❓ Hon. Louise Kingston questions the Forestry Minister about the Forest Products Commission engaging contractors for ecological thinning despite the lack of a government plan. The Minister defends the engagement as supporting the transition of workers from commercial logging.
AnsweredQoN 55Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
NATIVE FOREST — ECOLOGICAL THINNING
55. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the concerns raised with
my office that the Forest Products Commission is currently paying contractors
whose purpose is to conduct ecological thinning.
(1) Why did the
FPC commence engagement of the contractors if the government does not currently
have a plan for ecological thinning?
(2) What is the value of the
contracts?
55. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the concerns raised with
my office that the Forest Products Commission is currently paying contractors
whose purpose is to conduct ecological thinning.
(1) Why did the
FPC commence engagement of the contractors if the government does not currently
have a plan for ecological thinning?
(2) What is the value of the
contracts?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
Cook government has now ended commercial logging of WA's iconic and
unique jarrah and karri forests—a policy the opposition wishes to
reverse. A new forest management plan commenced on 1 January 2024. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and
Attractions has identified suitable areas that meet the criteria for ecological thinning and is in the process of
planning and approvals for these areas . Ecological thinning for forest
health is not the same as commercial logging. It is important that small business operators and their staff transitioning
from commercial logging to ecological thinning activities are supported to undertake training and ensure their
equipment is configured for ecological thinning activities.
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The
Cook government has now ended commercial logging of WA's iconic and
unique jarrah and karri forests—a policy the opposition wishes to
reverse. A new forest management plan commenced on 1 January 2024. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and
Attractions has identified suitable areas that meet the criteria for ecological thinning and is in the process of
planning and approvals for these areas . Ecological thinning for forest
health is not the same as commercial logging. It is important that small business operators and their staff transitioning
from commercial logging to ecological thinning activities are supported to undertake training and ensure their
equipment is configured for ecological thinning activities.
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