PINE

The Forest Products Commission (FPC) manages pine plantations on State owned land and on sharefarms. These plantations provide the resource for significant sawmills at Dardanup and Muja, medium density fibreboard (MDF) construction at Welshpool, particleboard construction at Dardanup and a range of small mills and preservative treatment plants across the south west.

The State's newest pine processing facility for laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is now operating just north of Perth. This will be supplied from maritime pine plantations between Gnangara and Yanchep and help to increase water recharge into Perth's groundwater aquifers.

The FPC has a vision to expand the total area of radiata pine in the south west. Radiata pine is well suited to the higher rainfall areas of the State. Its timber products are well known internationally and are particularly suited to being used in construction.

Areas in the Mid West, Great Southern and Esperance regions have been earmarked for future crop establishment with maritime pine. Maritime pine is a robust species with a capacity to grow well in deep sandy soils over a wide range of sites, including lower rainfall areas. It is a versatile timber that can be used to make a range of products including structural grade timber, furniture, paper, plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

Local and overseas demand is increasing for maritime pine wood products, particularly LVL.