Geoff Stringer, James Hyne with Salisbury Research Facility Team
More than 100 years ago Richard Matthews (RM) Hyne, founder of Hyne Timber and Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly successfully introduced a motion that the government take immediate action in the replanting of forests and the creation of a Department of Forestry. Source: Timberbiz
The journey began towards ultimately establishing a forest and forest products research facility in 1918.
During the centenary celebration, James Hyne, Executive Director of Hyne Timber spoke about the 100 years of Queensland Government research and development, supporting the industry’s security and growth.
“Forestry and forest products need science. Trees are a living, natural resource and they all differ. What you can do with trees and how you can do it better has evolved significantly over the years and will never stop evolving, diversifying and improving provided we maintain a continued scientific focus,” he said.
“Therefore, the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Salisbury Research Facility is a critical innovation centre.
“To name a few, the facility has undertaken extensive work on drying plantation pines to improve the usability of the wood by increasing straightness and stability.
“The quality of our products is bench-marked by industry standards and certifications which are essential for builders and home owners using our products in the majority of Queensland homes. This facility has played an integral role and continues to be involved in underpinning such standards with a fundamental knowledge of timber product through extensive testing over many years.”
The research facility also introduced acoustic technology to enable the timber industry to make improvements on grading timber and ensuring quality products.
Preservation technology and ongoing improvements to treatments ensures durability of timber products and more efficient use of timber in exposed environments.
The establishment of the termite resistance of exotic pines in Queensland was a milestone moment for industry and the community.
“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for their ongoing support and investment in forest and forest product research through the Salisbury Research Facility,” Mr Hyne said.
“The staff work with us as partners. They deliver technical expertise with a commercial, customer service focus. We appreciate the pride they take in their work and the passion they share for our industry.
“They are delivering growth to the forest and timber manufacturing sectors, creating many jobs predominantly in Queensland’s regions while securing an extensive and diverse supply chain worth billions to the Queensland economy.”
James Hyne’s great, great, grandfather, RM Hyne emigrated to Australia from England with his wife in 1864. As a qualified carpenter with a box of tools, he set to work as a successful builder and carpenter during the Gympie gold rush.
He established Hyne Timber, then called the National Saw and Planing Mill on the banks of the Mary River in Maryborough in 1882.
