Eyes on the prize - Timber Trader News · principles on sustainability, we start to push back on...

NO. 363 // OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 13

GREEN BUILDERS RECOGNISED

PAGE 30

COMPANY PROFILE – FRAMEQUIP

PAGE 18

SUCCEEDING IN A CHANGING WORLD

Eyes onthe prize – Page 20

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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / OCTOBER 2016 3

PUBLISHING DATAPublisher: Ian Brooks(02) 9126 [email protected]

Editor: Alison Turner(02) 9126 [email protected]

Advertising: Julie McConachy0409 381 [email protected]

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PERSONNEL

Sales Director:Julie McConachyPhone: 0409 381 [email protected]

PUBLISHERIan BrooksPhone: 02 9126 [email protected]

Marketing is relatively new to Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH). Even

more so to me. Having a history in sales, I’ve enjoyed a crash course under the mentorship of some highly respected marketing minds – for which I am very appreciative.

The concept of marketing timber is something that has brewed in my mind since as far back as I can remember. There’s a blurred line between marketing timber products and educating the public on forestry practices. “Our industry has always needed better marketing,” I thought to myself. I had thought this because I grew up in the industry. I remember defending my father’s career to other kids in primary school. I remember being interrogated at barbeques as a teenager. Defending our cause every time I was asked what I did for a living... There was a time, not too long ago, when I wanted to avoid that question altogether so that I could dodge the education session that followed – requiring me to go into detail about just how strict and scientific the harvest and regenerating process is. “I never realised how calculated the process is,” they would often say.

Thankfully, consumers are increasingly educated on the topic and I’m not so quick to avoid the conversation any more. But we have a long way to go. I still find myself educating new friends whenever someone asks “what do you do for a living?”

Of course, there are many reasons why these conversations are less of an educational session than they used to be. The public are becoming aware of the benefits timber has to offer to the environment, the economy, aesthetics and, more than ever, the future.

But what is it, exactly, that drives this change? Is it due to an increased need for sustainable building materials? Is it the innovative mass timber products such as CLT, SUPASPAN or Glulam? How about the fact that a single glazed Victorian ash window has a better performing “U Value” than a double glazed aluminium window? Could it be the highly successful “wood stores carbon

Daniel Wright, Marketing Manager, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

TALKIN’ TIMBER

Ausframe ......................................................... 35

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd ........ 6

Bliss & Reels Pty Ltd ....................................... 31

Framequip ........................................................ 29

Hundegger ......................................................... 2

Hyne Timber .................................................... 25

LP Building products .......................................... 9

McCormack’s Hardwood Sales .................... 5, 33

MiTek Australia Ltd ................................ 30, OBC

Multinail Australia Pty Ltd ................................ 32

Outdoor Timber Treatment ................................. 8

Vekta Automation .......................................... IBC

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX – OCTOBER 2016

for life” campaign, or simply a trend towards end user solutions such as engineered flooring? I think it’s all of these points.

With the race to find sustainable building solutions comes serious opportunity for the wood products sector to develop and promote ourselves as the answer. For every company promoting their solution with the same key principles on sustainability, we start to push back on outdated, negative fear-mongering from minority groups. Something individual businesses couldn’t afford in the past.

Although much of the public do understand, there is a small percentage that don’t. We’re at a point in time where governments are introducing “wood first policies” at the same time as decreasing commercial forestry allocation in Australia. As a country we import approximately 55-60 percent of our wood and wood fibre needs. Crazy! In Victoria, the state government has proposed an investment of $2.5 billion in renewable energy alternatives. Fantastic. But what about renewable building alternatives for a market that already buys it? This is the logical first step. Achieving carbon targets and increasing jobs at the same time.

My ultimate goal through marketing timber products for ASH is to see our government support the industry. For them to see our industry as innovators. The solution. The answer to increasing fears of climate change. An export that they are proud of!

With this change in perception will come increased wood first policies and maybe even an overdue increased investment in plantation and regrowth timber allocation!

Innovative products such as our IRON ASH (which continues to impress me), Australian Oak Engineered Flooring, SUPASPAN, Glulam and ALPINE OAK will be promoted by ASH in conjunction with our popular GOODWOOD Victorian ash range. For every campaign we run, we present the benefits of our products. But we also promote the same key messages as our friends from competing timber companies – that timber IS the solution.

I’d like to encourage you all to do the same.

MADE IN GERMANY

HIGH QUALITY

Hundegger Australasia Pty LtdPH: (613) 9540 0130FX: (613) 9543 3766

Contact us today to discover how Hundegger can save you money whilst increasing throughput with the most efficient and versatile machine on the market!

EM: [email protected]: www.hundegger.com.au

Innovation in timber engineering

POWERED BY

Is your production powered by Hundegger?

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4 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / OCTOBER 2016 www.timbertradernews.com

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CONTENTSRegularsTalkin’ timber 3State of the industry 5

Association updateAssociation news 7

NewsNews update 10News feature 18

What’s new? 16

Feature article2016 Timber Design Awards 20

Case studyUsing TIMMS to make your business more efficient 26

Watt about the workpace 37

TimberFloor NewsSummer temperatures and coatings 28

AutoBuild NewsCompany profile – Framequip 30 5 minutes with... Mark Patterson, Stora Enso 32

FTMA newsletterWith Kersten Gentle 34

GN guidelinesComplying with Protocol for Structural Software 36

Truss talk With Paul Davis 38

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DON’T MISS AN ISSUE - SUBSCRIBE TODAY!TimberTrader News is the industry’s top resource, including sector news, profiles on industry personalities and in-depth features.12 month subscription is only $99. www.timbertradernews.com/subscribe

AUSTRALIA’S MOST RELEVANT AND WELL-LOVED TIMBER INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

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State of the Industry September 2016Results from the September survey show a slight increase in budget performance in comparison to last month.

50% ExceededSEPTEMBER: 29% Made 21% Just missed 0% Missed badly

MAR JULY SEPAPR JUNEMAYAUG AUGSEP OCT NOV DEC 2015 JAN 2016 FEB

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KEY FINDINGSPerformance against budget

• 79% made or exceeded budget (22% higher compared to August) consisting of medium businesses (73%) and small businesses (27%).

• 21% either missed budget or missed budget badly, consisting of all medium businesses.

Staff hires• 36% employed more staff (5% higher

compared to August). Of the companies who employed more staff, only 60% exceeded their budget.

• 64% reported no changes (1% higher compared to August).

• No businesses reduced staff (6% lower compared to August).

METROPOLITAN VS. REGIONALThe majority of survey respondents for September were located in Victoria (43%), Queensland (29%) with respondents also from New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia.

71% of respondents were from a metropolitan area. Of these respondents 70% made or exceeded budget (7% higher compared to August). Whereas 29% of respondents were from a regional area and of these respondents, all made or exceeded budget (49% higher compared to August).

Profile of survey participants this monthThe participants for the September survey included Frame and Truss Fabricators (57%), followed by Merchants (21% ) with respondents also being Wholesaler/ Supplier/ Machinery/ Services and Joinery/ Windows/ Stairs/ Balustrades/ Cabinetry Makers.

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS“Market is steady – getting paid is hard.” comments from a couple of medium sized metropolitan businesses in Qld.

“Building activity has improved. We still have quiet periods, however the length of time these are present has reduced and the length of time for better periods is longer.” – Frame and Truss Fabricator in regional Qld.

This survey is a guide only as to the ‘state of our industry’.

Sample size for September: 14

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Take design to a new level.

If you are creating windows, floors, doors, furniture, linings, cabinetry or stairs, you could hardly choose a more beautiful, durable or sustainably-harvested product than GoodWood Victorian Ash. It offers you an unbeatable package of continuous flow throughout a home or project and is famously easy to work, cut, stain and build with. What’s more, GoodWood is not only straight and long, but every single piece is carefully dried to the perfect moisture content and internally ultrasound scanned for defects.

GoodWood is tailored to provide you the timber that you want, prepared as you need it, with a massive size range of sawn and dressed timbers. And we can laminate, finger joint or reprocess larger, smaller, longer and shorter options upon request, all delivered to you by professional and reliable distribution networks around Australia and the world. GoodWood. The market’s best appearance-grade timber. Time to step up.

Get the full Goodwood story at www.vicash.com.au

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

Designed by Mitsuori Architects. Photography by Michael Kai Photography.

@sustainable_hardwoods Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

bygoodwood Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

ATIF John Halkett

Plant import conditions reviewATIF is working with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on possible changes to plant import conditions that will impact on timber product imports as part of a comprehensive review of plant import quarantine conditions.

The review is not about diminishing quarantine requirements that will continue to be based on careful risk assessment, but recognition that there have been substantial changes in timber treatment options and products. The review of timber product import conditions will have regard to nature and likely increasing volumes of these products.

The review will also have regard to changes to timber product quarantine treatments. For instance there is now a move away from methyl bromide treatment on environmental grounds and new treatments been utilised, such as cold refrigeration with reduced reliance on heat treatments.

ATIF is keen to hear from any timber product importer with any concerns related to specific timber product types or new or emerging quarantine treatments that could be considered as part of the present review. Also timber product importers can also raise issues with conditions or direct queries to the Plant Import Conditions Review mailbox: [email protected]

Meeting with the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources In early September ATIF met with Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston who has been reappointed as Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, with responsibility for forestry. The meeting covered matters related to illegal logging policy and legislation, including progress on implementing the recommendations of the KPMG report that considered the implementation of the illegal logging regulations; the preparation of the regulatory impact statement, that is a required precursor to any regulatory changes, and the Government’s thinking on possible changes to the regulations. The issue of the review the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 due next year was also discussed.

ATIF is keen to hear from any timber product importer with concerns related to timber product types or quarantine treatments.

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The meeting also covered other matters of particular relevance to timber importers and wholesalers, including the review of plant import conditions and the importance of imported timber products to mid-rise building construction following amendments to the National Construction Code.

TABMA Colin Fitzpatrick

TABMA VictoriaTABMA continues to make ground in Victoria with placements of apprentices and trainees growing at a rapid rate. Membership also continues to grow exponentially. At this stage we have Rhonda Moore travelling from Sydney to Melbourne for 10 days per

month but growth has now enabled us to commence advertising in the Melbourne market for a full time person to take up the role of Field Officer TABMA Victoria. By next issue we hope to have somebody in place and will be able to introduce that person.

