The Brigalow Belt South bioregion decision which created new Community Conservation Areas has also delivered a strong future for cypress regrowth in the Pilliga State Forests.

The decision has provided for $12 million over a five-year period for the ongoing non-commercial thinning of white cypress stands throughout the remaining State forest cypress areas.

“Cypress regrowth in the Western State forests is quite dense in many parts, and is referred to as wheat field regeneration,” said Forests NSW Western region manager, Paul Wells.

“Forests NSW has been non-commercially thinning cypress regeneration for close on 100 years and this extra money will allow us to employ displaced mill workers and other people from Baradine, Gwabegar, Narrabri, Bingara and other areas.

“They will thin additional stands so that they continue to provide white cypress timber for milling in another 80 years or so, the usual rotation for this slow-growing species.”

Paul said that without thinning, the cypress would stay “locked up”; that is, remain in a dormant state with stems about the size of rake handles. Thinning is performed using brushcutters and chainsaws.

“The funded thinning program will provide for up to 45 additional jobs in Western New South Wales including affected timber and forest workers, as well as new opportunities for employment in rural towns and Aboriginal communities,” Paul said.

“The area treated is expected to be 22 500 hectares over five years providing for future timber supply and enhanced biodiversity outcomes.”

The recruitment process will seek to maximise Aboriginal participation by specific references in advertisements and by direct encouragement for Aboriginal employment through the Pilliga Forest Aboriginal Management Committee.

This article appears in the Winter 2006 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.