174 Willoughby Road most of what remained was left unmanaged. decline in biodiversity. In NSW there are 7.3 Crows Nest NSW 2065 The combined effect of these things had a million hectares of National Park & Reserves PO Box 81, St Leonards, NSW 1590, major impact on our biodiversity. which equates to 9.2 percent of the state. Australia To stem the decline in biodiversity we These areas cost $415M or $55 per hectare on Tel: 02 9439 1955 / Fax: 02 9439 1977 introduced a complex web of tenure-based average to manage each year. In the last thirty Email: [email protected] legislation. Tenure is a legal concept rather than years, billions of dollars have been used to Circulation: proprietors, managers and a best-practice management method. It means expand them mainly on the coast. executives in all sectors of the timber public native forests are classifi ed as National A single governance model would provide and building materials industries Parks, State Forests or Crown Land. improved accountability supported by a including merchants, building material As NSW is the most heavily regulated forest landscape scale monitoring and reporting centres, hardware stores, timber window environment it provides an insight into the system. This can’t be achieved without making and door manufacturers, truss and frame manufacturers, timber fl ooring problem. Its native forests are governed by changes to a state’s existing tenure system – retailers, stair, balustrade and solid around 50 acts of parliament, fi ve state and that is usually politically unpalatable. timber furniture manufacturers and ministerial portfolios and 12 government Native forests are dynamic, evolving with their associated suppliers and industry agencies. Early on this system seemed to fi re, drought and fl ood. Using preventative associations throughout Australia. work, however the tenure system offers no measures like ecological thinning and fi re Established October 1985 broad landscape management or accountability. mitigation, the timber industry can play a key ISSN 1035/4298 Tenures have always been ripe for political role in active, adaptive management to tackle Print Post Approved: 100002694 opportunism. Over a 10-year period in NSW a common threats across all tenure types. Published 12 times per year by: previous premier claimed to save the forests So are we serious about biodiversity? Email: [email protected] Website: www.timbertradernews.com by relabelling 350 parcels of State Forests and Does the public understand? In the absence Crown Land as National Parks and directing of evidence-based communication, the void Subscriptions for 12 editions: the majority of all public land management is fi lled by detractors who continue to argue Australia: $99 (+GST) spending into their management. City dwellers the industry does not have a social licence. New Zealand: NZ$109 (+NZGST) were convinced that the forests were saved On the economic side of the ledger, the Overseas Airmail: AU$250 and that a world class conservation reserve challenge ahead is the forest industry working system had been created. with the construction industry as an effi cient PERSONNEL Back in the bush little changed, apart from supply chain to provide local timber to meet less timber harvesting. Pests and weeds the growing demand for affordable housing. Sales Director: continued to run rampant. The government The prediction is over 660,000 new homes Julie McConachy regulators of pests and weeds remained in NSW alone by 2031. A reinvigorated, Phone: 0409 381 813 [email protected] focused on agriculture and public forest agencies innovative timber industry will also be well were left to manage their own estates. placed to play a leading role in the cellulose Altered fi re regimes are a major threat to economy, with new products such as CLT PUBLISHER biodiversity. Government spending on forest (cross-laminated timber) just the start of Ian Brooks fi re management is at an all-time low; the cost exciting innovation in the sector. Phone: 02 9126 9705 [email protected]

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX – NOVEMBER 2016 Abbey Timber ...... 15 Hundegger ...... 43 Outdoor Timber Treatment ...... 8 AKD Softwoods ...... 21 Hyne Timber ...... 9 Simmonds Lumber ...... 33 Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd ...... 6 Kennedy’s Timber ...... 23 STS Timber ...... 25 Bliss & Reels Pty Ltd ...... 35 McCormack’s Hardwood Sales ...... 5, 36 Vekta Automation ...... 2 Disprax ...... 16 MiTek Australia Ltd ...... 34, 44 Wrights Forest Products ...... 39 Framequip ...... 14 Multinail Australia Pty Ltd ...... 37 www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 3 24 CONTENTS Regulars Industry insights 3 State of the industry 5 Association update Association news 7 News News in brief 10 30 Events 16 Feature article Brave new world: women in timber 18 Company proﬁ le Simmonds Lumber 24 A conversation with... Ed Serrano, Managing Director, Vekta 26

Watt about the workpace 28 TimberFloor News ATFA award winners 30 12 Brice on boards: timber grades 32 AutoBuild News PrefabAUS conference 34 Timber recycling at Trueform Frames and Trusses 36 FTMA newsletter With Kersten Gentle 38 GN guidelines COVER CREDIT: Shane Vicary Wind beams 40

Truss talk Like us on Facebook With Paul Davis 42 facebook.com/TimberTraderNews

E-newsletter subscribers: 1084 Visit our website

Disclaimer Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, by providing editorial material to Paragon Media, including text and images you are providing permission Average Net Distribution: 1599 for that material to be subsequently used by Paragon Media, whole or in Period ending September 2015 part, edited or unchanged, alone or in combination with other material in any publication or format in print or online or howsoever distributed, Source: Audited Media Association of Australia; whether produced by Paragon Media and its agents and associates or CAB Total Distribution Audit. For further another party to whom Paragon Media has provided permission. information visit www.auditedmedia.org.au

NEWSLETTER Want the full story? Subscribe to the TimberTrader News newsletter for news, proﬁ les on industry personalities, new products and features. To subscribe, go to www.timbertradernews.com/subscribe/newsletters. AUSTRALIA’S MOST RELEVANT AND WELL-LOVED TIMBER INDUSTRY MAGAZINE PHOTO: (BOTTOM) MATTHEW MALLETT PHOTOGRAPHY MALLETT MATTHEW (BOTTOM) PHOTO:

4 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com State of the Industry October 2016 Results from October show a slight decrease in budget performance in comparison to last month. Sample size for October: 13 KEY FINDINGS lower compared to September). Proﬁle of survey participants this month Performance against budget • 15% reduced staff (15% higher The participants for the October survey included Frame and Truss Fabricators • 69% made or exceeded budget compared to September). (69%), followed by Merchants (23%) (10% lower compared to September) METROPOLITAN vs. REGIONAL with respondents also being Wholesaler/ – consisting of medium businesses The majority of survey respondents for Supplier/Machinery/Services. (67%) and small businesses (33%). October were located in Victoria (38%), • 31% either missed budget or missed Queensland (31%) with respondents also PARTICIPANT COMMENTS budget badly – consisting of medium from New South Wales, Tasmania, Western “Good products, good website, good sales businesses (75%) and small Australia and South Australia. reps and constant training of management businesses (25%). 54% of respondents were from a will help make the business to stay current • Staff hires: 62 per cent employed Metropolitan area. Of these respondents and keep out of old fashioned ruts that kill more staff (26% higher compared 57% made or exceeded budget (13% off businesses.” to September). Of the companies lower compared to September). 46% of Reason for exceeding budget: “Currently who employed more staff, only respondents were from a Regional area. Of there is a high level of activity in our local 76% exceeded or made their budget. these respondents 83% made or exceeded building industry. Customers are driven • 23% reported no changes (41% budget (17% lower compared to September). by quality over price.”

OCTOBER: 46% Exceeded 23% Made 23% Just missed 8% Missed badly

70 60 50 40 30 20 10

SEP OCT NOV DEC 2015 JAN 2016 FEB MARAPRMAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT This survey is a guide only as to the ‘state of our industry’.

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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 5 Inside. Outside.

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ATIF stakeholders to discuss biosecurity issues John Halkett and identify areas for collective action. In particular, this year’s forum reviewed key Illegal logging regulations themes and issues raised at the seven At a meeting with Senator the Hon. Anne regional biosecurity roundtables that took Ruston, Assistant Minister for Agriculture place across the country earlier this year. and Water Resources, with responsibility for forestry, ATIF Chairman and Managing TABMA Photos kindly provided by Jim Bowden. Director of Gunnersens Nils Koren reaffi rmed Colin Fitzpatrick ATIF’s support of the intention of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012, plus the Industry dinner need for a robust due diligence system. The 2016 TABMA and national Timber The meeting discussed options for Industry Dinner was held on October improving the effi ciency of, and reducing 7 at Dockside, Cockle Bay in Sydney the uncertainty associated with the due and was attended by 220 guests diligence process prescribed by the representing all mainland states. current regulations. For instance, while Guests were entertained by illusionist the regulations are clear about the standing Matt Hollywood and a DJ played all types of Forest Stewardship Certifi cation (FSC) of music. It was voted by guests as one and Programme for the Endorsement of of the best dinners they had attended. The Forest Certifi cation (PEFC), they are not dinner was arranged by events coordinator A clear about other certifi cation schemes, Amanda Jones, who capably looked after such as national schemes in countries every minor detail. The annual Member of like Canada and Indonesia. the Year award was presented to ITI Mr Koren indicated that the proposed Australia and accepted by Craig Davies. amendments to the regulations provided an opportunity to reduce uncertainty and to make the due diligence requirements more effi cient. He indicated to Senator Ruston that ATIF was happy to continue to work with her and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on prospective changes to the regulations.