Take design to a new level.

If you are creating windows, floors, doors, furniture, linings, cabinetry or stairs, you could hardly choose a more beautiful, durable or sustainably-harvested product than GoodWood Victorian Ash. It offers you an unbeatable package of continuous flow throughout a home or project and is famously easy to work, cut, stain and build with. What’s more, GoodWood is not only straight and long, but every single piece is carefully dried to the perfect moisture content and internally ultrasound scanned for defects.

GoodWood is tailored to provide you the timber that you want, prepared as you need it, with a massive size range of sawn and dressed timbers. And we can laminate, finger joint or reprocess larger, smaller, longer and shorter options upon request, all delivered to you by professional and reliable distribution networks around Australia and the world. GoodWood. The market’s best appearance-grade timber. Time to step up.

Get the full Goodwood story at www.vicash.com.au

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

Designed by Mitsuori Architects. Photography by Michael Kai Photography.

@sustainable_hardwoods Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

bygoodwood Australian Sustainable Hardwoods

TTN362_07-08_Association news.indd 6 19/08/2016 4:44 PM TTN363_07-08_Association news.indd 7 16/09/2016 3:41 PM


FITEC Australia Pty LtdTo capitalise on the national strength of the TABMA name we will shortly be altering the trading name of FITEC to TABMA Training. It is believed this name change will assist in establishing our registered training organisation in states where it has previously not had a presence. This name change was unanimously passed by the FITEC Board led by Ian Halliday and the TABMA Australia Board led by Peter Hutchison.

TABMA South AustraliaEvery two months, under the leadership of Andrew Bone, our SA Management Committee meets to discuss issues pertinent to that state and how we can further the growth of TABMA in South Australia. With Alicia Oelkers leading a strong on-the-ground team, working hand in glove with the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) arm of the Government of South Australia, TABMA is well established in SA and now has almost 30 apprentices and trainees placed with host employers.

TABMA Australia AGMThe Annual General Meeting of TABMA Australia Ltd will be held in Sydney on Thursday, November 3. Notice of the meeting will be sent to all members on October 10 and members are especially invited to attend.

Queensland Industry Awards DinnerSaturday, October 15 is the date for the 2016 Queensland industry dinner and the presentation of the TABMA Awards for that state. All award winners are then eligible to become finalists in the 2017 national awards dinner which will be held in Sydney. This year the Queensland dinner, with ITI Qld being the major sponsor, is being held at Rydges Southbank and bookings can be made by contacting [email protected]

TMA Emma Watt

Be careful who you believe! Firstly, I need to say that the TMA recognises that unions have a legitimate role to play within the industrial relations system. Nothing I say in the paragraphs following should detract from that statement. However, there have been two issues within the last week alone that have caused me considerable concern.

REDUNDANCY PAYMENTSA TMA member made an employee redundant. The member took advice from TMA, consulted with the employee in accordance with the award and offered alternative employment that was consistent with the operational requirements of the business. The employee rejected the offer of

ASSOCIATION UPDATE

employment, and so was made redundant. Because the employee had between one and two years’ service, she was entitled to two weeks’ notice and four weeks’ redundancy pay under the National Employment Standards. This is what she was paid. A union organiser rang the TMA member, and told him that he had underpaid her, and that she was entitled to four weeks’ pay in lieu of notice and six weeks’ redundancy pay.

Thankfully the TMA member rang me to check this information. It is completely incorrect, and it worries me that an experienced union organiser, who should know better, would either make this mistake, or “try it on” with an employer.

NEGOTIATING AN ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTThe union sent another TMA member an email about negotiating a new enterprise agreement. Attached to the email was a form which the union demanded the TMA member fill out and return to them. The form authorised the union to lodge an enterprise agreement on behalf of the member, and would have resulted in the member consenting to the union charging a fee for lodgement of the agreement.

Even more worrying was that the form was obviously a direct copy and paste from a similar form used by the Construction Division of the CFMEU, and demanded information that was not going to be relevant to the TMA member.

Employers need to be aware that under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers are responsible for running the enterprise agreement negotiation process and lodging the agreement with the Fair Work Commission. If you authorise the union to do this on your behalf, you’re ceding control of a process you are required to follow, and you’re paying the union for the privilege!

Both of these (separate) incidents add up to what appear to be attempts to pull the wool over TMA members’ eyes. Please ensure that you take any information given to you by the union, or requested from you by the union, and check it independently. Preferably not by googling, though – although everything you ever wanted to know is available on the internet, judging what’s current and relevant can be tricky, given all the changes that happen in industrial relations.

Obviously, TMA members can contact me for advice about what to do. With nearly 20 years’ experience advising the timber industry, I should be able to give you the correct information pretty quickly.

[email protected] or 0411 708 073

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stains to be applied after installation.

TABMA is well established in SA and now has almost 30 apprentices and trainees placed with host employers.

LP® SolidStart® Engineered Wood Products Provide Strength, Consistency And Much More.

LP® SolidStart® Engineered Wood Products offer major advantages in house framing: exceptional quality, consistency, durability and strength. Available in longer lengths than traditional timber, LP SolidStart LSL, LVL, I-Joists and Rim Board give you greater design flexibility, faster installation and less waste. They’re engineered to work together to provide a proven building system that delivers real benefits—not just during construction, but for decades to come. The LP SolidStart family. Build with confidence. Build with us.

© 2016 Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. All rights reserved. PEFC is a trademark of Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. SFI is a registered trademark Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc. All other trademarks are owned by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.

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LP® SolidStart® Engineered Wood Products Provide Strength, Consistency And Much More.

LP® SolidStart® Engineered Wood Products offer major advantages in house framing: exceptional quality, consistency, durability and strength. Available in longer lengths than traditional timber, LP SolidStart LSL, LVL, I-Joists and Rim Board give you greater design flexibility, faster installation and less waste. They’re engineered to work together to provide a proven building system that delivers real benefits—not just during construction, but for decades to come. The LP SolidStart family. Build with confidence. Build with us.

© 2016 Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. All rights reserved. PEFC is a trademark of Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. SFI is a registered trademark Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc. All other trademarks are owned by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.

PEFC/29-31-102

LPCorp.com/AU

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The Proven Choice In House Framing.

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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.

NEWS IN BRIEF

INDUSTRY NEWS

Up, up and away!Research grant awarded to manufacture multi-storey houses

Australia’s first timber high-rise apartment building: Forte in Victoria Harbour, Melbourne, designed and constructed by Lendlease.

The University of Sydney and Lendlease have been awarded a $3 million grant

by the Australian Government to undertake a collaborative research project to develop prefabricated multi-storey housing solutions.

The five year industry-led project received funding from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) program to develop and build prototype housing solutions that use high-tech, renewable materials and advanced manufacturing processes.

Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer, Lendlease Property, said that the demand for affordable and diverse housing is calling for new housing solutions from industry.

“We aim to bring to market an innovative housing system that is design-led, which will help address affordability issues, while developing advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques for future

housing construction,” she says.Associate Professor Mathew Aitchison

from the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney says that the project presents an enormous opportunity to bring innovation to the residential construction market, which has remained largely unchanged in the last 100 years.

“Despite major advances in other manufacturing sectors, innovation in residential construction is lagging” he says. “This project seeks to drive efficiency and safety benefits and boost Australia’s competitiveness internationally, where we have seen a notable increase in advanced manufacturing in building over the past decade.”

The project will develop a range of solutions for the multi-storey housing market that address increasing urban density and residential market demands.

“The products and industry processes stemming from the project aim to create new jobs, skills, technologies and potentially export opportunities for prefabricated housing to meet the sophisticated needs of home- buyers and builders,” says Rampa.

Associate Professor Aitchison continues: “We will focus on developing multi-storey prototype houses that can be adapted for manufacture and customised project to project. At the same time, we are looking at ways to reduce risk and waste while increasing the efficiency, safety, quality, sustainability and diversity of market-ready housing.”

The research project brings together industry leaders in Australian housing and construction including Lendlease and the University of Sydney’s Innovation in Applied Design Lab, located in the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning.

“The products and industry processes stemming from the project aim to create new jobs, skills, technologies and export opportunities.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Fair Work Ombudsman building a “culture of compliance”.

New head office for Multinail

Multinail, one of Australia’s leading innovators in lightweight pre-

fabricated timber technology, is starting construction of a new head office, based in Stapylton, Queensland.

With the recent changes to the NCC allowing more timber to be used in more applications, this will be an event not to be missed. Multinail will be reserving two days over two weeks for the installation of timber cassettes engineered and manufactured for commercial loads.

Floor cassettes for the new building are designed for a live load of 3.0kPa. The 25mm plywood flooring cassettes span 8.8 metres with a width of 6 metres. The cassettes’ weight is 2.1 tonnes. The office length will be approximately 45.3 metres with a width of approximately 27.7 metres. The upper level floor area is approximately 1000m2, and floor cassettes will be used for the majority of the upper floor.

Multinail will be releasing more information on dates and times in the coming weeks. If you are interested in attending one of these days please contact [email protected]

“The 11.3 percent increase does demonstrate a high level of confidence by the industry in meeting the unmet demand.”

With the recent changes to the NCC allowing more timber to be used in more applications, this will be an event not to be missed.

While the jump in the July 2016 building approvals were welcome,

caution needs to be exercised in interpreting the headline “surge” in building approval numbers, says Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia.

“It doesn’t mean that the industry is on the cusp of another boom because the approvals will not necessarily translate into actual building activity over the next three to 12 months,” he says.

“Nevertheless the 11.3 percent seasonally adjusted increase does demonstrate a high level of confidence by the industry in meeting the unmet demand.”

Harnisch believes that at this stage it’s too early to tell whether the recent interest rate cut will unleash a further round of investor interest in the apartment market.

“The building approval surge in high rise apartments was most notable in the

major eastern states, particularly in New South Wales,” he continues.

The number of approvals for stand- alone housing remained steady and is expected to do so for some time, underpinned by the confidence generated by the recent cuts in interest rates.

