❓ A parliamentary question regarding Sotico's voluntary relinquishment of timber volumes and the impact on the new forest management plan, smaller timber businesses, and resource allocation. The Minister's response provides limited specifics, emphasizing the need for balance and equity.
AnsweredQoN 65Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Sotico’s announcement yesterday and ask - (1) When does the minister expect details of the timetable and volumes that Sotico is proposing to voluntarily relinquish? (2) Will the minister make those details public? (3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
(1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(1) When does the minister expect details of the timetable and volumes that Sotico is proposing to voluntarily relinquish? (2) Will the minister make those details public? (3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(2) Will the minister make those details public? (3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(1) When does the minister expect details of the timetable and volumes that Sotico is proposing to voluntarily relinquish? (2) Will the minister make those details public? (3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(2) Will the minister make those details public? (3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(3) Given this announcement by Sotico, is it likely that this will enable a slowdown in the development of the new forest management plan from the current expedited timetable? (4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(4) How will the minister ensure that any transitional arrangements, which are clearly being discussed with Sotico, are not allowed to dominate the future resource allocation at the expense of planning for the needs of the smaller scale fine-wood industry and community-based specialist enterprises? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: (1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(1) I am unable to determine when Sotico will provide final details about its timetable, particularly in relation to matters concerning the step-down. Sotico spoke to the Government about those issues prior to its announcement. However, I was a little surprised that some of that detail was not disclosed in its media statement. The company no doubt has its reasons for that. That is essentially a matter for Sotico to determine. At this stage, I am unable to inform the member on that question. I can only speculate that the details will be forthcoming in the near future. That is largely a matter for Sotico. (2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(2) The Government will make the details public immediately, provided it is not inhibited from doing so by a wish from Sotico for a little time before those details become public. It would be the Government’s aim to make those details public as soon as possible. The Government did that when the proposition was finalised at Nannup. (3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(3) I believe the announcement will assist the Government in its attempts to resolve the questions surrounding the new forest management plan. The Government is keen to bring forward that date to enable contracts to be determined under arrangements similar to those for Nannup, and perhaps proposed by Sotico, under formal contract, rather than under guarantee. That was not entirely satisfactory, but it was the best option available at the time. The reason for bringing those negotiations forward to the earliest possible date is to enable the earliest possible step-down from the present contract arrangements. As Hon Christine Sharp will be aware, the contract arrangements require the provision of some 324 000 cubic metres of jarrah a year, which is a higher level than the Government feels comfortable with. However, the Government is already committed to honouring those contracts at that level. (4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
(4) It will be a matter of balance and judgment by the Government to ensure that the transitional arrangements with Sotico, and I presume Hon Christine Sharp means others that may arise, will not be detrimental to the interests of smaller millers. I am not aware of a formal offer from Sotico on the precise volumes relating to its step-down proposition, although the company has indicated that it has a step-down proposition. The Government needs to be able to balance those needs against the needs of the whole industry, to try to ensure there is justice and equity among all current contract holders. I cannot say much more than that until I know the numbers proposed by Sotico. However, it is the Government’s view that the small mill sector contains a large number of highly innovative operators, many of whom it would want to remain in the industry. Many of those operators provide results at high mill yields and also create more jobs per cubic metre than some of the larger operators. The Government does not want the interests of the smaller operators compromised by the arrangements that must be made with the larger operators.
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