❓ Question regarding the use of native forest biomass for power generation, specifically concerning a proposed biomass plant in Manjimup. The Minister clarifies the situation regarding renewable energy certificates and expresses support for the project using plantation residues.
AnsweredQoN 164Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
NATIVE FOREST — BIOMASS FUELS
164. Hon GIZ WATSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the recent defeat of a disallowance motion in the
federal Parliament that would have allowed native forest to be used as fuel for
biomass power.
(1) Does the
minister agree with the position of his federal colleague Tony Crook, MP, to
support the use of native forest as fuels for biomass?
(2) If yes to
(1), does the minister support the establishment of the proposed 40-megawatt
biomass plant at Diamond Mill between Manjimup and Pemberton?
(3) If yes to (2), what exactly does he support being used as
a fuel in this power plant?
164. Hon GIZ WATSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the recent defeat of a disallowance motion in the
federal Parliament that would have allowed native forest to be used as fuel for
biomass power.
(1) Does the
minister agree with the position of his federal colleague Tony Crook, MP, to
support the use of native forest as fuels for biomass?
(2) If yes to
(1), does the minister support the establishment of the proposed 40-megawatt
biomass plant at Diamond Mill between Manjimup and Pemberton?
(3) If yes to (2), what exactly does he support being used as
a fuel in this power plant?
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Child Protection, I thank the
member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Forestry,
I provide the following response —
The member is incorrect in her assertion that the
disallowance motion in federal Parliament would have allowed native forest
biomass to be used as a power source, or that its defeat has prevented native
forest biomass being used for such a purpose. The disallowance motion sought to
prevent native forest biomass being excluded as an eligible fuel under the
renewable energy target regulations. Residues from managed native forests
continue to be able to be used as a source of energy and power, only without
the benefit of being able to receive renewable energy certificates.
(1) The
minister supports the improved utilisation of native forest residues, as
referred to in the forest management plan.
(2) Yes; the minister supports the proposal.
(3) The
proponents for the Manjimup biomass power plant have only sought to use
plantation residues as fuel for their plant, and, as recommended by the
Environmental Protection Authority, they only have approval for the use of
residues from eucalyptus globulus and pinus radiata plantations in their plant.
member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the Minister for Forestry,
I provide the following response —
The member is incorrect in her assertion that the
disallowance motion in federal Parliament would have allowed native forest
biomass to be used as a power source, or that its defeat has prevented native
forest biomass being used for such a purpose. The disallowance motion sought to
prevent native forest biomass being excluded as an eligible fuel under the
renewable energy target regulations. Residues from managed native forests
continue to be able to be used as a source of energy and power, only without
the benefit of being able to receive renewable energy certificates.
(1) The
minister supports the improved utilisation of native forest residues, as
referred to in the forest management plan.
(2) Yes; the minister supports the proposal.
(3) The
proponents for the Manjimup biomass power plant have only sought to use
plantation residues as fuel for their plant, and, as recommended by the
Environmental Protection Authority, they only have approval for the use of
residues from eucalyptus globulus and pinus radiata plantations in their plant.
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