Contracts to give woodcraft industry more secure aceess to speciality logs

13/11/94

Western Australia's woodcrafts and furniture industry will have more secure access to specialty feature logs under a new series of long-term contracts with the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said today the contracts would give feature wood users guarantee of supply for five years with the option of a four-year extension.

"The new contract system provides a basis on which the fine woodcrafts industry can develop, confident they will have access to the timber they need," Mr Minson said.

"It is part of the Government's 10-year forest management plan which aims to add value to native timbers and to create employment opportunities, especially in regional areas."

Mr Minson said a recent tender for 1,500 tonnes of high and low grade feature saw logs and 100 tonnes of hardwood burls had attracted 47 bids.

Previously, much of the material had not been considered millable because of the size and shape of the logs available.

These logs had been regarded as unprofitable because of the small volumes available, the low recovery rates and the widely spread market place.

"The total quantity covered by the bids was 3,800 tonnes of feature saw logs and burls, more than double the amount available," Mr Minson said.

"As well, the prices offered were at a substantial premium over standard royalty rates. These premiums were up to $65 a tonne for high grade feature logs, $11 for low grade and $125 a tonne for burls.

"As a result of the open tender, 15 new contracts have been signed with buyers in Mandurah, Collie, Nannup, Bridgetown, Manjimup and Perth."

Mr Minson said research by CALM over the past few years had resulted in some major breakthroughs in low cost methods of seasoning and using small saw logs.

"These include solar-powered kilns that can dry timber for a fraction of the energy cost of conventional kilns that rely on continuous use of power," he said.

"As well, many of the successful tenderers have portable saw mills which are ideal for converting these logs for use as high-value feature items in furniture, joinery, turning, carving and other specialised uses."

The feature grade timber came from integrated logging operations. The logs, mainly jarrah, blackbutt, sheoak, wandoo and banksia have features such as curly grain, birdseye grain and forks.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy  272 7222 or Nigel Higgs, CALM 389 8644