In the early 1990's, Professor Allan Barton from Murdoch University, approached CALM with work that he had done in the mid-80's exploring the properties of eucalyptus oil, and more specifically one of its constituents, cineole. Professor Barton believed there was potential to grow Eucalypt mallees across the WA Wheatbelt to help lower the water table and also for harvesting them for their eucalyptus oil.
With greater resources at its disposal, CALM developed the concept with a dedicated group of farmers in Kalannie. Over a period of several years, this core group led by the late Don Stanley (inaugural Oil Mallee Association (OMA) president), persisted in encouraging farmers to plant oil mallees in co-operation with CALM. Together they also guided development of a prototype harvester, necessary to harvest the mallees of varying morphology (shape and size). The Oil Mallee Association continues today to support its members and help promote the industry.
The OMA currently has a grower base of over 900 farmers. The state itself is divided up into 6 regions, ranging from Esperance in the Southeast, up to Yuna in the North West. Appropriate species are available through the oil mallee program to suit all soil types found throughout this area.
Regional Representatives are the industry's on-the-ground field staff, living and servicing growers in each region. Regional Representatives are (when possible) funded through the OMA. They are available to visit the properties of interested growers and offer advice on site selection, species selection, planting configurations and site preparation.
The OMA has initiated a program to engage growers and carbon companies in the use of improved seed and production of "accredited seedlings". The Association has been encouraging companies that commission carbon sinks to use the Oil Mallee Code of Practice and in particular having knowledge of the source of the seed used to grow the seedlings.
As a one off initiative, NACC (Northern Agricultural Catchments Council) provided OMA with a levy on all the seedlings they distributed in 2008/09 to farmers to support R&D and an accreditation process. This is similar to many voluntary levies provided in agricultural programs to support R&D and will be investigated further with a view to engaging the interest of NRM groups and growers.
The Association determined that a regional structure was appropriate for such a diverse and large area as the WA Wheatbelt. These oil mallee regions reflected industrial opportunities and do not coincide with the NRM regions, which govern the operation of the NRM bodies or Catchment Councils. The regional oil mallee associations have been successful in attracting funding from State and Commonwealth Governments, particularly prior to the establishment of the Catchment bodies, which now play a major role in the setting of regional priorities and allocation of funds in line with these priorities.
From time to time, and as funds permitted, the Association has adopted a system of regional representatives and relied on these appointees to be available for information on the establishment and management of oil mallee plantings. Some regional representatives continue in that role on a voluntary capacity when funding is not available.
Landgate is the agency responsible for Western Australia's land and property information.
As an authority, Landgate maintains the State's official register of land ownership and survey information and is responsible for valuing the State's land and property for government interest. Their core business is land and property information. Geospatial data is gathered from ground surveys, aerial photographs and satellite imagery. This information is used to produce a wide range of digital and hard copy products and services.
Landgate is in the process of developing a common platform to provide increased access to government land and property information and is investigating ways to partner with sections of industry and government to provide better quality and more accessible information.
The OMA is developing a relationship with remote sensing services in Landgate to provide more grower intelligence on pre-qualification for eligible carbon plantings and design issues, as well as estimates of growth over time.
The OMA is preparing a carbon calculator, which can be used to estimate emissions from personal and business use.
The calculator will also link to models of carbon sink and hybrid projects to indicate the equivalent mallee numbers required to achieve the appropriate level of sequestration.
Over many years the OMA has run workshops and information sessions in regional areas to ensure land managers are aware of the opportunities and problems associated with the growing of oil mallees. This work has been funded through various programs, in particular the Caring For Our Country program and its predecessor.
The OMA has also held a national workshop in Canberra (2007) and a national conference in Perth (2008). Further Oil Mallee Conferences will be held when possible in different parts of Australia.