Forest Corporation of NSW Centenary Book

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The State forests of NSW were once home to Aboriginal people from many nations, countries and tribes. As managers of the forests today, Forestry Corporation of NSW acknowledges and respects all traditional peoples whose land we work on.

TALKABA This artwork celebrates Baiyami’s creations of our beautiful country, highlighting our nation’s abundant bushlands and forests. The people woven into the trees and landscape within the work hold a significant and threefold meaning – they depict Aboriginal history with the land and forest, demonstrating a shared dependency between man and country; they highlight this lifelong connection to country across the generations past, present and future; and through the figures’ widespread arms or tree branches, they welcome all to country, to embrace and share in caring for our forest. Earthy tones and blues used throughout this highly textured piece link to our nation’s diverse and rich landscape – from the coastal waters, rivers and wetlands through to our deserts, mountains, highlands and valleys. Aboriginal people have managed forests for many centuries and today’s forest managers have an important responsibility to work with communities to identify and protect that cultural heritage for the centuries to come.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Artist Saretta Fielding is part of the Wanaruah Nation of the Upper Hunter Valley in NSW. Growing up within a large and close knit extended family, Saretta’s work is influenced by family connection, country and relationships. Art has long been a passion for Saretta who endeavours to use her art to convey how she is influenced by people, life experiences and nature’s beauty.



AN EXTRACT FROM

THE GUM FOREST LES MURRAY After the last gapped wire on a post, homecoming for me, to enter the gum forest. This old slow battlefield: parings of armour, cracked collars, elbows, scattered on the ground. New trees step out of old: lemon and ochre splitting out of grey everywhere, in the gum forest. In there for miles, shade track and ironbark slope, depth casually beginning all around, at a little distance. Sky sifting, and always a hint of smoke in the light; you can never reach the heart of the gum forest. In here is like a great yacht harbour, charmed to leaves, innumerable tackle, poles wrapped in spattered sail, or an unknown army in reserve for centuries. Flooded-gums on creek ground, each tall because of each. Now a blackbutt in bloom is showering with bees but warm blood sleeps in the middle of the day. The witching hour is noon in the gum forest. Foliage builds like a layering splash: ground water drily upheld in edge-on, wax-rolled, gall-puckered leaves upon leaves. The shoal life of parrots up there.


FOREWORD I

t is a great privilege to be leading an organisation as it reaches a significant milestone. Marking a centenary provides a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on what has changed

over the past 100 years and look forward to the next century. This book is not intended to chronicle the long and rich history of forestry in NSW. Forests and timber have helped to build our towns and cities for a century and it would not be possible to acknowledge all of the many people who have played a role in shaping the industry we are proud to be a part of today. Instead, this book is, quite literally, a series of snapshots. This collection of images captures the beauty and diversity of forests, the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, the hard and physical work of forestry, the enduring importance of forests and timber to communities, the efforts to conserve and protect our unique flora and fauna, and the evolution of what is one of the most renewable industries. This is a celebration of the past and present of an industry with a bright future. NICK ROBERTS CEO

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MINISTER’S MESSAGE F

orests and timber in NSW have always been a crucial part of this state’s story and the backbone of many regional communities. They have created an industry of timber

mills, pulp and paper processers, hauliers and ports that has brought jobs and prosperity to communities across this state. Early in this state’s history, through the Forestry Act 1916, it was recognised there was a need to manage this vital resource to ensure future generations could not only produce the timber they needed but could also continue to enjoy and appreciate the standing forests. Over the past 100 years, successive governments have understood and acknowledged the vital role Forestry Corporation of NSW and its predecessors have played, in balancing the supply of timber to meet the community’s current needs with conserving the resource for future generations and maintaining the long term health and biodiversity of the forests. A century of operations is a significant milestone and I congratulate the many people who have contributed to the work of Forestry Corporation and the former Forestry Commission since 1916. The thriving forests and timber industry we see today are a testament to the skill and professionalism of generations of forest managers. While forestry has evolved over the past century, the one thing that has endured is the importance of forests and timber to the people and economy of NSW. The NSW Government will continue to support a long and vibrant future for Forestry Corporation and for the state’s sustainable timber industry because the communities that rely on these industries depend on it. THE HON NIALL BLAIR MLC NSW Minister for Primary Industries

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1 100 YEARS OF FOREST MANAGEMENT 9


AS WE LOOK

BACK OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS,

WE CAN ONLY WONDER WHAT THE GENERATIONS OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO LIVED, WORKED AND PLAYED IN THESE FORESTS BEFORE US WOULD MAKE OF OUR FORESTS Would the first commissioners rally behind the conservation techniques of today? Would

TODAY.

conservation as a goal for the management of our remaining forest areas.

early 20th century axemen revel in the air-conditioned comfort of today’s harvesters? Would

Less than a decade later, the Forestry Act 1916 further strengthened these first efforts at

families living in simplicity and isolation within yesteryear’s forests understand why our

achieving sustainable forest management by establishing clearer guidelines for preserving

towns and cities are today ringed by beautiful forests?

species, improving business practices and establishing the NSW Forestry Commission. This

We can’t know what their answers would be, yet we can be certain that they would

was a time of great change in our understanding of forests. No longer were forests viewed

be proud to see that the vision they had, and began creating 100 years ago – to strike a

as a short-term resource. Instead, as the newly federated nation continued to draw on the

balance between environmental conservation, community access and sustainable timber

forests to build the roads, railways and towns for the next generation of Australians, the

production in NSW’s forests – is being realised today.

Forestry Commission took a longer-term view of forest management and conservation and

As a slide in the 1926 film Forest Wealth, produced by the then Forestry Commission of NSW, said:

started bolstering the native forest estate through plantations of exotic pine. With World War II came the boom in production of planes, ships, rifles and building

The lesson history teaches is that forest preservation and national prosperity go hand

materials demanding large supplies of timber and accelerating production pressures.

in hand. With conservation management, our forests can be made to serve the needs

Despite establishing pine plantations to meet the growing need for local timber, by the end

of both present and future generations.1

of the war our native forests were under severe stress due to intense production pressure.

We are those future generations the Commission referred to when setting a faithful

hectares and incorporating native, or naturally occurring, forests, timber plantations and

After the war, the State forest estate expanded, growing to more than three million course towards ensuring that our forests are around for generations to come. The legacy of

conservation areas. The Forestry Act 1916 had set up the Forestry Commission to manage

that work lives on today.

the forest for multiple values – sustainable management of the long-term timber resource

While the vision of sustainable forest management has remained consistent for the past century, we are constantly refining how to achieve this fine balance. After centuries of active management by the first Australians, particularly using small, cool fires, NSW’s forests were transformed by European colonisation. Forests were the main

recreational use of forests had been part and parcel of State forests for many years and in 1973 this was formally recognised with the Forestry Act amended to include the promotion and encouragement of recreation.

source of material for buildings, bridges, boats, fences, furniture and firewood. Farmers,

Management of forested land in NSW was complemented with the establishment of the

galvanised by the forces of industry and growth, cleared forested land to create farmland

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1967. The Commission continued to manage

for wool, beef and crop production. Unfortunately, the forests paid a heavy price for this.

both harvestable and non-harvestable areas of forest and the Commission’s successor

The clearing dramatically and permanently reduced the amount of forested land in NSW

Forestry Corporation of NSW (Forestry Corporation), continues to do so today.

and with it the habitats of many native species. However, in the late 19th and early 20th

Throughout the mid 20th century, the Commission sharpened its focus on sustainable

centuries, the first steps were taken to undo the damage. More than two million hectares of

management of production forests and began increasing the scientific rigour of the harvest

forests were sequestered in reserves following a Royal Commission into forest management

planning process by drawing on forest research and environmental sciences.

and the passing of the Forestry Act 1909, which aimed to enshrine environmental

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balanced with conservation of important forest features like soil, water, flora and fauna. The


FOREST PERFECTION Ecosystems are strong and enduring. The colours, shapes and textures exude character that two dimensions can only partially capture. Eucalypts exhibit strength and structure within the forest. Their bulky trunks appear to hold the sky at bay while the bark litter peppers the forest floor with mulchlike protection. These trees, found in working forests and timber plantations, are typical of those that sustainable forest plans manage for future generations. 11


