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❓ Dr. Thomas questions the government about unharvested forest coupes and their impact on timber yields. The government refutes the premise, stating inclusion in harvest plans doesn't guarantee harvesting and therefore the question is not applicable.

AnsweredQoN 915Legislative Council

Asked

13 September 2022

Member

Hon Dr Steve Thomas

Portfolio

Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Please table the list of forest coupes or section of coupes that were scheduled in each year from 2016 to 2021 inclusive to be harvested under the Forest Management Plan and three year harvest plan but were not harvested? (2) For each coupe in (1), please provide the reason they were not harvested? (3) What was the total volume or weight of wood scheduled to be harvested each year in that period that was not harvested? (4) Is it true that these coupes had predicted timber yields above average and their deferral is one of the reasons that average yields have declined?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

20 October 2022

Responded by

Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Forestry

Response time

8 days

(1) – (2) The premise of the question is incorrect, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Three Year Plan and the Forest Products Commission One Year Harvest Plan contain more coupes available to harvest than is intended to harvest. Inclusion in either Plan does not infer a guaranteed intention to harvest in any particular period. Coupes are not harvested in one year for a variety of reasons.
(3) – (4) Not applicable.

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