AUSPINE plantations rely on proven site preparation and planting techniques together with exacting management and maintenance procedures. These ensure that AUSPINE plantations are among the healthiest and most productive in the world.

AUSPINE forestry management practices continue to set industry standards and secure the future of valuable Company-owned resources. Personnel constantly review forestry strategies worldwide, implementing the most productive practices accordingly.

AUSPINE tree farms are managed on a sustainable yield basis, with some 1,500 hectares of plantation established each year, comprising first and subsequent rotations. They provide a constant flow of raw materials to Company-owned AUSPINE manufacturing plants. Current and future expansions programs are based on anticipated increased demand.

Site preparation is crucial for successful plantation establishment, with techniques varied to suit each site. Continuous line mounding or the use of a bracke intermittent mounder may be required to reduce seasonal water logging, while deep ripping is undertaken where subsoil is compacted. Sites are then broadcare or strip ploughed prior to planting.

Continuous line moulding Deep ripping Bracke intermittent mounder Aerial herbacide application

Aerial applications of short term residual herbicides and specially tailored fertiliser formulations are utilised to promote plantation growth. Forest health is carefully monitored with biological control measures controlling several introduced insect pests. Major fire protection works are undertaken on a routine basis including fuel reduction management, and the maintenance of firebreaks. The Company also participates in the regional fire control infrastructures and fire detection networks. These ensure a rapid multi-organisational response, successfully containing the majority of outbreaks.

FORESTRY SERVICES

AUSPINE plantation operations are manages by experienced professionals supported by skilled forest technicians recognised internationally for their expertise. Responsibilities include evaluating sites prior to purchase, surveying for plantation design, monitoring forest health and growth, accurately estimating resource and designing and supervising harvesting plans to ensure a sustainable resource.

AUSPINE LIMITED is an industry leader with its emphasis on quality embracing all aspects of production. The Company strives to ‘build in’ quality through internationally recognised standards of processing systems and also achieve similar recognition for its products. Already AUSPINE Tarpeena (South Ausralia), AUSPINE Scottsdale (Tasmania) and AUSPINE Kalangadoo (South Australia) manufacturing plants have achieved the international Quality Endorsed Company Standard ISO 9002, among the first saw milling and Timber Preservation operations in the nation to do so. AUSPINE Portland (Victoria) Remanufacturing plant is also well-advanced towards accreditation. And, in an industry first, AUSPINE Tarpeena produced mechanically stress graded structural timber has been licensed by Standards Australia to bear the well-known ‘Certified Product’ Standards mark (AS 1748- 1749). AUSPINE LIMITED is a quality orientated company. This attention to quality ensures that manufacturing plants consistently achieve the high standards required, and AUSPINE clients receive best possible product. Integral to quality is the enhancement of the employee contribution. The adoption of a Total Quality Management approach, embracing the provision of extensive training and including a strong emphasis on occupational health and safety, has significantly improved the human resource area of operations.