The spheres of politics and forestry have always been closely connected and this was especially evident towards the end of the 20th century, when environmental campaigners

are specialists in the management of plantation and native forests and implement forest management techniques based on the latest scientific data and quality control.

began to lobby governments to conserve more of the forest estate, and increased pressure on

And our forests are flourishing. Our relationship with our forests has evolved over the

the Forestry Commission to change its harvesting approach and techniques. The State and

last century. Where once a forest was a source of jobs and timber, today we also recognise

Commonwealth governments worked with the conservation movement, communities and

a forest as a place of recreation and relaxation, of natural beauty and biodiversity, and of

industry, and together they developed plans to ensure that adequate areas of forested land

cultural significance. Forests are a natural asset to be cherished and a legacy to safeguard

were maintained in reserves and appropriate forested land was available for ongoing timber

for future generations. It is a century since the Forestry Commission was first appointed to

production. This process led to the first Regional Forest Agreements being signed in 1999.

manage NSW’s forests, and there were thousands of years of expert management by the

These agreements saw a dramatic increase in the amount of land set aside for conservation

original custodians of these forests before that. This book is both an exercise in reflection

as national parks and the enacting of rigorous legislation to balance native forest harvesting

and a restatement of our commitment to preserve our forests’ future for the next 100 years

with environmental conservation and the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

and beyond.

While early forays into plantations of both introduced and native species began at the time the Forestry Commission was established, and increased during the post-war

And as we do, the Forestry Corporation remains true to the guiding principles of our forebears – to ‘serve the needs of both present and future generations’.

construction boom, these plantations took time to grow. As these plantations matured, industries and towns grew up around them and it was evident that their success was an essential element in ensuring long-term timber supply. Today, Forestry Corporation staff

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1 Forest Wealth, produced for the Forestry Commission of NSW in 1926 by Sovereign Films.


LEFT: This image captures the colours

and the detail, with one thing remaining consistent: the gum tree is as iconic today as it was 100 years ago. RIGHT: These gums from western NSW

between Broken Hill and Silverton typify the Australian gum tree. The peeling bark and the foliaged canopy perfectly frame the people in the distance. These trees remain in the forests of today, to be enjoyed by future generations. 13


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Forests in NSW are varied – from the iconic coastal gums, the uniformity of the pine plantations, the lushness of rainforests, the grand stature of river red gums and the slow, steady majesty of cypress in the north west, these forests provide unique places for us to visit, exquisite timber and important eco-systems. RIGHT: This photograph captures the vitality of working forests

evident after years of active management. 15


ABOVE AND RIGHT: Plantation forests are a uniformed beauty;

evenly spaced and sized. These examples demonstrate the impact that plantations, with their vigour and rich colour, make on the landscape. These managed additions to our timber scenery are not only breathtaking, but also add value to communities. 16


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The State forests of NSW are steeped in history including thousands of years of Aboriginal cultural heritage and stewardship of these lands. Pictured here is an Aboriginal cave in a State forest in the Hunter region. Today this area is managed in consultation with local Aboriginal people ensuring cultural heritage such as this is preserved for generations to come. Permission to show this image was given by the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council. 19


PRE 1788

1788

1820

1870s

1880s

1881

1888

1910

Aboriginal people

Half of NSW is forested

Timber-cutting licences

Areas of forest are

The Forest Conservancy

Poet Henry Kendall is

Wages for sawyers

The Department of

skilfully practise forest

when the First Fleet

are issued by the

set aside by the

Branch under the

appointed Inspector of

and mill workers for

Forestry is established.

management, using

arrives. New settlers

government ‘to persons

government for future

Secretary for Lands is

Forests.

an eight-hour day, 5.5

fire for hunting and to

clear forests, as they

of good character’.

timber production and

established. The first

days a week, are one

stimulate new growth.

need timber for homes

the first forest ranger in

nursery is established

pound, 16 shillings and

and for farming.

NSW is appointed.

near Gosford. Seedling

eight pence (£1/15/8d).

production begins

Today this would equal

and plantations are

less than $4 an hour.

established.

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1912

1913

1916

1924

1935

1939–1950s

The first State forest is

The Forestry Act 1916

The Forestry

The Division of

World War II places

LATE 1950S–MID 1970S

1950–1975

The first attempt at establishing a

dedicated.

(NSW) is passed

Commission makes

Wood Technology is

heavy demands on

A review of timber

programs called Timber

commercial pine

and the Forestry

its first sale of pine

established to promote

the State’s forests.

resources after

Stand Improvement

plantation is made,

Commission is

timber: 55 cubic metres

wider use of native

Timber is needed for

the war sees a

are undertaken in

near Tuncurry.

established. Under the

from an experimental

timbers. The division is

planes, ships, rifles and

significant expansion

hardwood forests;

Act, the Commission

plantation at the

involved during the war

building projects. A

of both softwood

these helped produce

is responsible for the

Gosford nursery is sold

in testing timbers for

building boom begins

and hardwood

today’s vigorous

management of State

to a local mill to make

aircraft manufacture

as World War II ends

plantation estates

mature regrowth

forests, timber reserves

fruit cases.

and for charcoal, with

in 1945 and soldiers

with Commonwealth

forests.

staff working in shifts

return.

Government support.

and some Crown land.

so that testing can be

This investment

maintained 24 hours

established the mature

a day.

plantation resource

Large silviculture

that is the backbone of the current industry.

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1960S–1970S

1970S–1980S

1979

1980

1992

1994–1997

1999

2004

Scientific research

Public perception

Terania Creek forest

The Forestry

State Forests of NSW

The first Aboriginal

NSW’s first Regional

Forests NSW is

is used to draw up

of forests begins to

protests held against

Commission establishes

is established as a

Place Management

Forest Agreement,

established as a public

management plans for

change. More than

timber harvesting in

its first wildlife policy.

government trading

Plan is completed

a 20-year plan for

trading enterprise

productive sustainable

just a source of timber,

rainforests sparked

It includes a focus

enterprise.

at Warre Warren

the conservation

within the NSW

forest management.

State forests became

the declaration of

on establishing

Aboriginal Place.

and sustainable

Department of Primary

The Wildlife section of

increasingly valued

rainforest in NSW

representative reserve

Regional ecology teams

management of native

Industries.

the Forest Research

for their provision

as national park and

areas, maintaining

and local Aboriginal

forests, is completed.

and Wood Technology

and protection of a

changed the focus

adequate populations

Cultural Heritage

Division is established

rich variety of plants

of the native forest

of forest-dependent

Officers are set up and

in 1975.

and animals, clean

industry.

species and protecting

routine pre-harvest

arboreal species.

survey programs

water and air, and as recreation sites.

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commence.


2005

2005

2006

2010

2011

2012

2014

TODAY

The first Ecologically

Forests NSW becomes

Forests NSW is

Forests NSW begins

Forests NSW acquires

The Forestry Act 2012

Real-time mapping

Keeping forests healthy

Sustainable Forest

first body in the world

certified to the

building and promoting

LiDAR data for most

is passed, establishing

data is introduced to

and productive for

Management plans

authorised to trade

Australian Standard

recreation and tourism

areas of State forest, to

Forestry Corporation of

planners and operators

now and the future

are published. These

carbon credits arising

for Sustainable Forest

opportunities in State

improve the accuracy

NSW as a state-owned

within the forests.

is a complex and

describe how forest

from forests in a

Management, and is

forests and wins 16

of forest mapping and

corporation responsible

challenging task and

management balances

registered greenhouse

recognised through

regional and seven

yield estimates.

for providing a

one that Forestry

timber supply and

gas abatement

the international

NSW Tourism Awards

renewable supply of

Corporation and its

recreation with

scheme. During this

Programme for the

over the following five

timber and sustainably

staff continue to thrive

maintaining ecological

year Forests NSW

Endorsement of Forest

years.

managing State forests

on.

processes and

registered 166,005

Certification (PEFC).

environmental values.

certificates, each

on behalf of the people of NSW.

representing one tonne of carbon, from 10,000 hectares of hardwood forests planted.

