2023 ANZIF Field Trip Program

Field Trips are such a wonderful way to have a hands-on learning experience. The ANZIF Organising Committee have put together multiple options.

More detailed information and an itinerary for each Field Trip will be available soon.

Field Trip attendance is included in all full registrations. Additional attendees and partners are able to attend at a cost (subject to availability).

Please note:

  • Field Trips all run at the same time, so delegates can only register for ONE option. All Field Trips are subject to maximum numbers, which are allocated on a first in, best dressed basis.
  • Field Trips depart from and return to Twin Towns, Tweed Heads.
  • Field Trips 1 to 5 will take place on Wednesday 18 October. These trips are scheduled to depart at 8.00am sharp and return by approximately 5.30pm. We will do our best to ensure return by 5.30pm, however we cannot guarantee that you will be back in time to meet flights.
  • Participation in Field Trips 1 to 5 are included in full registration; additional tickets are available to purchase.
  • Field Trip 6 is a 2-day field trip and is available at an additional charge.
  • Field Trips are subject to change without notice.
Field Trip #1 – Recovery, Health and Country Management

This field trip is booked out

Hosted by the team at Forestry Corporation of NSW, this field trip will visit forests in Northern NSW that were burnt during the 2019/2020 black summer fires comparing forest health, structure and condition of sites with a frequent fire frequency with long unburnt areas. The restoration of forests significantly impacted by black summer fires, traditional burning opportunities, FCNSW engagement with traditional owners and country management will be key themes explored during the field trip.

Field Trip #2 – Farm, Agroforestry and Family Business

This field trip is booked out

Hosted by Forestry Australia’s Grower Committee, this field trip will include visits to Hurford Hardwood’s mill – a family business that was established in 1932 that spans across multiple tiers by being a grower, manufacturer and wholesaler – and Super Forest Plantations’ Nimbin properties, which will provide insights into a mixed farming enterprise (plantation timber and cattle) that has developed over the last 23 years and has grown over 1,000 ha of durable hardwoods in mixed species plantings across multiple sites.

Field Trip #3 – Wood Products, Innovation and Research

The wood products and innovation field trip will visit 3 timber research locations in Brisbane. At the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Research Facility in Salisbury, we will learn about kiln drying, sawmilling and peeling technologies, as well as timber preservation and performance testing, and adhesive testing and development. At Griffith University, we’ll view the testing facilities for larger structural timber and see a floor vibration testing demonstration. Finally, at the University of Queensland’s ARC Advance Timber Hub, we’ll hear about the work of the Hub, experience a fire testing demonstration and visit the Advanced Engineering Building Auditorium, which has 215-tonne roof supported entirely by timber members spanning 30 metres.

Field Trip #4 – Non-Wood Forest Products, Education and Research

This field trip is booked out

The far north coast of NSW boasts a unique climate, ecology and culture that supports a variety of spectacular parks, as well as production of bioenergy, food and native plant extracts. This tour will also include forest recreation, plant oils production, gin distilling, green energy, koalas, nuts, science, laboratories and lots of rainforest. Lots to see and talk about. Head to north-eastern NSW to visit Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus and learn from the team about their bioenergy and regenerative forestry education and research. This trip will then look at the importance of non-wood forest products in the region and include a trip back through the spectacular hinterland to stop off at some tourist favourites.

Field Trip #5 – Forest Health, Fire, Resilience and Conservation

This field trip is booked out

Travelling to Lamington National Park and the Tallebudgera Valley, this trip will discuss national park management and conservation by local park rangers while visiting some spectacular sub-tropical rainforests in the region. Arriving at Binna Burra Lodge, you will hear about the 2019 Black Summer fires that impacted the lodge, as well as the effect on recreational tourism in the region and the road to recovery. After lunch at the Binna Burra Lodge, you will explore the 2019 fire-affected forest and hear how the event unfolded from park rangers. Together with local fire experts and rangers, you will discuss the circumstances ahead of the fire and its impacts on the ecosystem. On the way back, the field trip will take you to the Tallebudgera Valley, an area impacted by Myrtle Rust. Here you will discuss the impacts fire has on the spread of the Myrtle Rust disease affecting Myrtaceae species, current research activities and the potential impact caused by the disease.

Field Trip #6 – Two-Day Field Trip with HQPlantations

This field trip is booked out

Join HQPlantations for a tour of their RW & FSC certified Araucaria and Southern Pine plantations. Weather permitting, participants will visit HQP’s 10M pa seedling nursery, hear about their advanced tree breeding program and learn about HQP’s fire management innovations. See silviculture and harvesting operations in action in the largest contiguous softwood plantation in the southern hemisphere and Australia’s only native rainforest softwood species Australian Araucaria™. There is also an opportunity for some participants to tour Hyne Timber’s Tuan mill. Please note that this field trip will include an overnight stay, and will also involve some long days with travel. We will do our best to ensure return by 5.30pm on Day 2 of the Field Trip, however, we cannot guarantee that you will be back in time to meet flights. Please take this into consideration when booking your return travel following the Conference.

If you have any questions about field trips, please email conference@forestry.org.au.