Cabinet-Makers' Awareness and Usage of Rainforest Cabinet Timbers in Queensland

This paper reports findings of surveys into the usage of, and attitudes to, rainforest cabinet timbers by cabinet-makers in Queensland, Australia. In determining policies to promote growing of native rainforest trees on private land, it is necessary to know the market requirements for various cabinet species. The species most in demand by cabinet-makers are identified in this paper. Suitability and availability are found to be important determinants of cabinet-maker demand for timber. The species being planted in north Queensland are not a close match with those predicted by cabinet-makers to be in greatest demand in the future

Simulation of management strategies for feral pig control in the wet tropics

This paper reports the development and application of the Feral Pig Management Model (FPMM). The model is used to examine the affect that alternative management strategies have on a feral pig population and thus the likely economic effect, over a 20-year planning horizon. The model is used to undertake a cost-benefit analysis based on the cost of control versus the benefit associated with the reduction of feral pig damage to agricultural crops. A number of alternative strategies are compared assuming the same types and levels of control measures (shooting, poisoning and trapping) applied. The research identified that irrespective of 'strategy configuration', more frequent control appears to have a higher ranking (lower total costs). Isolated knockdowns appear to have little impact on the feral pig population in the medium to long-term. Regular continuing control at high levels is identified as the optimal control strategy

Choice of timber inputs by small to medium sized cabinet-making firms in Queensland and implications for the marketing of lesser-known tropical species

[Extract] This chapter discusses the marketing of tropical rainforest cabinet timbers, particularly in relation to small to medium sized cabinet-making firms. While this analysis is set in context of Queensland firms and Australian rainforest and eucalypt species, many of the principles can be applied to other tropical species. Price only becomes important when it cannot be passed on to the purchaser. Australian rainforest cabinet timbers are highly regarded by both cabinet-makers and the general public; however, their use is restricted by actual and perceived availability. Queensland maple, red cedar and northern silky oak are the rainforest species most highly recommended by cabinet-makers for planting to satisfy their future timber requirements

The role of portable sawmills and chainsaw milling in tropical small-scale forestry

Various forms of portable or 'walkabout' sawmills have become popular for timber extraction and in-forest milling in tropical forestry in recent years. A number of advantages over larger fixed-site mills have been recognised, such as reduced transport costs and utilisation of smaller logs and branches. Portable bandsaws, with a thin blade kerf generally give rise to a greater timber recovery than traditional circular saws. Chainsaws have been criticised for greater timber wastage, and in some cases their use for timber extraction has been declared illegal. The choice of appropriate technology involves a tradeoff with respect to various factors including capital outlays, maintenance capability and costs, labour efficiency and timber recovery rate. If these items are factored into the overall average cost curve, it becomes apparent that both portable sawmills and chainsaw milling do have an important role in tropical small-scale forestry. the latter are particularly useful for flitch cutting as a first stage of milling

Taxation in the forestry setting

In developing countries, decisions of landholders to establish forestry is in general not affected by taxation arrangements. However, in developed countries, taxation provisions can have strong and sometimes negative effects on private small-scale forestry, as illustrated with respect to an Australian case study. Taxation arrangements are found to be highly complex, and it is difficult to make generalisations about what deductions will be allowed or what tax on receipts will be payable; each case has to be viewed individually, and this increases the business risk in farm forestry. Anticipated changes hold the prospect of resolving two long-term disincentives, concerning use of mechanism of profit á prendre for forestry rights, and opportunity for an active secondary market for immature plantations