Builders cautious about surge in July building approvals

$25,000 back-pay for apprentice floor layer

A western Sydney commercial flooring company has reimbursed an apprentice

floor layer almost $25,000 after an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman found he had been underpaid over two years.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has announced enforcement action against the company, Pampost Pty Ltd - trading as Bass Floor Company at Guildford West – as a result of the underpayment. The adult apprentice was short-changed $24,920 as a result of being underpaid his minimum wages and entitlements under the Building and Construction General On-site Award.

The company was audited in March this year as part of a Fair Work Ombudsman proactive compliance and education campaign. The audit revealed that the full-time apprentice had been paid junior rates between October 1, 2014 and June 30, 2016. Fair Work inspectors also observed that the company had a practice of paying tool allowances into a “kitty” from which staff purchased tools when required, instead of paying it direct to employees.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says Pampost Pty Ltd co-operated with the Agency and has rectified the underpaid wages and amended its workplace practices. The company and its sole director, Timothy Minogue, have entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman

aimed at encouraging behavioural change and future compliance with workplace laws.

Enforceable Undertakings were introduced by legislation in 2009 and the Fair Work Ombudsman has been using them to achieve strong outcomes against companies that breach workplace laws, without the need for civil court proceedings.

“We use nforceable Undertakings where we have formed a view that a breach of the law has occurred, but where the employer has acknowledged this, accepted responsibility and agreed to co-operate,’’ James says.

In 2015-16, $3.85 million in underpaid wages and entitlements was returned to 2132 employees as a result of their employers entering into Enforceable Undertakings with the Fair Work Ombudsman, up slightly on the $3.75 million recovered for 2507 workers the previous year. James says the Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to helping employers understand and comply with workplace laws, but operators need to make an effort to get the basics right in the first place.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman is striving to build a culture of compliance where businesses understand and comply with their lawful obligations,” James says.

Employers can call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 between 8am and 5:30pm weekdays to obtain free advice.

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NEWS IN BRIEF


A smart substitute Modified wood product aims to save hardwood forests.

A hardwood substitute has been developed to effectively end the need to log native forests. Researchers from the Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science & Technology in South Australia have collaborated with Australian company 3RT Holdings to develop a method for converting cheap pulpwood into a sustainable tropical hardwood substitute.

3Wood contains the same properties as tropical hardwood but maintains a stronger dimensional stability and eliminates wastage. It’s made from a complete log, includes wastewood and does not bleed out or stain nearby floors or walls. It’s developed using ordinary pulpwood and then a unique water-based adhesive that reacts with the fibres in the wood to make it stronger.

This process is known as lignocellulose manufacturing technology, which works to compress softwood to create a new product that is denser, harder and more durable than the original. The wood is then exposed to a combination of temperature and pressure to form it into a rectangular shaped 3wood block.

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It’s no news that the property market is big business across Australia, but

it may surprise you how many of us are keen to get stuck into renovating.

One in four (26 percent) plan to renovate their home in the next year according to a new survey by ServiceSeeking.com.au. That’s a lot of carpenters needed across Australia so it’s a great sign for the

Quarter of homeowners plan to renovateInterest rates are low, the property market continues its upward trend and homeowners are ready to renovate.

“Homeowners love to update, experiment and change their surroundings.”

buoyant renovation trade sector.And more than half of all home-

owners (54 percent) have renovated in the past, so we really are a nation in love with the idea of renovating.

With the success of renovation TV programs such as House Rules, The Block and Selling Houses Australia, more Australians are taking the plunge to redesign their own homes.

“Renovating is big business at the moment,” says ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt. “Homeowners love to update, experiment and change their surroundings so there is always plenty of work around for tradies.

“And with the property market continuing to soar, the rewards will be in not only the satisfaction a newly renovated space brings, but in the monetary rewards should they be renovating to sell.”

FWPA consumer research has found that 2016 saw an increase in the number

of people likely to choose wood over other materials – almost two thirds of Australians are likely to choose wood over other materials, where appropriate.

The research also found that the majority of Australians have recently been involved in a project, or are planning to undertake a project. With 56 percent of consumers in the market for materials and a strong

love of wood, the future looks promising for the industry. Love of wood has increased from 79 percent to 85 percent and the proportion of people who claim they would always/would be likely to choose wood over other materials has also increased from 57 percent to 62 percent.

Further to this, the research found that almost three quarters of Australians have a lot of natural wood in their work, home and life. Wood is increasingly

being seen as easy to use, versatile and varied, as well as environmentally sustainable. In fact, the forest and wood products industry remains one of the most reliable sources of environmental information, according to the research. This puts the industry alongside environmental groups in the top tier in terms of reliability. This may explain why support for timber harvesting and increased use of wood are at a record high.

We love wood!The future of the industry looks promising, according to new report.


NEWS IN BRIEF


Smarter, greenerGreen builders recognised at Australian residential housing awards.

The 2016 HIA Australian GreenSmart Home award has been presented

to Queensland’s Eco Essence Homes. The award is the highest accolade at the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Australian GreenSmart Awards. HIA GreenSmart Awards recognise the best in environmentally-responsible housing.

Smart design enabled the winning home by Eco Essence Homes to utilise the natural environment for both heating and cooling, natural light and water for landscaping.

“Thermal mass materials, large north-facing windows and insulation to all rooms combine to produce a steady internal temperature and comfortable home year-round,” the judges said.

Occupants keep a check on their energy consumption with an energy monitoring system providing up-to-date usage information. The home also won the award for HIA GreenSmart Spec Home.

Winners from all around Australia were recognised for their contribution to sustainable building practices. Joe Mercieca from Blue Eco Homes, NSW, won HIA GreenSmart Professional for setting new standards with his commitment to sustainability. Mercieca’s passion combines superior workmanship and respect for the natural environment; providing healthy, comfortable homes for his clients.

Blue Eco Homes also won HIA GreenSmart Custom Built Home. Access to the sun, a high level of thermal insulation and taking advantage of the natural surroundings were all design considerations for the winning home in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

Benchmark Building Projects, NSW, won HIA GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project by taking on the challenges of preserving ancient trees, endangered birds and a steep sloping site to produce a home that provides long term energy savings through carefully chosen materials.

A seven-unit development by Right Homes in Western Australia won three awards – HIA GreenSmart Residential Development, HIA GreenSmart Water Efficiency and HIA GreenSmart Energy Efficiency. The judges were impressed with Right Homes’ commitment to reducing energy consumption and

lowering living expenses for occupants.

“Each townhouse achieves at least a 9-star energy rating by harnessing the benefits of passive solar design and including ample insulation to ensure minimal reliance on mechanical heating or cooling devices,” the judges said.

Right Homes also won HIA GreenSmart Project Home for a solar passive home which carefully considered the orientation of the block, insulation needs, ventilation, thermal mass, client lifestyle and budget to produce a home that was both comfortable and affordable to run.

NEAThouse, Tasmania, won HIA GreenSmart Display Home for a home which prioritised the use of locally made materials. Reclaimed cypress from farm windbreaks was used for external cladding, while inside, pine wall linings are primarily from Tasmanian sources.

Steele Associates, NSW, won HIA GreenSmart Townhouse/Villa Development.

The three townhouse development seamlessly incorporates low energy building design to produce stylish and comfortable spaces. A native green roof cloaks the development, with the soil and plants reducing western solar gains onto the roof, and providing extra insulation.

Ecoshelta, NSW, won HIA GreenSmart Product for their Bigpod N Series; a prefabricated modular building system ideal for remote, exposed and limited access sites. The system has been developed to minimise the environmental footprint of building a home – both for the site and for the environment as a whole.

The HIA GreenSmart program is a voluntary initiative available to HIA members. See hia.com.au for more information.

Clockwise from top right: Professional - Blue Eco Homes; Home of the Year – Eco Essence; Display Home – NEAThouse.


NEWS IN BRIEF


The use of structural engineered timber products is quickly gaining traction.

A three-tower residential development with 101 apartments, The Gardens in

Campbelltown is Australia’s largest multi-storey prefabricated timber construction project. It’s also the largest affordable housing project to be delivered without any government funding.

Costs and quality were high priorities for this construction. Building contractor Strongbuild proposed a cost effective build solution based on cross laminated timber (CLT) rather than traditional concrete and steel. The prefabricated building technologies will make construction time 20 percent faster than a traditional build; shaving off four months and associated costs. Construction of the first tower is complete. Construction commenced on the second tower in early September.

The project includes three residential towers of six, seven and eight storeys that are being developed by Tier 1 affordable housing provider BlueCHP Limited to provide high quality housing. The first tower, once fully fitted out, will go to market to be sold to private investors or owner-occupiers.

The other two towers will be set aside for key workers – police, nurses, fire brigade personnel – in Sydney growth centre, Campbelltown. Rents will be capped for key workers at 30 percent of their wage. Affordable housing in reasonably close proximity to a regional city centre’s employment hub is essential for workers in the emergency services.

The regional city’s population is forecast to grow more than 36 percent from its current 158,394 people to 215,875 within the next two decades; with the rezoning of the Western Sydney Employment Lands and NSW Economic Development Framework

Build it and they will comeAustralia’s largest CLT building project to deliver high-quality affordable housing in Sydney growth centre.

opening up opportunities for greater infrastructure and employment.

Strongbuild managing director Adam Strong says the prefabricated building material CLT has similar characteristics to concrete and steel yet is 30 percent lighter than traditional structures. It also offers better thermal performance and requires less energy to heat and cool.

“CLT is engineered and processed in a factory to be precise, making it fast and efficient to construct,” Strong says.

The prefab components are built in Strongbuild’s 8000sqm highly automated advanced manufacturing facility that provides control over the price, quality and timing with the entire design and build process in house.

“This also translates into less waste, less on-site construction resources and a safer, quieter, cleaner overall build site,” Strong continues.

Warren McGregor, CEO of the national association for off-site construction industry, prefabAUS, says that saving four months of construction time means that the client will be operational earlier. “It’s a huge advantage having a building project delivered faster, particularly for affordable housing clients like BlueCHP and for projects such as hospitals and schools,” he says.

Housing affordability will be one of the many industry topics discussed at the upcoming national prefabAUS Conference, Delivering Next Generation Buildings, on October 10 to 12 at the University of Sydney. Adam Strong will be one of the industry guests presenting, and will discuss the CLT project that will feature as an optional site tour during the conference.

