Red Gold in the South Pacific - Plantation Development and Utilisation of a Valuable Exotic Species on Norfolk Island

Abstract

Australian red cedar ('Toona ciliata, syn'. 'T. australis', 'Cedrela australis', 'C. toona', 'C. toona var. australis') is a native, rainforest tree in eastern Australia and has been widely used for a variety of purposes since early colonisation. Use has included cladding for farm buildings (such as shearing sheds, milk sheds, pig sties), structural and joinery timber in early colonial buildings, furniture, plywood, turnery, carving, inlay work, picture frames, lining, moulding, boat building (light), coach and vehicle building, sporting goods, gun stocks. High quality colonial and antique furniture is prized and commands high prices. Latterly it has become a highly valued timber in skilfully fashioned artworks. One of the problems of growing it as a plantation timber in eastern Australia is stunted growth caused by predation and damage of various insect pests. Trial plantations have been established offshore (on Norfolk Island) where early indications show immunity to insect predation. The objectives of this paper are to: 1. Provide a brief overview of the exploitation of 'T. ciliata' in the early colonisation of Australia, 2. Assess growth rates in two off-shore plantations on Norfolk Island and compare with other mainland rates, 3. Demonstrate the importance and value of 'T. ciliata' as a high value-added timber, and 4. Examine sustainable alternatives for enhancing the value of the timber beyond traditional uses. The project involved detailed measuring and assessment of growth rates and timber production of trees growing in private plantations on Norfolk Island. Measurements and assessments were undertaken in accordance with developed protocols for such work. Growth rates will be compared with those in plantations on the Australian mainland and elsewhere, where available. Preliminary results indicate improved growth rates on Norfolk Island compared with the Australian mainland and far less predation by traditional mainland pests such as the tip moth larvae, 'Hypsipyla robusta' Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and others. The opportunities for high-end value adding for this timber appear open-ended. Use in creative artwork, such as sculpture, indicates conversion of a 'raw' milled product from $US500/m³ to $US45,000+m/³ - at least 90:1 conversion ratio. Early Australian colonial furniture, fashioned from red cedar is commanding record prices at auction. The appreciation of and price paid for the timber attests to the high value of such a beautiful, natural material. Is it small wonder then that red cedar has been christened "red gold"? The paper also explores additional work that could be done to fully utilise and capitalise on the high ratio conversion rate of the timber.