Plantations have been very successfully grown by State Governments and industry for some time in Australia. Marketing of the plantation products in particular the thinnings is where many investment plans have not fulfilled expectations. This is particularly relevant for integrated regimes where thinning is as important as an income source as much as a silvicultural tool. State Forests sees major synergies in having pulpwood investors for the thinnings and other investors including State Forests for the other products. Difficulties include for example selling the pulpwood component of E. pilularis which is primarily grown as a valuable sawlog species. Pulping and non commercial thinning research and genetic selection particularly if pooled amongst a number of growers will solve such problems.
The move to utilise plantation eucalypt is greatly facilitated by the current processing of native forest material, in particular re-growth of similar species. This allows processors to retool in the short term to process re-growth but in the longer term they are likely to have a higher proportion of plantation material. The aim is to provide a more consistent and secure supply of wood from the plantations which will be complemented by the re-growth. This will enhance economies of scale and build on the current processing and marketing expertise of the current native forests processors.
There has been value in measuring the non timber values of the plantations as a means of justifying investment by the government; this has helped State Forests to take advantage of the emerging market for carbon sequestration.
Generating community support through various publications and forums is fickle but worthwhile activity as is ensuring landowners can make money out of participating in the industry.
In New South Wales there are still a number of significant improvements which can further enhance investment in long rotation hardwood plantations:
