While bluegums (eucalyptus globulus) have been planted on farms close to the coast, other species are finding their way to other areas to battle salinity, stabilise soil and provide employment opportunities.

Timber 2020 chairman Bill Hollingworth told a recent industry conference that changes over the past 20 years had resulted in timber plantations becoming an accepted part of the Great Southern’s farming practices.

Despite early fears, this has resulted in a rebuilding of sparse communities with more people moving to the region supported by permanent employment opportunities.

“By 2009/10, the plantation industry should reach its full potential in the region,” Mr Hollingworth said.

“It is now accepted as a legitimate land use.”

Industry leaders and representatives gathered in Albany for the ‘Forestry in the Great Southern – Looking over the Fence’ conference.

The aim was to showcase the development of timber plantations and their associated off-shoots.

Mr Hollingworth said the industry had grown significantly in the region after starting with the first 4,000ha plantation of bluegums.

The first woodchips were exported in 2002 and this year more than two million tonnes will be exported primarily to Japan, and 150,000ha planted to bluegums.

He said tree farming was spreading throughout the region with sandalwood and mallee plantations.

Mr Hollingworth said future ideas for the industry included carbon farming.

He said sustainability would come from projects already being planned.

Forest Products Commission project officer Penny Hewett said tree planting projects in the areas not traditionally suitable for bluegums had produced benefits to farmers.