Four Queenslanders have been awarded scholarships for projects set to deliver real-world impact across the state’s $4 billion forestry and timber industry—from advancing remote sensing technologies to strengthening workforce training and timber durability strategies. The recipients of Timber Queensland’s 2025–26 Growth Scholarship Awards Program represent a diverse cross-section of the sector, including early-career operators and seasoned professionals. Their projects tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, such as sustainable forest management, transport safety, and long-term timber protection.
“This year’s recipients reflect the breadth of talent and innovation in our sector,” said Clarissa Brandt, Timber Queensland’s Strategic Relations Manager. “From drone-based forest assessments to mentoring new drivers, each project offers practical outcomes that will strengthen our industry.”
Gian Carlos Poleto: Using Drones and LiDAR to Map Forests
Gian Carlos Poleto, Forester – GIS & Planning at Parkside Group, received the $10,000 Kennedy’s Timber Foundation Partner Award for a project focused on using drone and LiDAR technologies to improve forest inventory and planning in Queensland’s private native forests. “This project will allow me to support landholders with accurate vegetation and timber volume assessments, helping guide sustainable forest management,” Poleto said.
Poleto will now undertake specialised training in drone operation and LiDAR data collection, conduct field trials, and produce detailed forest inventory reports: “By mastering remote sensing and spatial analysis, I’ll be able to improve planning and harvesting decisions, enhancing accuracy and promoting sustainable practices.”
Alan Ferguson: Tackling the shortage of trainers in transport
Alan Ferguson, a B-double log truck driver with Sunchip Group, was awarded the $5000 HQP Diamond Partner Award to complete a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. His goal is to help address the shortage of qualified trainers in forestry transport. “There’s a real need for experienced trainers in our industry,” Ferguson said. “This qualification will help me support new drivers and improve safety and standards across forestry transport.” With extensive on-the-ground experience, Ferguson aims to deliver practical, relevant training tailored to the challenges drivers face in forestry operations.
Babar Hassan: Extending Timber’s Lifespan
Babar Hassan, Senior Forest Technician at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, received the $5000 AKD Diamond Partner Award to strengthen his expertise in timber durability and protection. His project includes attending the IRG-WP 2026 conference in Beijing and visiting leading Chinese research institutes. “My goal is to strengthen timber protection strategies against termite and decay damage, particularly under Queensland’s climate conditions,” he said. “Insights from international research will help refine wood service life prediction models and support more informed, evidence-based decisions.”
Sebastian Ballard: Building Skills for the Future
Sebastian Ballard, a trainee skidder operator at Sunchip Group, received the $2500 DTM Timber Ruby Partner Award to complete his Certificate III in Forestry Operations. His learning project will build foundational skills in machine operation, sustainable harvesting, and forest assessment. “This qualification will give me the confidence and capability to take on more responsibility and grow my career in forestry,” Ballard said. “Supporting early-career development like mine helps ensure the industry has a strong, capable workforce for the future.”
Brandt praised the support of industry partners in making the scholarship program possible: “We are grateful to Kennedy’s Timber, AKD, HQPlantations and DTM Timber for their ongoing commitment to workforce development,” she said. “Each of this year’s recipients demonstrates passion, purpose and a clear vision for how their learning will benefit both their careers and the broader industry.”
