Dr. Honey questions the Premier about the allocation of high-quality sawlogs from mine site clearings, alleging they are being used for firewood instead of furniture, contrary to the Minister for Forestry's commitment. The Premier responds by stating it's premature to be alarmed as the forest management plan hasn't started yet, but assures they aim to maximize the value of timber assets.

AnsweredQoN 594Legislative Assembly
Asked
31 August 2023
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

HARDWOOD TIMBER INDUSTRY
594. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Premier:
I refer to the commitment by the
Minister for Forestry in February to ensure that the supply of sawlogs
recovered from mine site clearings are given priority allocations to
high-value-adding local industries. Despite this, I note reports from the WA Furniture Manufacturers
Association that high-quality sawlogs, like the sawlogs in this picture ,
are instead being processed for firewood and not furniture.
Given the Minister for Forestry gave
her commitment that this government would maintain the supply of native timber
for those high-value uses, will the Premier intervene to ensure that supply is
indeed maintained?

AnswerView source ↗

I note that the forest management
plan does not actually begin until next year, so it is probably a little bit
early to come out of the blocks with these alarmist declarations. I will
continue to take advice on these things but, of course, we obviously want to
elevate the value of these important assets to make sure that they return as
much value as possible to the Western Australian economy. I am sure that the
Minister for Forestry has those considerations uppermost in her mind.

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