Strong will be joined at the conference by

local industry guest speakers and international presenters, including author of several scientific publications and a book on the design of timber structures, Paolo Lavisci, PhD in Industrial Technologies – Timber. Lavisci is former CEO of an Italian Timber Design Bureau and has 25 years of professional experience in timber technology. He will present on Timber in Mid Rise Residential Construction under the new national construction code allowances in Australia.

Affordable housing advocate Marc Norman, from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, curated the Designing Affordability: Quicker, Smarter, More Efficient Housing Now exhibition that was recently held at the Centre for Architecture in New York. Norman will be a guest presenter and his exhibition will be on display at the prefabAUS Conference. prefabAUS represents key businesses in the design, manufacture and construction of prefabricated buildings and building modules. It is a not-for-profit organisation and is hosting Australia’s third national conference on the off-site construction industry. The conference will feature national and international specialists in off-site design, manufacturing and construction, as well as workshops, panel discussions and site visits.

The conference will be held at the Seymour Centre at the University of Sydney, Architecture Design and Planning, on Monday, October 10-12. For more information and to book, go to prefabaus.org.au/conference

The use of structural engineered timber products (ETP) to build apartment, hotel

and office buildings up to an effective height of 25m is quickly gaining traction. New and innovative developments are proving the structural performance of ETPs and how reduced preliminaries, onsite costs and speed of build deliver considerable cost savings.

For those of you interested in rising to the challenge and using these products, Timber Queensland is holding Design, Engineer & Build: Mid Rise Timber

Design, engineer and buildTimber Queensland to host seminar on mid rise timber buildings.

Buildings on Tuesday, October 25 at Moda Events Portside, Brisbane. The seminar will feature a great speaker program

incorporating some of the leading players and thinkers who are developing the mid-rise market. It will be a good opportunity to better understand the sort of projects that suit mass and light-weight timber systems and evaluate the benefits compared to conventional construction. You’ll learn what decisions need to made to enable the of use timber and how to achieve greater design efficiencies using Glulam and CLT in tandem. For more, go to timberqueensland.com.au/events


NEWS IN BRIEF


Want the full story? Subscribe to the TimberTrader News fortnightly e-news at www.timbertradernews.com/subscribe/newsletters

National Building Design AwardsNeale Whittaker to host awards on Gold Coast.

For the second year, internationally-renowned editor of Vogue Living

Australia and television personality Neale Whitaker will host the National Building Design Awards.

Held by the National Association of Building Designers (NABD), the National Building Design Awards will be presented at Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 1.

The awards promote and recognise excellence in building design across the country in the areas of residential, interior, heritage conservation, energy efficiency, commercial and industrial design.

The NABD was formed as a unified peak body for Australia’s building designers, to help set the benchmark for best practice within the building design industry design.

Longstanding supporter of the Australian building design industry and BDAQ President Tamica Lewis says she is thrilled with the calibre of this year’s nominees.

“This year’s cohort of building designers have once again exceeded my expectations – as well as those of the judges – and raised the standard of exceptional building

“This year’s cohort of building designers have raised the standard of building design to the next level.”

design to the next level,” Lewis says. “It’s amazing to see the creativity,

passion and commitment that has gone into each and every one of this year’s projects – from residential, interior, sustainable and heritage conservations through to non-residential design projects including commercial, industrial and public buildings.

“I am also excited to announce that in partnership with this year’s major awards partner James Hardie, we will be launching a brand new award – James Hardie Dream Designer Award – to encourage innovative design and living.”

Twenty awards will be presented at the National Building Design Awards including Best New Residential Design, Best Heritage Design, Best Sustainable Design and National Building Design of the Year.

Established in 2013, the National Association of Building Designers promotes and develops the building design industry and the excellent work of its professionals. Its objectives include formalising education programs, sharing expertise and pursuing continuous professional development.

The 2016 National Building Design Awards will be held at the Sea World Resort and is proudly supported by James Hardie and bronze partner, Ametalin.



WHAT’S NEW?

New generation timberBig River introduces Tasmanian Oak to its prefinished Australian hardwood engineered flooring range.

“Big River products are known for quality, strength and ecological value.”

and an engineered hardwood plywood core. This hardwood core means that optimum stability is guaranteed between the floorboards with reduced risk of bending and cupping.

Dean Henderson, General Manager Sales and Marketing Big River Group, believes the new product addition will be supported and recognised as an attractive solution for builders, architects and homeowners.

“As long standing timber experts, Big River products are known in the marketplace for quality, strength and ecological value,” he says. “This hardwood plywood gives strength and dimensional stability requiring no acclimatisation, prior to installation which many other brands require.

“Australia is well known for producing some of the most attractive timbers in the world and we’re pleased to be able to offer a timber flooring product which is easy to install, easy to maintain, with all the benefits that come with using a real Australian timber.”

This new unique hardwood has a 4mm face veneer that can be re-sanded if required years after installation. Each board is 15mm thick and a prestigious 133mm wide, and boards are 2200mm in length, making them the longest boards available on the Australian market. The new generation Tasmanian Oak flooring has a water-based matte coating, offering durability, less maintenance and ease of installation. It requires no buffing and can be walked on straight after installation.

Big River Engineered Australian Hardwood Flooring allows for fast, simple and economical installation through its simple tongue and groove connecting system. The boards can be installed on virtually any flat surface including concrete, tiles and existing timber floors. Big River’s pre-finished engineered flooring comes with a lifetime warranty against warping, buckling or bond failure and a 20 year limited warranty for the finish against wear-through under normal residential usage. Big River Tasmanian Oak prefinished Australian hardwood engineered flooring is available through Harvey Norman Flooring stores and Big River Group flooring resellers.

To download a brochure or for more information on Big River’s engineered and broader range of flooring please visit bigrivergroup.com.au

Timber is known for its warmth, unique character and stunning beauty and

is an ideal choice when it comes to flooring options. Important factors such as lifestyle, furnishings, wear, cost and appearance all need to be considered when choosing

the type of timber most suitable. Offering character and individual richness,

Big River has just introduced Tasmanian Oak into its prefinished Australian hardwood engineered flooring range, providing additional flooring options for residential and commercial applications. Ranging in tone from pale straw through to a richer mid-brown, Tasmania Oak is a popular Australian species and is the preferred hardwood for a full range of applications, including flooring. Big River worked with its Australian logging resources to source and provide expertise in working with this new species. Tasmanian Oak is an addition to Big River’s New Generation flooring range and includes a blonde hardwood alongside the five existing native timber species; Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Sydney Blue Gum, Brushbox and Australian Chestnut.

Big River has established a reputation for producing “Australia’s most stable floor” that has a thick top layer of Australian hardwood

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WHAT’S NEW?

NEW PRODUCT ON THE MARKET? If you’re launching a new product, let us know! Email us at [email protected] for the chance to be featured here.

Achieve seamless colour matching between your indoor and outdoor timber design with the Cumaru range.

Cumaru’s natural durability makes it ideal for harsh Australian conditions.

Porta introduces Cumaru

This September Porta launched their range of Cumaru timber into the

Australian market. The feedback from architects and builders on this attractive, extremely high durability timber with wavy interlocking grains has been very positive.

Porta offers Cumaru for a range of applications. Its natural durability and strength make it ideal for harsh Australian conditions. It can be used in a diverse range of outdoor applications from beams, decking, and cladding to boardwalks, marinas and civil works. It’s also highly desirable for indoor applications such as flooring, lining boards and beams. This means seamless colour matching can be achieved between indoor and outdoor design.

Cumaru is structurally F34 rated, which may enable longer timber spans and/or a reduction in the number of posts lowering the overall project cost while rewarding you with a premium hardwood result.

Cumaru has proven to be a great performer in a range of rigorous exterior applications. Because of Cumaru’s high density (1085km/m3 dry) it meets the specified density in AS3959-2009 for construction in bushfire zones where BAL 12.5 or 19 is required. It is also features a greater resistance to termites and decay. Cumaru is also non-leaching which eliminates the problems of timber staining onto pavers, rendered walls and around pools areas.

Porta offers Cumaru in large sections and long lengths, for a unique design that celebrates the beauty of timber. With over 65 years of timber expertise

Porta also offers custom mouldings services for Cumaru timber or any timber species. Porta is a leading supplier of timber mouldings and custom moulding services to the home improvement, building, trade and commercial sectors. Head to porta.com.au for more.

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NEWS FEATURE

“This report highlights the importance of business success.”

Leaders of business large and small have the potential to create a multi-billion

dollar impact on the nation’s economy, lifting GDP ranking by five places

The Westpac Businesses of Tomorrow report, by Deloitte Access Economics, has found an opportunity of about $70 billion exists for Australia by harnessing business leadership potential. Translating into four percent increase in the nation’s GDP (PPP-adjusted) and lifting our ranking from 19th to 14th in the world with a $3000 annual windfall for every Australian.

The report was released in August as nominations opened for Westpac’s Businesses of Tomorrow program, part of Westpac’s bicentennial celebration in April 2017. This program will support business potential though recognising 200 Australian businesses, both large and small, which are doing well today and have a clear vision for tomorrow.

An insight from the analysis of business performance is that businesses own decisions and strategies drive their success, not just economic conditions and industry trends.

“This report highlights the importance of business success,” says David Lindberg, Westpac Chief Executive, Business Bank.

“When businesses thrive we all thrive. One of the biggest levers Australia can pull to promote business success is to support the capabilities and confidence of all business leaders. This confidence can translate into a multi-billion dollar opportunity for the nation’s economy.”

From the report, a clear set of

$70 billion boost to the economy lies in the hands of Australian business leaders.

which would mean a boost to our economy by around $70 billion a year.

Australia’s current productivity gap from the United States is 23 percent, an estimated 29 percent of which can be attributed to management quality as measured by a range of factors such as goal and target setting, plan execution, talent management and promotion systems.

The productivity boost above would be more significant than that of the internet and could lift the World Bank’s ranking of Australia’s PPP-adjusted-GDP per capita from 19th to 14th in the world. For individuals, this is equivalent to an extra $3000 per person – approximately what the lowest 40 per cent of households spend on rent every year.

This opportunity could be worth around $20 billion to regional and rural Australia, based on its importance to employment and economic activity.

