South West Timber Hub Update for FIFWA newsletter

Here's an update from Wendy Perdon, Project Manager for the South West Timber Hub.

​Well we are now 5 months into the activities of the South West Timber Hub and things are really starting to take shape.

Hardwood Activities

• Integrated Timber Processing Yard (ITPY)

Working with FPC to secure State Government funds to develop an Integrated Timber Processing Yard based in Collie.  The ITPY will provide an ideal opportunity to recover value from short or small segments of native forest logs that are not suitable for sawmilling or other high value markets.  Currently these log segments are either left in the bush after the extraction of sawlogs or used for lower value products such as woodchips or charcoal production.  The consultant brief is currently out to undertake detailed assessment of this project.

• Ecological Thinning and Mechanical Fuel Reduction Trials

Working with Chrissy Sharp and other environmental groups as well as the Bush Fire mitigation team at DEFS to undertake ecological thinning for forest health and fuel reduction.  Site visits to look at possible sites and trials to start in the January 2020.  We will be working closely with local environment groups to give them hands-on experience with the concept of forest thinning and have them work as citizen scientists to help oversee the trials.
​

• Aboriginal Engagement

The SW Land settlement will open massive opportunities to work with Aboriginal groups in the South West.  We have conducted an indigenous/industry workshop day to start to look at opportunities.  We are also working with the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry to look at Aboriginal Enterprise opportunities and what difficulties they are facing to engage with FPC and industry tenders. 

Harvest and Haulage

• There has recently been a report delivered on the Harvest and Haulage Value Stream Mapping process that was undertaken early in the year.  This report and its recommendations are currently being assessed.

Plantation

• FPC are currently trialing some adaptive harvesting in Albany to recover softwood waste left on the harvest site
• Plantation expansion mapping has been undertaken and FPC are currently undertaking a body of work to try to secure funds.

 
Links to FIFWA

• FIFWA and the SW Hub are both undertaking strategic planning for 2020 and beyond, with the upcoming State election and next Forest Management Plan.  As part of this process priories for the industry will be identified and then tasks allocated to the most suitable organisation.

Tasmanian Visit

• The South West Timber Hub, FIFWA and FPC undertook a week-long visit to Tasmania.  The industry in Tasmania is very similar to that of the South West and it was agreed we are both ‘islands’.  One surrounded by sea and the other by desert, but both facing the same issues.  It was a very worthwhile visit with lots of ongoing projects and learning.

Wendy Perdon, Project Manager SW Timber Hub