FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION — KARRI THINNING
943. Hon STEVE MARTIN to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the recently released
Forest Products Commission Annual report 2020–2021.
(1) Why has the FPC failed to meet
the karri-thinning schedules over the previous five years?
(2) What measures is the FPC taking
to ensure that the target is met for 2021?
(3) How does the
FPC intend to meet the target for karri thinning once the ban on hardwood
harvesting comes into place in 2024?
Minister, that question was asked
some time ago, I believe.
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the
member for the question. The Minister for Forestry has provided the following
answer.
(1) The
achievement of karri-thinning targets is dependent upon consistent access to
markets for the product generated. Fluctuations
in these markets in recent years have impacted on the Forest Products
Commission's capacity to achieve thinning targets.
(2) The FPC is
working with established and new customers of karri-thinning products to
increase market stability for resource produced by thinning activities.
(3) The level of
karri thinning required to support forest health will be determined through the
development of the next forest management plan.