Using skywards points to access the lounge
 

I have sufficient points to upgrade to business class however emirates are telling me that its all fully booked so as i am unable to use business class, and don;t want to waste my points as they expire this year, can i use them to access the business class lounge in terminal 3 as it seems a waste if i can't get an upgrade and if not what else does my points entitle me to

Unfortunately, you cannot use your miles to enter the Business Class lounge, you are only eligible if you are on Business or a Gold member.

You could use your miles to spend it on a reward flight for yourself or even another person (or maybe you know a person who will fly in the short-term and you could grant her/him an upgrade?)

Then as a last resort, you have the Emirates High Street where you use your miles to purchase products.

As far as upgrades go - they can clear very close to the flight. So, if your flight is before points expiry - wait till then and try to upgrade. If that doesn't work out, you always have the options GigoloArt mentioned.