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2 MATESHIP AND MEMORIES 25


THE ONLY THING THAT HAS NOT CHANGED IN FORESTRY OVER THE LAST HUNDRED

YEARS IS THE

FEELING OF CAMARADERIE AND MATESHIP AMONGST THOSE WHO WORK IN THE TIMBER INDUSTRY. THE TERM MATESHIP CONJURES IMAGES OF UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT AMID THE TOUGHEST OF CONDITIONS; TWO THINGS THE NSW

The early working forests were the place for men who enjoyed hard work and who worked

Today’s foresters come to the industry with a passion for the forest. They do more than

to the rhythms of the bush. He was almost always a male of strong character and physical

fell the tree. They balance community expectations, manage current and future timber

strength; a proud hard man. In a few instances, his family came to the bush with him living

production, and biodiversity, all while achieving conservation and environmental outcomes.

in tents providing their son, husband or father with some form of comfort and normality.

The role is multifaceted with many rewards; such as being part of a team with a long history

These families often settled in the early villages or farms on the fringes of the forests. Some

and being responsible for the forests of the future.

working in the forest today can trace their origins back to these early times.

Not only have the forests flourished but so have the towns in the timber regions and the

The forests were also the place where connections were formed; among men and

Forestry Corporation has been an integral part of local communities for a century. Hundreds

between men and nature. The early axe teams were sent in to clear the bush and master the

of thousands of people and their communities share boundaries with neighbouring working

tall beasts. They relied on their mates for their lives and their livelihoods. Skills were honed

forests. As these exquisite historical photographs demonstrate, forestry has always been

on the job, where mistakes could be deadly. This life and death existence saw the formation

a family and community business. Forestry Corporation itself and the many businesses

of bonds between the workers that were as strong as the love they held for the forests.

involved in harvesting, haulage, timber milling and other aspects of forest management have

The forests played an important part in the re-integration of many returned servicemen after World War II. The forests provided workplaces and training for the men. Some of the photographs taken in the late 1940s could have been taken in a theatre of war; with men relaxing as one for a meal, laughing and sharing a ‘yarn’. Their new lives in the forests provided a glimmer of hope that the physical activity and mateship would help them heal from the horrors of war.

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FORESTS HAVE IN SPADES.

long seen generations of families working side by side in the forest and in the communities that rely on them.


TIMBER – THE BACKBONE OF TOWNS In the early days of forestry, mini towns sprung up within the forests to house timber cutters, bullock teams, millers, cooks and inspectors. Sometimes settlements became more permanent, while others disappeared until the forests were harvested again decades later. Today, numerous towns in NSW have their roots in the forest and timber industry with many still heavily

ABOVE: Tents were erected for short harvesting periods. As this example from 1959 at Mt Boss near

reliant on forests for employment.

Wauchope shows, accommodation for timber getters remained very simple well into the 20th century.

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SOLITUDE OF FORESTS While a forester’s work is often solitary, many forestry workers had young families who often travelled with their parents for work. The feelings of freedom must have outweighed the feelings of isolation, as these children enjoyed upbringings that few could experience today. In some instances, families lived and worked within the forests for long periods of time. RIGHT: A forestry family. Wip, Herb, Stan, Tom and their mother

circa 1911. 28


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THE SONG OF THE SHINGLE SPLITTERS A poem written by Henry Kendall in 1874, sums up the conditions of the early timber worker. Kendall was appointed as the first Inspector of Forests in 1881. In dark wild woods, where the lone owl broods And the dingoes nightly yell — Where the curlew’s cry goes floating by, We splitters of shingles dwell. And all day through, from the time of the dew To the hour when the mopoke calls, Our mallets ring where the woodbirds sing Sweet hymns by the waterfalls. And all night long we are lulled by the song Of gales in the grand old trees; And in the brakes we can hear the lakes And the moan of the distant seas. For afar from heat and dust of street, And hall and turret and dome, In forest deep, where the torrents leap, Is the shingle-splitter’s home. The dweller in town may lie upon down, And own his palace and park: We envy him not his prosperous lot, Though we slumber on sheets of bark. Our food is rough, but we have enough; Our drink is better than wine: For cool creeks flow wherever we go, Shut in from the hot sunshine. Though rude our roof, it is weather-proof, And at the end of the days We sit and smoke over yarn and joke, By the bush-fire’s sturdy blaze. For away from din and sorrow and sin, Where troubles but rarely come, We jog along, like a merry song, In the shingle-splitter’s home.

The poem captures the richness of the forest. Forest workers had access to clean drinking water, protection from the sun and animals to eat. In the difficult times of the early 20th century, the forest was a great source of nourishment and shelter. 31


PROUD HARD MEN Early in the 1900s, forestry was a sector for strong men able to fell big native trees. LEFT: In this iconic photograph, “The Cedargetters”, Jacob Greisinger (left) and

John Edwards (right) typify the workers of the time. This photograph, taken at Boganbill camp near Blakebrook in Lismore, shows the two men posing for the photograph in front of their slab hut in the eucalypt forest, demonstrating that conditions were harsh and the men were obviously tough and resilient. RIGHT: This illustrates the impact of felling these trees on both the forest and on

the work-weary employees. Their labour with hand axes is etched on their faces. Forestry inspectors, distinguished by their formal clothing, recorded and graded the logs for sale. 32


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LEAVING THEIR MARK LEFT: The axeman of old demonstrated incredible balance, strength and expertise as seen

in this photograph. To balance on a small board while cutting through this tall spotted gum, many metres up, without the aid of today’s safety equipment shows the regular risks of the past – and the resilience in the hearts of the workers. ABOVE: As forests regenerate, they often erase all previous evidence of disturbance. But other

times they reveal old stories such as that of forestry worker, Neville Kedzlie, who carved his initials in this stump in the Dorrigo district after felling it in the 1940s. The stump also bears the scars from the deep board notches used by Kedzlie to climb and balance while chopping through the trunk. The new growth, ferns and moss are reclaiming the forest after the toil from years gone past, and one day Kedzlie’s mark will be gone forever. 34


THE NATIONAL TIMBER WORKERS MEMORIAL The National Timber Workers Memorial stands in the heart of Eden on the south coast of New South Wales. It honours those timber workers who have lost their lives in forests and was a project started by The Axeman’s Association in 2002. The centrepiece of the memorial, a sculpture titled “Hand of Fate” by the late Rix Wright of Delegate, depicts a man helping an injured timber worker. A memorial wall with workers’ names on brass plaques, six timber bollards with local timber industry history on plaques, and a timber entrance made from the old Tarraganda Bridge at Bega all mark this park a special place for the forestry industry.

LEAVING THEIR MARK As forests regenerate, they often erase all previous evidence of disturbance. But other times they reveal old stories such as that of forestry worker, Neville Kedzlie, who carved his initials in this stump in the Dorrigo district after felling it in the 1940s. The stump also bears the scars from the deep board notches used by Kedzlie to climb and balance while chopping through the trunk. The new growth, ferns and moss are reclaiming the forest after the toil from years gone past, and one day Kedzlie’s mark will be gone forever. 35


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FORESTS BUILT ON MATESHIP Forests were the place for men who enjoyed hard work and solitude. But they were also where many friendships were forged and maintained. Men worked in teams or in pairs during harvesting and so needed to trust their colleagues completely. They developed easy understandings, where

LEFT: The Wauchope regional road crew stopping in the forest for lunch in the

words would not need to be spoken during the felling of a tree or the

1940s. Lunch allowed for a quick nap, a cup of billy tea and cold meat.

carting of timber. The communal ‘smoko’ and lunch would be the place of stories about close calls, difficult locations and legends of the axe. Many of these

ABOVE: With the introduction of the 4WD, larger distances could be travelled but it

was still necessary to stop and ‘boil the billy’ in 1963. Peter Hopkinson and Gordon Parsons are seen here surveying on Bobs Ridge Road, Kippara, near Wauchope.

