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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 472 asked in the Legislative Council on 19 May 2020 by Hon Diane Evers

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

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.