“That’s approximately $16,000-$17,000 per tonne for the heartwood oils used in essential oils and fragrance bases, as well as the aromatic timber used for incense and joss sticks.
“There’s strong demand for Western Australian sandalwood on international markets due to the aromatic oils found in mature wood, and is seen superior to Indian sandalwood, which has become increasingly rare due to previously uncontrolled harvesting in the sub-continent.
“The sandalwood industry is one of the oldest export industries in WA. The first exports were recorded in 1844 and at one-time, wild Western Australian sandalwood provided more than 30 per cent of WA’s export income.
“The buyers of the property in Morbinning have appointed a local farm manager and plan to increase the plantation by more than 20,000 trees as soon as possible.”
Mr Burrows said after the sale and the international interest generated, Ray White Commercial (WA) have been appointed to sell another adjoining property of 63ha*, for $500,000.