KARRI FOREST —
TREENBROOK
472. Hon DIANE EVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the minister's
response to my question without notice 401 on 12 May regarding the proposed logging
of karri forest at Treenbrook.
(1) The
Treenbrook 1220 draft operations map shows a net harvest area of 85 hectares,
compared with the response of 50 hectares across three coupes. Can the minister
please clarify how many hectares are associated with each of the proposed
coupes and table all final operations maps?
(2) Did the
Forest Products Commission assess and quantify the financial loss associated
with issues raised by impacted businesses mentioned in the response; and, if
not, why not?
(3) What concessions
and agreements were made, given the issues that were raised? Did this alleviate
concerns; and, if not, what is the FPC doing to further consult and negotiate
to ensure there are no negative outcomes and business losses?
(4) What net profit is the FPC
expecting to make from logging of this area?
(5) Over 30 per cent
of the harvest will be turned into karri residue. How much of this relates to
woodchips, and how much is proposed to be exported?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
The Minister for Forestry has provided the following information.
(1) The three
coupes referred to in the response to question without notice 401 on 12 May and
the associated area of 50 hectares relates to approximately 20 hectares at
Treenbrook 0919, approximately 10 hectares at Treenbrook 0320 and approximately
20 hectares at Treenbrook 1220.
I table the operational maps.
[See paper 3881.]
(2) The Forest
Products Commission consulted with neighbours in the planning of the harvesting
of this area, and sought to reduce the
effect of harvesting operations on them. It also considered the employment
impact on the associated harvest contractors and log customers.
(3) The FPC
amended harvest boundaries, planned to thin rather than clear-fell some areas
and established undisturbed buffers to protect vistas. These changes have not
alleviated all concerns; however, some requests, such as the protection of
in-forest tracks for private access, could not be fully accommodated. The FPC
will maintain contact with neighbours to mitigate ongoing impacts, such as
noise and dust, in the conduct of the operations.
(4) The FPC does not calculate a net
profit for each forest coupe.
(5) Forest
residue is generally used to describe the unutilised portions of the tree.
Other bole volume is currently used to supply timber to the laminated veneer
lumber market and for paper manufacture. The market
for paper is overseas and the processor for laminated veneer lumber is in Western
Australia, although a portion of the end product may be exported.