Question On Notice No. 1902 asked in the Legislative Council on 12 March 2019 by Hon Diane Evers
Question Directed to the: Minister for Environment
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the 2013 Ferguson committee, report entitled Calculating the sustained yield for the south-west native forests of Western Australia, :
(a) has recommendation 7.4, that the sustained yield for marri be calculated by means other than Woodstock been implemented:
(i) if yes to (a), please provide details how the sustainable yield for marri has been calculated; and
(ii) if no to (a), why not?
Answered on 11 April 2019
(a) (i) - (ii) The Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 requires that timber production from State forests and timber reserves be managed on a sustained yield basis, however it does not require a sustained yield be calculated for each individual tree species harvested.
A sustained yield is not calculated specifically for marri, as marri occurs together with either jarrah or karri and is harvested alongside these species. That is, harvest coupes are not targeted for marri but are harvested for jarrah or karri sawlogs with other tree species taken as additional product during harvest.
I am advised therefore, that the available volume of marri is determined by considering the outcomes of Woodstock™ woodflow modelling and applying a precautionary 10 per cent margin to ensure the harvest level is sustainable.