During the previous financial year the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) plantation assessment team authorised 135 private plantations covering an area of 31,700 hectares.

This comprised 23,350ha of new plantations and 8350ha of existing plantations.

A total of 596 plantations covering 114,000ha have been authorised since the Plantations and Reafforestation Act started in December 2001.

"Taking into account land acquisition costs and establishment costs, the new plantations represent around a $190 million investment in regional NSW," DPI plantation assessment unit manager, Tony Dawson, said.

"This level of development will generate between 1500 and 3000 new jobs in the timber harvesting and downstream processing industries.

"We are seeing some significant shifts in both the types of plantation and tree end use.

"Whilst softwood plantations accounted for the major share of plantation approvals five or six years ago, there has been a definite trend to eucalypts, particularly in north eastern NSW in recent times.

"Last year over 16,000ha of eucalyptus plantations were established in the north of the state. "Initially most plantations were established with the view of a final harvest of sawlogs, but these days many are established for the short rotation pulpwood as well as for the newer emerging bio-fuels and carbon sequestration markets.

"Last year we authorised almost 4000ha of environmental plantings in the Central West, where mallee species were planted for the sole purpose of carbon sequestration.

"Generally we find landholders and growers of smaller plantations focus on the high valued cabinet type timbers."

Prospective growers can contact plantation assessment officers located at DPI offices in Maitland, Coffs Harbour, Wollongbar and Albury.

Information is also available on the DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/resources/private-forestry

Contact Tony Dawson, Maitland, (02) 4931 6693 or 0419 992 505.

Forest plantation approvals streamlined

The Plantations and Reafforestation Act has significantly streamlined approvals for new forestry plantations, according to DPI’s Tony Dawson.

"The last 12 months has been particularly busy for the new plantation assessment unit," Mr Dawson said.

"The Act requires all new plantations greater than 30 hectares to be authorised.

"Plantations less than 30ha can also gain authorisation, which many owners are seeking, as it guarantees the right to harvest.

"Authorisation requires field assessment prior to an application being lodged. Nine specialist staff in the unit undertake field inspections to assess soil types and areas of native vegetation and identify any cultural heritage sites.

"The Act ensures plantations are always established on essentially cleared agricultural land and a best practice code has been developed that ensures environmental safeguards are in place," Mr Dawson said.

"The code covers such things as the protection of soil and water, cultural heritage and biodiversity.

"Plantations that comply with the code are generally provided with an authority within five to 10 days."