NATIVE FOREST — LOGGING
703. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the minister's
announcement on 8 September 2021 to end logging of native forests by 2024.
(1) What
assessment and analysis has been undertaken to substantiate the $350 million
investment in new softwood plantations over 10 years?
(2) What is the minimum rainfall requirement required
to support viable and sustainable softwood plantations?
(3) Will prime
agricultural land be displaced to make way for this new 33 000-hectare
plantation?
(4) What
advice has the minister sought from the Department of Fire and Emergency
Services, the Parks and Wildlife service or other relevant bodies about the
potential fire impact of ending logging, as well as the planting of 50 million
pine trees in the south west?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN
replied:
I thank the member for the question. The following
information has been provided by the Minister for Forestry.
(1) To substantiate the $350 million investment in new
softwood plantations, the Forest Products Commission has undertaken an
analysis of: the future demand for softwood timber products in Western Australia;
the projected supply of softwood timber from plantations within the state; the
processing scale required for the state's softwood industry to be
economically viable; impediments to private sector investment in softwood plantations; opportunities to either
purchase land or work collaboratively with landowners through sharefarming
agreements or support for farm forestry projects; and opportunities for
complementary benefits, such as roosting habitat for Carnaby's
black-cockatoo or improvements in water quality.
(2) It is approximately 600 millimetres, but is
dependent on the species of pine used and site-specific conditions.
(3) The
plantings will take place throughout the south west on suitable available
government land and private property. Plantations do not require prime
agricultural land and can often be used on areas that are less productive.
(4) The Forest
Products Commission produces fire management plans for every plantation that
address the risks and establish appropriate controls and mitigation, such as
firebreaks, access tracks and water points. These plans are produced in
consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Fire and Emergency
Services and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.