2016 National Biosecurity Forum The National Biosecurity Committee and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources hosted the 2016 National Biosecurity Forum in Canberra on November 8. B C Again this year, ATIF participated in the forum, which provided an opportunity for the federal, state and territory governments to come together with industry and

A: Ross Hampton, CEO Australian Forest Products Association and wife Linda with John Halkett, manager, Australian Timber Importers Federation. B: Matt DiMicco, John Stewart and Mark Hillyer, Simmonds Lumber. C: Dee Atkinson, state manager, Tilling Timber NSW presents TABMA Member of the Year Award to Craig Davies, NSW manager of ITI Australia. D: Eileen Newbury, marketing and communications manager, FWPA, Jacqueline Marshall, Weathertex and Joel Fenningtgon, Hardware General and Weathertex. E: Taylar Dimech, John Cook and Sons, Ian Brooks D E and Alison Turner of Paragon Media www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 7 ASSOCIATION UPDATE

TDA board TTIA Generally, an employer is required to give As a member of the Timber Development Brian Beecroft employees a period of notice of the annual Association, TABMA has a representative close-down. A close-down for annual leave on the TDA board. This position has in recent Joint timber industry conference over the Christmas-New Year period will times been fi lled by Ian Halliday. However, and dinner usually be affected by a number of statutory Ian has now decided to devote more time to TTIA is holding the inaugural joint timber public holidays. his retirement and from 2017 his position industry conference and dinner with Timber will be fi lled by Gary Walker of Belmont NSW on November 17 in Sydney. This event Public holidays – Christmas-New Timber. is unique and will cover the whole national Year period 2016-17 timber industry supply chain. The public holidays for the Christmas- TABMA WA TTIA is pleased to join with Timber New Year period 2016-17 are: During September, Alicia Oelkers and myself NSW (formerly NSW Forest Products • Christmas Day (All states and territories made a three-day trip to Perth to call on as Association) in this opportunity for our except Victoria) – Sunday, December 25 many members as possible. We were very respective members and guests to • Boxing Day (Proclamation Day in South warmly welcomed on each visit and we will network and catch up with colleagues. Australia) – Monday, December 26 be reinforcing our efforts in the state over Its anticipated this will become an • Additional holiday – Tuesday, December 27 the next few months. annual event on the timber calendar. • New Year’s Day – Sunday, January 1 Employers in the timber and timber • New Year’s Day – Monday, January 2 Queensland products industry are encouraged to The growth of TABMA Queensland and Fitec support this event. The conference and Modern awards Pty Ltd (now trading as TABMA Training) has dinner will be held at the Sydney Park As part of the four-yearly review of modern necessitated the move to larger premises. Alan Davidson Oval Pavilion and will awards, the majority of modern awards were From October 1 both companies are now commence at 12 noon for lunch followed varied to provide that an employer may require housed at Unit G2, Level 1, 385 Sherwood by the conference from 1pm to 4:30pm. an employee to take annual leave as part of a Road, Rocklea. All telephone numbers A three-course gourmet dinner will be close-down of its operations. In addition, remain unchanged. preceded by drinks at 6.30pm. awards permit an employer and employee to If any employer is interested in further agree in writing to take annual leave in TABMA Victoria details or wishes to be provided with advance, such as where an employee has Final interviews for the role of Manager an attendance form, please contact insuffi cient accrual of annual leave to cover the TABMA Victoria were conducted in the TTIA offi ce on (02) 9264 0011 period of an annual close down. October with the appointee to take up or by email at [email protected] Awards now provide that if, on termination the role in November. of employment, the employee has not Annual close-down accrued an entitlement to cover the period Audited results Christmas is fast approaching and employers of annual leave taken in advance, the The audited results of TABMA Australia for are reminded that it is an employer’s right to employer may deduct from any money due the 2015/16 fi scal year were approved by send an employee on an annual close-down on termination the defi cit between accrued TABMA’s audit committee in September. depending on the applicable modern award, annual leave and annual leave taken in TABMA’s revenue has increased by over 40 enterprise agreement or, in the case of an advance. The terms of the applicable percent in the 12 months June 30, 2015 to award/agreement-free employee, the modern award should be noted to determine June 30, 2016, with additional growth National Employment Standards. whether annual close down is permitted. budgeted for the 2016/17 year. Notice of annual close-down Most modern awards, including the Timber Industry Award 2010, require an employer to give four weeks’ notice of the intention to ColourWood close down for annual leave. This provision ECOWOOD with colour built in! is more favourable than a previous provision in the Timber Industry Award that provided for three months’ notice. Some awards may require a longer period of notice. Reference should be made to the applicable modern award or to the TTIA Enquiry Line on (02) ColourWood IS DURABLE AGAINST DECAY AND TERMITE DAMAGE AND SAFE FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE IN CLOSE HUMAN CONTACT. IDEAL FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND CIVIC APPLICATIONS, WHERE OUTDOOR ABOVE GROUND AND IN-GROUND TIMBER IS SPECIFIED. 9264 0011 to determine the relevant period 7DNHDGYDQWDJHRIWKHEHQH¿WVRI(FRZRRGZLWKFRORXUEXLOWLQE\VSHFLI\LQJ&RORXU:RRGIRUDOO\RXUVWUXFWXUDORXWGRRUDQGLQJURXQGEXLOGLQJQHHGV of notice required to be given to employees ª )DPLO\ IULHQGO\ UHFRPPHQGHG IRU HQYLURQPHQWDOO\ VHQVLWLYH DUHDV RU IUHTXHQW KXPDQ FRQWDFW DSSOLFDWLRQV when a business is closing ª 'XUDEOH DWWUDFWLYH RXWGRRU ZRRG SURGXFWV JXDUDQWHHG DJDLQVW IDLOXUH IURP GHFD\ DQG LQVHFW DWWDFN down for annual leave. ª :LWK &RORXU EXLOW LQ &RORXU:RRG VDYHV WLPH DQG PRQH\ E\ HOLPLQDWLQJ WKH QHHG IRU DGGLWLRQDO VWDLQV WR EH DSSOLHG DIWHU LQVWDOODWLRQ If employees are entitled to other paid (FRZRRG&RORXU:RRG)HQFLQJ3URGXFWV (FRZRRG&RORXU:RRG/DQGVFDSLQJ7LPEHU leave during the close-down, such as (FRZRRG&RORXU:RRG'HFNLQJ (FRZRRG&RORXU:RRG)3UHPLXP6OHHSHUV personal/sick leave, this overrides the annual &RORXU:RRG1RZ$YDLODEOH leave. In these circumstances members are advised to contact the TTIA as employees will require specifi c evidence and proof of www.outdoortimber.com.au their absence before any form of other paid WOOD PROTECTION ColourWood 1300 TREATED leave overrides the annual leave period.

8 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com Get more for less this decking season.

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hyne.com.au NEWS IN BRIEF INDUSTRY NEWS Going up

Tall timber building research can transform the Queensland skyline.

he Queensland timber industry has Twelcomed the opening of the Centre for Future Timber Structures at the University of Queensland, and the important role it can play in facilitating the greater use of timber in high rise housing and commercial buildings. ”We are already seeing a strong trend of mid- to high-rise residential construction in Queensland and across Australia, and this new research centre will look at ways to Bushfire Building Expo accelerate the use of new timber products in these buildings,” says Timber Queensland Working to become the world’s best at building in Chief Executive Officer, Mick Stephens. bushfire-prone areas. “This is particularly exciting given recent changes to the National Construction he third Bushfire Building Expo was The day prior to the Bushfire Building Code, which allows builders to use timber Theld on Saturday, September 10. Expo, BMEE once again presented the construction solutions in buildings up to 25 Approximately 1500 people attended Bushfire Building Conference. This is metres in height – or around eight storeys.” the expo, with more than 500 attending the only national event that brings The opening of the centre – jointly the community forum. together builders, architects, designers, funded by the University of Queensland, The event is Australia’s only exhibition planners, researchers, regulators and the Queensland Government, the Australian of leading technology, products and insurers to explore issues around building Research Council, Hyne Timber, Lendlease professional services necessary to in a bushfire-prone area. and engineering firm Arup – demonstrates build in a bushfire-prone area. “This year’s conference covered new the commitment by industry and the The free community event, produced ground, including the findings from the 2015 research community to this new innovative by Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise Wye River fire near the Great Ocean Road era of tall timber buildings. (BMEE), showcases building products, and the latest on regulations and building Researchers at the new centre will bushfire consultants, architects, builders, innovation from around the country,” work to ensure that Queensland and landscapers, designers and insurers. Brinkman says. “The conference has Australia lead the world in the increasingly The Expo also featured community become known as a great forum for competitive tall timber engineering market. information sessions, presenting anyone working in the building or planning “Queensland has a strong capacity in essential information for all residents industries to learn more about the forestry and wood products R&D, and this living in bushfire-prone areas. increasing risk of bushfire,” said Brinkman. new centre will complement work being “This year we had a unique and This event started as a bushfire undertaken by the Queensland Department interesting program, covering topics recovery initiative following the Blue of Agriculture and Fisheries at its Salisbury such as getting insurance right, what is Mountains bushfires in 2013. The wood research facility and other forestry- a BAL rating, why do houses burn down, bushfire Building Conference and Expo related research such as at the University etc,” says BMEE CEO Jacqueline Brinkman. has fast become an important calendar of the Sunshine Coast,” Stephens says. “This year we also ran a Mythbusters event contributing the development of Timber Queensland has noted the session where we had experts break Australia’s expertise in building and announcement in May by the Turnbull apart some of the misconceptions that designing for bushfire prone areas. Coalition of $4 million in new funding exist such as: ‘My house is brick so it “Australia has the opportunity to be towards the establishment of a National won’t burn down’ and ‘We built to Flame the world’s best at designing for and Institute for Forest Products Innovation, Zone standard, so all the neighbours can building in bushfire prone areas,” with two key nodes to be located in shelter at our place if a fire comes’.” Brinkman says. “With our experience, Tasmania and South Australia. NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob our research, our history and our “It would make sense to build on the Rogers urged residents to attend the competitiveness, this is an ideal knowledge existing research capacity in Queensland Expo, which is designed to help people export for this country and this event is and establish a third node in tropical forestry understand the bushfire risk in their the perfect vehicle for these efforts.” and wood products science and its potential area and how to best prepare. in northern Australia”, Stephens says.

