Queensland Hardwoods program

Specifications

• Client: Forestry Plantations Queensland
• Scope:

  Verterra team members Ian Robb, Neil Halpin and Fred Langford delivered the Queensland Government SEQ Hardwoods program.  This involved development of silvicultural practices for establishment of industrial-scale forest plantations in south-east Queensland, negotiation of land access with private landholders through a range of mechanisms (lease, joint venture, purchase) and co-ordination and delivery of all aspects of plantation development (species selection, site preparation, establishment, management, protection).

• Challenge:

  Government policy sought to establish hardwood plantations in south-east Queensland to foster development of a plantation industry to provide future resource following the planned exit from native forest logging in 2025. Little information existed on industrial-scale hardwood forestry and access to land was limited. Community and landholder resistance to the introduction of tree crops into traditional agricultural land was widespread. 

• Solution:

  Verterra staff undertook a practical program to develop silvicultural systems for industrial-scale establishment of hardwood forestry in south-east Queensland. This included a range of measures including development of a patented weed control implement to extend spraying windows, development of novel site cultivation equipment to conserve soil moisture, novel approaches to residual vegetation management and conservation of soil carbon, and industrial domestication of a new species. Verterra staff also developed a range of novel business models to access private land, and implemented an intensive stakeholder engagement program that successfully overcome community resistance to introduction of tree crops into agricultural land. 

• Benefit to Client:

  Verterra staff delivered the Government’s Commitment under the south east Queensland forest Agreement within agreed time schedules and budget.

• Market Sector: Renewable resources - agriculture, grazing and forestry
• Capabilities:
  • Forest and fodder crops
  • Soil surveying and land capability assessment
  • Project commercial services
• Location: Queensland
• Year: 2000 - 2008