Power poles grow on trees

We are preparing to harvest several hardwood plantations in Beerburrum East, Beerburrum West and Peachester State Forests and on HQP’s private property, commencing mid 2024.

The primary species to be harvested is blackbutt and the majority of the timber will be obtained for power poles, however, all the timber will be utilised.

Although they contain a native species, these are hardwood plantation forests planted in 1999 and 2000 for harvesting. It is not native forest.

In fact, these hardwood plantations were planted to reduce the dependence on native forest harvesting for these products.

HQP does not harvest native forest and any native forest buffers will continue to be protected.

Wildlife protection will include preharvest koala surveys using a variety of detection methods such as thermal drones, as well as daily on-site visual observation by trained observers.

There are seven hardwood plantations scheduled for harvesting, ranging in size from 2 to 76 hectares, totalling 148 hectares.

Following harvest, the compartments will be replanted with Southern Pine to supply renewable timber for the construction of Queensland homes from sustainable materials.

A traffic management plan will be in place to assist neighbours and manage public safety. Gazetted roads will remain open, however, plantation roads may be closed for a few weeks or a few months.

HQP is always interested in hearing from the community and considering ways to minimise impacts on plantation neighbours and visitors, as well as mitigating environmental and cultural impacts.

Email community@hqplantations.com.au or call our Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Stephanie Hunt, for a private appointment or discussion on 07 5438 6637.

HQP will consider running a community engagement drop-in session in early 2024 depending on the level of interest.