❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about the supply of feature-grade timber for fine furniture manufacturing in Western Australia, focusing on allocation, sources, and guarantees for local use. The Minister's response outlines new contracts and commitments to ensure supply certainty.
AnsweredQoN 141Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How does the minister plan to ensure certainty and continuity of supply of feature-grade timber for use in the local manufacture of fine furniture? (2) When does the minister expect to conclude and announce the arrangements for the allocation of feature-grade logs for the fine furniture industry? (3) From where will the feature-grade logs be obtained given that the maximum allowable cut of 131 000 cubic metres of first and second-grade jarrah has already been fully allocated? (4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(2) When does the minister expect to conclude and announce the arrangements for the allocation of feature-grade logs for the fine furniture industry? (3) From where will the feature-grade logs be obtained given that the maximum allowable cut of 131 000 cubic metres of first and second-grade jarrah has already been fully allocated? (4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(3) From where will the feature-grade logs be obtained given that the maximum allowable cut of 131 000 cubic metres of first and second-grade jarrah has already been fully allocated? (4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(2) When does the minister expect to conclude and announce the arrangements for the allocation of feature-grade logs for the fine furniture industry? (3) From where will the feature-grade logs be obtained given that the maximum allowable cut of 131 000 cubic metres of first and second-grade jarrah has already been fully allocated? (4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(3) From where will the feature-grade logs be obtained given that the maximum allowable cut of 131 000 cubic metres of first and second-grade jarrah has already been fully allocated? (4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(4) Will additional logs be made available for feature-grade supplies or will timber mill allocations of first and second-grade jarrah be reduced? (5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(5) What amount of feature-grade jarrah logs was made available in 2002-03 and how much will be made available annually? (6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(6) What guarantees will be put in place to ensure feature-grade timber sold by the Forest Products Commission is used by local fine furniture makers? (7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(7) How does the minister explain the Forest Products Commission’s failure to ensure certainty of supply to fine furniture makers, who make up the highest value-adding section of the timber-furniture industry? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(1), (7) These questions are very similar so I will answer them together. A great deal more certainty over the availability of feature-grade timber has been provided to local fine furniture makers under the new contracts than was available to them previously. Most of the new jarrah contracts were allocated through the Request for Proposals 2649 process, conducted by the Forest Products Commission, under which the successful proponents had to indicate supply connections to value-adding processes, including fine furniture manufacturers in Western Australia. These connections became commitments under the contracts. No such commitment to local manufacturers has ever been in place under previous arrangements. It is important to note that natural features are an inherent feature of most native hardwoods species, including those from Western Australia. There will be a proportion of feature-grade timber in the first and second-grade sawlogs from jarrah and other species. The new arrangements provide a level of certainty that it will be available for processing in Western Australia, which has never been available before. (2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(2) Arrangements for the allocation of high-grade and low-grade feature sawlogs, separate from first and second-grade sawlogs, will be finalised by the Forest Products Commission decision as soon as possible given the interaction of the issue with other FPC responsibilities under the forest management plan, particularly the supply of craft wood. At this stage it is expected that an outcome will be possible shortly after mid year. In the meantime, existing feature-grade sawlogs buyers that have not previously exited the industry have been provided with short-term contracts to allow them to continue their business. (3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(3)-(4) The Government has no intention to not fully honour contracts for jarrah and karri first and second-grade sawlogs or marri sawlogs. It is expected that 200 cubic metres, approximately 250 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs will be made available within the 131 000 cubic metre jarrah yield. Up to 2 500 tonnes of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs, which are part of the “other bole” volume allowed in the forest management plan are also expected to be available, as are various amounts of the other species including marri, blackbutt, wandoo and she-oak. (5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(5) In 2002-03, 361 cubic metres, approximately 450 tonnes, of jarrah high-grade feature sawlogs and 653 cubic metres, approximately 810 tonnes, of jarrah low-grade feature sawlogs were sold by the FPC. It is therefore apparent that, proportionately, the reduction in high-grade feature sawlogs resource will be less than the reduction in the first and second-grade sawlogs in comparison with volumes expected under the regional forest agreement. The position is similar for blackbutt and there should be more feature-grade timber of other species available than was purchased in 2002-03. (6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
(6) In terms of evaluating and processing within Western Australia, the FPC will require undertakings from feature-grade timber buyers that are similar to those made under the jarrah request for proposal.
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