Hon James Hayward questions the Minister for Forestry regarding firewood supply in WA, particularly concerning the impact of native forestry industry changes on availability, pricing, and illegal collection. The Minister's response is brief and largely dismissive of concerns.

AnsweredQoN 38Legislative Council
Asked
15 February 2023
Portfolio
Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION — FIREWOOD
SUPPLY
38. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to firewood supplies in Western Australia.
(1) How many Western Australians are estimated to rely on
firewood for their winter heating?
(2) What is the average cost of a tonne of firewood in the
south west region?
(3) Will the
decision to decimate the native forestry industry affect firewood supply and
prices; and, if so, what impacts are anticipated?
(4) Has the minister been briefed about the risk of
increased illegal firewood collection by the public if licensed supplies
are reduced?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1) The Forest
Products Commission has firewood contracts for approximately 80 000 tonnes of
firewood this calendar year.
(2) The cost
of a tonne of firewood is a commercial decision made by each firewood wholesale
business, and it varies across the year.
(3) The
government's decision to protect our native forests will not affect the
availability of firewood to the community in the future.
(4) No.

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