historical photographs show the ease with which the men relate and the

Today Peter’s son Glenn is still part of the forestry family, carrying on his father’s

firm friendships that would support them over the years.

work as a Roading Coordinator on the north coast 37


Today mateship is still found in the forests but it is no longer just the domain of men. Many women work in forestry in all permeations of the industry. The workplace allows for ideas and strategies to be shared and stories to be told and knowledge and experience among colleagues is shared from one generation to the next. People remain fundamental to the forestry industry and today, with 21st century focus on health and safety and improved technology and practice, the forest is a safer workplace than it was a century ago. Gone are the days of shorts and singlets – the tools of the trade now include personal protective equipment like hard hats, high-visibility workwear and specialised fabrics to accommodate the varied forest conditions. 38


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EDUCATION AND CAREERS Early forest managers recognised that forestry was multifaceted and required a professional who was strong and smart. This led to a national approach for forestry education that was established over a hundred years ago. The early forestry degrees covered silviculture, forest management, policy, law, engineering, forest uses, protection, botany, entomology, zoology, microbiology, chemistry and geology. The modern day forester is highly educated and qualified and comes from many different backgrounds. Many foresters have undergraduate degrees in environmental and natural resource management, ecology, science, geology, business and engineering while some have a Masters in Forestry. Technical courses complete the qualifications available to the forestry industry delivering skills such as health and safety, forestry and plantation management, harvesting, haulage, machinery operation and recreation. In addition, industries affiliated with forestry have grown over the years to include processing, marketing, timber manufacturing, merchandising and wood machining. As a result, timber supply continues to play a significant and substantial role with these other industries. Today, the forest and wood products industries employ more than 73,000 people across Australia in a diverse range of roles at every stage of timber production from forest management and growing to harvesting and haulage through to sawmilling and pulp and paper production.

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BEING PART OF THE FORESTRY FAMILY Craig Busby has had a whole-of-life connection with the Forestry Corporation of NSW. As a current employee and the son of a former employee, his life’s journey has been shaped by the organisation and the people who make up the ‘forestry family’. As a child, Craig had the privilege of moving around NSW and experiencing different and diverse forests, communities and individuals. His family moved every four years or so – from Bombala in the south to Glen Innes in the north, to a brief stint in Sydney and long stretches in the mid-north coast area. ‘I was always proud to tell people that my dad was a forester, because forestry was often the heart and soul of the local communities in which we lived,’ Craig says. ‘My own employment experiences started as a trainee forester in 1990. This entailed travelling all over the state meeting new people and gaining an understanding of the types of work undertaken by forestry staff while I was completing my university degree. This experience took me to all corners and revealed the extraordinary variety and diversity of services and products forestry provides.’ Craig’s employment has spanned a broad range of roles and tasks and in many locations, including the northern tablelands, the south coast and north coast. ‘I have fought fires around the state and interstate, flown in different types of aircraft, built bridges and roads, established plantations, harvested and regenerated native forests, constructed major tourism projects, appeared on TV and many other challenging but rewarding experiences,’ Craig explains. One of Craig’s fondest memories is from when he went bush with his dad at the age of 10. ‘Dad was supervising a new road and bridge being built to access timber in the Washpool area. ‘To see the machinery in action was awe-inspiring, and the way the people were working hard together but laughing all the time was a particular treat. ‘I recall it being an exceptionally hot day, and on our way home we stopped next to a magnificent clear running creek and jumped in the water to escape the heat. I think whilst I was lying in this creek and reflecting on my day’s experience, the forestry family became a part of me and I became a part of it.’ RIGHT: This photograph is of Craig’s father, Peter Busby (Regional Manager for the Port

Macquarie Region) with Jack Stewart, the former Assistant Commissioner, at North Brother State Forest (now Dooragan National Park) in 1987. INSET: Craig Busby as a boy in his father’s forestry vehicle. FAR RIGHT: And Craig Busby today, still part of the forestry family he was born into.

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3 THE EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABLE FORESTS 45


FROM THE BASIC DAYS OF PIT-SAWING TO THE AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGY NOW USED IN THE SOFTWOOD INDUSTRY, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A

TIME WHEN FOREST PRODUCTS

WERE NOT PART OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

The early foresters relied on strong and sturdy tools; sharp axes and even sharper saws.

Research played a big part in the success of early forestry in NSW and has continued

The quality of their tools guaranteed not only that they met their timber quotas but also

to be pivotal to sustainable forest management today. Thorough investigation and the

contributed to their safety. They were incredibly knowledgeable and skilled at reading

application of that knowledge boosts yields, maximises healthy regeneration, innovates

landscape and trees, and carried out their work with the simple toolkit of the naked eye,

along the supply chain and has built our understanding of the benefits and capabilities

strength of hand and the astuteness of their ear. These foresters worked without the aid of

of timber. With everyone working together, operations teams carry out the researchers’

technology, something that we marvel at today.

methodologies, minimising the time between discovery and implementation.

The early cedar-getters would know the tree intimately by the time it was felled. The smell

While a steady ongoing timber supply has traditionally been an important focus of

would penetrate the air as would the creaking and boom of the fall. Harvesting a hundred

scientific investigation in forests, the modern focus on the sustainability and biodiversity

years ago was a physical and emotional achievement. Men and animals worked together to

of the whole forest ecosystem has seen research extend far beyond silviculture into areas

transport logs down mountains and to markets. The work was slow and dangerous but the

ranging from water quality to carbon storage.

bonds between foresters and their animal companions added to the sense of camaraderie

Fauna has also benefited from the use of science in forests. Foresters have always

and accomplishment. Every person was responsible for an important link in the chain. The

worked very closely with wildlife organisations to preserve habitat trees for the long-term

forest was no place for complacency or shortcuts.

viability of endangered species. Technology has enabled tracking and conservation of the

The early machines such as engines, chainsaws and trucks improved the lives of those

Programs to remove predators such as wild dogs and foxes from forests have resulted

bullock teams was now being used by trucks, and techniques developed over the years were

in significant increases to populations of small mammals such as bandicoots and potoroos.

challenged by new tools.

Remote sensing LiDAR data is now used to identify and protect forest structures favoured

Currently, smart machines, both large and small populate the forest. Satellite sensors

by marsupials such as the Hastings River Mouse and years of research and monitoring

alert foresters to block boundaries; hand-held drones hover above the forest measuring

wildlife such as koalas has seen large areas of their preferred habitat set aside to ensure

trees while aircraft take photographs of the forests below. The modern day forester has

their populations continue to thrive around and throughout productive areas of forest.

adapted sophisticated technology to deliver sustainable forests, where only carefully-

As technology and techniques have evolved, so too has the forestry profession. Our

selected trees are harvested, terrain is mapped and water courses are effectively excluded.

forester employees have demonstrated great adaptability and exemplify willingness to

Geographic information systems conduct electronic mapping, airborne laser technology

continually improve the way they operate. What has remained the same is their enduring

measures tree heights and crown shapes; sophisticated software collects and tracks data

commitment to the sustainable stewardship of our great natural assets.

on environmental features in real-time; and harvesting machinery is fitted with technology that identifies the best place to cut a log to supply the right mix of timber products to market.

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many species who make NSW forests their home.

working the forest. New skills needed to be learned. Infrastructure that was built to hold


QUALITY FORESTS BEGIN WITH RESEARCH Research into trees and forestry was a priority for the Commission more than a hundred years ago. Increasing yields, trying to understand native forests and establishing plantations were all key to our successful forests of today. Much of the research was and is undertaken in the forests themselves. However, since the introduction of the computer in the 1980s, technology now forms the foundation of all studies.

