SOUTHERN FORESTS IRRIGATION
SCHEME — STEWART TREE
1116. Hon DIANE EVERS to the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the southern forests
irrigation scheme and the proposed infrastructure at Record Brook.
(1) Is the
minister aware that a significant registered karri tree, the ''Stewart
Tree'', considered to be the tallest recorded karri tree, is located
within Record Brook?
(2) What is the
expected impact of the proposed infrastructure and any clearing on the
registered tree?
(a) Is it likely
that the tree will need to be removed?
(b) If no to (a),
what distance will the proposed infrastructure and any clearing be from the
tree?
(3) Has the Conservation and Parks Commission been
consulted in relation to the tree, and what was its advice?
(4) If no to (3),
why not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
(1) Yes. The
identification of the ''Stewart Tree'' occurred early in the
project planning. I am advised that the location of the proposed reservoir wall
has been moved further upstream from its optimal location, precisely to avoid
any potential harmful impact on the ''Stewart Tree''.
(2) There are no
expected impacts on the tree, either during the construction of infrastructure
or during the operation. In particular, the ''Stewart Tree'' will
not need to be removed, and the closest infrastructure will be approximately
200 metres away. There is some discussion as to how the final stage of the
scheme could enhance the tourism aspects of
promoting the ''Stewart Tree'', such as the construction of walk
trails.
(3)–(4) Liaison
has occurred and continues to occur with the Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions on this and other matters that fall within its
responsibility. Briefing of the Conservation and Parks Commission regarding
this matter is at the discretion of the DBCA.