Potential specialty timber markets for hardwoods of Western Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Small volumes of timber from Acacia and Eucalyptus woodlands of western Queensland, Australia, have achieved high prices in specialty timber markets, which has aroused the interest of landholders. A postal survey of 225 domestic and international specialty timber product manufacturers was undertaken to determine current utilisation of these lesser-known species, establish their suitability for various product markets, ascertain desirable timber dimensions and condition, and estimate potential future domestic and international demand. An overall response rate of 31% was achieved. Responses indicated that current utilisation of these timbers is probably not more than 200 m3/yr. Nevertheless, respondents generally indicated that western Queensland hardwoods are highly suited to the manufacture of specialty timber products, including small-scale furniture items, custom knife handles and musical instruments, and that they have high export potential. Some furniture and musical instrument manufacturers indicated they would be willing to pay up to $3,000/m3 and $30,000/m3 respectively, for small volumes of high-quality appropriately processed western hardwoods. Large, well-directed marketing campaigns will be necessary to expand specialty timber markets for western Queensland hardwoods.