10 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com NEWS IN BRIEF

More help for students he threshold test for Master TBuilders will be whether the government’s new Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans program announced by Education Minister Simon Birmingham restores confidence and integrity to the VET sector, says Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia. “The new student loans program must deliver positive outcomes for students and employers, unlike the previous system which was plagued by rorting, low completion rates and poor delivery of courses,” he says. “We welcome the minister’s indication that the new funding arrangements will be focused on strong links to employers, improving completion rates and employment outcomes.” For the trade-based building and construction industry, a strong VET system is essential to training the next generation of builders and tradies and Be asbestos aware maintaining community confidence in November is National Asbestos Awareness Month. the training of our future workforce. “Master Builders looks forward to n initiative of the Asbestos Education including malignant mesothelioma. working closely with the minster to ACommittee working in partnership with There is no cure for mesothelioma, ensure the success of the VET Student the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute a cancer that can develop between 20-50 Loans program and the inclusion of and supported by the Heads of Asbestos years after inhaling asbestos fibres. The construction related diploma and Coordination Authorities, Australia’s leading average survival time is just 10-12 months advanced diploma courses being National Asbestos Awareness Month following diagnosis. Inhaling asbestos fibres available through the VET Student Campaign throughout November educates can also cause lung cancer, asbestosis and Loans program to ensure our industry homeowners, renovators, handymen benign pleural disease. continues to play its strong role in and tradespeople about the dangers of Because there is no known safe level of building our economy and creating asbestos and how to manage it safely. exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s extremely jobs,” Harnisch says. Asbestos is not only found in fibro important for all Australians to safely The government’s focus on providing homes. Australia was among one of the manage asbestos-containing materials that funding support for skills training that largest consumers of asbestos-containing might be found in and around their homes. includes the growing building and materials in the world, with asbestos- With the aim of stopping Australians from construction sector will greatly assist the containing products still found in one in playing Renovation Roulette and putting their industry to contribute to economic growth three brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad health and the health of families at and maximise employment outcomes. homes built or renovated before 1987. risk, now more than ever homeowners, “The announcement of the inclusion Asbestos was used in the manufacture renovators, tradies and handymen need to of building and construction of a broad range of products, so it could “Get to kNOw Asbestos this November”. qualifications at the diploma level is be anywhere – under floor coverings By visiting asbestosawareness.com.au particularly appreciated,” Harnisch says. including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, people can easily search for and identify “Master Builders also welcomes behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, the sorts of products to look for, the the government’s recognition of the internal and external walls, ceilings and locations of where they might be found importance of a quality workforce for ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, and learn how to manage and dispose our industry which is the nation’s third roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, of asbestos safely ensuring they protect largest, employs more than a million extensions to homes, garages, outdoor themselves and families from exposure people per year and trains more than toilets, backyard and farm structures, to dangerous asbestos fibres. 50,000 apprentices each year.” chook sheds and even dog kennels. Australia’s National Asbestos Awareness In supporting the reforms, Master Without knowing where these types Month Campaign has been internationally Builders is nevertheless concerned by of asbestos-containing products might be recognised in academic journals (Tom the omission of the Advanced Diploma located or how to manage and dispose of Douglas, Senior Research Fellow University of Building and Construction. asbestos safely, Australians play a risky of Oxford) as a world-leading asbestos “This is important to driving game of “Renovation Roulette” if they awareness and education campaign in the productivity and innovation in the disturb asbestos-containing materials prevention of asbestos-related diseases. $200 billion building and construction and release fibres that can be inhaled, For more information, go to industry,” Harnisch says

PHOTO: CHAMELEONSEYE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO: which may cause asbestos-related diseases asbestosawareness.com.au

www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 11 NEWS IN BRIEF

Inviting design King Valley winery crowned National Building Design of the Year.

family-owned and operated winery principal designer, says he was proud Anestled in the King Valley of Victoria’s to see a regional project recognised majestic High Country has been judged “We love creating alongside a series of exceptional the National Building Design of the Year projects from across Australia. at the 2016 National Building Design Awards. unique designs, and “We love creating unique and bespoke Designed by MG Design & Building, designs, and Chrismont Winery is certainly Chrismont Winery has captivated visitors Chrismont Winery that,” he says. “We enjoyed the design since 2015 with its sleek and sophisticated is certainly that.” process from start to finish, and are thrilled design, blending with its stunning with the overall result. The brief allowed surroundings and perfectly framing us to support the client to define and its spectacular views. and inviting contemporary interior, which differentiate their brand, and create an Tamica Lewis, chair of the judging panel makes visitors feel comfortable and invites enduring, contemporary and inviting design.” and president of the Building Designers them to relax and indulge,” Lewis says. The 2016 National Building Design Awards Association of Queensland, has praised “We were impressed with the way the ceremony was held at Sea World Resort and Chrismont Winery and its designers for walls and windows perfectly framed the is proudly supported by major partner, leveraging the natural environment to views of the King Valley to appear as if it James Hardie and bronze partners Ametalin create an exceptional design. was floating above the winery, presenting and Weathertex. “The combined palette of concrete, the location in all of its natural glory.” The awards are hosted by the National stone, wood and glass creates a light Mark Gleeson, MG Design & Building Association of Building Designers and were established in 2013 to promote and develop the building design industry and the excellent work of its professionals. Its objectives include formalising education programs, sharing expertise and pursuing continuous professional

development. PHOTOGRAPHY MALLETT MATTHEW PHOTOS:

12 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com NEWS IN BRIEF

Gardens, which will provide 101 apartments in Better building Campbelltown, and another development Wood is good providing for 134 residences in Rouse Hill. The ueensland governments are being CLT is the building total amount of Strongbuild’s combined CLT Qurged to consider wood as the material of the future projects, including the luxury retirement preferred material of choice for public village, is over $100 million to date. sector building and construction projects ross laminated timber (CLT) is as strong as Strong says the prefabricated building by peak industry body Timber Cconcrete and steel and, as a prefabricated material CLT has similar characteristics to Queensland, who have launched a state- solution, competes with pre-cast concrete on concrete and steel yet is 80 per cent lighter wide “wood encouragement” campaign. cost and time involved in construction. Also, than traditional structures. It also offers Working in conjunction with Planet CLT technology can be sourced from better thermal performance and requires Ark Environmental Foundation, Timber sustainable forestry plantations. Trees less energy to heat and cool. Queensland Chief Executive Mick sequester greenhouse gases, whereas “CLT is engineered and processed in a Stephens explained how using more producing concrete emits carbon. factory to be precise, making it fast and wood in building and housing can Building contractor Strongbuild is leading efficient to construct,” says Strong. reduce our carbon footprint: “Timber Australian innovation in CLT and has recently Strongbuild has an exclusive partnership is a renewable material that uses begun construction on a 10 storey tower with Austrian company Binderholz to bring little energy to produce compared to as part of a luxury retirement village at the its product into the Australasian market. The emission intensive building materials, western end of Sydney’s Norwest Business prefab components are built in Strongbuild’s such as steel and concrete,” he says. Park Circa precinct. The resort-style living for 8000 square-metre manufacturing facility, an “Trees use the sun and photosynthesis, seniors will consist of 131 luxury retirement extremely precise, automated panelisation rather than rely on fossil fuel inputs, and units over two towers, nine of which will facility in Baulkham Hills, NSW. Keeping the remove carbon emissions from be in the first tower of 64 units built in CLT. The entire design and build process in-house the atmosphere in the same process $65 million tower is the first of the provides control over price, quality and Switching to a greater use of timber development’s two main structures scheduled timing, another advantage of prefabrication. in buildings can generate significant for completion in late 2017, three months “It also translates into less waste, less carbon benefits.” sooner than if traditional construction methods. on-site construction resources and a safer, Many governments around the world Strongbuild has been leading the charge in quieter, cleaner overall build site,” Strong says. are adopting a Wood Encouragement multi-residential CLT structures for years and Strongbuild is partnering with project Policy (WEP) as part of procurement has a number of projects underway. management firm PDS Group, architects practices to better capture carbon “The vertical retirement village will be Jackson Teece and engineering firm TTW abatement benefits in construction. Strongbuild’s second CLT project and will on the luxury retirement development. As part of the campaign launch, represent a benchmark in luxury retirement “All the members of the team chosen to Timber Queensland and Planet Ark are living in Australia,” says Strongbuild’s drive the project are equally committed visiting a number of local councils in the managing director, Adam Strong. to CLT and together represent the forefront of southeast region this week, including Strongbuild’s other CLT projects include The timber construction in Australia,” Strong says. the Moreton Bay, Gympie and Fraser Coast Regional Councils, to promote greater awareness of a WEP for sustainable building outcomes. A WEP requires responsibly sourced wood to be considered as the first-choice construction material in all new-build and refurbishment projects. Such a policy would not mandate the use of wood, but rather require its full consideration as a preferred building material when it’s equally fit-for-purpose. “We look forward to promoting a WEP in public building and housing procurement, which can assist with the Queensland Government’s Climate Action Plan,” Stephens says. “We urge the Queensland Government to adopt such a policy as part of the Action Plan.” The increased use of timber also has the added benefit of supporting regional industries, which directly employ more than 13,000 people across the State, and 21,000 indirect jobs.

NEW PRODUCT ON THE MARKET? BIG NEWS? DON’T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! If you are launching a product or your business has an industry announcement, send it through to [email protected] for the chance to be featured here. www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 13 NEWS IN BRIEF

A confident construction Capel Constructions’ Coastal Estate earns Builder of the Year award from Master Builders.

sprawling single-storey home framed “Master Builders is Aby twin palms has earned Capel pleased to have high- Constructions the title of 2016 Master calibre projects like this Builder of the Year (Residential) by one representing the Master Builders Association of Victoria. work of our members. More than 700 guests attended the Capel Constructions has Master Builders Excellence in Building demonstrated the quality and inspiration Awards at Crown Palladium on October Victorian Master Builders can bring to 21 to join in the celebration of Capel an ambitious residential project.” “Master Builders is Constructions’ win and recognise other Capel Constructions will now go high achievers in residential construction. on to compete at the 2016 National pleased to have high- The arcing estate features four wings Excellence in Building and Construction that sweep from a central, multi-room Awards on November 24. calibre projects like living zone, master and guest suites Among the other major winners is this one representing and outdoor entertaining pavilion and Alexandra builder Hedger Constructions a pool house with gym and bathroom. P/L, named Regional Master Builder of the work of our “With stout, crisp construction and a the Year for work on a Marysville home; generous use of muscular sandstone walls on and Ballarat builder David Moyle who members.” the interior, this house projects conﬁdence,” was named Young Builder of the Year. Master Builders Association of Victoria CEO For more details and a full list

Radley de Silva told assembled guests. of winners, head to mbav.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY LOUISE SARAH PHOTOS:

, tooan

“We installed the Framequip auto wall nailer to improve the safety in the console for the operator. It has also reduced the step in marking our wall plates, which improves accuracy of production. We are also noticing an improvement in output as our operator gains more experience.” GREG DOBSON Custombuilt Frames & Trusses NSW

0423 732 275 [email protected]

