We live here too

Our Process

BFP develops and manages Bluegum plantations on leased land within a two hundred kilometre radius of Bunbury. Harvested produce is transported to Bunbury Fibre Exports Port chipping facility where woodchips are stockpiled and ultimately exported through the Bunbury Port.

BFP complies with a number of required formal procedures over the rotation. These include compliance to relevant Codes of Practice, obtaining development approvals from Shires, providing advice of certain operations (e.g. chemical use), adherence to FESA fire protection requirements and fulfilling government statutory requirements in the control of declared plants and animals.

The objective of developing plantations is to be able to harvest after approximately 10 years. The management operations required to achieve this objective include detailed site suitability evaluation, the preparation of accurate maps, raising quality seedling stock, planting the suitable areas, applying fertiliser periodically, carefully monitoring tree health and growth and protecting seedlings and trees from pests, diseases and fire.

BFP manages its land and plantations with clearly defined environmental objectives through the application of sound environmental management procedures.

BFP only develops plantations on previously farmed land. No clearing of native forest takes place. Any areas of native forest within or adjacent to plantations are managed on a protection basis.

Our Environment

BFP is committed to manage all of its operations with sensitivity to environmental protection whilst sustaining its production activities. Operations will be designed, planned and managed through recognised standards and systems with an over-riding objective of minimising on and off-site environmental impacts.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Principles and Certification provides an objective basis of assessing quality based management applied across land and plantations, incorporating sound environmental practices, taking into account conservation, social, cultural and economic values.

BFP is committed to managing its land and plantations according to the established international standards and principles of the Forest Stewardship Council certification (FSC).

BFP has developed a range of policies that cross all operational areas. These policies include:

  • Operational standards
  • Environmental intentions
  • Provision for safe work working conditions
  • Procedures for consultation
  • Community relationships and respecting indigenous and cultural sites
  • Use of chemicals and pest control
  • Operational planning.

BFP applies a quality-based management approach to all operations. This incorporates the following elements:

  • Maintaining key procedural documents
  • Implementing operational monitoring and auditing
  • Adoption of a continuous improvement philosophy
  • Use of risk and incident management
  • Procedures for responding to grievances and complaints.

Our Region

BFP manages 150 plantations, totaling approximately 15,000 hectares spread across 15 Shires across the South-West and Great Southern regions.

All plantations are leased from landowners and are scattered in the rural landscape. Establishment commenced in 1993 and has progressed through to the present.

BFP is centrally based to the managed estate with an office in Bunbury. Personnel are regularly monitoring all development, management and harvesting operations across all regions. Additionally BFP maintains a number of regionally based individuals and contractor companies that provide services and equipment.

With plantations widely spread, BFP supplements its own fire management services through collaborative relationships with Shires, local Bush Fire Brigades, other plantation companies, landowners and other government agencies. BFP ensures that its own personnel and regional contractors are fully trained in fire-fighting and provide quality fire equipment.

In association with a range of management activities, BFP personnel maintain regular contact with a range of community stakeholders. Examples include landowners, land neighbours, Shires, Main Roads Department, Waters and Rivers Commission, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Western Power, Bush Fire Brigades and special interest groups.

BFP is a committed player in the plantation sector of the forestry industry. With the earliest company plantings dating from 1993, the plantation program has been at the forefront of the new Bluegum plantation development momentum. With the state's Bluegum resource now exceeding 250,000 hectares (National Plantation Inventory - 2005 Update) the company is a significant component of the expanding Bluegum plantation sector in Western Australia.

In 1997 a national forestry industry plan was developed - Vision 2020. This is a long-term strategic partnership between industry, governments and the community. Whilst Vision 2020 has resource development goals, it also recognises the importance of environmental management and the need to involve community in the industry's regional planning. BFP supports this industry vision.