PREVIOUS PAGE: This photograph from early last century shows a Forestry Commission employees’ camp;

they were better paid than timber workers. The tent has a floor and these survey workers also had the benefit of an elegant kerosene lamp in their tent. The administrators recorded timber information for sales purposes and to estimate yields and harvesting impacts on the forest. 47


CARBON IN FORESTS Over the past century, research into almost all aspects of forest management has improved everything from forest health and biodiversity to the safety and effectiveness of day to day operations. With the emergence and growth of the carbon economy in recent years, research has increasingly focussed on the role of forests in carbon sequestration. Carbon research has ranged from calculating the carbon absorbed and stored by standing forests to investigating how much carbon continues to be stored in timber and wood products long after the trees are harvested and quantifying the carbon emissions avoided by using timber instead of alternative products. This research has shown that actively managed forests maintain a carbon balance, emitting, absorbing and storing carbon. With vigorously growing trees acting as carbon sinks, new plantations on land previously managed for other purposes such as agriculture have become a new store of carbon and in 2005 the then Forests NSW became the first body in the world authorised to trade carbon credits arising from forests in a registered greenhouse gas abatement scheme. Research continues to improve our understanding of how forestry and the use of timber contribute to carbon cycles today. 48


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MANAGING NATIVE FORESTS Native State forests are naturally occurring treed areas that have been harvested and regenerated many times over the past 100 years or more. Careful planning and management ensures they will continue to remain full of trees and produce a sustainable supply of timber well into the future. Before harvesting, foresters carefully select a silvicultural technique that will create ideal conditions for regeneration, provide habitat for wildlife and maintain a diverse forest ecosystem. For example, in some forests, only a few individual trees will be harvested while in other areas blocks of trees will be removed to open up the canopy for the light-hungry seedlings to regrow. Native forests are part of a broader landscape that contains forested land that is set aside for conservation and land that is actively managed to balance timber production with conservation. State forests are only a small part of this landscape and the area of native forest harvested for timber each year is only a tiny fraction of the State forest estate. Forests are dynamic and contain a mix of wildlife and flora, some that respond well to disturbance and thrive in young regenerating forest and others that do not respond well to disturbance. Silviculture is the science of forestry. For production native forests, silviculture looks at the best way to maintain biodiversity across the whole landscape to sustain or enhance ecological outcomes – continually improving productivity, vitality and diversity of forest ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of the timber resource.

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FORESTS AND COMMUNITIES As the traditional owners and land managers, Aboriginal communities have a strong connection to forests and protecting the rich history of Aboriginal cultural heritage has become increasingly important over the past century. Forestry Corporation partners with local Aboriginal land councils and traditional owner groups so they can record their cultural heritage within State forests, protect and access significant sites for cultural teaching and source forest products for traditional crafts and canoe making. From the very beginning, forests have always been important to the community, whether it was as a source of food and shelter, providing employment or for recreation. However, the past 100 years has seen a change in what is deemed as of value. Untouched natural wilderness is perceived by some as more valuable than the sustainable management of working forests, and many groups have campaigned against the practice of forestry in its various forms over the years. While there was certainly a need to improve many early forestry practices to better protect biodiversity, modern forestry draws on years of research in a range of scientific disciplines to ensure timber production can be, and is, carefully balanced with environmental conservation. Maintaining an open dialogue with environmental groups and communities about forest management is key to sustaining a social licence to operate, something that is essential in the current age. The aim of engagement is to ensure the community’s needs are considered in planning and give the community confidence that modern, sustainable forest management will conserve the forest environment while meeting the demands of current and future timber, social and recreational needs. ABOVE LEFT: Forestry Corporation staff use the World Rally

Championships in forests around Coffs Harbour to engage with members of the community. BELOW LEFT: Grooves etched into rocks thoughout State forests

are some of the many reminders we can see today of centuries of Aboriginal heritage. 51


GROWING TOMORROW’S FORESTS Plantation silviculture has evolved over many decades to ensure adequate regeneration, aligning species selection with soil and landscape characteristics, planting, thinning and managing the crop while also protecting the site from pests, disease and fire, improving water supply and soil qualities and conserving biodiversity. Nurseries were established early on for two reasons: first, to produce indigenous and exotic species for commercial purposes; and second, to support the Forestry Commission’s own plantation program and other commercial plantations. The establishment of nurseries allowed teams to improve their knowledge, mass produce and experiment with species that were most suited to plantations. Production nurseries today invest heavily in identifying and selecting seeds from plants with sought-after genetic qualities and propagating resilient and disease-free seedlings to restock plantations. In doing so, they play an integral role in securing high-quality timber products for the future.

RIGHT: This photograph from 1948 shows the Woolgoolga pine

nursery –a major achievement in that day which demonstrates the Commission’s early commitment to a quality supply of plantation-derived product. These early versions of nurseries laid the foundation for the advanced nurseries of today, such as the thriving Blowering nursery at Tumut, shown far right.

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Nurseries growing native species flourished many decades ago to restock planted forests. These photographs from 1950s show Hoop Pine seedlings at Urbenville nursery and a staff member tending seedlings at Cumberland State Forest nursery. 54


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THE BEGINNING OF PLANTATIONS After the broad-scale clearing carried out by early settlers, it soon became clear to foresters that our timberlands needed regeneration. Forestry and silvicultural practices were employed to regenerate forests naturally while other areas were planted as plantations – both with native Australian species and exotic species like Radiata pine. With the increased demand for quality timber and the introduction of machinery, management evolved to meld the business imperative of supply and demand with the increasingly complex science of forestry. As roads, ports and railways improved, the time from felling to market decreased. Australia was becoming more business and profit focussed, and the conversion of land to plantations of both native and exotic timber species played a role in this. 56


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FIRE – FRIEND AND FOE Aboriginal people managed the fuel load, hunting and regeneration of new growth in forests using small, cool fires, a fire management technique that continues to be employed today. Fire management is a balance of reducing the impact of fires and harnessing their ability to regenerate the native bush. In its wild form, fire is tackled head on to protect the forest resource and surrounding communities and property from this raging beast. The methods and techniques have evolved over the years with an increased focus today on protecting the forest firefighter. Today, fire management is approached with the same scientific rigour that foresters bring to other aspects of forest management, drawing on research and technology to better predict, prevent and respond to fires. Fire in the landscape has impacted the nature of the forest today. Large fires on the north coast in the late 1960s and around Eden in the 1970s resulted in large areas of even-aged regrowth which is still evident today. Significant fires in plantations pose a real risk to the timber resource and can have a large economic impact as seen with the Billo Road fire around Tumut in 2006. LEFT: Hazard reduction has long been part of forest management

and is still one of the major roles of today’s forester. This photo depicts the use of hazard reduction burning in the Blue Mountains at a time when travel by horseback was still commonplace amongst foresters. RIGHT: Our native forests need fire to regenerate, which makes

managing the forests after a fire one of the most important activities for foresters. This 1980s photo highlights the delicacy of the environment after a fire. 61


Not only has the fire-fighting equipment changed; so has the protective clothing worn. These photographs show earlier versions of protective clothes being modelled in the office. The fire-fighting clothing of today is bright, reflective and tough. It is designed for maximum safety and lightness – the best combination for wearers who are physically fighting the flames. 62


After a major fire, work continues for forestry employees in the salvage operation. It is important to retrieve as much timber as possible which is a challenging task. Then the hard work of restoring the land and replanting begins. Looking after the land after such devastating fires draws on all the technical and specialist expertise available. For the forester, fire is both friend and foe. It regenerates native forests, and yet also devastates communities. As the protectors of the forest, the forestry employees and their communities understand and accept this finely tuned balance.

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The fire tower has long been pivotal to early fire warning, with towers like this typical example (at far right) from Kempsey in 1950 dotting the ridges and high points of forests throughout the state. Fire towers are still used today and while they house the latest technology and communications equipment, ultimately effective fire detection still depends on a sharp eye for smoke and knowledge of the terrain to quickly identify where to despatch first response crews. 64


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Foresters have always had a respectful relationship with fire. Whether firefighting, preventing its spread or using fire for regeneration management, fire has always been an important part of the role. They understand intimately the impacts of fire on the vegetation, the surrounding communities and the animals. The early firefighting equipment may seem primitive today, but it saved many thousands of hectares of forests and surrounding communities over the past century.

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FROM TOOLS TO TECHNOLOGY Once foresters relied on simple but sharp tools. This is still the case in some situations, but technology has also stepped in and replaced the axe and the saw.

