Overall, planting programs have declined over the past four
pulpwood for paper, and these are sourced from a hardwood
to five years. The hardwood planting program in 2010/11 was
estate of some 55,700 hectares and a softwood estate of
relatively small, with only 700 hectares of eucalypt plantations
52,700 hectares.
established. This follows a downward trend since 2007, when
The current hardwood plantation estate comprises approximately 85 per cent Eucalyptus nitens and 15 per cent
More information on Island Specialty Timbers Tasmania may be found at: islandspecialtytimbers.com.au
Plantations
E. globulus. Historically, E. globulus was planted only below
to plantation and the small area of replanting of existing
300 metres elevation due to its frost sensitivity. In the late
eucalypt plantation areas following harvest on second
1990s, planting of E. globulus was stopped altogether in the
rotation sites (this area will increase in the future). There has
north-west of Tasmania, following some severe episodes of
been a more significant decline in planting of new areas of
Mycosphaerella, a disease that attacks the leaves of the trees,
softwood plantations over the same period; however, there
causing reduced growth.
is a strong annual replanting program on second and third
However, E. globulus has some significant advantages over hectare, and better solid wood qualities. Eucalyptus nitens is also known to be more susceptible to infestation by Phytophthora cinnamomi, the root-rot fungus. A review and risk analysis of the planting strategy found that over the
reserves, plantations will play an increasingly vital role in the
course of a rotation, the loss due to pests and diseases such
production of wood products from our state forests. We apply
as Mycosphaerella was manageable, and that the perceived
the principles of sustainable forest management to both
slower early growth of E. globulus was compensated for by
softwood and hardwood plantations on state forest and these
faster later growth, with both species growing equally well
ensure the long-term supply of benefits to the community,
by rotation end.
the requirements of the Australian Forestry Standard, there is no longer any conversion of native forests to plantations.
rotation sites.
E. nitens. The wood has a higher kraft pulp fibre yield per
As more areas of native wood production forest are placed in
the environment and the wood products industry. In line with
in new plantings reflects the end of native forest conversion
S T E WA R D S H I P R E P O R T 2010 –11
The Special Timbers Strategy may be viewed at: forestrytas.com.au
approximately 2,000 hectares were established. This decline
s u s ta i n i n g j o b s f o r c u r r e n t a n d fu t u r e g e n e r at i o n s
Products include sawn timber, veneer, posts and poles and
Following the review, the decision was made to extend plantings of E. globulus more widely, with the ultimate aim of bringing the relative balance of the two species closer
We have established softwood (Pinus radiata) and hardwood
to 50/50. As we have been actively breeding E. nitens for
(Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens) plantations primarily to
form for many years, but not E. globulus, there is now also an
supply local industry but also interstate and overseas markets.
opportunity to improve the form of E. globulus through a selective breeding program.
As more areas of native wood production forest are placed in reserves, plantations are becoming increasingly important to maintaining a sustainable supply of timber.
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