Timber Industry Heartened by Federal Government Plantation

Queensland’s timber industry has been heartened by a report, just completed by the Federal Government, which confirms that adequate land is available in South-East Queensland for economically viable hardwood plantations.  

The report is called “Opportunities for hardwood plantation development in South-East Queensland”.  It has been produced by the Bureau of Rural Sciences, a professionally independent scientific bureau, and ABARE, a professionally independent government economic research agency.  Both these agencies are located within the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.

The vital issue of hardwood plantation rotation time has also been covered by this report.  It provides research results confirming that plantations of the native species blackbutt, Gympie messmate and spotted gum can produce sawlogs in 25 years.

According to the Queensland Timber Board’s General Manager Rod McInnes, this report will provide real comfort to hardwood sawmillers in South-East Queensland concerned about the future availability of a timber resource.

“The report identifies suitable land within the SEQ region that could supply in excess of the current crown and private sawlog production on an annual basis,” said Mr McInnes.

“It also suggests that sawlogs could be harvested in 25 years, noting that better plantation management and genetically improved planting material could well improve these results during the period.

“Industry can be heartened by this work conducted by Forestry Minister Wilson Tuckey’s own Department. 

“It suggests that a replacement resource is most likely to be available at the conclusion of the 25-year wood supply agreement delivered under the Queensland Government/Stakeholder Agreement for an SEQ Regional Forestry Agreement,”  said Mr McInnes.

25 November 1999