A radiata pine grown in a Southern Highlands State forest is taking pride of place in the foyer of Government House continuing a grand NSW Christmas tradition.
For decades, real Christmas trees selected from State forest pine plantations have delighted guests and visitors at the Governor's residence.
Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) has been grown in the Moss Vale area for over a century.
This year's tree, a five‑metre pine sourced from Penrose State Forest was carefully selected by Forestry Corporation staff for its perfect shape before being transported to Government House.
It has been decorated in time for the Christmas reception of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.
Forestry Corporation has also supplied a 3.5‑metre pine to feature at Vaucluse House.
"Our team takes great pride in finding the perfect Christmas trees for Government House and Vaucluse House," Forestry Corporation's Moss Vale Area Supervisor Tom Bagnell said.
"These trees bring joy to the community while also symbolising the important role our pine plantations and the NSW timber industry play in supplying timber for homes across Australia."
Each year, pine plantations in NSW State forests produce enough timber to build 40,000 new homes – equivalent to all of the homes in Orange, Bathurst and Oberon.
"Radiata pine from our plantations is essential for construction, landscaping and everyday pulp and paper products that communities rely on," Mr Bagnell said.
Forestry Corporation ensures every harvested tree is replaced and over the past five years, more than 60 million seedlings have been raised in nurseries and hand‑planted across NSW State forests to secure timber supplies for future generations.
