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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 6074 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 31 March 2020 by Mr D.T. Redman

Question Directed to the: Minister for Water; Forestry; Innovation and ICT; Science; Youth
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

I refer to the 2020 Native Forest Harvest Plan, and ask:
(a) Can the Minister outline the timber type, hectares and volume of native timber that is no longer available for harvest due to 2 tier coupes being banned from harvesting this year;
(b) Why did the Minister make the decision to remove 2 tier coupes out of the 2020 harvest plan;
(c) Can the Minister explain why there is a difference between what he describes as a cut of only 150ha from the harvest plan, against claims by community that the impact is more like 9,000 hectares.;
(d) Has the Minister instructed, directed or otherwise sought to influence either the Forest Products Commission or the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in ensuring the 2021 Native Forest Harvest Plan does not include 2 tier coupes;
(e) Can the Minister outline who in industry was consulted on the decision to cut 2 tier coupes from the 2020 harvest plan:
(i) What was the nature of this consultation;
(f) If the Minister consulted industry on the decision to cut 2 tier coupes from the 2020 harvest plan, did this gain industry support; and
(g) Was Parkside, the new owner of Greenbushes and Nannup timber mills, consulted on this decision:
(i) If so, what was the nature of this consultation?

Answered on 12 May 2020

(a)   Approximately 150 hectares of karri two-tier forest has been deferred from harvesting this year. The volumes of timber types that would be harvested from this area cannot be fully quantified until harvesting is completed.  

(b)   Demand for 2020 can be met from other coupes on the harvesting plan.

(c)   No, I am not in a position to speak on behalf of others.   

(d)   No and the 2021 harvest plan has not yet been compiled.

(e)   – (g)

As part of the process for preparing the annual harvest plan, the Forest Products Commission consults with customers about their log supply requirements. The Forest Products Commission uses this information to determine the volumes of timber required. The Forest Products Commission does not typically consult with industry on the areas that will be harvested over the course of a year to meet this supply requirement. The Forest Products Commission can meet their customers supply requirements in 2020 without harvesting in areas of two-tier karri.