State Government announces tender process for specialty timbers

28/7/04
The State Government has today called for tenders for the purchase of feature grade and specialty timbers suitable for furniture manufacture and other high, value-end uses.
Forestry Minister Kim Chance said approximately 8,500 tonnes per annum of logs of various species from native forests in the South-West would be made available through both a tender process (which would result in sale contracts extending to the end of 2013), and through regular auctions throughout the year.
Approximately 6,350 tonnes of logs per annum were available for purchase through the tender process, from the Forest Products Commission.
Mr Chance said this was in addition to the mainstream first and second grade jarrah and karri, which were allocated through an earlier tender process.
"This tender process will enable local specialist manufacturers to have access to the resource so they can continue to produce magnificent furniture," he said.
"This in turn provides local employment, tourism and other benefits to the State from the industry.
"There is a great deal of interest from specialist manufacturers in this resource which includes jarrah, marri, blackbutt, sheoak and wandoo logs and I am very keen for all interested parties to have the opportunity to access a portion of the timber."
Mr Chance said the tender process, advertised in The West Australian today, would close on September 14. It would be mandatory for people or companies wishing to submit a tender to attend a briefing at Harvey on August 18.
"Like other parcels of native timber sawlogs allocated under the Forest Management Plan, a primary requirement of the tenders is to provide proof that the timber will be used in high-value manufacturing processes within WA," the Minister said.
"Local high-value use of our unique and valuable native timbers is still a major focus of this Government and as such it is given the very highest rating during the tender process."
Approximately 2,100 tonnes of timber per annum will be made available through auctions held at the Forest Products Commission's Harvey office. The public can call the commission's Rivervale office for auction dates on (08) 9475 8888.
Minister's office: 9213 6700