Ergon Energy's vast network has nearly one million poles of which approximately 92% are hardwood. Over the next two decades many of our poles will need to be replaced and, because hardwood is a renewable resource, it's the best option for our future power pole needs.
That's why we're establishing our own forests. Our goal is to have around 10,000 hectares of land under management across regional Queensland, returning that land to a fully vegetated state that enhances local ecosystems.
Holistically planned and expertly managed native forests will not only produce the poles we need but create habitat for native fauna, reduce salinity, enhance water quality, absorb thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, provide jobs in Queensland, and even generate a revenue stream from supplying timber and emissions offsets.
These forests are being created by planting over one million trees. By selectively harvesting only a small number of trees each year the forest ecosystem and habitat will be preserved.
The forests will make a significant contribution to offsetting Ergon Energy's greenhouse gas emissions as trees capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
