THE working pine plantations of the Glasshouse Mountains area have been an integral part of the landscape for nearly 100 years. While ownership of the plantations transitioned in 2010 from the Queensland State Government to HQPlantations, much of the staff remained the same with some having over 45 years in forestry.
April White has been with associated with the Beerburrum forest office since 1978 with her grandfather commencing work at the Beerburrum office in 1948 and her father in 1960. Her father was even born at the short-lived Beerburrum hospital!
April said “not that long ago, there were hundreds of people working from the Beerwah and Beerburrum forest depots and to this day, many people still talk about the past connections they have to the forestry family of our area”.
Modern forestry practices now include the use of drones and Artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in fire detection, operations and reporting. The use of these technologies has improved productivity, safety and environmental outcomes. HQPlantations has also trialled mechanical planting machines over recent years, however, most of the planting is still undertaken by hand.
HQPlantations’ carefully balances the management its forests to ensure a continued and sustainable supply of timber is available now, and in the future while safeguarding the forests, wildlife and waterways for generations to come.
Through the Glasshouse Country and Maleny News, HQPlantations can share timely updates on plantation activities while strengthening connections with the local community.
Sharing our work highlights the importance of being able to grow vital timber resources right here in the Glasshouse area for use by locals and the broader Queensland construction industry.
