Australasia's home for timber news and information

Sandalwood poaching in Western Australia

A rare native timber that’s already in danger of extinction across three continents now faces a new threat in Australia. Native sandalwood can fetch $15,000 a tonne on world markets but that high price has led to a thriving trade in timber poaching. Source: ABC News (7.30 Report)

It is believed hundreds of tonnes of illegal wood was being cut down in Western Australia, smuggled across the Nullarbor and exported out of ports all along the east coast.

According to a report on the ABC the illegal trade is flourishing, supplying Asian markets “that can’t get enough of the spicy, sweet smelling timber and are paying $15,000 a tonne for it”.

Wildlife officers took the ABC reporter to the land from which the sandalwood was stolen, four hours drive east of Perth. The ranger told the ABC that “with some good machinery you could take several tonnes in a day”.

In the report the ABC said that since March 2011 more than 170 tonnes of illegal sandalwood, which was worth $2.5 million has been seized by authorities.

A government regulated quota system is supposed to ensure only 3000 tonnes of native sandalwood is removed each year. But even the WA Government admits it doesn’t know how much timber is being stolen.

According to the ABC there has been just a single successful prosecution since 2007 and a handful of cautions issued. It’s a $10,000 fine for half a million dollars worth of
wood.