Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson has toured the Byfield forest where 80 per cent of the extensive plantation was levelled by Tropical Cyclone Marcia a year ago.
Ms Donaldson and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga praised the salvage and recovery operation undertaken by HQPlantations, which has so far removed about half a million tonnes of timber and created approximately 200 jobs locally and in Gladstone.
“The plantation bore the brunt of the cyclone last February and it’s only when you see it for yourself that you can truly understand the scale of the destruction,” Ms Donaldson said.
“What was once mature and valuable pine forest is a virtual wasteland, but the massive operation to salvage the felled timber has been remarkable.
“The bulk of the salvageable timber has now been recovered and although it is likely to take another 12 months to clear what is left on the ground, the operation is being scaled back and re-planting has begun.
“Effectively they have turned a natural disaster into a major economic boost to the region.
“It’s been a race against time because the felled timber deteriorates on the ground.
“I am advised that the salvage is generating about $100 million worth of economic activity and has created significant job opportunities in the region for contractors, drivers, forestry workers, woodchip plant operators and port operators.”
Ms Lauga said she had been impressed throughout by the way HQPlantations had worked with the local community and the government to cause minimum disruption.
“At one stage there were up to 180 truck round-trip movements a day between Byfield and Gladstone, through both Yeppoon and Rockhampton, but there have been few complaints.
“They have invested millions into road upgrades, safety and signage and I believe they deserve recognition for that.
“The company has kept the community informed through consultation and engagement meetings. Constituents have told me they are comfortable with the level of engagement from HQ Plantations.
“Truck movements have also been timed to avoid school buses.”
Mrs Lauga said she was very encouraged that replanting was underway.
“It is welcome news that HQP intends to progressively re-establish the Byfield plantation estate in the coming years. So far, it has replanted approximately 165 hectares and plans to plant a further 200 hectares in the near future. This replanting is a positive outcome for the future of forestry at Byfield,” she said.
As the local processing sector does not have the capability to process the large volume of timber being salvaged, HQP has been exporting the salvaged timber in both round log and woodchip form through the Port of Gladstone.
Source: Press release