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ABOVE: Today, harvesters are smart, finely tuned machines with

computerised tools that measure and weigh the tree then pass that information on to the supply chain in real-time. These harvesters have driven improvements in safety and working conditions for all forest employees. 71


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Tools and technology work hand in hand, and have improved the forester’s efficiency and access to information. The skilled workforce now uses state-of-the-art technology to carry on the traditions of one of the world’s oldest industries. Nowdays, foresters are more likely to use an iPad, GPS, laser, or satellite. Of course, the tape measure and traditional map are still common pieces of equipment. The iPad is commonly used by Forestry Corporation staff today to access maps, take photographs and adjust vegetation and water course information easily and immediately. 73


STRESS TESTING RESEARCH While the properties of European timbers had been tested for centuries, the strength of native timbers was not scientifically tested until the late 1880s, when investigations began at the University of Sydney and has continued over many years. In the late 1930s, extensive testing allowed the Forests Department of Western Australia and the Council for Scientific Research (what would one day become the CSIRO) to develop a system to classify the strength of more common Australian and imported timbers. During this time and throughout the 20th century, the Forestry Commission was pivotal in new developments in timber and understanding of timber properties. The Division of Wood Technology was set up in 1935 and pioneered timber stress-grading technology which was then introduced to the rest of the world. The machine developed was ahead of its time as others in the industry were still relying on visual grading. So advanced were these efforts that the Commission held patents on the technology. It was these early understandings of timber properties which paved the way for the extensive use of timber today and the expansion of timber based products into greater structural situations like multi-storey buildings. TOP RIGHT: The wood testing facility pioneered new developments in timber use. Pictured

here is a lathe making veneer. When the veneer sheet comes off the lathe it is then wound on spools, or led to a multi-tray system to store the veneer product as it is produced. RIGHT: Pioneering the stress testing of timber has helped timber grow as a building product.

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Perhaps the greatest change in forest practices has been using technology to harvest without disturbing a forest’s biodiversity. The use of LiDAR, aircraft and drones is the way of the future. LiDAR is light detection and ranging technology that uses lasers to measure distances. In forestry, aircraft-based LiDAR is used for extremely accurate, detailed, 3D measurements of the ground and vegetation. LiDAR can provide accurate data on forest characteristics such as canopy, stand structure, growth estimates, habitat and biomass. The use of LiDAR is increasing. This technology replaces expensive and time-consuming ground survey mapping, and in some remote areas is much more accurate than the ground crew can be. TOP LEFT: This photograph illustrates LiDAR imaging.

LEFT: Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have been used for management, surveying and photography

for many years. Forestry management recognises the importance of using the most appropriate technology to deliver the best outcomes for the forest. Today Forestry Corporation contracts in air services when required rather than maintaining its own fleet of aircraft. RIGHT: Drones are the forester’s newest tool, as they allow for close-range and delicate photography and

surveying. While still in the trial phase, drones have already been successfully tested. The biggest changes in the forests of NSW is in how staff work – moving away from manual labour to highly specialised teams using intelligent and safe equipment has transformed the industry. 76


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THE EVOLUTION OF FOREST ECOLOGY Over the past century, environmental management has become an increasingly important element of forestry. Today’s foresters include ecologists, environmental scientists and soil and water specialists who survey for wildlife, monitor and conserve threatened flora and fauna and protect waterways, ensuring timber production is balanced with maintaining forest health and biodiversity. Forests are dynamic and diverse and contain a vast variety of flora and fauna that thrive in different environments and conditions. Ecologists survey wildlife, birdlife and vegetation to identify threatened species and ensure the forest retains the conditions different species need to thrive, for example by amending timber harvesting plans, managing fire or by tackling introduced predators. In 1996, these surveys resulted in the discovery of Australia’s largest known roost of Eastern Horseshoe Bats in a previously unmapped cave in a remote area of the Ourimbah State Forest, allowing the population to be protected and monitored over the subsequent two decades. More recently, regular surveys have shown a significant increase in small marsupials including long-nosed potoroos and southern brown bandicoots in the State forests around Eden following introduction of a permanent fox and wild dog baiting program. Because these species are thriving in the local State forests, there are now sufficient numbers to help boost populations elsewhere in the State. Forestry Corporation has successfully worked with Parks Australia to capture potoroos and bandicoots from local State forests to re-introduce a population into Booderee National Park, where local populations had been extinct for many years. Ensuring high quality forest health and conservation of important forest features is critical for Forestry Corporation’s certification to the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management. 79


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4 BUILDING THE PAST AND SECURING THE FUTURE 81


IF YOU LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOWNS AND COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT NSW OVER THE PAST CENTURY, THE SUPPLY OF TIMBER HAS UNDERPINNED THE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT ENABLED THEIR GROWTH. Forestry Corporation and its predecessors supplied the sleepers that allowed the building of

Designers and architects delighted in the adaptability and attractiveness of timber

thousands of kilometres of rail lines across the state. We provided the poles for thousands

and wood features and crafted furniture began to reflect the status and personality of the

of kilometres of power lines, the timber for hundreds of thousands of homes, the piles for

owner. Timber was fast becoming a luxury quality item as cheaper, man-made materials

countless wharves and seaports and much more, making a significant contribution to the

became ubiquitous. Today, timber is a sign of quality, sustainability and individuality.

state’s economic development.

innovation, so too have our skills with timber. With the ability to be either moulded, glued

type and ingenuity. Sleepers were chopped out of large logs by skilled and patient axemen.

or shaved, natural, painted, polished or lacquered, timber has a versatility rarely found in

Early support beams reflected the locally-available trees and power poles were crude in

other materials.

comparison to today’s elegant ones. Bridges were often chunky, narrow and serviceable,

The next generation of wood products are innovative and exciting. The development

lasting much longer than ever expected. It is these extraordinary achievements that

of sophisticated engineered wood products and treatments have ensured that timber is

have built a robust infrastructure foundation within our forests for both production and

a viable replacement for steel and concrete. Product development in laminated veneer

community access today.

lumber, known as LVL, cross-laminated timber and glulam reconnects us with a time in

In response to the settlers’ need for easily worked timbers, softwood plantations were established throughout the state. Locations and sizes of plantations were closely monitored, with some species emerging as favourites based on factors such as optimal growth time and ease of harvesting.

which entire buildings were cast from timber. Just like the buildings of the past, architecture of the future will be natural, superior in strength, robust, warm, sustainable and beautiful. Today, emphasis is placed on producing a renewable and sustainable product from NSW’s forests, which supply 14 per cent of all timber produced annually in Australia.

Pinus radiata forests now account for 90 per cent of plantations across NSW. These

Our forests of today are not all for work, they are also some of our State’s most visited

plantations reshaped the market for non-native timbers, and addressed the growing

tourism destinations. Visitor sites complement the beauty and vastness of the forests; and

requirements of pulp and paper mills. Smaller-scale hoop pine and eucalypt plantations

over the years, many have been bestowed with tourism excellence awards. People readily

were also established as improved transport enabled the large timber to be conveyed to the

enjoy our forests for bushwalking, riding bikes and horses, driving 4WDs and trail bikes,

city in greater numbers.

camping and picnicking. The growth of recreation and tourism within forests is another

After World War II, timber continued to play its role in the building boom, particularly

aspect of forest management that we carefully balance with environmental preservation

in housing; although with the growth of brick house cladding, timber was favoured more in

and timber production and further demonstrates how sustainable forest management

flooring and furniture or in hidden frames, rather than as an external feature.

techniques maintain productive forests for the whole community.

