COONAWARRA vignerons have been left frustrated by a shortage of timber posts, which is hampering expansion and maintenance of regional vineyards.
It is understood the problem is being fuelled by a national shortage of radiata pine timber posts and is also affecting the region’s agricultural industry.
Concerns have been raised the issue is being driven by the buoyant export market for timber products.
Figures suggested that 1.5 million tonnes of wood was exported from the Port of Portland last financial year but the nation’s vineyards need a supply of around 3.3 million tonnes of product.
Prominent Coonawarra vigneron Pete Balnaves said he has spoken to timber suppliers and had been quoted a six to 12 month waiting period for posts to become available.
He warned the lingering shortage meant vineyards were unable to be expanded, maintained or replaced which in-turn caused a standstill in the industry’s growth.
“We live in a large and successful timber region, it’s not right that we struggle to gain access to these products,” Mr Balnaves said.
“Vineyards are in the ground anywhere between 30 and 80 years.
“If we’re looking to expand or replace a vineyard, how can we make any plan without pine availability.
“Some vineyards have looked to steel posts, but it’s not as stable as treated pine strainers.”
Mr Balnaves also reiterated the shortage impacted more than just Coonawarra grapegrowers and the wine sector.
“This is an industry wide problem, it’s not just impacting Coonawarra or the Limestone Coast,” he said.
The shortage is not only is it affecting the wine industry, but also the region’s agricultural sector.
“Wooden boxes to transport produce cannot be made due to the lack of supply, farmers cannot get fences built, everyone is suffering,” Mr Balnaves said.
Mingbool potato grower and industry leader Terry Buckley also warned producers were turning to overseas imports to keep up with the demand.
“I get my potato boxes made locally but the companies that I normally go through are not able to make anything for me at this stage,” he said.
“Unfortunately they just do not have the access to the products.
“A distributor of mine in Victoria has spoken of having to import timber just to build pallets because no one can get their hands on any domestically.
“Where is all of this timber going if it’s not available for our domestic industries?”
Mr Balnaves said he was now looking to take the matter to the state industry body as they could not wait much longer for timber.
The Penola Pennant contacted a regional plantation owner, who did not want to comment.
The newspaper also approached the Australian Wood Products Association.