LinkedIn data For this study, we analysed LinkedIn’s database of over 280,000 LinkedIn profiles of leaders from over 72,000 Australian businesses. We identified two types of “successful” businesses: Top attractors 25 companies that are successful at attracting talent as measured by number of job applications submitted, digital engagement of existing employees, and new hire turnover. Recurring Financial Review fast businesses Businesses that have appeared in at least two out of the last three years of the Financial Review fast list.

We found that there are four key characteristics of effective leaders: Fit for purpose education Overall, leaders are well-educated; in “top attractor” established businesses they are 43 percent more likely to have a higher degree compared with the average business, while leaders in fast-growing companies are 22 percent less likely;

Succeeding in a changing world

characteristics emerged about the profile of successful business leaders, including a focus on connectivity, management and strategy skills, international experience and fit-for-purpose education.

“As we transition to a services-led economy, it’s vital the 2.1 million active businesses across Australia are supported to succeed in a changing world,” Lindberg says. “Westpac developed Businesses of Tomorrow to help leaders in acquiring the skills they need today to empower them to succeed tomorrow. It’s our hope that finding and fostering these businesses every year will help Australia capitalise on this billion dollar opportunity.

“Beyond this, we expect new opportunities to arise from the connections formed between businesses in the program. We know the power of bringing big and small business together; more than half of small businesses receive the majority of their income from other businesses and over a third of large businesses have SMEs as their largest suppliers. We envision the collaboration inspired by the program to produce one of the most significant long term paybacks to the economy.”

The 200 Businesses of Tomorrow will be chosen based on criteria such as their business purpose, contribution to customers and the community, current strengths and vision for the future. A group of 20 businesses will be selected for international study tours, mentoring and $100,000 in professional services. To nominate a Business of Tomorrow, visit businessesoftomorrow.com.au

WESTPAC BUSINESSES OF TOMORROW REPORT SUMMARY OF KEY STATISTICS

Management and the economy The results from academic studies suggest that just halving the gap in leaders’ management effectiveness between Australia and the world’s best could lift productivity by four percent,

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NEWS FEATURE

A set of core skills Beyond formal qualifications, leaders need a core set of skills, especially management and strategy skills. What is interesting is that beyond that, business maturity again plays a key role – for established businesses it’s about mastering business process improvement and change management to make businesses more agile in a fast-moving environment, whereas for successful fast-growing businesses, driving business development is a higher priority; International experience Although clearly not a prerequisite for effective leadership, senior people at top attractor businesses and fast-growing businesses were two and three times

more likely to have international experience than a leader at an average business.

Connectivity Leaders in successful businesses tend be more connected with their staff, suppliers and customers; the opposite of isolated. LinkedIn connections are just one proxy for leaders’ communicative and collaborative behaviours, but telling – on average, leaders in the top attractor businesses have 17 percent more connections than leaders in businesses overall, and leaders in fast growing businesses have 88 percent more than leaders at average businesses. IL

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ABS BLS data Introducing new organisational or managerial practices increased the likelihood of achieving above average revenue growth by three percent over not doing so.

A business focus on innovation increased the likelihood of achieving above average revenue growth by seven percent.

These results are from on a simple model using the ABS Business Longitudinal Survey data, which in all is based on 463 questions and 7033 observations because we observe businesses over a five year period.

TTN363_18-19_news feature.indd 19 16/09/2016 12:09 PM


COVER FEATURE

And the winner is...The 2016 Timber Design Awards showcased some stunning, innovative and truly original creations, all celebrating the beauty, warmth and vibrancy of timber.

Grand Prix winner for the 2016 Australian

Timber Design Awards: Three Capes

Track Cabins by JAWSARCHITECTS.

TTN363_20-24_cover feature_awards.indd 20 19/09/2016 2:39 PM

COVER FEATURE


The 17th annual Timber Design Award winners were announced on September

15 at a special dinner event at Luna Park in Sydney. The 2016 awards presentation night was graced by the presence of well-known individuals from government, the timber industry and the design community.

The Grand Prix winner for the 2016 Australian Timber Design Award went to JAWSARCHITECTS for Three Capes Track Cabins. The Three Capes track is a four-day walk taking in the magnificent scenery of the Tasman Peninsula on Tasmania’s south-east coast. Working closely with the the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, JAWSARCHITECTS developed a series of simple, elegant accommodation facilities in three distinct locations along the track route, sitting lightly and effortlessly in this dramatic landscape.

Drawing on previous experience with prefabrication and transportable structures, the cabins employ repeated and preassembled timber components.

The awards honoured the best in timber design.

The Gipson Commons, St Michael’s Grammar School.

These components were transported by helicopter in 800kg loads, and assembled “flat-pack style” on site by a small team of craftsmen. Ergonomic requirements and structural limitations were considered to determine a regular structural grid.

Timber was the perfect material since it satisfied the requirements of lightness, standardisation and repetition, corrosion

Bold Park Aquatic by Donovan Payne

Architects.

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The awards are a national competition which aims to encourage and showcase exceptional timber design

the awards now attract. In addition to the two architects (Diego Bekinschtein and Kerry Clare) were a structural engineer (Chris Potter), a builder (Professor Perry Forsythe) and an interior designer (Kate St James).

Other award winners were:Peoples’ Choice Award – Excellence in Timber Design: PNEU Architects, Maken Place;Sustainability: Y2 Architecture and Three Acres Landscape Architecture, Marist College Bendigo Montagne Centre; Small Budget: Bates Smart, 106 Flinders St;Rising Star: Andrew Volkmann of Donovan Payne Architects, Bold Park Aquatic;Landscape: Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) and Troppo Architects in association with the City of Charles Sturt and Wallbridge and Gilbert, Henley Square Redevelopment;Timber Fabrication: Donovan Payne Architects, Bold Park Aquatic;Furniture and Joinery: Hydrowood for The Pieman Collection;Stand-alone Structure: Studio Workshop, CONDEV Reception Space;Interior Fitout – Commercial: Enter Projects, Lot 1, Sydney;

and bushfire resistance. Timber integrates well into the bush environment and bushfire resistant species are available for important structural components.

The infill walls were designed to be prefabricated and Tasmanian Oak plywood was the ideal durable material with enough flexibility to avoid damage when being transported. Timber screens with varying levels of enclosure are slotted in between the standardised timber post and beam frames to provide enclosure, light, ventilation, privacy and spatial separation. Tasmanian Oak engineered timber flooring was used to form the finished floors providing a warm and welcoming space for hikers to stay overnight.

In awarding it as the overall winner of Australian Timber Design Awards, the judges said the project’s real achievement is “in its creation of great public amenity to inhabits in a remote area, which we feel is due to the holistic approach to the outcomes, texture and warmth of the timber used.”

Following feedback from previous years, a second architect was added to the judging panel to assist in the volume of entrants that

Lot 1, Sydney, by Enter Projects.

Above: 106 Flinders Street, by Bates Smart.

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The awards are not about finding the prettiest building but to reward innovative use of timber design.

Interior Fitout – Residential: Fergus Scott Architects, The Farm;Public or Commercial Buildings: Donovan Payne Architects, Bold Park Aquatic;Residential Class 1 – Alteration or Addition: Gaetano Palmese Architects, Sofia & Otto’s Playground;Residential Class 1 – New Buildings: Richard Kirk Architect, West End House;Multi-Residential: JAWSARCHITECTS, Three Capes Track Cabins;Timber Windows and Doors: Fergus Scott Architects, The Farm; Timber Veneers: Enter Projects, Lot 1, Sydney;Timber Panels: Architectus Group Pty Ltd,

The Farm by Fergus Scott Architects.

Marist College Bendigo Montagne Centre, by Y2 Architecture and Three Acres Landscape Architecture.

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Lilly’s Espresso e Cucina; Engineered Timber Products: Morrison & Breytenbach Architects in association with Circa Morris-Nunn Architects, University Of Tasmania Inveresk Student Residences; and Australian Certified Timber: Law Architects for Woodleigh School Homestead Redevelopment. For more info on nominees and winners, go to timberawards.com.au

The Gipson Commons, St Michael’s Grammar School;Timber Flooring: Allen Jack+Cottier, Abbotsleigh Multi-Purpose Assembly and Sports Hall; Timber Cladding: Seeley Architects,Inlet House;Recycled Timber: Fergus Scott Architects,The Farm;Fitout Featuring Decorative Sliced Veneers: Zanazan Architecture Studio,

Lilly’s Espresso e Cucina, by Zanazan Architecture Studio.

Henley Square Redevelopment, by Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) and Troppo Architects in association with the City of Charles Sturt and Wallbridge and Gilbert for Henley Square Redevelopment.

Good timber design is not necessarily about the building that uses the most timber.P

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MORE DAMAGE THAN FIRE AND STORMS COMBINED

Your home insurance doesn’t cover pest damage of any kind - including damage caused by termites, white ants and borers.

T2 BLUE PROTECTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

T2 Blue is actually treatedwith a light organic insectrepellent, that not only resists but deters termites from attacking.

THERE’S TWO OPTIONS FOR RESISTING TERMITES

The NCC Part 3.1.3 states that termite resistant materials used for the primary building elements OR termite ‘barrier’ systems may be used.

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MORE DAMAGE THAN FIRE AND STORMS COMBINED

Your home insurance doesn’t cover pest damage of any kind - including damage caused by termites, white ants and borers.

T2 BLUE PROTECTS FROM THE INSIDE OUT

T2 Blue is actually treatedwith a light organic insectrepellent, that not only resists but deters termites from attacking.

THERE’S TWO OPTIONS FOR RESISTING TERMITES

The NCC Part 3.1.3 states that termite resistant materials used for the primary building elements OR termite ‘barrier’ systems may be used.

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CASE STUDY

Since 1966, Worldwide Timber Traders (WWTT) has been WA’s largest

manufacture of timber truss and veneer board. WWTT provide a number of services, including timber machining and a cut and edge facility. While supplying timber to the building industry, WWTT further stock a wide variety of decorative panels for commercial and domestic applications and also service DIY markets.

WWTT’s objectives are to provide their customers with all of the latest styles and innovations that are available both locally and nationally. With their industry constantly evolving, WWTT began the search for an all-in-one software solution that would revolutionise their current procedures and help maintain control of their business processes.

A NEW WAY FORWARDBeing in such a diverse market meant that WWTT faced a unique problem due to limitations with their existing software. They constantly found that it needed improving as their business requirements evolved over time.