14 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com NEWS IN BRIEF

Building industry underpins growth

otal building work done rose by 1.2% Tto $26.1 billion in the June quarter – well above the national economic growth rate over the same period, reinforcing the critical role the building and construction industry continues to play in supporting A new chapter broader economic growth and jobs. BDAV appoints new Committee of Management “[This] sheds light on the split that exists across sectors of the construction uilding Designers Association of Victoria industry,” says Wilhelm Harnisch, B(BDAV) has appointed a new committee Master Builders CEO. “On the one hand, of management, to reflect its diverse and “We look forward residential building continues to surge evolving membership of almost 1600 ahead on the back of an ongoing boom in building design professionals. to working with the apartments – particularly in inner Sydney. Lindsay Douglas and Dominique Rising house prices in Sydney have helped Hunter will head a nine-person committee, new committee.” shift the ‘buy vs. build’ equation in the elected to advance the building design direction of new building underpinned by profession and its standing in community, record low interest rates.” industry and government. industrial, institutional, and all other types The data shows residential building Both Douglas and Hunter were elected of buildings,” she says. activity in NSW surged by 22% over the as incoming President and Vice President “Lindsay and Dominique apply passion, year-to June 2016 – accounting for over following the BDAV’s Annual General creativity and experience to projects that 44% of growth in the sector nationally. Meeting on October 10. improve the quality of Victoria’s built Overall, residential building activity grew Douglas has more than 20 years’ environment, and both believe strongly in by 0.2% to $15.1 billion, consolidating experience in design and architecture and a unified approach when it comes to design. gains recorded earlier in the year. has held a long association with BDAV “The combined experience of the new But the good times for Sydney’s as a member of the committee since committee – and their long-standing apartment builders may soon peak: “The 2012 and also with a number of projects relationships across the industry – will commencements data for apartment by his award-winning firm recognised at ensure we continue to be a leading voice buildings fell by 24.4% over the quarter, the annual Building Design Awards. for the building design profession in Victoria. down 13.6% over the year-to June 2016,” Hunter is a registered interior designer “We look forward to working with the Harnisch says. “Work underway should with more than 20 years’ experience new committee, as we enter an exciting maintain a healthy level of activity in the across Australia and has been a Committee new chapter for our members.” short term – in Sydney at least. In a member since 2006, including the last Douglas and Hunter will be joined on number of states activity is beginning to eight years as Treasurer. the committee of management by Treasurer show signs of weakness and prospects BDAV chief executive officer Kate Bell Ingrid Hornung, Marc Bernstein-Hussman, for the medium term are less positive.” says the new Committee of Management Timothy Ellis, Andrew Ferris, Peter Master Builders welcomes the positive reflected the progressive and collaborative Lombardozzi, Sven Maxa and Immediate result for the non-residential building vision of the peak body. Past President Alastair McDonald. sector, but is cautious as to whether it “BDAV has undergone many changes Founded in 1983, the Building Designers marks a turning point for the sector. Total over the last 30 years, and our membership Association of Victoria (BDAV) is the non-residential building activity reversed today is involved in all aspects of the peak not-for-profit industry body the fall of 2.2% recorded in the previous building design profession, including representing almost 1600 building design March quarter, with the value of work the design of residential, commercial, professionals. See bdav.org.au for more. done increasing by 2.4% to $8.9 billion. We are the Cypress & Hardwood Specialists • Flooring • Decking • Screening • Cladding • Structural Hardwoods • Feature Wall Panelling & More

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 41 Heathcote Road, Moorebank, NSW 2170 P: (02) 9774 2944 E: [email protected] www.abbeytimber.com.au www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 15 INDUSTRY EVENTS

A real Hoo Hoo(t) The annual Hoo Hoo golf day

he timber industry has been promoting Golf Club in Melbourne saw the participation Australia, Bowens Timber and Hardware, Ta charity golf day since the early eighties. of 19 teams. The main team prize for the day Tilling Timber, Britton Timber, Porta This year’s event was co-organised by is the RJ Parish perpetual trophy, which was Moudlings and Lonza Wood Protection. the Melbourne Hoo Hoo club and the won by Britton Timbers (Peter Bennet, Peter Additional contributors to the event TMA, with proceeds going to charities. Van Vegten, Anthony Smith, Mark Seedsman) were Outdoor Timber Wholesale, This year’s event at Kingston Heath Major sponsors of the event were Pryda Dahlsens and Hazlewood and Hill.

A B C

A: Pryda: Andrew Skerritt, Nathan Quarrell, Mark Conlan, Glenn Phillips. B: Meyer: Paul Armstrong, Craig Taylor, Lester Peazold, Mark Charles. C: Maximetal: Matthew Milburn, James Taklis, Ryan Green, Trent Schoﬁ eld

Timber industry software without the rough edges

%(( ++ Čŏ 0$!ŏ ,.+1 ŏ !2!(+,!.ŏ +"ŏ Čŏ .!ŏ (! %*#ŏ 0$!ŏ 35ŏ 3%0$ŏ !2!(+,)!*0/ŏ %*ŏ )+%(!ŏ * ŏ (+1 ġ/! ŏ 0! $*+(+#5ŏ ((+3%*#ŏ5+1ŏ0+ŏ !//ŏ5+1.ŏ.!/+1. !/ŏ".+)ŏ*53$!.!ċ * ŏ+* !ŏ5+1ŏ +)!ŏ+*ŏ+. Čŏ%(( ++ ŏ3%((ŏ!ŏ.%#$0ŏ0$!.!ŏ!$%* ŏ 5+1ŏ3%0$ŏ0.%*%*#ŏ* ŏŏ"1((5ġ)**! ŏ/1,,+.0ŏ(%*!ŏ0+ŏ!*/1.!ŏ5+1.ŏ *!3ŏ/+"03.!ŏ +!/ŏ3$0ŏ%0Ě/ŏ !/%#*! ŏ0+ŏ +ŏġŏŏ$!(,ŏ)*#!ŏ* ŏ #.+3ŏ5+1.ŏ1/%*!//ŏ3%0$+10ŏ0$!ŏ$! $!/ċŏ TM ((ŏĨĀăĩŏĊćĉĂŏăĈĀĀŏ+.ŏ!)%(ŏ/(!/Į3%(( ++%0ċ +)ŏ"+.ŏŏ".!!ŏ !)+*/0.0%+*ċ willdooit.com technology solutions to grow your business

16 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com vida wood ofsweden serves australia – aglobalsupplierofScandinaviansoftwood N ö ssemark Borgstena H estra H ä stveda Vislanda A lv es t U a r s h u lt Hj ältevad Me lb P ourne, 85-95 Fitzgeraourne, h Exc Gee . 61383608340 F. 61383682477 l usive l ong, Fyans Street Sout Emai l y Distri VTW AustraVTW l . sa l [email protected] b ute ld d in Victoria Roa l ia. h d Gee Laverton Nort Laverton l ong b y h

BLACK.SE COVER FEATURE

Brave new world

The timber industry is no longer a man’s world. Today, women are at the forefront of driving industry change.

n the past, the phrase “timber industry” Iwould have conjured up images of burly men lugging logs around in the forest or sawing through great logs in dusty sawmills. These days that image couldn’t be further from the truth. New technologies have created an entirely different industry – one where machines and computers do the heavy lifting, and one where the customer is king. Ideally, this is the type of industry where physicality and gender should be irrelevant. However, the timber industry is still primarily comprised of men. “The industry does tend to be heavily male dominated in the ‘hands on’ work – operating the machinery, working on the tools,” says Emma Watt, CEO of the TMA. “This kind of work environment can be intimidating to some women, to the extent that I don’t believe that many women actually consider applying for the jobs.” But this is slowly changing. Women are now beginning to make their mark on the industry, and we are now seeing an increasing number of female staff in timber – across manufacture, wholesale, forestry, sales, marketing and management. “More women are entering the industry as awareness of the diversity of roles continues to grow,” says Kersten Gentle, Executive Ofﬁ cer, FTMA Australia. “Women are in leadership positions within all sectors of the industry, from forest harvesting through to furniture and everything in between.”

18 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com COVER FEATURE

L to R: AKD Softwoods’ Taylor Towers, Jo Fletcher, Toni Kirkup and Jo Foster. PHOTO: SHANE VICARY SHANE PHOTO:

www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 19 COVER FEATURE

Belinda Bertram, Lam Plant operator and fork lift driver at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods.

A WOMAN’S WORLD not welcome. But the women in the “I think once you Gentle and Watt are two of many women timber industry are keen to make it clear in leadership positions in the industry. – the timber industry is just as much a get a foot in the door “There are many within the industry who woman’s world as it is a man’s. stand out – we could dedicate an entire “When people ﬁrst think about the timber and you’re willing edition of TimberTrader News to them,” says industry they tend to think of dirty sawmills to work hard there Gentle. “However, for me, those that have and old production lines and think you need inspired me and had an impact on my career to be a big tough man to work at a sawmill,” is an abundance are Kate Carnell, former CEO of NAFI (AFPA); says Taylor Towers, account manager at AKD Jane Calvert, Victorian State Secretary Softwoods. “They don’t realise just how far of opportunity.” CFMEU FFPD; and Lisa Marty, former CEO the timber industry has come and the of VAFI and First Super Board member. amazing technology we now have. Here at “There are many inspiring stories of AKD we have women in really interesting, women in the industry and I have been hands-on roles such as saw doctor and log fortunate to work across most sectors. sort driver. I think once you get a foot in I could name the amazing women within the the door and you’re willing to work hard harvesting and haulage sector who run small there is an abundance of opportunity.” families businesses or the women forging There is also, perhaps, a fear or ahead within the frame and truss industry as perception that a woman might not be leaders and owners of their own business.” welcome in such a workplace. But if the For a lot of women in the industry, their dozens of women who TimberTrader talked association with timber has been through to in the lead-up to this article are anything family or marriage. Gentle herself grew to go by, this is not usually the case. Gone up in a timber town with a grandfather who are the days of pornographic calendars owned a sawmill. But most women don’t gracing factory walls. Employers are now grow up with sawdust in their veins. For more aware of their legal responsibility most, the industry is still viewed as a to provide a safe, sexism-free workplace. “man’s world” – one where women are “I think most people in the industry are

20 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com COVER FEATURE welcoming and are getting used the idea of acceptance our industry will have.” woman being in the industry,” Towers says. Kennedy is just one of many employers “However, there is the odd person who’s across the industry who is keen to recruit “Women are stuck in their ways and I have to work harder more women, and who has seen the value than others to earn their respect, especially that female staff bring to a business. one of the greatest because I’m a younger female. People can “I think it’s an undeveloped resource,” undiscovered take a little while to realise that I’m just as says Shane Vicary, CEO of AKD Softwoods. able as my male equivalents.” “Frankly, I think it’s about competitive gems of the Jennifer Heller is the manager at Wingham advantage. Those with a greater gender Frames and Trusses. She started out in the balance are going to manage their timber industry. industry making tea and coffee at age 17, and organisations that much better. They add a different has since worked her way up to owning her “I’m not a big fan of collective own business with husband Dane. statements, though. Change occurs dimension.” “I have always found myself to be treated from the ground up. We used to have fairly,” she says “If we feel that something this analogy when I played rugby – when is not right as women in a male-dominated you’re in a scrum, if you want to push industry we need to have a loud voice, have forward you need to take lots of little within school hours, and the employer confi dence in our own abilities and – most steps rather than big steps. It’s up to each was happy to accommodate them.” importantly – believe in ourselves and what individual company to make change – how Gentle agrees that fl exibility is key: we’re doing. Never let anybody intimidate they are then perceived will ultimately “The industry has changed in many areas, you or not let you be heard.” change how the industry is perceived.” ensuring it’s more attractive to women, but How the industry is perceived will, in it can continue to evolve with fl exible work AN UNTAPPED RESOURCE turn, change women’s perceptions about the hours and working from home options in “Women are one of the greatest viability of timber as a career path. some fi elds within the industry,” she says. undiscovered gems of the timber industry,” And one of the best ways to start making “Obviously this doesn’t suit all sectors of says Michael Kennedy of Kennedy’s Timbers positive change is to create more fl exible, the industry, but there are areas such as (who, by the way is looking for a wood inclusive workplaces. the frame and truss industry that it’s a machinist and a cabinet maker right now). “There is one TMA member who, for possibility – not just for women but for “They add a different dimension, which is many years, employed a number of women men who need more time home with diffi cult to quantify. The more women we as wood machining operators,” says Watt. their children or fl exible work hours to see in the industry, the greater community “These women wanted to work part-time, fi t in with their families.”