At the same time, artists and architects started to use timber for decoration and

Looking back to the start of the last century, the world was a smaller place and timber

to capture a sense of place. You do not have to look far to see the subtle yet poignant

served the nation’s immediate needs. As we progress into the next 100 years of forestry,

references to forests in our architecture. Iconic buildings such as the Sydney Opera House,

focus is now placed on securing a sustainable supply of timber for future generations, while

with its high vaulted ceiling panelled in white beech and brush box for warmth and colour

also enhancing the reputation of timber as a desirable and durable material for the future.

or Parliament House in Canberra, with its foyer parquetry and Great Hall are odes to the structural and aesthetic wonders of timber and its role in Australian history. 82

In the last 20 years, as design and construction transformed with technology and

Within the forests themselves, early harvesting infrastructure relied heavily upon timber


RIGHT: This photo clearly demonstrates the skill and

physicality required to deliver sleepers to support Australia’s infrastructure boom. These trees were felled in Newry State Forest and squared off in the forest, ready to form the backbone on the State’s expanding rail network. 83


TAKING TIMBER TO THE TOWNS While timber underpinned the infrastructure for the growing towns, just getting the timber from the forest required a network of roads, railway lines and ports. Early forest roads were little more than goat tracks and were cleared by the bullocks that ultimately transported the logs to the mills. These early pioneers were not only skilful but also brave. Today, forest roads vary from the tourist quality bitumen to the rarely used dirt forest track. With the focus on safety and sustainability, roads are now managed and monitored. 84


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The earliest infrastructure in Australia was the road – and to the early foresters, the most important roads were the forest roads. Bullock teams meandered slowly down the hills, man and animal moving together to balance and glide the logs on barely passable roads. These teams were the image of forestry work that greeted people who lived away from the forests. Townsfolk near the mills would see the logs enter their town and be in awe of the brave bullock teams and their drivers. 87


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Railways and productivity have always been deeply intertwined, particularly in the early days of NSW. Getting logs to the mill and then to the city via the railway meant the state’s demand for timber could be met faster. Of course, the railway lines had to be built from the forests, and across great swathes of land. The early engineers and railway workers shared much in common with the early foresters, with both relying on heavy manual labour to get their day’s work done. Constructing the rail line was a manual and backbreaking task requiring many men and sleepers. LEFT: One of the earliest images of the tramways in the forests,

this picture from near Laurieton shows a line which opened with horse drawn traction in 1913 and was replaced with steam engines in 1916. RIGHT: This picture shows the British Australian Timber

company’s tramline under construction at Bruxner Park near Coffs Harbour. 90


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LEFT: In 1925, loading trains still took much manual labour. This photograph from the Wyong region

clearly captures the volumes of sleepers and methods of loading. ABOVE: By the mid 20th century, mechanical loaders, although primitive when compared to today’s

examples, were clearly part of the railway infrastructure. This is taken at the Wauchope Rail Siding in 1948. Today, logs are mechanically loaded onto trucks and taken away for processing. 93


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Wharves at Darling Harbour and near Miller Street in Sydney are hardly recognisable in these photographs. The logs and sleepers fill the wooden wharves alongside timber boats. LEFT: Here turpentine poles are being prepared for wharf construction. In the background low rise

housing, mainly built in timber, reflects the reliance on the product of the forest. ABOVE: This image of a timber stockpile demonstrates the link between ports and timber distribution.

Precisely cut sleepers, clearly marked and stacked, are being loaded onto a ship for the Indian market. 95


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LEFT: Water was also part of many milling operations, like this

sawmill near Bombala which highlights the undershot water-driven wheel. A nearby waterfall provided the power. To stop the mill, a panel in the water canal was opened to divert the flow. There were attempts to set up water powered mills in NSW, but most were unsuccessful because the river or creek did not provide a constant flow of sufficient volume. 97


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Mills and craftsmen have always played a role in converting raw timber into products. The early mills were hot, dusty and fraught with health and safety risks – and were often run by families eking out a living supplying boards and poles. Once mass production was required for homes in the 1950s and 60s, timbers needed to be standardised to comply with changing building codes. Mills became more sophisticated and, for the first time, product marketing became important. In addition, imported timber started to enter the market, sometimes cheaper and sometimes poorer in quality. As houses grew in size, they required more timber for frames, but less for features. Suddenly aluminium was an option for window frames, steel could replace timber poles and cement became the preferred material for verandas. To keep up, timber was standardised and mass produced. Today, many timber mills are highly mechanised and computerised. The Hyne Timber mill in Tumbarumba is currently the largest timber mill in the southern hemisphere and the pine plantations managed by Forestry Corporation throughout NSW generate enough timber to build a quarter of the houses constructed in Australia each year.

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Timber towns of today are permanent regional fixtures along with

As only a tiny proportion of the vast native forest estate is

Customers invest in infrastructure within regional towns to support

other industries abutting the forests. Many of our NSW timber

harvested in any given year, timber towns around native

their timber processes as this image of a sizeable mill in Oberon in

towns also house timber mills, transport hubs, ports, tourist

forests have grown and diversified and timber is one of a range

the central west of NSW shows.

attractions and all the other trappings of regional towns. Gone

of industries supporting local economies. However, as the

are the days of timber workers having to live in the forests. Today

geographically-concentrated softwood plantation estate has

vehicles and infrastructure move the workers safely and quickly in

matured, a new wave of timber towns has grown up in places like

and out of the forests.

Tumut, Bombala and Oberon where a significant proportion of the population is involved in the timber industry.

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Timber as a product has withstood the test of time. Its universality, versatility, warmth and beauty make it much sought after today. LEFT: This photograph of Mr G Grant inspecting a piece of timber by sniffing illustrates how the aroma

and texture of timber remains a sensory delight. 103


Timber has come into its own as a building material chosen not just for its strength, durability and sustainable credentials but also for the warm and beautiful finish it provides. LEFT: Timber remains a beloved material of the

Australian architects and artisans, and is featured in iconic Australian buildings such as Parliament House in Canberra and the Sydney Opera House. The timber creates perfect acoustics in the Opera House’s Concert Hall, as the panels direct the sound to ensure each member of the audience has the same experience. 104


FAR LEFT: Timber adorns public buildings in Australia

making practical and artistic statements as shown here at Western Sydney University. RIGHT: This modern office building in Martin Place

Sydney features timber as an integral part of the building’s design and construction providing a contemporary, enticing and aesthetically beautiful finish to this functional space. 105


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OPENING FORESTS TO THE COMMUNITY AND TOURISTS When we visit a forest our senses are in overload. Birds are chirping, the wind is blowing and perfumes exude from the trees and undergrowth. It’s a consuming smell. It’s a comforting sound. It’s a connectedness that comes from knowing that nature can’t get any closer. With increased leisure time and a focus on the health benefits of the natural environment, forests have become a destination for recreation and pleasure. LEFT: This early wood chop event was a way for the men to

demonstrate their skills and strength. This photograph from 1925 around Wyong captures the interest communities took in such events. ABOVE RIGHT: Picnics were formal events in 1948, as this lunch at

Minyon Falls demonstrates. The picnic table used by families and workers was dressed up for the very important meeting of Lord Robinson’s visit during Mr E. L. S. Hudson’s time as Commissioner for Forests. BELOW RIGHT: During the second half of the twentieth century,

tourists started spending more and more time in forests. To accommodate tourists and protect the forest flora and fauna, designated trails, attractions and campsites were developed. 107


FORESTS AS DESTINATIONS Over the years State forests have evolved from production hubs into destinations. There are award-winning tourist attractions in forests across the state, with breathtaking views of deep valleys, beautiful forests, dramatic escarpments and spectacular waterfalls and pools. Forest management now includes managing facilities like the Forest Sky Pier in the Orara East State Forest near Coffs Harbour and facilitating hiking and ecotourism in lush conservation forests like the central coast’s Strickland State Forest. These destinations draw visitors from far and wide, their popularity a testament to the sustainable forest management that has maintained their value for generations. While traditional bushwalking and sight seeing remain popular activities, forests are increasingly used by thrillseekers including mountain bikers and motor sports enthusiasts.