Before implementing TIMMS,

WWTT used Timpak as their primary operational software. As the business continued to grow, more processes were being performed “off-system”.

“We found that being able to do all our business requirements with one program made it more efficient,” says Belinda Hovell, Worldwide Timber Traders stock control manager.

“TIMMS looked to be the appropriate solution as it provided the programs that would cater to all needs of the business and had the technology to back them up.”

Since implementing TIMMS, WWTT has found that TIMMS can help manage sales, manufacturing, financials and other services in the one convenient place. “TIMMS (re-processing) has enabled a lot of our manual practices to be turned into automated processes, which has improved several areas of the business,” Hovell says.

COVERING ALL BASESThe structure of TIMMS means WWTT can provide a smooth process for their customers which provides them with a confirmation of their order, eliminating delivery errors or incorrect pricing.

The right solutionWorldwide Timber Traders implemented TIMMS in 2013, making their whole business process run more efficiently.

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TIMMS’ modular design is adaptable for each individual business and can be changed as required.

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CASE STUDY

“The biggest outcome for WWTT is that TIMMS is able to solve the problem on the spot 95 percent of the time. Or if not, it is actioned immediately,” Hovell says.

“We use TIMMS on a day-to-day basis. It covers all aspects of our business providing all sales, stock and employee data to keep it running smoothly.

“We have been able to build on the functionality of TIMMS which has allowed us to see where the company was and how it is now and where it can go in the future.

“The re-processing module is key to our manufacturing section of the company.”

According to Hovell, the main benefit of

TIMMS is being able to modify any of the existing modules to suit the company’s individual department needs. “Also, if an improvement is done to a module in TIMMS, everyone benefits from it,” she says.

WWTT recommends TIMMS due to the structure of the modules and its reporting and tracking capabilities. “The re-processing module is key to the manufacturing section of the company,” Hovell says. “And the WilldooIT staff are very informative and patient when it comes to an issue that may not makes sense to the user.” For more information head to willdooit.com or call 03 9682 3700.

TIMMS Re-Processing module overviewThe TIMMS re-processing module has been designed to provide you with complete end-to-end tracking and management of all aspects relating to each production.

You can track initial input stock, additional input stock, processing and handling tasks, production tasks/management and “all-up” costs.

Types of processing that can be tracked:• Docking and precision cutting

to length• Molding production• Custom machining/custom routing• Frame and truss manufacture• Treatment of stock• Bill of materials production• Manufacturing of doors,

windows, etc (combining raw/finished products)

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TTN363_26-27_case study Willdoo IT.indd 27 16/09/2016 3:16 PM

VICTORIA NEW SOUTH WALES

TimberFloor News is proudly endorsed by:

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TimberFloor


If one reads any coating manufacturer’s technical data sheets there will always be a reference to the maximum and minimum temperature that one can successfully apply the floor finish. Obviously, coating in conditions where the temperature exceeds these parameters will make the coating unworkable and troublesome. Further, one must not forget that in the warm-to-hot summer months the building structure and especially the timber floor will absorb and retain heat for lengthy periods. When one coats a floor in this “hot house” type of environment the floor finish will dry faster than normal, as it absorbs the radiant heat

Planning on coating a timber floor during the summer months? Read this first.

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The warm summer months in Australia are a joyous time for some, but not for

floor sanders. The warm-to-hot Australian climate brings on a host of coating and finish problems. Therefore, it’s important for the applicator to be aware of these common problems and the necessary course of action he or she must undertake to deliver a quality floor finish.

When temperature reaches 24 degrees Celsius, coatings start to become difficult to work with and apply. When temperature exceeds this, especially on a day-to-day basis, this will have an even greater negative affect on the application of the coating.

Summer temperatures and coatings

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TIMBER FLOOR NEWS

of the floor and surrounding structure. An important element of coating that’s

influenced by high temperatures is the increase rate of drying and curing. This results in a loss of wet edge, making any coating more difficult to work with. In addition, water-based floor finishes are extremely temperamental and less forgiving in warmer conditions.

The problems that occur in summer for solvent based, water based and to a lesser extent oil type finishes are:

1. Viscosity increases This means that the coating will become thicker to apply as the solvents flash off faster. This will result in poor flow and levelling causing:

• Orange peel; • Thickening of the coating, especially two

component products, and solidification resulting in small gel particles;

• Poor levelling; • Application marks from the roller

overlapping on sides and where it stops as the finish dries;

• Brush marks around perimeter of room; • Air bubbles from the roller are trapped

on the surface and do not burst in time as the top film of the coating dries;

• Inconsistent sheen; and • Reduced working time because of

the loss of the wet edge.

2. Solar gain Sunlight beating down on the timber floor through windows will heat it up to temperatures far exceeding the air temperature. If the floor is dark because it’s been stained or it’s a dark colour

timber the floor temperature will be even greater. When the coating is applied to a hot floor:

• It “sets up” quickly, drying too fast; • Coating can blister; • Coating will not penetrate and bond

properly to the timber as it dries too quickly, causing it to delaminate later;

• Application problems of coating.

3. Storage Do not use warm finishes on colder floors. When coatings are kept in vehicles or stored in sunny conditions the coating will not flow and level correctly. This can cause the following:

• When applying a warm water base coating on a colder surface, small fine bubbles will be trapped in the drying film of the coat as the air in the wood is warmed up;

• Shelf life of coating will be compromised as well as performance;

• When water base coatings are warmed up, the defoamer additive can be affected, resulting in increase in bubbles.

In summer, in order to avoid the problems discussed above, focus on factors that will reduce the incidence of problems:

The warm-to-hot Australian climate brings on a host of coating and finish problems. Therefore, it’s important for the applicator to be aware of these common problems and the necessary course of action.

1. Keep the interior of the house and/or room cool for lengthy periods and avoid heat build-up over the hot days by ventilation and if possible running the air conditioning for lengthy period prior to commence coating. Do not run the air conditioning while coating.

2. Cover the windows and doors with an opaque material to avoid sunlight heating up the floor area, a number of days prior to coating.

3. Coat in the cooler part of the day such as early in the morning before the sun heats up the floor area.

4. Avoid air flow while coating by keeping windows closed. However, once the coating has tacked off, ventilate area to facilitate curing.

5. Do not apply too thin a coat. With some finishes a thicker coat will keep the wet edge longer.

6. Acclimatise coating before it is applied. Do not store coating in vehicle at any time. Never apply a coating that is warmer than the floor.

7. Always store water base finishes in a cool place and during transport store in a “cold box”.

, tooan

“We recently purchased two nog nailer machines (one per frame line) from Framequip to further increase production. This was achieved by an approximate 20% increase and made production flow cleaner and easier on the staff. I recommend investment in machinery to increase production and help factory staff in their endeavours, and Framequip can provide machinery that is reliable and sturdy.”

GEOFF BARRON Frames & Trusses NSW, Albion Park NSW

0423 732 275 [email protected]

TTN363_28-29_Timber floor news.indd 29 19/09/2016 12:36 PM

AutoBuild


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COMPLIANCE isn’t rocket SCIENCE.

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Quality ISO 9001

The mouse that roared

to be as hands-on as I can, but I do have to do a lot of travelling.”

Framequip’s product range is headed up with a standard manual framing machine – the company’s best seller. The business also produces stud nog nailers and component nailers as well as fully automated framing machines. They also sell second hand and refurbished equipment and offer a range of trolleys and material handling equipment.”

“We also do a lot of servicing nationally, PMP [preventative maintenance program] type maintenance, servicing on agreement with our clients’ electrical work, testing and tagging and plant relocations, machine

“I started out with nothing but an old ute and a box of tools.”

Striking out on his own, Rob Armour has built a successful small business with a growing reputation.

Back in 2007, Stanley Bostitch made the decision to move out of machinery

and focus on retail. Rob Armour, the company’s capital equipment sales and service manager at the time, decided to make a fresh start and create his own machinery business. Framequip was born.

“I started out with nothing but an old ute and a box of tools – servicing and trying to get myself established,” Rob says. “Then the GFC hit and things were really tough. Somehow I managed to survive and things are significantly better these days. We have built a large number of manual and automated wall frame machines.”

All of Framequip’s machinery is developed in house by Rob and his team of four – an engineer, an electrical engineer, a software writer and an electrician. The company focus is on the Australian truss and wallframe industry.

“We’ve also done projects in PNG and we are talking to another prospective new client in New Zealand,” Rob says. “I try

software and hardware upgrades,” Rob says.All Framequip’s products are aimed

at increasing productivity and efficiency, and safety is always at the forefront.

“We’re constantly updating our technology and using the best quality components,” Rob says. “We’re also constantly talking to our risk assessors in relation to keeping abreast of the latest in guarding and safety rules. We’re always looking at new ways to improve. If something new comes out we’re willing to look into it.”

Framequip has a strategic alliance with Airco Fasteners. The company’s nailing machines are built for Airco nails, but machinery can also be fitted for any other nail on the market.

“I can confidently tell any prospective client that I can fit a range of quality fastening tools to my machinery and also help the client with new and upgraded tools throughout their plant and offer them free onsite servicing,” Rob says.

TTN363_30-31_autoBuild_framEquipt.indd 30 19/09/2016 12:34 PM


M i T e k C O M P L I A N C E

MGB

0735

-04/

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It doesn’t take a genius to use compliant, Engineered Building Products (EBPs) – it’s simply common sense. Builders and certifiers

alike can trust each and every one of MiTek’s EBPs...because they all comply with the National Construction Code Series and Australian

Standards. Plus, MiTek provides data sheets for each and every EBP and support media via the MiTek GUIDE and the EasyCat App.


For more information about MiTek’s ‘compliant’ Engineered Building Products, call your local state office or visit: mitek.com.au


COMPLIANCE isn’t rocket SCIENCE.

It’s ENGINEERING!

Quality ISO 9001

FABRICATOR PROFILE

“I’ve seen a lot of change over the past 30 years. Basically, if you’re not into automation you’re not in the game.”

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While things aren’t always smooth sailing for a small business like Framequip, Rob knows he’s in the right place.