Reliable and sustainable... Naturally

AKD SOFTWOODS

www.akd.com.au Phone: (03) 5231 9111

www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 21 COVER FEATURE

Kerrie Chivers, fork lift operator at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods.

is continuously changing; it’s how the public perceives the industry that needs to transform.”

AN IMAGE PROBLEM? L to R: AKD Soctwoods’ David Reilly, As the timber industry continues to Liam Buchanan, Taylor Towers, Dylan ﬂourish and grow through innovation Flanigan, Shane Black, Jonathan Hill. and technology, the opportunities for everyone – especially women – only continue to expand. Another important step that can be “Technology is the way the world is taken is educating young people about heading,” Towers says. “We have to the many options that are open to both “Promote and offer keep up with our overseas competitors who men and women in the industry. currently are producing quicker, cheaper and “It’s not seen as a career goal or high trades to women! more efﬁciently than we are in Australia.” on the agenda for a teenager,” says Kerrie Encourage from early While technological advancements are Chivers, who works as a forklift operator at essential, the biggest challenge for the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH). on that girls can timber industry may still be its image. “The timber industry needs to educate One crucial aspect in timber’s continued high schoolers that this is a viable career do trades, and it’s growth is increasing public awareness path with plenty of opportunities. okay to love it!” of the sustainable nature of timber. “Promote and offer trades to women! “Consumers need to get their head Encourage from early on that girls can do around the sustainability aspect of our trades, and it’s okay to love it! The industry industry,” says Kristy Coster, a mill

22 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com COVER FEATURE

operator at ASH. “We have to work together as an industry to educate others about the regeneration process and how timber is the most sustainable building material. The industry will be even more successful if we can achieve this.” Another aspect that many may not be aware of is the true sense of community and belonging that comes from being part of the timber industry. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a logger, a mill worker or a machine operator – everyone is made to feel a part of the industry community,” says Coster. Helena Stone, also a mill operator at ASH, points out that there are some surprising rewards that come from working in such an industry. “What I enjoy most is watching the whole life cycle of timber – from the logs coming in to the ﬁnished product,” she says. “It gives you a wave of satisfaction when you see a ﬁnished product, knowing that you had a hand in creating it.” It seems the industry is ripe for change, Left: Kristy Coster, mill and ripe with opportunity. It’s our time now operator at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods. to step up and show the women of Australia that this is the case. With such a vast array of roles available, there’s something for pretty much everyone. And as gender roles WOMEN IN TIMBER break down, there’s no reason why more “It’s how the NETWORK women can’t be out there driving forklifts The Women in Timber Network or managing plantations, developing new public perceives was formed to bring women machinery or running a sawmill. the industry that together from across the wider “Women, like men, are capable of hard forest and wood products industry work, learning and problem solving,” says needs to transform.” to network and provide Watt. “Recruiting for these characteristics, mentoring. You can register by regardless of sex, means an employer has visiting forestworks.com.au/ an employee who can be of immense networks/wftn-2 value to the business.”

www.kennedystimbers.com.au [email protected] Production facility & timber showrooms

228 Potassium Street, 45 Fabio Court, Narangba Q 4504 Campbellfield V 3061 1300 788 884 03 9359 0300

www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 23 COMPANY PROFILE

The next phase

There’s no resting on laurels ince Simmonds CEO John Stewart last new changes, but I feel we’ve steadied the at Simmonds Lumber – it’s Sfeatured in TimberTrader News (June ship and now we are more focused, and can 2016), quite a lot has been going on. The spend more time on our customers.” full steam ahead. energetic and hard-working Stewart has For Stewart, who has only been in the stuck to his word – he plans to keep his big seat since August last year, this period company growing and developing by of readjustment has been a “Phase 1” embracing innovation. of his Simmonds journey. “A fair bit has happened over the past year,” So what does Phase 2 hold? The company Stewart says. “We’ve changed our company has recently launched three new products. structure and become leaner and The first is an addition to the Simmonds more efficient. It can take time to bed down SelectTM range of mouldings, which is a primed product, available in NSW. “There are one or two [moulding] brands out there that have been the ‘gold standard’,” Stewart says. “The feedback from our customers is that they like ours even more.” “The Simmonds of today as well as into the future is about giving people choice.” The next new product is SimDeckTM composite decking: “It’s a generation 2 composite decking product,” Stewart says. “It doesn’t fade like the current first generation products, it comes in even lengths, it actually looks like timber and it has a 15-year warranty.” The product is also environmentally friendly,

Top and below left: Simmonds as it’s made from recycled ﬁbres, and has bamboo decking and ﬂooring. been produced in state-of-the-art facilities.

24 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com COMPANY PROFILE

The third new product is engineered bamboo flooring and decking – another environmentally sustainable product. “Bamboo grows almost everywhere… and very quickly,” Stewart says. “It takes Above: Simmonds Select Mouldings. only a few years to grow to maturity, so it’s an ideal sustainable source.” “It’s inevitable The manufacturing process creates “It’s inevitable that the industry will a solid flooring and decking product that continue to move towards engineered, that the industry performs like tropical hardwood. It fades sustainable products. We want to help will move towards to grey and you need to oil it as you shape that future,” Stewart says. would with tropical timbers. It’s also After achieving so much in 12 short engineered, highly durable and bushfire resistant. months, it will be fascinating to see For Stewart, sustainability is the future of what Simmonds does next. sustainable the industry, and he believes that Simmonds For more about Simmonds, head products. We has a pedigree in the sustainable space – as to simmondslumber.com.au well as the company’s impressive product want to help range, Stewart has been invited by the Australian Government to sit on a private shape that future.” sector roundtable shaping policy around rainforest management and climate change.

STS TIMBER WHOLESALE PTY LTD

For the last 15 years STS Timber Wholesale Pty Ltd has been a proud supplier of all outdoor timber. Timber for pergolas and carports, pine and merbau decking, cypress, mixed species posts, treated pine sleepers and all fencing materials. STS also offers the following custom treatment options: • CCA Lifewood® – Copper Chrome Arsenate • ACQ® NatureWood® – Non-Arsenic based preservative formula • MicroPro Sienna® – Long – Lasting Colour, Non-Arsenic based preservative formula

SALES TEAM: Craig Cunningham 0403 050 714 Danny Kingston 0419 475 791 I Ange Arendse 0411 313 175

SITES: Dandenong 03 9791 9555 I Woori Yallock 03 5967 3993

www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 25 INDUSTRY PROFILE

A conversation with...

Ed Serrano, Managing Director, Vekta Automation

With constant innovation and improvement, Vekta Automation is providing its customers with ever-improving, more efﬁcient products. We talk shop with MD Ed Serrano.

TELL US ABOUT VEKTA – ITS different customer needs. Razer saws HISTORY AND ITS GROWTH are linear saws designed exclusively for OVER THE YEARS. the prefabricated truss and frame industry. My wife, brother and I started Vekta in 2009, They are a high end piece of equipment in the wake of the GFC. We had come to an that’s designed to operate very efficiently arrangement to purchase the and safely, while also requiring minimal skills IP and work in progress for the Razer saw and experience from an operator. from the original manufacturer – PFP We also offer a full range of products Above: Ed with his wife Shelena, holding the Technologies. At the time, the Razer saw to complement our Razer saw systems. award for 2014 Western Australian Industry and had a very bad reputation and was not For example, in 2011 we became OEM Export Awards in the small business category. selling well. When they did sell, they were partners with Hewlett Packard. This business being sold at a loss. However, we felt the relationship allowed us to develop an product had considerably more potential industry specific printer that far exceeds recognised the need to be able to than was being realised at the time. So anything else on the market. The printer, accommodate quite extreme differences we started Vekta and purchased the rights. allows us to print positionally sensitive in terms of plant sizes and budget. Our Since inception, Vekta has heavily information in 300dpi resolution along the current product line allows us to help focused on improving the original product full length of a piece of timber. This print the small fabricator with just a handful of line, creating new and ancillary products system opened the doors of possibilities employees while at the same time we can and improving our customer’s experience and we now print a wide range of offer world class systems with high levels of in terms of customer service and support. information directly on the boards while automation to the very large fabricators. Though it was an extremely challenging the components are being cut – such as nail road, Vekta started to grow almost plate locations, stud marks, open details, HOW HAVE YOUR PRODUCTS immediately. Today we have a significantly camber details, assembly information, CHANGED, DEVELOPED AND improved market share while also enjoying information for the builders on site, etc. IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS? a strong reputation both in terms of our The range of supported information that Our products are constantly evolving. products and support. can be printed is forever expanding! Currently the majority of our effort is in terms We also do quite a bit of material handling of software development as the mechanical TELL US ABOUT YOUR equipment. We can offer pack feeding and electrical development work has tapered PRODUCT RANGE. solutions that can dispense boards from off as products enter maturity – in terms of Our core product line is the Razer linear bunks of timber and load them into the saw development life cycle. We are constantly wood saw. We developed two models of the as required – fully automatically. We also looking at ways to improve our products and Razer – the V5 and S5 Razer – to cater to offer a range of outfeed handling options, this may be in terms of functionality, through- including multi-station kick-off systems for put, reliability, ease of use, supportability, taking cut components directly to the jigs. efficiency, cost of deployment and cost This year we also purchased the rights of maintenance. Just recently we had “Since inception, to truss and frame stacking systems for a meeting to discuss where we are taking handling the finished products safely and our software development next – using Vekta has focused efficiently. We are also developing a new mobile devices to monitor production wood saw geared to compete in the pull and maintenance analytics, and automated on improving and pop-up saw market. The new saw software updates. We never have the original will incorporate our full Razer optimising and we never will stop developing our software, print systems, help systems, etc. products. There is always some way product line.” or another it could be made better! WHO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS? Being a little more specific, roughly every We cater to all prefabricated truss and frame six months or so we release new versions business – from the very small to the very of our user interface software for our Razer

large. When we ﬁrst started Vekta we saws. Each new release aims to provide a VEKTA OF COURTESY PHOTO:

26 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com INDUSTRY PROFILE

“We never have and

few new key features designed to have a we never will stop positive financial impact for our customers. developing our We’re also regularly rolling out the ability to provide additional printed information on the products. There is components, or perhaps even new ways of doing things. For example, a year ago we always some way provided the saws with the ability to cut or another it could on the underside of the timber. This functionality enabled us to be made better!” perform “courtesy” cuts on the bottom face of wall bottom plates, on either side of the door Specifically, we are targeting to release openings. This is something that a slimmed-down version of a typical linear our customers were doing saw at a price that makes it competitive manually with a skill saw – with new pull and pop-up saws. This product slow and lacking in safety. The would be ideal for the small plant that can’t saws will now do this on the fly. quite justify a full-blown traditional linear saw but it would also suit the larger plants ANY EXCITING NEW that are looking for just that little extra bit of DEVELOPMENTS? cutting capacity. One of our main efforts We are also developing a new, compact at the moment is the and inexpensive pack feeding solution that development of a will put it within reach (both in terms of cost new saw. There is and required floor space) of the typical plant. a significant market Something that can be upgraded to existing for a saw that has many systems. Pack feeding systems work by of the qualities of a having a few packs of timber – of various linear saw (automation, length, width, grade. The saw then optimisation, printing, automatically requests the timber as flexibility, safety) but required to satisfy whatever it is that’s at a much lower cost. currently being cut. The pack feeder is then responsible for dispensing the correct boards from the correct packs and feeding them into the saw without delay. Traditionally, pack feeding systems are very floor space hungry and consequently, unless the plant was new and the space allocated for the large feeding system was allocated at the get-go, it simply isn’t practical to install such a system. Yet the primary cause of downtime on any linear saw is in deficiencies related to getting timber to the saw… Consequently, our new system will be very compact and cost effective – with an anticipated payback period of around 12 months for most plants, based on improved uptime on the saw. We have also purchased the rights to truss and frame stacking systems. With ever increasing emphasis on safety, we anticipate the need for efficient and safe ways to handle finished trusses and frames to increase steadily over the coming years. Our new Stakpro stacking line is a way to do just that and has already been quite successful. For more about Vekta Automation products, head to vekta.com.au www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 27 WATT ABOUT THE WORKPLACE with Emma Watt What’s the casual loading for?

ere’s a reasonably common scenario: an counted. Indeed, for a long time, this has purpose of accruing long service leave. Hemployee is initially engaged as a casual been the commonly understood purpose Based on the direction of the case in the General Timber Stream of the Timber of the casual loading. This concept has law, and the relevant legislation, we Industry Award 2010, and remains a casual even been referenced by previous can reasonably conclude that casual for a couple of years. He works on a regular Full Bench decisions of the Fair Work employees, or employees who have and systematic basis – most weeks around Commission and its predecessors. been casual and have converted to 40 hours. He’s paid the 25 percent casual However, as entitlements such as notice full time, are (possibly) entitled to: loading and when he is not at work, he isn’t of termination and redundancy pay are paid. After two years he’s offered, and now contained in the Fair Work Act itself, • Annual leave accepts, a full-time position, and on this the wording of the legislative provision has • Personal/carer’s leave basis he starts to accrue entitlements such to be considered. And here we have the • Long service leave as annual leave and personal/carer’s leave. result... somewhat counterintuitive as it is. • Notice of termination Fast forward four years. The machine • Redundancy payments he was engaged to operate is being sold, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES and the work is not being replaced. IT MAKE IN THIS CASE? Casual employees also have access The employee’s position is redundant, If the service as a casual isn’t counted, to the unfair dismissal jurisdiction if they are consultation with the employee does not then the employee would be entitled to engaged on a regular and systematic basis, identify any alternative to redundancy, and four weeks’ notice (or pay in lieu). He would and they have worked the Minimum there are no reasonable opportunities for the also be entitled to eight weeks’ redundancy Employment Period of either six months employee to be redeployed within the group pay based on the National Employment or 12 months, depending on the size of of companies. The employee is 47 years old. Standards. So, 12 weeks’ pay, if the the business. At this point in the process, there are employer chooses to pay in lieu of notice. Casual employees get overtime under notice and redundancy pay entitlements But if the service as a casual is counted, as the Timber Industry Award 2010, with that need to be calculated on the basis it would seem it needs to be, the employee penalties calculated on the actual rate of “continuous service”. So does the would be entitled to ﬁ ve weeks’ notice. And of pay including casual loading. employee’s two years of service as he would be entitled to eleven weeks’ So why would you employ anyone a casual count as “continuous service” redundancy pay. This makes the total 16 as a casual if you need them to work for notice and redundancy payments? weeks’ pay, a difference of four weeks’ pay. on a regular and systematic basis? Recent case law gives us the answer Employees in the General Timber Stream to this question: yes, service as a casual IS THIS THE ONLY IMPACT? of the Timber Industry Award 2010 don’t does count as “continuous service”. In a Well, potentially, no, this may not be the only have to be offered full time or ongoing decision by a Full Bench of the Fair Work impact of this decision. We’ve already seen employment after a certain time (called Commission, AMWU vs. Donau Pty Ltd case law that awarded annual leave to a “casual conversion”), but the practical [2016], it was found that as the deﬁ nition casual employee (at the casual rate of pay) effect of the legislation and the case of “continuous service” in the Fair Work who had worked on a regular and systematic law is probably the same. Act 2009 (Cth) does not expressly exclude basis for just over 12 months (McMahon Of course, if your casual employees work service as a casual employee, the service in 2011). This decision would appear to irregular hours, then these issues probably must be counted. reinforce the position that casual employees won’t arise. But in my (nearly) 20 years’ This decision was the result of an appeal who work ostensibly full time hours are experience in the timber industry, I have by the AMWU to the original decision of the entitled to annual leave. And there is discovered that it is rare for employees Commission, in which it had been held that the potential to extend that argument to be genuinely casual – that is, someone as casual employees received a loading in to the accrual of personal/carer’s leave. who works highly irregular hours. lieu of entitlements such as notice and Most long service leave jurisdictions Something to consider! Because you redundancy, casual service should not be already count service as a casual for the really don’t want to be a test case.

This information is of a general nature only. Emma has been advising timber industry employers on their employment rights and obligations since 1998. She is currently the Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer of the TMA. Email her on [email protected]

28 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com BONUS 16 page booklet Termites! Treated timber & termite management Termites! Bonus 16 page booklet Download your copy today

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Celebrating excellence and he Australasian Timber Flooring supplied photographs and descriptions. TAssociation (ATFA) recently celebrated The participation rate this year was innovation in Australian its 10th annual awards night dinner. This phenomenal. There were more than timber flooring. industry night of nights – held at the iconic 70 Floor of the Year Award entries Docklands in Melbourne – had more than and more than 30 entries for the 200 guests in attendance. Major sponsors Awards category in Excellence. were Hurford Hardwood and Sika Australia, Also an amazing achievement was whose commitment to celebrating industry acknowledged – John Hollis of Oakdale excellence made the night possible. Industries was made an Honoured The ATFA awards Since 2007, the ATFA awards night Member of ATFA. This award recognises dinner has been a celebration of members’ John’s exceptional and selfless service night dinner achievements throughout the year. The to the timber flooring industry. award categories are presided over by ATFA is a membership-only association that is a celebration the ATFA Board of Executive based on continues to provide information and quality of members’ set criteria, allowing members to enter services to its members and the community. any category. Via online voting, members The awards night is another extension achievements. can vote in each category based on the to ATFA’s already expansive services and another way they can give back to the industry that supports them and their growth. Whether you’re a contractor, manufacturer, supplier or retailer, ATFA helps Australia’s timber flooring industry become more profitable, professional and publicised. For further information call the ATFA head office on 1300 36 1693 or visit afta.com.au

Commercial Site Floor of the year winner: SE Timber, NSW

30 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER FLOOR NEWS

Overall Floor of the year runner up: Queensland Timber Flooring

At left and above: Recycled Floor of the Year – site installed winner: James Henry Ltd

Overall Floor of the Year winner: Hilston Wood Floors in partnership with Scribed Flooring and United Wood Flooring Australia, Qld www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 31 TIMBER FLOOR NEWS

BRICE ON BOARDS with Sharon and Ray Brice Timber grades

Understanding timber ost consumers still Mselect their timber floors grade variations. – especially solid timber products – from showroom floors or small sample boards; which in either case have been chosen and coated to show the product at its best. However, given the constraints and limitations on showroom space, samples rarely represent the range and extent of permissible feature or potential tonal variation within a species or particular grade of timber. To overcome these limitations, many on-sellers’ samples and promotional literature carry the following statements: “Care should be taken in making a selection based on a single sample. In all cases, timber flooring supplied in job lot quantities will contain some variations from job to job and from the samples on display. “Timber is a natural material and variations in colour, texture and other naturally occurring features occur between pieces and batches of the same Consumers are species. Sanding and finishing also causes variations in appearance.” provides insight into the quality or grade often confused by the While relevant, such statements of the offering. Understanding timber do not release the seller from his grade variations can be confusing, even names manufacturers responsibility to provide the consumer with the aid of a visual guide; this is and retailers assign to with an appropriate sample and grade further complicated when the term used summary for the material they have selected to describe the grade/quality of a product their timber offering, for their project, especially when they can vary from one supplier to another. choose to purchase a lesser grade Select, Standard and Better, Standard, as this rarely provides than that shown in the showroom sample. Natural, Classic, Australiana, Rustic, insight into the Consumers are often confused by the Mixed Grades and Fall Down are just names manufacturers and retailers assign a few of the names used to describe

quality or grade. to their timber offering, as this rarely structural and overlay ﬂooring products. IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM CANDYBOX PHOTO:

32 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER FLOOR NEWS

A B C

Picture A: 140666 High feature grade. Picture B: 140667 Medium Feature grade. Picture C: 140668 Select grade.

