FEATURE

New roadmap to energise oil mallee industry in WA

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A plan for the oil mallee industry to capitalise on opportunities such as the future carbon pollution reduction scheme was released in November 2008 by Forestry Minister Terry Redman.

The Oil Mallee Industry Development Plan (IDP), the culmination of 12 months' work, is a joint project between the Forest Products Commission and the Oil Mallee Association of WA, funded by the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and utilised the services of consultants URS Forestry.

The IDP is a road map for stakeholders, to guide the industry toward expansion through exposure to the emerging carbon and renewable energy markets.

Oil mallees, hardy species well adapted to Western Australia's agricultural areas, have the potential to provide sustainable solutions to environmental and farm management issues associated with climate change, salinity, waterlogging and wind, whilst delivering lasting socio-economic benefits.

Mallees offer business diversification, additional farm income, new jobs and economic resilience. The IDP emphasises the benefits of maximising financial returns from value-added processing of mallee plantings. Research has also identified the potential of mallees to produce a range of products such as wood panels, transport fuels, pharmaceuticals, industrial solvents and biochar, all on a sustainable basis.

Over the past 15 years, more than 14,000 hectares of mallees have been planted across the Western Australian wheatbelt landscape, mostly in belts integrated with existing farming activities.

If you can see the potential in growing oil mallees or if you would like more information, please contact the treefarming info line on 1800 241 688.