LOGGING —
BEEKEEPER CONCERNS
672. Hon DIANE EVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
(1) Is the
minister aware that jarrah trees about to flower at the Tallanalla block near
Dwellingup have been marked for logging, despite beekeepers' concerns
and desire to commence harvesting from this area nectar that can be exported at
more than $30 000 per tonne?
(2) Will the
minister direct the Forest Products Commission to delay logging of this area
until flowering has ceased in order for beekeepers to harvest nectar for the
honey industry?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) If yes to (2), will the minister ensure that the
beekeepers are able to enter the Tallanalla block for this purpose?
(5) Will the
minister commit to engaging with other forest products industries, such as
beekeepers, to strengthen communications and ensure that all important
industries are considered prior to future logging?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
The following information been provided by the Minister for Forestry.
(1) No. The
Forest Products Commission does not have a native forest block called
Tallanalla near Dwellingup. However, the impact of harvesting on beekeepers,
along with other forest users, is assessed through the forest management plan
by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and through
the FPC's coupe planning process prior to harvest. The harvest planning
process includes notification to all registered apiarists. The FPC's
records show no response to any notifications for areas near Dwellingup. The
FPC is always willing to consider the requirements of apiarists in the planning
process to minimise any potential impact on the industry.
(2) No.
(3) Refer to the answer to (1).
(4) The DBCA is the authority for ensuring beekeepers are
able to enter native forest.
(5) Yes.