The grading of timber to a standard does not preclude the use of grades other of grain; tight gum veins; loose gum considers the physical and aesthetic than those described; provided that it can veins; gum pockets, latex pockets properties of the wood against its intended be shown that these other grades satisfy and overgrowth of injury; knot checks; use. For aesthetic purposes the grading the performance requirements for that checks other than internal; stain natural norms are based on the size and extent of product. Any such other grade description discolouration; other discolouration naturally occurring features in and on the shall be adequately documented and the including sticker marks; black spec; non- exposed surfaces of a selection of timber. product identified in accordance with lyctid susceptible sapwood; burls; hobnails; Australian Standard AS 2796.1 Timber- clause 1.6. Other grades may be specified and want, wane and mechanical damage. Hardwood-Sawn and Milled Products by agreement between the purchaser Standards grades and tolerances are cover such things as Tolerances, Moisture and supplier (see clause 1.7). However, much more than a set of guide lines for Content, End Matching and Limits of adequate strength shall be maintained the production of a product. Standards Matching Imperfections and Surface Finish. for flooring and light decking. represent the bench mark for quality, The standards reference to grades in section AS 2796.2 Grades-Summary of practice and minimum requirements, 1.5 states the grades specified in AS 2796.2 Permissible Features in Exposed Surface while tolerances define the allowable are primarily based on features and desired of Hardwood Flooring covers such items variation permissible within a section aesthetic appearance. The grades of as tight knots and any associated voids, of material; used in combination these hardwood products described in AS 2796.2 individually or aggregated in any 1 metre of documents are a great tool for addressing are (a) Select grade; (b) Medium Feature board length; loose knots; holes (borer, non- the aesthetic issues and concerns relative grade; (c) High Feature grade. This standard enclosed termite galleries and other); slope to flooring projects.

Ray and Sharon Brice specialise in mediation training and project management. They have four decades of experience in the ﬂooring industry. Phone: 0407 591 697 | Email: [email protected]

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Leading distributor for CHH in Untreated, T2 #1 distribution arm for Parkside Timber in all Blue & H2 LOSP Red Framing sourced from Spotted Gum Products. Australian Plantations.

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Building more sustainable, he third annual prefabAUS conference Professor Marc Norman from the environmental and affordable Twas held this October, and featured Harvard University Graduate School of construction industry experts from around Design curated the Designing Affordability: construction projects. the world speaking at the event, hosted Quicker, Smarter, More Efﬁ cient Housing by the University of Sydney Department Now exhibition that was recently held of Architecture, Planning and Design. at the Center for Architecture in New Key highlights included international York, which featured at prefabAUS 2016. “Modular construction... research on trends, challenges and Professor Norman discussed the opportunities in prefabrication, the philosophy behind his exhibition and Is bringing innovative use of new timber technologies for the ways in which architects, engineers, design to mid-rise and mid-rise constructions and designing planners, policy makers and ordinary citizens and constructing more affordable, are creating innovative ways to reduce high-rise housing.” environmental and sustainable buildings. the cost of housing, increase opportunity, rethink the way we live and show new ways to build and maintain structures. “Developers, individuals, governments and architects are designing affordable solutions and creating models for addressing the crisis and creating new opportunities for us all,” Professor Norman said. “Modular construction holds the promise of quicker construction timeframes, consistency and better construction quality management. While originally conﬁ ned to low rise structures, this method is now bringing innovative design to mid-rise and high-rise housing.” The keynote address from award-winning architect and author Associate Professor Ryan Smith, from the University of Utah’s Integrated Technology in Architecture Centre,

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34 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com INNOVATION

Above: Professor Marc Norman from the from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Far left and right: enjoying the exhibition. revealed a decade’s worth of international Bureau Dr Paolo Lavisci spoke about studies on prefabrication around the world. the use of timber for mid-rise buildings ABOUT PREFABAUS “This study worked to reveal the benefi ts that’s now allowed in Australia. prefabAUS represents key of prefabrication,” Professor Ryan said. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) has businesses in the design, His research showed that modular similar characteristics to concrete and manufacture and construction construction cuts costs by 16 percent steel, yet is 80 percent lighter than of prefabricated buildings and and reduces time by 45 percent compared traditional structures and offers better building modules. It is a not-for- with traditional builds. He said, “The biggest thermal performance while requiring less profi t organisation and hosted challenges the construction industry energy to heat and cool. Projects in Australia Australia’s third national conference faces in adopting off-site methods are currently under construction with CLT on the off-site construction industry. the diffi culties with regulatory authorities, include Strongbuild’s affordable housing The conference featured national transportation logistics, coordination project of 101 apartments in Sydney’s and international specialists in with designers and industry knowledge.” Campbelltown for BlueCHP. off-site design, manufacturing and construction, as well as workshops, New prefabricated technologies, The conference also looked at work panel discussions and site visits. materials and processes are helping conditions and the importance of shifting provide cleaner, quieter construction the construction industry towards a superior sites and more environmental buildings. means of building delivery to address Author and expert in Industrial Technologies the increase in economic and labour and former CEO of Italian Timber Design demands and environmental concerns.

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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 35 AUTOBUILD NEWS

The tippling point

Offering a real incentive to be more expensive than disposal. the NSW EPA Bin Trim rebate scheme. “Following a visit from Joe Tesoriero of Stephen Mitchell of Stephen Mitchell to recycle timber more Advantage Recycling, we discussed some Associates helped Trueform get the rebate effectively. options and thought some high capacity by fi lling out the necessary forms and doing wheeled tippler bins under the primary the calculations needed to justify the rebate. component saw would work well. These “This NSW Government rebate system could be loaded by our forklift into a larger is great for wood manufactures with fewer recycling bin. Stephen Mitchell made me than 250 employees who are still disposing Sydney timber frame and truss aware of the Bin Trim recycling equipment timber to landfi ll,” Mitchell says. “Another Amanufacturer recently bought two rebate scheme so we worked together to manufacturer in Sydney and a pallet timber recycling bins and received half design the bins we needed and get approval manufacturer in Newcastle area are the cost of them back from NSW from the EPA for a rebate for the tippler currently developing rebate applications. Government as part of a program to bins if we went ahead and ordered.” “While I’ve found that most wood help small and medium-sized business A pair of two cubic metre open top manufacturers in Sydney already have reduce waste and recycle more. tippler bins on castors have been fabricated timber recycling in place, a few haven’t Trueform Frames and Trusses is owned and are now placed in rotation under – often due to space or logistic issues by the Twitchen family and is located the offcuts conveyor of the main truss or lacking some equipment to help at Mulgrave in Sydney. For the last 20 component saw. They allow the easy collect offcuts. This rebate programme years Bill, Sadie and Mark Twitchen have collection of all timber offcuts – untreated is something more business should take fabricated frames and trusses for many pine, termite treated H2F bluepine, advantage of while the offer is there.” of the new homes being built in Sydney’s glulam and LVL timber offcuts. The rebate can be for recycling bins, North West priority growth area. Once full, the tippler bin is easily small shredders or any other small While Trueform recycle the untreated wheeled away from the main cutting equipment that will help a company pine offcuts and sawdust generated by area and then forklifted into a 10m3 recover wood for recycling. A stipulation the manufacturing process, a cost-effective dedicated wood recycling bin provided is that the wood has to be going to landfi ll system for recycling the offcuts of termite by Advantage Recycling. and the extra equipment will divert it treated H2F and engineered woods hadn’t The two tippler bins cost $3840 from landfi ll into other legal uses. The been found. Or so they thought. (ex GST) and Trueform were able to get rebate provided is up to $50,000. Local timber recyclers and environmental 50 percent ($1920) of this reimbursed via Bincorp Equipment at Wetherill Park management consultants Stephen Mitchell fabricated the tippler bins for Trueform. Associates have recently assisted Trueform Joe Tesoriero of Advantage Recycling in providing a tailored recycling solution says it’s very important that the tippler which is providing real benefi ts to bin castors are in the correct position and the business and the environment. “These tippler bins that the bins are compatible with the main “We already recycle some of our recycling bin. This is to ensure that the untreated pine offcuts which are picked are such a success bins can be easily moved into position and up by the National Parks Service to place I am considering so the tipping process is quick and safe. next to BBQs in local campgrounds,” says “It’s the fi ner details, which are Trueform’s managing director Mark Twitchen. purchasing another.” often client-specifi c, that ensure that “We tried separating out the termite treated a recycling programs works successfully,” pine offcuts a few years ago but it proved Tesoriero explains.

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36 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com AUTOBUILD NEWS

ABOVE: A 2 cubic metre tippler bin on casters is placed at the end of the component saw to catch all timber offcuts. Two tippler bins were purchased to allow rotation. Trueform received a $1920 rebate from NSW Government as part of the NSW EPA Bin Trim scheme.

ABOVE: Trueform Frames and Trusses owner Mark Twitchen is chuffed his waste bill has halved from recycling even more timber offcuts.

Advantage Recycling arrange transport For Twitchen, the whole system manufacturers produce as well as a range of the timber offcuts to D&R Henderson’s is reducing waste disposal costs of logistics solutions,” said Mitchell. timber recycling facility at Riverstone. by about 50 percent. “While many companies in Sydney There the timber offcuts are given a primary “So the tippler bins pay for themselves already recycle much of their wood shred and loaded on trucks for transport to in pretty short order,” he says. “These tippler waste, the Bin Trim rebate program is Benalla in Victoria. The wood is ﬂaked and bins are such a success I am considering helping tip over (pardon the pun) the last incorporated in new particleboard products purchasing another to capture offcuts from few wood product manufacturers into which are sold to joineries, frame and truss my other cutting area.” recycling most of their wood waste.” fabricators and builders around Australia. Advantage Recycling is also working The Industrial Ecology and Bin Trim Paul Finn manages D&R Henderson’s with Trueform to introduce screening of all Programmes are NSW EPA Waste Less, recycling operations at Riverstone and sawdust, treated and untreated, to remove Recycle More initiatives funded from the receives wood offcuts from many frame chunky wood offcuts so all the sawdust waste levy. For more information on and truss fabricators in Sydney, Newcastle, can be used by a local industrial recycler. timber recycling in Sydney contact the Central Coast and now the Illawarra. “It helps that we now have good Stephen Mitchell – Principal of Stephen “We can recycle all the offcuts that outlets in Sydney for the diverse types Mitchell Associates – on 0432 860 100 no other recycler can take” Finn says. of wood offcuts that frame and truss or [email protected]

