Once Western Australia’s primary export earner, naturally occurring Sandalwood grew across the state for millions of years. It was a much treasured commodity and symbol of WA’s growth. Great Clipper sailing ships were loaded from as early as 1845 and by the 1920’s, over 300,000 tonnes of Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) had left the shores of WA for Asia.
With diminishing natural stands of Sandalwood world wide, demand is on the rise. BRL and its Alliance partners are driving a comeback of this industry by initiating eco-friendly Sandalwood plantations after low impact mining operations are completed in the Darling Ranges. Much of this south western area of Western Australia has reliable and relatively high rainfall compared to the rest of the State, mining activities that remove caprock crust and allow water penetration help improve soil viability.
The Sandalwood plantations will bring benefits to both the environment and community through:
- Development of agribusiness projects creating local revenue and restoration of degraded land.
- Establishment of habitats that can be used as a safe haven for endangered fauna species.
- Research and development into Sandalwood plantations as a choice rehabilitation strategy.
- Creation of high quality carbon sinks to assist in the battle against global climate change.
The BRL Sandalwood Alliance is one of the most exciting and innovative programs seen in WA for some years ensuring a brighter, greener future. The initiative enjoys the support of local, State and Federal Governments.
(Sandalwood images courtesy WA Sandalwood Plantations)