A WA parliamentary question addresses the development of the fine wood industry, access to timber resources, and the potential use of residue timber from mining operations for craftwood purposes. The Minister's response indicates sufficient timber supply, clarifies ownership of timber resources, and outlines the Forest Products Commission's role.

AnsweredQoN 1443Legislative Assembly
Asked
30 August 2006
Portfolio
Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

(b) is there a plan for the Fine Wood Industry of Western Australia, and how will this Government nurture this industry other than to provide access to processed timber through the Forest Products Commission; (c) if residue ‘unmillable’ timber is sold to mining companies after the Forest Products Commission has processed saleable timber from the mining lease site, why is it that mining companies are not permitted to provide this ‘unmillable’ timber either free of charge or at cost to the craftwood industry; and (d) will the Minister allow mining companies to make their residue forest waste available for craftwood collection prior to it being either buried or burnt?
(c) if residue ‘unmillable’ timber is sold to mining companies after the Forest Products Commission has processed saleable timber from the mining lease site, why is it that mining companies are not permitted to provide this ‘unmillable’ timber either free of charge or at cost to the craftwood industry; and (d) will the Minister allow mining companies to make their residue forest waste available for craftwood collection prior to it being either buried or burnt?
(d) will the Minister allow mining companies to make their residue forest waste available for craftwood collection prior to it being either buried or burnt?
(b) The fine wood industry has not made any representations to Government for particular consideration other than assurances of continued timber supply. Given this supply is assured as indicated above there is no demand for such a development plan. (c -d) Mining companies do not own the timber resource in mining leases held in State forests and as such are unable to sell it. The Forest Products Commission continues to make the maximum possible use of the available resource preferably for use in high value products, however it is also seeking further markets for the potential use of residue material.
(c -d) Mining companies do not own the timber resource in mining leases held in State forests and as such are unable to sell it. The Forest Products Commission continues to make the maximum possible use of the available resource preferably for use in high value products, however it is also seeking further markets for the potential use of residue material.

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
21 September 2006
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Forestry
Response time
22 days
(a) While the Government's
"Protecting Our Old Growth Forests"
policy did include a commitment to creating a craftwood licensing system, results of craftwood sales over the last two years indicate the supply of timber suitable for wood workers exceeds demand. As such there is currently insufficient reason to develop a separate craftwood licensing system. Craftwood users however will continue to have access to timber resources as they always have and will continue to do so into the future. Additional forest and craftwood resources are able to be purchased through the Forest Products Commission's auctions at Harvey and minor production contracts.
(b) The fine wood industry has not made any representations to Government for particular consideration other than assurances of continued timber supply. Given this supply is assured as indicated above there is no demand for such a development plan.
(c -d) Mining companies do not own the timber resource in mining leases held in State forests and as such are unable to sell it. The Forest Products Commission continues to make the maximum possible use of the available resource preferably for use in high value products, however it is also seeking further markets for the potential use of residue material.

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