SIMCOA
471. Hon STEVE MARTIN to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the recent media reports
that as a result of the minister's decision to end native forestry, WA
silicone producer Simcoa will have to import coal to continue operations.
(1) Is the minister aware that Simcoa
will have to import coal to cover a shortfall in jarrah?
(2) Can the minister guarantee that Simcoa will have
enough jarrah to continue operations in Western Australia?
Hon DARREN
WEST replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question and answer on behalf of the minister representing.
I provide the following answer from the Minister for Forestry.
(1)–(2) The
Forest management plan 2024–33 is currently being prepared
through the Conservation and Parks Commission. This process is undertaken in
consultation with a range of stakeholders and once the FMP is approved, an
allocation process for any by-product from ecological thinning will be
undertaken. The government is confident that the by-product of ecological
thinning in the jarrah forest and approved mine site operations, should produce sufficient amount of residue material
for Simcoa to continue to be supplied at the current levels.