❓ A parliamentary question regarding the impact of canker on native Marri trees in Western Australia, particularly in relation to climate change and the use of glyphosate. The Minister's response acknowledges the issue and ongoing research, but lacks specific quantification of the problem.
AnsweredQoN 7949Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware of the impact that canker is having on native forests in Western Australia, particularly the Marri species?
(2) Can the Minister table any advice he has received from his agency specifically in relation to canker impacts on Marri species and if not, why not?
(3) Is the Minister aware of the impact that a warmer and drier climate has in contributing to diseases such as canker in our southwest forests?
(4) Can the minister provide an explanation of the relationship between changes in climate and an increase in canker in native forests and, if not, why not?
(5) Is the Minister aware of the significant recent increase in tree deaths caused by canker, particularly regarding Marri trees in Western Australia?
(6) In light of the increased canker-related Marri deaths, is it justifiable to continue the practice of poisoning Marri trees with glyphosate in the southwest of Western Australia and, if yes, please explain why?
(2) Can the Minister table any advice he has received from his agency specifically in relation to canker impacts on Marri species and if not, why not?
(3) Is the Minister aware of the impact that a warmer and drier climate has in contributing to diseases such as canker in our southwest forests?
(4) Can the minister provide an explanation of the relationship between changes in climate and an increase in canker in native forests and, if not, why not?
(5) Is the Minister aware of the significant recent increase in tree deaths caused by canker, particularly regarding Marri trees in Western Australia?
(6) In light of the increased canker-related Marri deaths, is it justifiable to continue the practice of poisoning Marri trees with glyphosate in the southwest of Western Australia and, if yes, please explain why?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 June 2012
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
(1)-(2) The distribution and severity of marri canker in south-west forests is subject to monitoring by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The extent and severity of marri canker has not been quantified, although observations indicate it to be widespread. Improved recording of the prevalence of marri canker and the ability to evaluate its impact are anticipated as part of ongoing forest health monitoring, including collaborative work with Murdoch University. The current focus of research is on the nature of the impact from marri canker, epidemiology, the role of environmental stress such as drought, and the taxonomy of
Quambalaria
species.
(3)-(5) DEC is carrying out research that will help to assess the effect of climate change on canker. This research will help inform future management of canker including cankers affecting marri trees.
(6) Silvicultural guidelines provide for the felling or culling of trees not marked for retention so as to encourage the growth of retained trees and to facilitate regeneration. Marri trees are retained in harvesting and other silvicultural operations as required by Appendix 5, Silviculture Guidelines, of the
Forest Management Plan 2004-2013
(FMP). Silvicultural practices in south-west forests were examined by an expert panel established in response to Action 34.1.4 of the FMP. The findings of the expert panel will be considered in the preparation of the next forest management plan, and will be released as supporting information to the draft
Forest Management Plan 2014-2023
.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
Quambalaria
species.
(3)-(5) DEC is carrying out research that will help to assess the effect of climate change on canker. This research will help inform future management of canker including cankers affecting marri trees.
(6) Silvicultural guidelines provide for the felling or culling of trees not marked for retention so as to encourage the growth of retained trees and to facilitate regeneration. Marri trees are retained in harvesting and other silvicultural operations as required by Appendix 5, Silviculture Guidelines, of the
Forest Management Plan 2004-2013
(FMP). Silvicultural practices in south-west forests were examined by an expert panel established in response to Action 34.1.4 of the FMP. The findings of the expert panel will be considered in the preparation of the next forest management plan, and will be released as supporting information to the draft
Forest Management Plan 2014-2023
.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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