A multi-million dollar log export operation out of the Kelso rail freight terminal was officially launched. Source: The Western Advocate
The joint venture between PF Olsen Australia and Asciano sent its first load of logs overseas at the beginning of August.
The operation has since shipped 14,000 cubic metres of timber to China. It is anticipated that at least 175,000 tonnes of timber will be exported to China each year for the next three years.
The deal is worth more than $70 million to the local economy.
Representatives of Asciano subsidiaries C3 and Pacific National and PF Olsen Australia yesterday joined harvesting and haulage contractors, representatives of the shipping company and members of the Australian Forest Products Association at the official launch.
Bathurst mayor Gary Rush and Oberon mayor John McMahon were also there to show their support for the venture, which has created 30 jobs in the region.
C3 chief executive Dean Camplin said the company was happy to bring its 60 years of expertise to Bathurst for this venture.
It is only its sixth Australian project and the first in NSW.
“Everyone benefits – the forest owners, the contractors, and the community,” Mr Camplin said. “We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t feel really confident about the future.
“We are looking forward to a long association with you all. Hopefully it will also provide a platform for future growth.”
Mr Camplin said it was particularly good to have the support of the Bathurst and Oberon communities. He also had praise for the staff on the ground.
“We have employed some really good people. The site looks magnificent.”
To give people an idea of how complicated it had been putting the venture together, PF Olsen managing director Pat Groenhout said guests needed to picture transporting the logs 90 kilometres to Kelso, then 220km to Sydney, then thousands of kilometres to China.
“Logistically, it’s extraordinary,” he said.
He added that he is pleased and proud to have secured so many jobs for a region that has taken a bit of a hit in recent times. Most of the timber being shipped to China comes from the Oberon area.
Cr McMahon said it was pleasing that private plantation owners finally had a good market for their products.
He said he hoped it would encourage private forest owners to replant their trees, adding that in the past they were not interested because there was no market for them.
