China’s Log Ban on Australian Logs Shows Need for Pulp and Paper Mill in the South

Australia is facing an unusual problem with finding a home for much of their below sawmill standard logs. These logs include those cut down in plantation thinning, are piling up in regional areas further south as operators avoid the cost of carting them to once-busy port stockyards. China was the main consumer of those below sawmill standard logs. Using them from everything from shipment container box floors and other products. However, in November the Chinese government put a total ban on imported logs from Australia into effect. Working in Australia’s favor is the global shift from plastic to pulp and paper container products. While the debate continues on how many of those logs that were exported should have stayed in the country and been used for building continues on, there is an immediate need for an investment in the south for a pulp and paper mill. Attracting foreign investment has been challenging due to previous opposition from community and environmental leadership.