Hon. Louise Kingston questions the Minister for Forestry about the large stockpiles of small-diameter logs from ecological thinning, asking why they aren't being sold. The Minister responds that stock levels are stable and reserves are being used to supply customers.

AnsweredQoN 53Legislative Assembly
Asked
10 April 2025
Portfolio
Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

Forestry—Log stockpile
53. Hon Louise Kingston to the Minister for Forestry :
I refer to an online
article on WAtoday on 7 April 2025.
Why are small-diameter
karri, marri and jarrah logs from ecological thinning being stockpiled in large
quantities—approximately 100,000 tonnes and growing—at places
including Diamond, Deanmill and Palgarup rather than being delivered and sold
to customers' yards where they can be processed?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
In early 2024, the Forest
Products Commission began ecological thinning operations under the direction of
the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and entered into
contracts for the sale of timber produced from thinning. This includes small-diameter
timber predominantly used for firewood. Stock levels throughout the supply
chain are stable and the FPC's reserves are being used in combination with the
outputs from thinning to supply contracted customers. As part of normal
operations, the FPC will continue to hold a level of timber reserves,
particularly in the lead-up to winter, to maintain a smooth supply.

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