Forestry Management
Willmott Forests is a member of A3P (Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council) which is the peak plantation forestry industry association in Australia. Willmott Forests is committed to ongoing involvement with federal and state governments in the process of reviewing the regulatory environment under which the industry operates. Plantation forestry is the most highly regulated rural industry in Australia. Despite the industry's environmental credentials we have stringent controls and oversight applied to all our activities. Willmott Forests is proud of its record of working with government authorities to ensure the best outcomes for all stakeholders.
The following are some of the Acts that govern the many aspects of plantation management in the states and territories that we currently operate within. In addition there are Codes of Practice in some jurisdictions.
At the federal level there are eight Acts that are directly relevant including:
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- Export Control Act 1982
- Native Title Act 1993
- Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000
In New South Wales there are 21 Acts that are directly relevant including:
- Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999
- National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
- Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
- Native Vegetation Act 2003
- Heritage Act 1977
- Rural Fires Act 1997
In Queensland there are 17 Acts that are directly relevant including:
- Environmental Protection Act 1994
- Integrated Planning Act 1997
- Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
- Nature Conservation Act 1992
- Fire and Rescue Authority Act 1990
In Victoria there are 13 Acts that are directly relevant including:
- Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
- Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
- Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
- Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
Willmott Forests' field operations take place in three states and the Northern Territory and cover a wide range of environmental compliance activities including control of erosion, applications of herbicides and fertilisers, fire protection measures, flora and fauna management and pollution control (i.e. dust, noise). In addition Willmott Forests maintains a good neighbour policy and is an active community member - maintaining boundary fences, leasing suitable plantation areas for cattle grazing and contributing to social activities in the towns and regions where we operate.
Willmott Forests endeavours to adopt best practices in all plantation activities ensuring compliance with relevant Acts and Codes of Practices, some of which are outlined above. The Company continues to be widely regarded as a leader in this industry due in part to its commitment to responsible forestry practices and sustainable resource management.
As part of its daily operations, Willmott Forests maintains a high level of workplace safety standards and a continued focus on environmental, social and ethical considerations. Willmott Forests is a proud member of the communities in which we operate contributing positively to employment, economic diversity and the resilience of rural communities.
Capabilities
Willmott Forests has an established plantation management team which includes experienced foresters and field staff that enables us to manage either new or existing plantation projects. Willmott Forests is keen to explore any opportunity that will further compliment its extensive management capabilities.
Can a Grower inspect his/her trees?
Regular Grower visits/inspections are always encouraged. Willmott Forests are pleased to assist with any arrangements. Naturally, any travel expenses will be at the Grower's cost, however, this is offset by the enjoyable and informative experience.
How are the trees maintained?
Willmott Forests carries out or arranges and supervises all maintenance works. In summary, the plantation is prepared, fertilised, and planted (replanted if required) and all fences, roads and firebreaks constructed and maintained as required. Water supply is established and maintained where possible. Regrowth (e.g. woody weeds etc.) is eradicated as necessary.
What provides a healthy growing environment for the trees?
Factors such as rainfall, soil type (fertility and texture), aspect (solar radiation), drainage, topography (steepness) and silvicultural techniques determine the environment for successful plantation growth.
Willmott Forests has developed the Private Plantation Management Information System (PPMIS) to assist locating the best available land in the ongoing management (monitoring) of all its plantations. Techniques such as ploughing, deep ripping, mounding, grass and weed control, vermin control and fertilisation are employed in accordance with best industry practices to ensure the optimum micro environment for successful establishment and growth of the seedlings.
Advanced technology
Willmott Forests utilises the latest technology to manage our plantation forestry and business operations. The ‘in-house' Private Plantation Management Information System (PPMIS) provides Willmott Forests with a state-of-the-art decision-support system. The system has been assembled and developed by Willmott Forests and uses remotely sensed data including high resolution multi-spectral satellite imagery and digital aerial photography. We maintain a variety of core public and corporate datasets including cadastre, public infrastructure, elevation, rainfall, soil type, geology, vegetation type, compartment boundaries, stocking rates, health and nutrition, ownership, stand records, site safety and plantation infrastructure layers.
The PPMIS assists Willmott Forests to:
- identify suitable land for plantations;
- evaluate properties prior to plantation establishment;
- streamline the approvals process for plantation planning;
- prepare accurate allocation plans for Growers;
- prepare site safety and operations compliance plans;
- monitor contractor progress and performance;
- plan, conduct and evaluate inventory and nutrition assessments;
- evaluate and verify timber volume and carbon levels;
- assess severity and extent of loss events such as fire, hail, snow, and wind; and
- monitor existing plantation performance.
An extensive suite of technology and software solutions provides Willmott Forests with the capability to monitor variations in plantation quality, health and stocking. As a result, Willmott Forests is able to identify, evaluate, monitor and, if required, act upon such variations to enhance plantation health and performance.
