Hon. Louise Kingston questions the Minister for Forestry regarding the implementation timeline, public access to salvage timber, and public consultation for ecological thinning plans under the new Forest Management Plan. The question was redirected to the Minister for Environment.

AnsweredQoN 13Legislative Council
Asked
27 February 2024
Portfolio
Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

FORESTRY — ECOLOGICAL THINNING
13. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the introduction of the Forest
management plan 2024–2033 , which commenced two months ago.
(1) When does the minister expect plans for ecological
thinning will be ready for operational commencement?
(2) When will the salvage timber
product from ecological thinning be available to the public?
(3) Will the plans be advertised
for public comment prior to commencement?
(4) Given that it
was known more than two years ago that forestry would be moving to ecological
thinning, why has it taken so long to get underway?

AnswerView source ↗

This question has been redirected
to the Minister for Environment. I thank the honourable member for the question
and provide the following answer.
(1) The Forest
management plan 2024–2033 came into effect on 1 January 2024,
providing for ecological thinning to occur
in south west native forests. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and
Attractions is working with the Forest Products Commission to implement
ecological thinning, which is anticipated to commence in March 2024.
Preparation for ecological thinning operations, including planning and
training, has been underway since late 2023.
(2) Forest products may be salvaged
and removed after ecological thinning.
(3) No. The FMP
requires that ecological thinning plans be published annually and include the
outcomes of consultation with specific stakeholders.
(4) Ecological
thinning is an activity under the FMP and could not commence until after 1 January
2024. Individual forest enhancement areas
are subject to impact assessment through DBCA's disturbance approval system prior to operations commencing.

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