We help rural landowners across the NSW North Coast sustainably manage their plantations, especially those alongside private native forests. Our free plantation assessments provide insights into current conditions, harvesting potential, and sustainable management strategies, including transitioning to mixed-age native forests.
Northern NSW Hardwood Plantations
Hardwood plantations in Northern NSW, primarily eucalyptus and corymbia species, were typically originally established for timber export, with many tied to a failed investment scheme through Forest Enterprises Australia. As a result, farmers acquired these plantations, often intending to repurpose the land for agroforestry or clearing.
These plantations, typically consisting of species like blackbutt, blue gum, flooded gum, and spotted gum, are uniform in age and take 30-50 years to mature, with peak timber yields at full maturity. While this uniformity is beneficial for timber production, it requires specific management strategies distinct from those used in mixed-age native forests.
However, without government funding, many plantations have not been harvested and may now have exceeded their optimal potential.
Supporting Softwood Plantations
In addition to hardwood plantations, we can assist landowners with softwood Radiata Pine plantations, alongside their private native forest.
Assessing the Value of Your Plantation
Our team can assess the current condition of your plantation, advise on its value, and guide you through the next steps—whether that’s clearing, thinning or transitioning the plantation into a mixed-age native forest.
Sustainable Plantation Harvesting
Before harvesting, we carefully plan to identify and protect sensitive areas such as buffer zones around waterways, steep slopes, wildlife habitats, and other environmental features. These steps ensure that harvesting operations are environmentally sustainable and compliant with regulations.
If you’re considering clearing land for pasture, we recommend contacting a local clearing operator. Our focus is on nurturing plantations into forests that balance timber production with agroforestry, ensuring long-term health and biodiversity for future generations.
Funding for Plantation Owners
With no available government funding for existing plantations, we help landowners diversify their income through native forest management, funding sustainable plantation management.
Ready to Manage Your Plantation?
Contact us at 1300 367 378 for a free, no-obligation plantation assessment. We’ll evaluate your plantation’s species, age, health, and access to provide a tailored management plan and timber valuation.
We’re committed to helping you create a long-term, sustainable forest management plan that benefits you now and for future generations.