Minoforestry – Past, Present and Future Commercial Tree Plantings at Weipa

Abstract

Bauxite is mined at Weipa. The revival of commercial tree planting on mined land at Weipa by the Department of State Development and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, with support from Comalco and the Napranum Aboriginal Council, recognises the many opportunities that commercial tree growing can provide to the local indigenous people, as individuals, to their community, to Comalco and to the State of Queensland. In a stepped process combining learning, awareness and involvement, community leaders and members now recognise the benefits and now embrace the vision of a future forest industry based on the planned planting of valuable commercial tree species on a percentage of their lands available for regeneration after mining has ceased. They wish to further support and be involved in the development of Minoforestry on their lands. Fortunately past forest research work provides some valuable material and species information for the selection and improvement of species suitable for the type of landscape created after mining. Khaya senegalensis is one species that has been selected as showing promise, Santalum spp. are also identified. After initial necessary developmental activities a three-year plan has been identified as being necessary and is now being developed.