❓ A WA parliamentary question examines the impact of the native hardwood forestry ban on bushfire response, specifically regarding the availability of experienced timber industry workers. The DBCA states it doesn't directly engage timber workers for bushfire response.
AnsweredQoN 1601Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Government's decision to ban native hardwood forestry and concerns raised that this greatly reduces the number of experienced timber industry workers available to assist Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) crews during bushfires, and I ask: (a) has any modelling been done to measure the numbers of timber industry workers who have assisted with bushfire responses over the past 5 years: (i) if yes to (a), please provide; and (ii) If no to (a), why not; and (b) does DBCA maintain a list of timber industry workers or ex-timber industry workers who can be called upon to assist where required: (i) if yes to (b), please provide the number of names on this list; and (ii) If no to (b), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 October 2023
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment
Response time
7 days
(a) No.
(i) Not applicable.
(ii) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) does not directly engage timber industry workers for bushfire response. DBCA may engage contracted services for heavy plant or machinery for bushfire suppression where the provider’s equipment and personnel satisfy the relevant insurance, safety and training criteria for fire ground operations.
(b) No.
(i) Not applicable.
(ii) DBCA does not directly engage timber industry workers or ex-timber industry workers for bushfire response. Any individual directly engaged by DBCA for fire management must hold appropriate insurance, satisfy minimum workplace training requirements, have participated in mandatory annual pre-season fire training, and have access to the requisite personal protective equipment and clothing to meet DBCA’s workplace health and safety obligations.
(i) Not applicable.
(ii) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) does not directly engage timber industry workers for bushfire response. DBCA may engage contracted services for heavy plant or machinery for bushfire suppression where the provider’s equipment and personnel satisfy the relevant insurance, safety and training criteria for fire ground operations.
(b) No.
(i) Not applicable.
(ii) DBCA does not directly engage timber industry workers or ex-timber industry workers for bushfire response. Any individual directly engaged by DBCA for fire management must hold appropriate insurance, satisfy minimum workplace training requirements, have participated in mandatory annual pre-season fire training, and have access to the requisite personal protective equipment and clothing to meet DBCA’s workplace health and safety obligations.
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