FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION — PINE
PLANTATIONS
947. Hon DIANE EVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to question without notice
693 asked on 24 June.
(1) How much pine has been
replanted in —
(a) the plantation north of Margaret
River town; and
(b) other areas in close proximity to
the town?
(2) What
considerations were undertaken, and by whom, that led to the decision to
replant flammable pine trees close to homes and business premises in Margaret
River?
(3) Given the
serious threat of fire to people and property, why was there not a policy
decision to not replant in that area?
(4) What
contracts with the Forest Products Commission will be serviced with pine from
the area referred to in part (1)(a)?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the
question. The following information has been provided by the Minister for
Forestry.
(1) (a) Approximately 358 hectares.
(b) Nil.
(2) When
replanting the pine trees, the Forest Products Commission fully considered the
proximity to the Margaret River town site and potential fire risk and
mitigation measures, as well as the high recreational use of the pine
plantation, use of the plantation for wastewater treatment from the Margaret
River town site by the Water Corporation, and the requirement to service the
state agreement acts for the supply of pine. The replanting commenced in 1991
by the Department of Conservation and Land Management and subsequently by the
FPC.
(3) A
comprehensive fire management plan was produced by FPC in consultation with
relevant stakeholders, and appropriate mitigation measures are in place to
manage fire risks.
(4) Individual plantation areas are
not specifically allocated to individual customers.