Since the mid 1800s, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and later, western red cedar (Thuja plicata) were imported into Australia from North America. New Zealand grown Douglas fir began to arrive in significant quantities in the 1970s.
However, demand for Douglas fir has decreased to be about 14 per cent of what it was 20 years ago. Imported volumes of western red cedar today are about half of what they were 20 years ago.
This project aimed to benefit the industry by identifying opportunities, applications and strategies for the future by suggesting ideas and ways to promote the species and develop new markets. To learn about the current attitudes of building industry professionals towards Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar, interviews and a Web based survey were conducted. Ideas and suggestions for future market development were also solicited from interviewees.
Reference Number:
PN07.1045
