FORESTRY — LEWANA
PLANTATION FIRE
39. Hon DIANE EVERS to minister representing the Minister
for Forestry:
I refer to the Lewana plantation
fire in February 2019.
(1) Has the Forest Products Commission considered
payment of any form of compensation to nearby landowners for the loss of
property, clean-up and business income; and, if not, why not?
(2) Does the FPC have insurance for
fire damage on its own plantations; and, if not, why not?
(3) Does the FPC
confirm that contractors used in harvesting operations have necessary
insurances in place prior to work being commenced?
(a) If yes, does it sight or require
a copy of the policy or certificate of currency?
(b) If not, why not?
(4) Is the FPC seeking compensation from its contractor,
given the fire was started as a result of the contractor's
actions during harvesting operations?
(a) If not, why
not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
The following information has been provided by the Minister for Forestry.
(1) No. The cause
of the fire was investigated by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services,
and it was determined that it was an accident caused by heavy machinery.
Therefore, the Insurance Commission and the State Solicitor's Office
have advised that liability for the fires does not fall with the Forest
Products Commission.
(2) No. It is not customary for
public agencies to require such insurance.
(3) Yes.
(a) Yes.
(b) Not applicable.
(4) The FPC is investigating all
options.
(a) Not applicable.