A parliamentary question probes the Forest Products Commission's (FPC) response to climate change impacts, specifically lower rainfall affecting plantation health. The FPC outlines its adaptation and mitigation efforts, including thinning plantations and supporting new developments, but acknowledges limited specific funding and public reporting.

AnsweredQoN 3619Legislative Council
Asked
15 March 2011
Portfolio
Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the first paragraph of the answer given to my question without notice No. 27 on 16 February 2011, and I ask -
(1) Is the Forest Products Commission (FPC) addressing climate change issues as it affects the FPC’s sectoral responsibilities?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If yes to (1), which climate change issues have been identified as affecting the FPC’s sectoral responsibilities?
(4) In respect of each issue identified, how is it being addressed (please provide full details), in terms of, -
(a) adaptation;
(b) mitigation; and
(c) modification of activities likely to maintain or increase the severity of the impacts of climate change?
(5) In respect of each answer to (4), -
(a) how much funding has been allocated to this work;
(b) how many FTE staff have been allocated to this work; and
(c) how is success being measured?
(6) Regarding the answer to (5)(c), is this information publicly available?
(7) If no to (6), why not?
(8) If yes to (6), -
(a) where is it publicly reported; and
(b) how often is it updated?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
7 April 2011
Responded by
Minister for Child Protection representing the Minister for Forestry
Response time
23 days
(1) Yes
(2) Not Applicable
(3) The lower than average rainfall in the southwest land division is  affecting the health of some of FPC's plantations, particularly those  north of Perth.
The lower rainfall may also result in some tree deaths in the State's native forests, particularly in heavily stocked forests.
(4)
(a) FPC has undertaken non-commercial thinning of some young pine   plantations north of Perth to mitigate tree deaths due to drought.
FPC is always looking for markets to enable it to sell more low grade material. Strengthening markets for lower grade material will enable thinning to mitigate drought risk to be more commercial.
(b) FPC continues to support development of new plantation development  in lower rainfall areas, albeit through the provision of advice rather than the direct investment strategy previously adopted. To the extent that this leads to more plantations, this will help to sequester more  atmospheric carbon dioxide.
(c) Not Applicable
(5)
(a) Approximately $2m was spent in the 2009/10 financial year on non- commercial thinning of drought affected pine plantations north of Perth.  A further $0.5m approximately is budgeted for 2010/11.
No specific funding has been allocated to pursuing markets for lower grade material.
(b) No additional or specific staff have been allocated to this work. The work is carried out by contractors selected and managed by FPC's existing staff as a part of their regular duties.
(c) By monitoring health of remaining trees within the thinned plantations.
(6) No.
(7) Such information is not made public unless it is considered to be of   sufficient importance to be included in the FPC's Annual Reports.
(8) Not Applicable
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