“There aren’t a lot of little guys like me left. I don’t know of anyone else like me in this business,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of change over the past 30 years and things are heading more and more down the automation line. Basically, if you’re not into automation you’re not in the game.” For more about Framequip, head to framequip.com.au

Clockwise from top left: Rob with one of his machines; Frame-quip auto nailer with Framequip stud nog nailer and crossover conveyor; Framequip standard nailer; Framequip nog nailer.

TTN363_30-31_autoBuild_framEquipt.indd 31 19/09/2016 1:57 PM


AUTOBUILD NEWS

How long have you worked for Stora Enso? Six years, starting September 2010 – a great year, of course, with the mighty Collingwood Football Club winning the Flag!

How long have you been in the timber industry? On and off for 10 years. I started out with a carpentry apprenticeship from 1992 to 1995, with a family business, Blue Hills Construction. I decided to travel the world at the end of my apprenticeship and upon returning was looking for a change of scenery. I worked variously in the hospitality and fitness industries and now I’m back to where l started, but in a different capacity.

Tell us a little about Stora Enso.Stora Enso Wood Products division provides versatile wood-based solutions for building and housing. Our product range covers all areas of urban construction including massive wood elements and housing modules, wood components and pellets. Our customers are mainly construction and joinery companies, merchandisers and retailers. Wood Products operates globally and has more than 20 production units in Europe. We have a distribution centre in

Melbourne, which is our head office and offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Fremantle.

What is the primary focus for business day-to-day? Our focus is bringing in stock containers into our warehouse and sending deliveries out to our customers. Our focus is also on quality and service. Our customers have confidence we will deliver in a timely manner. We promise a 48-hour maximum turnaround from time of order to delivery.

Framing is our main commodity and we complement this with a range of other products – wide section beams, weatherboards, lining board and (DAR) dressed board (truck fillers).

What projects Stora Enso has been working on lately?Stora Enso supplied CLT and glulam for the first public timber building project in 2013, called the Library at the Dock in Melbourne. This building was the first public building in Australia to achieve a Six Star Green Star rating and has won numerous architectural and sustainability awards. We are currently delivering the last loads of CLT and glulam to the largest timber construction project in

A strong focus on customer service, innovation and sustainability make Stora Enso an industry leader.

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Geoff Baxter, BB Truss & Timber

5 minutes with...Mark Patterson, Victoria/Tasmania sales manager, Stora Enso

TTN363_32-33_autoBuild.indd 32 19/09/2016 12:34 PM


AUTOBUILD NEWS

“Sustainability is vital for our ongoing viability and ensuring our future success within the building industry.”

Australia. It’s a seven storey office building in Barangaroo, Sydney, and another example of fast, efficient and sustainable construction using timber.

How has technology changed the way you have done business over the years?Engineered Products are in higher demand, eg, LVL, GL10 & CLT. We can’t keep up with the demand for GL10. We currently bring in stud lengths only, but going forward from early 2017 we will have a spread of lengths to 6.0 metres as well as wide section beams. We have recently opened an LVL plant in Varkaus, Finland. We also introduced an online ordering system called MySupply which allows our customers to log on and place their own orders.

What new developments do you expect to see in timber in the coming years?More use of engineered products. Innovation is the key. You need to be ahead of your competition in developing new ideas. Stora Enso is at the forefront of this.

What do you think makes the timber industry so special?Timber is a natural living product and it is also sustainable. Sustainability is vital for our ongoing viability and ensuring our future success within the building industry. I believe the timber industry will remain strong for many decades. We mustn’t stay stagnant, though, or rest on our laurels. Developing new ideas for building in both residential and commercial construction is paramount.

Phil McCormack : 0438 255 118 Nick Arfaras : 0438 255 115 Glenn Lawrenson : 0438 255 116 Matt Leplaa : 0403 724 184

43-45 Overseas Drive, Noble Park Vic. 3174Phone: (03) 9701 2777 Fax: (03) 9701 2677

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FTMA NEWSLETTERwith Kersten Gentle

I have always said the best thing about working in the timber industry is the

people. Down to earth, funny, straight- up, hard-working and honest people.

For me, one of the most significant influences within the industry was Clive Martella, FTMA board member and director of MB Prefab Framing in Geelong. Clive was an essential person within the FTMA Board. Not only was he one of the people who worked hard to get the National Association going but he remained a Director throughout his time on the board. He was my go-to person with technical, production or business issues and he always came through – not only for me, but for other fabricators, as he was always willing to share information to improve the standards of the industry and help his competitors.

He was also the funniest bastard on the board by far and at every board meeting there was a Clive Bloopers time! New board members were warned of his humour but no one was ever offended, as they knew his humour – although crude at times – was never meant with malice and always left everyone laughing.

Sadly, Clive Thomas Martella passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 28, 2016, at the young age of 62 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind his beloved wife Ruth and three adult children, Catherine, 28, Treina, 24 and Clive Jnr, 21.

His funeral, which was held at St Mary’s in Geelong on September 5, was the perfect farewell. With 450 seated and more people left standing at the back of the church, there was no doubt Clive was loved by many within his family, community and industry. It was fantastic seeing current and past FTMA board members attend as well as timber suppliers, nail plate representatives and other fabricators from Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, all who had great respect for Clive.

It was no surprise to hear that Clive was a barman at one stage in his life. I mean, his jokes – wow – they were definitely the best barman jokes you would ever hear. But learning that Clive was once a male model for Myers, well, that nearly knocked

me off my chair! Past board member Glen Phillips of Country Truss recalls Clive telling them this many years ago but they all just laughed, thinking it was another one of Clive’s one-liner jokes.

MB Prefab was started by Clive Martella Senior and Eric Brew in September 1977. Doug Maxwell, Clive’s brother in law, joined the family business in 1983 when Eric retired, and Clive joined the company in 1987 as a sales rep, eventually buying in to the business in 1990 when his father retired.

Clive reflected at his own funeral via an email he had sent the week before he passed away to his cousin Stephen to read out – typically giving him the last word. Clive gave beautiful tributes to his wife and children and reflected on his and Doug’s relationship, stating that it was stronger than most marriages as, even though they had worked with each other for nearly 30 years, they had only ever had one fight – which was amazing. Doug, however, reflected at the wake that he never recalls ever having a fight with Clive, and we think this was Clive’s parting joke!

As a parent, one could only dream of having such a wonderful influence on one’s children’s lives to warrant the amazing tributes Clive’s children gave on the day, via cousins. Clive was described as the greatest influence in their lives and the centre of their universe, and the children said how proud they were to call their father a hero. These were but a few of the emotional tributes dedicated to their beloved father Clive.

In honour of this amazing man who was a true industry leader, FTMA will present the inaugural Clive Martella Service to Industry Award at the 2017 National Conference in May. We want to ensure that others in the industry who share his same passion, drive

TTN363_34-35_FTMA newsletter.indd 34 19/09/2016 12:34 PM


AUTOBUILD NEWS

and support in seeing the national frame and truss industry innovate and grow are recognised. I had the honour of telling Clive this before his passing and, as expected,

“FTMA wants to ensure Clive Martella’s legacy continues. Rest in peace, Clive.”

For more information contact Kersten Gentle on 0418 226 242.

Above: Paul Gaiardo from Pryda/ITW with Clive; far right: Clive in action; right: Four Wise Monkeys – L-R Clive, Michael Read (Keith Timber), Doug Maxwell (MB Prefab) and Phil McCormack (McCormack Hardwood Sales).

he said he didn’t need that, as he was a truly humble person. But I told him we did, as he has given so much and FTMA wants to ensure his legacy continues.

FTMA extends their love and continued support to Ruth, Cat, Treina, Clive Jnr, Doug, Sue, Julie-Anne and the staff at MB Prefab.

Rest in peace, Clive. We have no doubt you will have them rolling in the aisles in heaven, and we know that you will never be forgotten.

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TTN363_34-35_FTMA newsletter.indd 35 19/09/2016 12:34 PM

Visit mitek.com.au for all guidelines


AUTOBUILD NEWS

By Dean Ashton, State Engineering Manager, Victoria

ANOTHER MITEK ADVANTAGE – OCTOBER 2016

GN GUIDELINES NO.231

There has recently been a lot of publicity about building products that do not

conform or comply with the Building Code of Australia. Many industry bodies, state regulators and even the Federal Senate have expressed considerable concern and begun action to address this matter. While most of their attention has been on the physical products supplied, it is equally important to note that the design of trusses must also comply with the BCA.

In GN Guidelines No 177, Robert Tan discussed how the “ABCB Protocol for Structural Software” is referenced in the BCA. The document is maintained by the ABCB (Australian Building Codes Board) and is available free of charge from abcb.gov.au.

It defines the minimum requirements any software used by non-engineers to produce structural designs for building approval has to meet in order to comply with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the code. Nailplate manufacturers spend a considerable amount of time and money each year to maintain their software compliance.

Users of structural software are equally obliged to make sure that they comply with the Protocol. As a truss designer, you should know what your responsibilities are.

KNOW YOUR LIMITSThe Protocol sets out basic geometric limits of building size in its scope. These are:• The distance from ground level to the

underside of eaves must not exceed 6.0m;• The distance from ground level to the

highest point of the roof, neglecting chimneys, must not exceed 8.5m;

• The building width including roofed verandahs, excluding eaves, must not exceed 16.0m;

• The building length must not exceed five times the building width; and

• The roof pitch must not exceed 35°.

Protocol for structural software You may recognise these identical limitations in AS 1684 and AS 4055. In addition to these limits in the Protocol, there will be other limitations imposed by the software producer and it’s important for you to be familiar with what they are. Ask your software supplier for a copy of their compliance certificate, scope and terms and conditions of use if you’re unsure.

Wherever possible, good software should produce a warning or error to assist users when any limitation is exceeded, but a user cannot rely on that as an excuse for ignorance of the stated terms and conditions of use.

When it is necessary to use the software beyond the scope of the Protocol, additional input and certification should be obtained from a professional engineer.

KEEP UP WITH TRAININGThe Protocol requires every user to have completed software training before their submitted designs are acceptable. This includes regularly updating their knowledge with every new version. Approving authorities may require proof of training,

such as a verifiable user number or a training certificate indicating the software name and version, so have your resume handy.

Users may also find supplementary training on building technology and advanced software features very helpful. Some TAFE and registered training organisations offer such certificate courses and formal qualifications.

