Myrtle Rust

Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) is a newly described pathogen closely related to Eucalyptus/Guava rusts recently detected on the NSW Central Coast on three species of native plants. South Australia has introduced Condition 26 in the Plant Quarantine Standard that stipulates the entry requirements that must be met for plants to enter from any state with Myrtle Rust. Further information can be located at DAFF-Communique, DAFF-Q&A,  NSW DPI and Biosecurity SA.

European House Borer

European House Borer (EHB) Hylotrupes bajulus Linnaeus is a destructive pest of seasoned coniferous timber including pine, fir and spruce. An EHB program has commenced in South Australia that is managing the risk of any potential EHB incursion.

Forestry home

Forestry is a growing business and South Australia is a leader in the way it establishes and manages its forests. Trees purposely planted for harvesting are known as plantations and can include a wide variety of species.

It takes between 12 and 35 years for trees to grow to be ready for harvesting. Wood harvested from South Australia’s plantations is used for many things including house frame construction, infrastructure (bridges and buildings), fencing, furniture, bioenergy (such as wood for heating and power), and fibre for paper-making.

There is no harvesting of native forests in South Australia as they are protected by legislation.

The sector directly and indirectly produces more than $2.8 billion of economic activity for the state annually. In addition, about 200,000 people visit the state’s forest reserves for recreation every year which adds to the tourism opportunities in the regions.

More than 13,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in the sector. Forestry employment is quite significant in the South East – making up about 35% of employment where the forestry and forest products sector contributes 28% ($759 million directly and indirectly) to gross regional product.

Forests are an important part of the global carbon cycle. Growing forests absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit and the only primary industry sector where this happens. South Australia is leading the way in its use of renewable energy as a share of electricity by 2020, with the proportion of wood waste currently burnt for fuel being ten times greater than solar energy production.

Facts and figures

  • About 2.5 million cubic metres of softwood logs are harvested in South Australia annually which is equivalent to the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
  • There are 17 trees in an average house frame.
  • One tree can produce a dining table and six chairs.
  • A timber floor for an average house uses three trees.
  • Honey, eucalyptus oil, and cork all come from trees.
  • One pine tree can product 2000 rolls of toilet paper.

Forestry information within Primary Industries and Regions South Australia

Farm forestry  – the planting and growing of trees to complement agricultural systems.

Forestry research - forestry research projects and trials.

Forest Industry Development Board – an advisory board to provide leadership for innovation and development in the forest and forest products sectors.

Guidelines for plantation forestry

Forest health – managing pests and diseases that affect forests.

Forestry in the community – visiting forests and supporting the community for preparedness and rapid response to wildfire.

Forestry biodiversity and conservation – information about native forest reserves and biodiversity corridors (areas of vegetation that allow animals to travel from one native forest to another).

Forestry education programs – including Forestry matters! online education resource for primary and high school students.

Further information

Forestry contacts

Forestry in South Australia brochure (PDF 1.0 MB)