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 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). It soon became clear that they had reached the stage where they needed a commercial face, and the Oil Mallee Company ( OMC ) was formed -The Oil Mallee Association continues today to support its members and help promote the industry.

The OMA was responsible for the management and development of the seedling pipeline until the end of the 2000-planting season. At this time it was considered appropriate to transfer responsibility for the seedling supply chain to the OMC, which was better placed to manage the risks of seedling production and distribution on a scale as large as the one necessary to build the industry (eg - peak production of 30 million seedlings a year).

With responsibility for the seedling production and distribution system now resting with the company, the primary function of the OMA has become promotion and the supply of information to our members.

The OMA currently has a membership base of just over 900 growers. 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 through out this area. Total plantings to date, across the state, exceed 16 million mallees, planted across some 40,000 hectares

Each region has a local growers group and a Region Manager ( RM ) . Regional Committee's help in the organization and promotion of local events and shows, and act as a support network to Region Managers. They also provide a region representative that attends quarterly Growers Council meetings held in Perth.

Region Managers are the industry's "on-the-ground" field staff, with one living and servicing growers in each region. Region Managers are currently funded through the OMA, but managed by the OMC. They are available to visit the properties of interested growers and offer advice on site selection, species selection, planting configurations and site preparation. RM's will also place your order for oil mallee seedlings with the OMC, and help arrange supply.