BLACK COCKATOOS — SWAN COASTAL PLAIN
64. Hon
ALISON XAMON to the minister representing the Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the expected starvation
of black cockatoos on the Swan coastal plain due to the harvest of the
remaining pines in the Gnangara pine plantation.
(1) Will the
government commit to refusing to harvest these pines until such time as a sufficient
amount of native cockatoo feed has been planted and reached maturity to support
the cockatoo population currently relying on the Gnangara pines?
(2) If not, why not?
Hon
ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the
question. The following information has been provided by the Minister for
Forestry.
(1) Harvesting operations are managed under the
provisions of the Forest management plan 2014–2023 and various
subsidiary documents produced in accordance with the Conservation and Land
Management Act 1984. This includes an
extensive approval process through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation
and Attractions to ensure all harvesting is
carried out in accordance with applicable environmental standards.
Harvesting of pines occurs within a broader context of meeting obligations
under state agreement acts, water catchment
management and conservation of threatened species. Details on the management
activities in place for Carnaby's black cockatoos on the Swan
coastal plain should be referred to the Minister for Environment.
(2) Not applicable.