A Christmas tree grown by Forestry Corporation of NSW proudly sits in Government House in the Centre of Sydney as a visual reminder of the forestry industry and the value it provides. In the spirit of Christmas, the Forestry Corporation donated the 5-metre tall Christmas tree – a radiata pine sourced from its Moss Vale softwood plantation – to Government House, where it takes pride of place in the building’s iconic foyer. Source: Timberbiz
Forestry Corporation’s Moss Vale Area Supervisor, Tom Bagnell, said the organisation was happy to support Government House’s Christmas display and help raise awareness of the NSW timber industry.
“This particular tree started its life as one of around seven million seeds sown in our Tumut nursery in 2011,” Mr Bagnell said.
“From there it spent the next seven years in our Belanglo State Forest pine plantation, before being harvested for this special role.”
Forestry Corporation operations in both plantations and native forests, are certified sustainable to international standards, which guarantees that timber has been grown and harvested from a sustainable forest.
“This tree is one of the countless that cover the two million hectares of NSW State Forests,” Mr Bagnell said.
“Around half of our estate is managed solely for community enjoyment and environmental outcomes, and a small percentage of our forests are harvested each year to help build our homes and supply timber products.”
Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) was originally named Pinus insignis or ‘remarkable pine’, an apt name for a tree, which has a host of practical uses. This species has been grown in the local Moss Vale area for over 100 years.
“Radiata pine is used in construction, landscaping and pulp and paper products, with NSW State Forest pine plantations producing enough timber to construct a quarter of houses built in Australia each year,” Mr Bagnell said.
Guided tours of Government House are conducted regularly. More information is available at www.governor.nsw.gov.au/government-house
Forestry Corporation is the largest manager of commercial native and plantation forest in NSW. The organisation manages recreation, environment sustainability and renewable timber production across over two million hectares of NSW State forests.
For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au