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TOURISM It is estimated that almost 28 million visitors experience the beautiful NSW State forests every year and take part in free activities such as picnicking, camping, walking or simply taking in the view. These visitors have access to 130 visitor areas including camping and caravan areas, barbecues and picnic areas, lookouts, designated walking tracks and visitor accommodation buildings. Forests as tourism destinations are now the norm for Australians and the growth in this sector has shown many people that a working forest is also able to support a wide variety of other activities. RIGHT: Hundreds of thousands of children have visited NSW State forests over the past

hundred years and these visits continue today. Research has shown that children are calmer and more likely to learn when interacting with nature. This photograph clearly captures the amazement of the children during an excursion to Cumberland State Forest. LEFT: Visitors come to State forests to experience unique sights like Old Bottlebutt in

Burrawan State Forest, the largest Red Bloodwood tree in the southern hemisphere. 111


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5 GROWING THE FORESTS OF THE FUTURE 113


WHILE THE FUTURE IS FAMILIAR TERRAIN FOR FOREST

MANAGERS, WHO HAVE ALREADY EARMARKED THE MILLIONS

OF SEEDLINGS PUSHING UP FROM THE GROUND TODAY AS TOMORROW’S HOMES AND POWER POLES, A MILESTONE

CELEBRATION PROVIDES AN IMPORTANT REMINDER

TO LOOK BEYOND TIMBER YIELD PROJECTIONS AND CONSIDER THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.

The importance of forests and timber has been a constant as community expectations,

The management of NSW’s forest estate and associated industry by the Forestry

markets and technology have changed and evolved over the past century. As Forestry

Corporation and its predecessors has always had a strong eye on the future.

Corporation moves into its next chapter, timber is holding its own and even increasing in importance in the emerging carbon economy. As those in the industry testify, the importance of sustainably sourced timber and well managed forests shows no signs of waning.

Of course, the future is very difficult to predict but there are a number of trends that are evident now and likely to be increasingly important in the future. Trend 1: There will be increased demands, often conflicting, placed on Australia’s natural resources in response to a growing and more urbanised population for

Looking back over the photos from the past century, it would be easy to presume there

ecosystem services such as catchment, recreation and biodiversity conservation, as

has been a seismic shift in almost every element of forest management, from the

well as increased demand for wood fibre.

tools used to fell and transport trees to the end products created from forest timbers. However, since the 1916 Forestry Act was enacted one thing that has remained constant is our understanding that forest management must balance the preservation of flora and fauna with timber production. The fact that the same forests set aside for timber

Trend 3: There will be growing consumer preference for products that are renewable, recyclable and demonstrated to be sustainable.

production back then are continuing to thrive and produce timber today is a testament

Trend 4: There will be innovative technologies that capture greater value out of

to the sound forest management that has developed over the past century. Just like the

woodfibre for use in construction for structural and aesthetic purposes, also as a

forests it relies on, the forest products industry is diverse, ranging from big multinational

feedstock for production of bio-chemicals, composite materials and bio-energy.

companies to small family businesses, from milling operations that are a small part of large communities to towns that are built on the timber trade. The industry has also proven itself to be dynamic, resilient and adaptable. Any industry that forecasts its production 100 years into the future, and puts measures in place to ensure that supply down the track, is setting itself up for a long and prosperous future and I believe that’s what the forest products industry will enjoy. James M. Millar AM, Chairman Forestry Corporation of NSW

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Trend 2: The Australian community will continue to seek assurance that its natural resources are well managed for current and future generations.

Collectively, these trends point to a long and sustainable future for NSW’s forest and wood products sector. Ric Sinclair, Forest and Wood Products Australia Managing Director


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It is only since the industrial revolution that we have become predominantly a petroleum-

After more than 50 years working in State forests I’ve personally had a hand in planting

based society; for over ten thousand years we were a bio-based society. There are many

millions of trees, many of which have long ago been harvested and turned into homes.

indications that suggest that we are heading back to a bio-based society.

This work is constantly changing and even after half a century no two days are the

Timber has been a major component of this reversal, being used in a variety of

same, which is what makes my job exciting. There’s nothing quite like being out in the

applications such as engineered wood as a replacement for steel and concrete in

bush working with a great bunch of people from all walks of life and I hope many others

building construction; as a source for bioenergy (renewable energy made from organic

will have the opportunity to enjoy working in our forests for as long as I have.

material); and nanocellulose, which has properties which makes it suitable for a wide

Bill Klower, Forestry Corporation of NSW Softwood Plantations Division, Bathurst

array of applications, such as paper and cardboard, coatings and films, reinforcing Congratulations to the Forestry Corporation of NSW on 100 years. Actually more

plastics, paints, foams and packaging. Critical to the success and viability of timber in all of these applications is the need

than congratulations - thanks as well. Thanks for the decades of harvesting and

to only use certified timber to ensure that forest management and chain of custody

the matching decades of replanting so the trees keep coming back. Thanks for the

requirements are rigidly adhered to.

diligent weed and pest management. For the scorching summers of firefighting and

David Rawlinson – Wood and Paper Programs Manager, Planet Ark

the icy winters clearing our country roads. Thanks for the bridges, the houses, the telephone poles, the railway sleepers, the paper and the furniture. Thanks for the

Responsibly and ethically-sourced timber is a truly renewable building resource. Australia’s property and construction industry has embraced innovative wood products,

That you are celebrating one hundred years is both a testament to the

such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), to build faster, cheaper and more sustainably.

sustainable, renewable nature of your raw material and also the persistently careful

The Green Star-rated Forté in Melbourne, for example, is the world’s tallest timber high

way you do business; relentlessly replanting and renewing wherever you have been.

rise building. By using CLT, Forte has eliminated 1,450 tonnes of carbon dioxide from

Because of that approach, in another 100 years future generations will also be

the atmosphere – that’s the equivalent of taking 345 cars off the road for a whole year. The building isn’t just good for the environment. Forté’s energy efficient design saves residents roughly $300 each year on their power costs. Buildings like Forté showcase the possibilities when we are smart with our sustainable resources and may be the start of a new timber revolution. Romilly Madew, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia

Coming from a proud timber community and having members of my family involved in forestry for many years, I’ve always appreciated the diverse and interesting opportunities a career in forestry can deliver. I joined the NSW Forestry Commission as a teenager because I love the bush and I’ve now completed both high school and my forestry degree while working in local forests, and am working towards my Master’s degree in forestry. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and learn from many people over the years and what shines through is the passion they all have for both the forest environment and the timber products our forests produce. This passion is what makes this an incredible industry to be a part of, and it’s what I think ensures the future of our industry is in great hands. Billie-Jo Brown, Forestry Corporation of NSW Hardwood Forests Division, Tumbarumba

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animals, the birdlife, the walking tracks and the views.

able to say well done and thanks. Ross Hampton, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Forest Products Association


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks must firstly go to all staff of Forestry Corporation of NSW, without whom, this book could not have been made. It is due to their work, documenting and photographing all aspects of life at Forestry Corporation over the past one hundred years, that we were able to create this book celebrating the Corporation’s centenary year. Special thanks must also go to Saretta Fielding for sharing her artwork; Norm Farmer for capturing the cover photo; Les Murray for his poem on page 5 and the Cumberland State Forest volunteers for sorting through and scanning the Corporation’s archived photos for the past five years. Photo credits due to: A Franou; Andrea Buschner; Andrew Tatnell; Australian Solar Timbers; Boral Timbers; David Barnes; F A Kirton; Five Hours West; F Murray; Fred Manson Bailey; Hyne Timbers, Lauren Jenkins; Mary Brewer; Norm Farmer; Peter Sherwood; Rob Cleary. This book was put together by staff of Forestry Corporation with assistance from Tania Crosbie.

Published in 2016 by WriteLight Pty Ltd for The Forestry Corporation of NSW 121-131 Oratava Avenue West Pennant Hills NSW 2125 www.forestrycorporation.com.au ©Text and photographs Forestry Corporation of NSW This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealings for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review or as otherwise permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without permission from the Copyright Owner. National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry: Creator: Forestry Corporation of NSW, author Title: Growing a lasting legacy / The Forestry Corporation of NSW. ISBN 9780994325556 (hardback) Subjects: Forestry Corporation of NSW. Forest management – New South Wales – History. Forests and forestry – New South Wales – Pictorial works. Dewey Number: 634.920994 Designed by Kerry Klinner www.megacitydesign.com Produced by Victoria Jefferys www.writelight.com.au Printed in Australia by Ligare Book Printers The Forestry Corporation of NSW is committed to sourcing paper that is made from wood grown in well managed forests. This book is printed on materials sourced under ‘Chain of custody’ protocols following their respective environmental guidelines.




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