ALCOA — JARRAH
FOREST REHABILITATION
338. Hon DIANE EVERS to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the
minister's response to my question without notice 138 on 12 March 2019.
(1) How much
jarrah forest, rehabilitated by Alcoa after bauxite extraction, has been
returned to the state government to manage since 2000?
(2) Will the
minister please table any maps showing this area?
(3) What
management has the government undertaken on these forests since being returned
to its control, and what has been the cost annually to do so?
(4) With
reference to the thinning trials and planting at lower stem densities
undertaken by Alcoa, when did this occur?
(5) Have any
reviews been conducted on the successes or otherwise of these trials; and, if
yes, what was the result?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. Member, just note that this question was asked on
2 April, so the answer is current as of that date.
(1) A total of 1 355
hectares.
(2) I table the
attached document.
[See paper 2580.]
(3) These areas
are part of the broader state forest mosaic managed by the Department of
Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to protect the natural environment
and balance the many social and economic benefits the community receives from
these forests. It is not possible to provide a separate cost for the specific
areas returned to the state.
(4) Thinning
trials occurred in 2002 and were repeated during 2013 to 2015. Separate trials
on establishing lower stem densities commenced in 2009.
(5) I am not
aware that Alcoa has undertaken any reviews; however, monitoring is undertaken
by Alcoa and it is responsible for reporting any results.