SUPPLY ADEQUATE DOCUMENTATIONThe Protocol requires suitable documentation to be produced and presented with each job. The truss certificate, layout and software computations should clearly show the input parameters used. All design assumptions should be clearly identified, and bracing requirements provided along with installation instructions.

Naturally, the software version you use should be compatible with the prevailing edition of the BCA, and that should be shown on the printed output. See also GN Guidelines No 179 for BCA compliance timeline.

The name of the person responsible for the software outputs should also be shown on the certificate for the approving authority’s verification.

TICK OFF THE CHECKLISTThe Protocol provides several helpful checklists in the Appendix, and the one for software users is reproduced here. If you are uncertain about anything regarding compliance, please do not hesitate to contact your truss engineer for further advice and/or certification.

Appendix B - suggested checklistChecklist for software user

ITEM Yes No

1. Is the software appropriate for the application and has it been used within the documented limits of the software?

2. Have input sources been checked?

3. Do the inputs to the software match the design documentation?

4. Are the assumptions made in the software reasonable and match the design documentation?

5. Have critical components been checked?

6. Has documentation of any additional checks deemed to be warranted been included?

7. List any major assumptions and provide comments on them (eg, internal walls as supports, special hold-down requirements, top chord restraints, overhang support, etc).

TTN363_36_GN guidelines.indd 36 19/09/2016 12:33 PM

WATT ABOUT THE WORKPLACEwith Emma Watt

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 Officer of the TMA. Email her on [email protected]


After spending about a year negotiating the final changes to modern awards, the Fair

Work Commission has varied many modern awards to make it lawful for employees to cash out annual leave. There are, however, strict conditions that must be met.

Since 2006 it has been lawful for employees who were not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement to cash in a portion of their annual leave. But employees who were covered by most modern awards were prohibited from doing this. It’s reasonably common for employees to approach their employer and request cash instead of a portion of their leave, but in most cases, until now, if the employer complied with the request, they were breaking the law.

From 29 July 2016, an employer and an employee covered by the Timber Industry Award 2010, Road Transport & Distribution Award 2010, General Retail Industry Award 2010 or the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2010 may agree in writing to cash in a portion of the employee’s annual leave.

There are conditions that must be met:• Each agreement to cash in annual leave

must be in writing between the parties.• After cashing in a portion of annual leave,

the employee has to be left with at least 4 weeks accrued annual leave. For example, if an employee has five weeks annual leave accrued, the maximum they can cash in is one week of leave.

• An employee can only cash in up to 2 weeks’ annual leave every 12 months.

• The employee must be paid what they would have been paid had they taken the leave, so for most relevant awards, that means the leave loading must be paid in addition to the leave. The only exception to this would be if the employer and employee have agreed in writing that part of an over award payment for wages or salary is to

compensate for not paying annual leave loading at the time of taking leave.

It is important to highlight that this only applies to annual leave. There are separate provisions relating to cashing in personal/carer’s leave, but only for employees covered by the Timber Industry Award 2010. In some States and Territories, cashing in long service leave is completely prohibited.

There were also a number of other variations to the Timber Industry Award 2010. These included:1. An employer may now choose to pay

annual leave to employees who are paid by EFT in accordance with the normal pay cycle, instead of paying up front, in advance of leave being taken. This avoids the situation that has existed previously where an employee going on annual leave had to be paid all their leave entitlements at the start of their leave. For some businesses, especially at Christmas time, this created an enormous cashflow problem.

2. If an employee has accrued in excess of 2 years’ worth of leave, the employer may direct an employee to take leave, and, from July 2017, an employee may give the employer notice that they wish to take leave. a. An employer is required to attempt to reach agreement with the employee on when leave with be taken. b. The employee can’t be required to take so much leave that their accrued leave would fall below 6 weeks. c. The employer must give at least 8 weeks’ notice.

The General Retail Industry Award 2010 and the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2010 have also been varied to allow an employer to

require an employee to take leave if the employer is shutting down the workplace e.g. for a Christmas break, provided at least four weeks’ notice is given. This provision already exists in other relevant awards.3. An employer and an employee may agree

in writing that an employee take annual leave in advance of it accruing, and if the employee leaves having failed to serve enough time to accrue the leave, the employer may deduct monies to cover leave taken but not earned. Obviously this only works if the employer is likely to hold enough of the employee’s pay at any point in the pay cycle to cover the leave that is taken in advance.

A couple of other questions have been coming up recently on the various types of leave:• Does an employer have to pay out

an employee’s accrued but untaken personal/carer’s leave when the employee resigns or is terminated? No, the employer is not required to do

this unless the terms of an enterprise agreement expressly say this has to happen. It is reasonably common for enterprise agreements to require this if the employee is made redundant, but not in any other circumstance.

• Is an employee entitled to compassionate leave if their brother-in-law dies? It depends. Employees are entitled to

compassionate leave if their brother-in-law is a member of their “immediate family”. The definition of “immediate family” in the Fair Work Act 2009 is very specific. The employee would be entitled to compassionate leave if their brother-in-law is their spouse’s brother. But they would not be entitled to compassionate leave if it is their sister’s husband who died.

Cashing out annual leave

TTN363_37_watt about workplace.indd 37 19/09/2016 12:31 PM

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]


AUTOBUILD NEWS

TRUSS TALKwith Paul Davis

I love a good conspiracy theory, whether it’s mind control through fluoridation, 9/11

perpetrated by the CIA or Elvis living in Bondi. These conspiracy theories tend to arise as simple explanations for events or ideas that are too big or too dramatic for us to process properly. It is really hard to grapple with the concept of people walking on the moon so the simpler explanation is that it was a hoax perpetrated by the US government.

In a similar mindset, there is a saying that for every complex problem there is a simple and obvious solution. And that solution is wrong. Our politicians are some of the best exponents of the simple-but-bogus solution. In its simplest term, their message is “vote for us and all problems will go away.” And, of course, they don’t.

Engineers do it too. I recently had cause to check whether a hole in the side of a joist was acceptable. I thought there would be a simple way of working this out. Superficially the engineering is that sort of thing I do every day and really shouldn’t be a problem.

I was wrong.There are, of course, allowable criteria

for holes as shown in Australian Standard 1684. However, these are for very restricted hole sizes and locations. And, of course, the necessities of passing services often dictate a need for larger holes outside the limits of the code.

We all love a good conspiracy theory, but don’t believe everything you read!

presented with this question I will check that the hole is not in a critically stressed region and that there are no significant timber defects near the hole. Then, for luck, I will reinforce the hole to prevent splitting along the grain. Anti-split nail plates or glued and nailed ply would be the way to go.

And to show that the problem of how to install services is not unique to timber, take a look at the photograph below which shows a butchering of a steel C-section floor bearer. I’ve seen a lot of really bad construction over the years, but this would have to be one of the worst. And if you think this is bad, you should see what they did to the concrete slab!

If you really are a conspiracy theorist you should check out the website dhmo.org. The website will tell you that DHMO, or Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colourless and odourless chemical compound also referred to as hydric acid. That DHMO is a constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents and environmental hazards. And that thousands die every year due to the lethality of DHMO.

The site says that some of the well-known uses of Dihydrogen Monoxide are as an industrial solvent, in nuclear power plants, by elite athletes to improve performance, in biological and chemical weapons manufacture and in the development of genetically engineering crops. It was even used by Kennedy’s assassin on that fateful day.

And DHMO? It is, of course, water! Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

My example was outside the code limits. The challenge, I thought, was to use some fairly simple engineering theory to calculate effects of the hole. You see, almost all timber beams, whether rafters, joists, lintels, etc, are not working anywhere near their maximum strength. Rather, their design is governed by deflection. And holes have a negligible effect on deflection. So potentially you can get away with some quite large holes without compromising the beam’s strength and safety.

And even in the odd case of a member which is strength-governed, only limited regions will have the maximum stress. So once again there is a potential to have some significant holes in the timber outside the limits in the code. Easy, I thought.

The fly in the ointment is a weird thing called fracture mechanics. A simple manifestation of it is that a piece of paper with a slight tear has a dramatically reduced strength.

That is because at the point of the tear there are very high stresses. This phenomenon has brought down more than one aeroplane. And in fact, because timber is a natural material with microscopic defects, any failure in the end is pretty much a fracture mechanics failure.

So, the problem is that the hole is sort of like the start of a tear – albeit a very blunt one. There are increases and stresses around the hole and these interact with the natural defects in timber, and all of a sudden the situation gets complicated.

I’ve just spent half a day doing research for this article – looking at various scientific articles. I found lots of cool stuff written by geeky engineers, who I’m sure have Coke-bottle glasses and poor hygiene habits. But I found squat that’s usable at a practical level.

The bottom line: if you have a hole outside the allowable limits of AS1684 there is a better-than-even chance that it’s okay. But that’s not guaranteed and I don’t know a straightforward way to check it.

For me personally, when I’m next This image shows a “butchering” of a steel C-section floor bearer.

vekta.com.au

THE VEKTA P3 PRINTERDesigned 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.

We have two Razer saws from Vekta in our 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 smarter not harder to meet the production levels required to satisfy our customers expectations. This combined with the support online and technical support in person gave us the confidence to purchase a second Razer from Vekta.Thanks to the Vekta Team.George Van Boven, Prenail Plant Manager Thomsons ITM – Waikato

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 job faster and easier

EASY TO MAINTAIN• With low cost consumables and

parts that are both easy to clean and inexpensive to replace, the Vekta P3 Printer costs a fraction of what other typical print systems cost to maintain.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

TTN363_38_Truss talk.indd 38 19/09/2016 12:39 PM

vekta.com.au

THE VEKTA P3 PRINTERDesigned 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.

We have two Razer saws from Vekta in our 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 smarter not harder to meet the production levels required to satisfy our customers expectations. This combined with the support online and technical support in person gave us the confidence to purchase a second Razer from Vekta.Thanks to the Vekta Team.George Van Boven, Prenail Plant Manager Thomsons ITM – Waikato

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 job faster and easier

EASY TO MAINTAIN• With low cost consumables and

parts that are both easy to clean and inexpensive to replace, the Vekta P3 Printer costs a fraction of what other typical print systems cost to maintain.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

TTN363_38_Truss talk.indd 39 19/09/2016 12:39 PM

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