After a 30-year wait, Forestry Corporation of NSW is set to begin harvesting pine plantations in Pennsylvania State Forest this summer.

The pine plantations were first established in the late 1980s and the pine products harvested are destined to help build homes across the state.

The five-year harvest operation will see increased activity along the Colo and Hobbys Yards roads to Blayney, said Forestry Corporation Haulage and Sales Manager, Tijmen Klootwijk.

“We are letting the communities of Barry and Hobbys Yards know they will see more traffic activity when harvest begins—we are working with our service providers, Blayney Shire Council and Bathurst Regional Council to minimise disturbance,” Mr Klootwijk.

Timber transport vehicles engaged by Forestry Corporation are equipped with state-of-the-art safety equipment, including electronic roll over protection systems, GPS tracking and monitoring, auto tensioning restraints and load scales.

Timber transport vehicles will be limited to 80km and hour along Hobbys Yard road when loaded.

Visitors are still able to access Pennsylvania State forest, although should be conscious of the harvest activity.

“We welcome visitors to Pennsylvania State Forest, however we urge particular care when driving along Colo road and to follow the operational signage in forest, as some areas will be closed or have restricted access,” Mr Klootwijk said.

“Following harvest, Forestry Corporation will re-establish these plantations to continue to supply the local timber industry.

“Growing timber is a long-term proposition and plantation pine takes around 30 years to grow to maturity.”

According to Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) the timber industry in the Central West directly employs over 1000 people in timber harvesting, wood product manufacturing and forest services.

Further info and updates available on this website or through our Bathurst Office 6331 2044.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549