Dr. Thomas questions the FPC's need for works approvals for timber plantations and accuses the government of disempowering local governments. The Minister responds that approvals aren't needed under the Planning and Development Act and consultation occurs.

AnsweredQoN 830Legislative Council
Asked
15 August 2023
Portfolio
Forestry

QuestionView source ↗

FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION — WORKS APPROVALS
830. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Minister for Forestry:
I
refer to the purchase of property by the Forest Products Commission and to
section 2 of the Public Works Act 1902 , which stated that ''public
work'' and ''work'' included ''the procuring from
land (other than Crown lands and public reserves) of timber''.
(1) Does the FPC require a works
approval to establish a plantation for timber production?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Is the
government attempting to disempower local governments in order to try to meet
its own softwood production targets?
(4) If no to (3), how are local
governments empowered to manage FPC plantations in their jurisdictions?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(4) Following
years of inaction and a lack of investment under the previous Liberal–National
government, the Cook Labor government is
acting and investing in the future of the state's softwood estate. The
Forest Products Commission does not require works approvals under the
operation of section 6(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2005. The Forest
Products Commission has consulted, and will continue to consult, with shires
regarding new plantations.

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