Queensland’s commitment to building a sustainable forest and wood products industry has been boosted with the announcement of a new $2.6 million research and development grant scheme. In this October 2007 report by Jim Bowden, the Minister for State Development John Mickel said the Plantation Hardwoods Research Fund would support research and development projects that helped with the state’s transition from native forest harvesting to a plantation-based industry.
“The future of Queensland’s industry relies on growing and processing plantation timbers rather than using timber resources from our native forests,” Mr Mickel said. “Unlike the mature plantation softwood sector, the plantation hardwood sector is an emerging industry in Queensland. The research fund represents seed funding that will accelerate the sector’s development and bring forward the benefits of a sustainable hardwood industry.
“Projects eligible under the research fund could encompass the spectrum of industry activities, from growing hardwood plantations through to processing and manufacturing.”
Mr Mickel said the development and evaluation of hardwood processing technologies and trials would be vital in generating industry growth. Activities such as improving hardwood species through genetics and biotechnologies, for example, and creating treatments that guard against pests and diseases, were also important. “The new fund is basically about expanding and innovating Queensland’s hardwood base, and it’s essential that we support innovative companies working with industry to achieve this,” Mr Mickel said.
“Investment and collaboration in research and development projects will help achieve a commercially viable, yet green and sustainable timber industry for Queensland.”
The direct annual turnover of the Queensland forestry industry is estimated at around $2.7 billion. Value-added activities, related to manufacturers’ use of wood products, is estimated to generate a further $1 billion a year. Export sales contribute around $215 million annually to this overall industry turnover.
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The hardwood industry in Queensland today supports 6000 jobs across the state and contributes $700 million to the state’s economy.
The native timber industry’s footprint is minimal; selective harvesting on Crown forest land represents less than 1/10th of one per cent of the total forest area (i.e. 38,000 hectares) and an approximate equal area accessed on private land. Timber production on Crown land and on private forest land is undertaken in accordance with environmental regulation and codes of forest practice.
Queensland’s native hardwood and cypress industries make a significant contribution to the state’s economy by providing durable and renewable timber products essential for housing and building construction poles to keep the power on across the Queensland network. The hardwood industry supports 6000 jobs across the state and contributes $700 million to the Queensland economy.
In Queensland, state native forests grown for timber production are certified under the Responsible Wood Sustainable Forest Management Standard as being legally and sustainably managed.
A small number of privately-owned native forests also have certification and industry is working with certification providers on systems to better deliver cost-effective certification for small forest owners.
