Eden exports a strategic move
From the Autumn 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
The opportunity to thin State-owned plantations around Bombala in south eastern New South Wales to produce logs for export fulfils a fundamental forest management objective for Forests NSW.
Forests NSW sales coordinator, Jason Molkentin, said by exporting low grade logs out of Eden on the far south coast, Forests NSW was able to grow and maintain a healthy and high quality forest; something that would be difficult to achieve without an opportunity to thin the forest.
“The logs do not meet domestic sawmill’s specifications and are surplus to local pulp mill requirements,” he said.
Jason said the thinning operation had increased the sawlog yield and value of the Bombala plantation estate, while at the same time creating employment for an additional 35 people in forest harvesting, haulage and log marshalling and stevedoring at the wharf.
Since Forests NSW began its export contract in 2003/04 with Pentarch – an Australian owned company – more than 300000 tonnes has been exported primarily to China and Korea.
The exported logs are mainly used as sawn timber or veneer, with any residue used for reconstituted wood products such as particleboard or medium density fibreboard.Pentarch is utilising the Australian Navy’s multi-purpose wharf in Twofold Bay at Eden.
Jason said the demand for export logs was incredibly volatile, with exposure to fluctuating currency exchange and shipping costs, as well as variable supply and demand on a global scale.
“Pentarch brings a high level of export management and marketing expertise to its partnership with Forests NSW, which ultimately gives us access to overseas markets and the opportunity to successfully utilise excess pulp logs,” he said.
Public Affairs & Media, Albury