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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 37 “We support you!” FTMA GOLD SPONSORS NEWSLETTER

with Kersten Gentle

TMA recently held a seminar in NSW and FVictoria titled Focusing on Your Future, as our industry is facing new challenges SILVER SPONSORS and opportunities with the change in housing markets and we wanted to see if fabricators were ready to adapt to change. The event was sponsored by WoodSolutions and provided presentations still need to stay on top of the latest by First Super on streamlining your super, information – we still must plan for the AB Phillips on insurance management future and to do this we must participate and avoiding cyber-attacks, TTIA on the latest in industry forums where this information industrial relations and WorkSafe is shared. (Lecture over) information, FINSTRO on working capital As I said above, those that did attend solutions for Australian small businesses, were pleased and since the seminars Industry Edge on the latest housing many have followed up with different statistics and forecasts and fi nally presenters on ways to introduce new WoodSolutions presented on the new policies to avoid things such as cyber-attacks BRONZE SPONSORS opportunities created by the change affecting their business. It’s hard with the National Construction Code. to believe that our industry has been hit The seminars were not really well in more than one state, and the impact attended, but those that did attend were on a business can be huge, so it was pleased they did and were extremely reassuring to hear that AB Phillips has happy with the information provided on a options in place to assist businesses. range of issues that affect their business. Tim Woods from Industry Edge was Unfortunately we see this scenario too superb, outlining the latest housing statistics many times, not just with FTMA but many and looking at the change in the housing associations who struggle to get people to market. We know that multi-res is taking attend events due to work commitments. up where the high rise boom fi nished and We understand that people are running even though in Melbourne, for example, businesses and that at the moment the the housing market is still strong, the multi- market, in most areas, is fl at-out but we res has opened up great opportunities for our sector to fi ll with over half of new approvals being multi-residential. Wood still dominates houses but the low- rise multi residential area is a market that is a contested space with concrete and For a full list of the conditions of steel. However, our sector is affordable membership and a downloadable application form visit: www.ftmaaustralia.com.au

For more information contact Kersten Gentle: 0418 226 242 BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Left: Adam Coombes-Pearcy (Tilling Timber), Alastair Woodard (WoodSolutions) and Mark Smiles (MiTek) Above: Glenn Webb & Joe Woodward (Bunnings) with Ed Serrano (Vekta).

38 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com AUTOBUILD NEWS and perfect for this market, as outlined by Andrew Dunn & Alastair Woodard, who presented on behalf of WoodSolutions. The new non-Class 1 buildings, which include apartments, hotels and offi ces, Clockwise from top right: Kevin are opportunities for the frame and truss Labrooy (Multinail), Phil Ladson industry. We can deliver a high quality (Ladson Consulting), Raymond product due to manufacture in a controlled Gurney (Prefab Technology) and Travis Taylor (Multinail). Ian Ashby and Yuri factory environment with reduced material Huerta (Pryda) with Jamie Dahlsen waste and greater safety savings. (Dahlsens).Shelena Serrano of Vekta The issue is, are builders/developers Automation with new baby Jarris and Trish Waters of Kidd Truss. going to expand their businesses and move DOWN the supply chain to fi ll this new market, or are frame and truss fabricators going to up-skill and move UP the supply chain and open new doors? The interest was defi nitely there but issues such as equipment, work volume, space available in-plant and understanding of the new product by builders and architects were key issues. FTMA Australia hopes to do some more work in this area similar to the prefabricated cassette fl ooring project, bringing together the three nail plate companies and a range of fabricators to explore all barriers and address the issues one by one, creating a viable future market for our industry.

For more information contact Kersten Gentle on 0418 226 242.

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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 39 AUTOBUILD NEWS

GN GUIDELINES NO.232

ANOTHER MITEK ADVANTAGE – NOVEMBER 2016

By Stuart Branch, State Engineer, NSW Wind beam design: part 1

The problem DESIGN CRITERIA Over the past few weeks I have had a spate of enquiries related to the design • Void region height : 5.6m • Concrete tile roof of wind beams for residential buildings. With enquiries ranging from “what is • Void region length: 3.6m • 13mm plasterboard/direct a wind beam?” to “what size of wind beam do I need?”, I thought it would • Truss span supported: 7m • Roof pitch: 20 deg be a good time to expand upon the topic. • Truss spacing: 600mm crs • Wind Speed: N2 (40 m/s) What is a wind beam? A wind beam, in residential timber framed construction, is a horizontal beam element CASE STUDY - CONVENTIONAL FRAMING installed within an external wall frame A summary of the timber required to frame out the design wall with the full height stud which resists horizontal wind loads applied solution, as shown in Figure 1, is provided in Table 1. to it from the connecting upper and lower storey wall frames. The wind beam must Table 1: Traditional Framing of wall be restrained at its ends by bracing walls Wall frame Member size/ Deﬂection of Total no. lengths/ Total length in order to be effective. member grade member (mm) length of timber (m)

Where are they commonly used? Studs 4/90x45 @ 13.64 [email protected] 154.28 450crs hySPAN Typically, wind beams are only provided in two storey buildings where a full height Top plate 45x90 N/A [email protected] 3.6 void region exists between the first floor and ground floor. These void regions commonly fall within stair wells and Bottom 45x90 N/A [email protected] 3.6 plate entrance lobbies as shown in figure 1.

Total timber 161.48 Conventional wall required (m) framing methodology The traditional wall framing methodology CASE STUDY - WIND BEAM to construct high void walls is to have full Now let’s compare the wind beam framing solution for the wall as shown in Figure 2. The height wall studs spanning from the ground timber required to frame out the wall with the wind beam solution is provided in Table 2. floor slab right up to the first floor ceiling. As you will see in the case study provided, Table 2: Wind beam solution for wall framing out as per this method may Member Member Size/Grade Deflection of Total No of Total length not be the most efficient use of timber. member (mm) Lengths/length of timber (m) To illustrate how wind beams can be Studs 90x45 @ 600crs 2.13 [email protected] 25.6 used to improve efficiencies, take look MGP10 at the following case study. Let’s assume we have a full height void region with Top plate 45x90 N/A [email protected] 7.2 the following design conditions:

Bottom 45x90 N/A [email protected] 7.2 plate Utilising wind Wind 6/45x90 MGP12 10.83 [email protected] 21.6 beam solutions vs. beam

conventional framing. Total timber 61.6 required (m)

40 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com AUTOBUILD NEWS

Left: Figure 1 Right: Figure 2

The main beneﬁ t, which we can observe by comparing the data in the tables, is that approximately 60 percent less timber is required in the wind beam solution compared with the full stud height solution. Additionally lower grades of timber can be more readily utilised in the wind beam solution, leading to greater cost savings.

What other benefi ts are achieved by utilising a wind beam solution incorporating wind beams can replicate the also easier to design where wind beams over a traditional full height stud common wall frame height, as long as the are installed, as the diffi culty of designing solution for void region framing? wind beam can fi t within the depth of full height void jambs studs at the Full height wall frames are harder to the fl oor container. The wall frames above sides of window openings is eradicated. prefab manufacture, harder to transport and below the wind beam can also be In Part 2 we will look more closely at and harder to manoeuvre onsite compared fabricated with shorter more common the design methodology in AS1720.3-2016 with standard single storey wall frames. lengths of lower grade timber. which details design loads and defl ection Wall frames in the void region Window openings in void regions are limits for wind beams.

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TRUSS TALK with Paul Davis

struggled with thermodynamics at a few tubes of glue, we now effectively form I university. But I do recall that the “The four laws of a solid beam of double the depth. four laws of thermodynamics can be This beam’s stiffness is now eight times summarised as “There is no such thermodynamics that of a single LVL and in theory you can thing as a free lunch’. And at this point, get about 70 percent extra span. It’s almost if by chance you have a further interest in can summarised like you get that free lunch! So, for example, thermodynamics, don’t ask me to explain! as ‘There is no a double-stacked 360 x 45 LVL, becomes One of those regular challenges that a 720 x 45 and has a better deflection we get is to design a house where the such thing as performance than a steel 250 PFC! upper floor is set back from the lower So, the benefits of the timber system are: floor walls. Councils and architects love a free lunch’.” • Roughly equivalent material costs it – but this lunch is not for free. to steel. The structural challenge is that the • You can pocket the margin on the upper floor is floating in the middle materials. of nowhere with respect to the natural lower At the risk of doing myself out of some • Use your regular timber supplier and level support points. All the loads work, I’m about to explain the way to don’t introduce the potential delays tend to meet up along one line; where construct this area without steel. of a steel contractor into the mix. the upper roof and walls come down The diagram below shows this typical • Connections on site are simple and to the floor joists and the lower roof junction of the lower roof and the upper more reliable than with steelwork. junction – all over empty space below. floor area. The solution is to have a LVL • The timber beams can be joined in place To solve the challenge costs money. beam that supports the floor joists via joist and so is lighter and easier to handle. Sometimes it’s possible to run the floor hangers hard up against the outside face • The timber is easier to adapt on site – joists through to the external walls. And, of the upper wall frame. The beauty of trades love it! when the room openings below are locating the beam here is that it’s depth But just to reiterate; this is no free small, modest beams in the floor depth is not limited to the floor depth. lunch. You need a lot of nails and under the upper wall line can do the job. If you are dealing with spans in the order there is a need for some engineering And, in what is a fee-feeding-frenzy for of 4m then typically a single LVL will work. design. Having said that, the connection engineers such as myself, where the spans You can use double beams next to each is simple and easy to execute. are larger we get to design a steel beam. other, although this tends to use a lot of And of course, as you reach the pitching material for not a lot of extra span. However, point a square-ended beam would project once you get into the span range where outside of the lower roof envelope. The traditionally steel is used, there is another beam must be cut down under the roof solution that you can put in your arsenal: profile, just like the steel beam would.

6WDFNHG/9/ stacking the LVLs on top of each other. A potential shear failure at this location A very deep beam is inherently unstable – can limit the maximum span and it may it wants to warp and buckle. So, typically well be necessary to utilise the batten you can’t use this stacked arrangement for depth to increase the tapered depth. most applications. However, in this case we Additionally, bearing-crushing of the

8SSHU:DOO)UDPH ﬁx to the wall studs so that it cannot buckle. relatively large load onto the wall support If you were to just stack two LVL on top needs some consideration. Once again, of one another and nominally ﬁx them, there is a case for some input from an you will only have the same stiffness of engineer. In fact, it wouldn’t be too hard /RZHU5RRI7UXVV )ORRU-RLVW a conventionally arranged double beam. to engineer span tables that deal with all Typically, this only gets you 20 percent extra these issues in a format that you could 6(&7,21 span. However, if the connection between keep reusing - I’d be happy to do it. But

This diagram shows the typical junction the two is constructed with horizontal strips there’s no free lunch involved here – I’d of a lower roof and upper ﬂoor area. of ply along the junction and lots of nails and be doing it for a price!

Paul Davis is an independent structural engineer managing his own consulting ﬁrm Project X Solutions Pty Ltd. The views in this column are Paul’s and do not reﬂect the opinions of TimberTrader News. Phone: 02 4576 1555 | Email: [email protected]

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