[Level Up] [Doc Top] [Doc End] [Next Item] [Home Page]
Next week 90 scientists from around Australia will meet in Shepparton to discuss a technology for new Australian hardwood plantation industry that will help preserve the environment, assist farmers with an extra crop and promote regional development.
"If we can get one million hectares of new plantations on farms across Australia over the next 25 years, there is a potential to create 25,000 jobs in processing the timber from these plantations," said Bill Rawlins, Board member of 'Trees for Profit' organisers of the Shepparton conference.
"An estimate of the value of forest products from one million hectares is $10 billion per year. In addition there will be environmental benefits through land and water care and the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere - all good news for the Australian plantation forest industry."
Shepparton is leading the way with over six major world class hardwood plantation trials on farming properties.
"What we are trying to do in the Shepparton area is choose the best genetically developed trees, plant them in the most appropriate location and use the best tree management techniques to produce more useable fine timber for Australian forest products."
The heightened interest in recent years in using recycled water for tree plantation growth stems from pioneering work started about 20 years ago by the fore-runner to the Victorian Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Public Forum - for farmers and others interested in tree plantations
Trees for Profit will hold a public forum Thursday, 20 July 1995 from 9.00 am at the Shepparton Football Club Rooms, Deakin Reserve.
There will be two field trips to the Cobram Research and Demonstration Plantation and the Daldy Road Water Board Farm. Australia's leading experts will outline the practical aspects of enhanced hardwood plantations.
As places at the Forum are limited, those wishing to attend should make a booking with John Scott at the department of Conservation and Natural Resources in Shepparton on 058 311 777.
Interviews - Please contact:
Bill Rawlins from CSIRO[Level Up] [Doc Top] [Doc End] [Next Item] [Home Page]