❓ A parliamentary question regarding the management of native sandalwood exploitation quotas post-2016, focusing on sustainability, scientific advice, and potential conflicts of interest. The Minister's response outlines the review process, consideration of factors, and existing conservation measures.
AnsweredQoN 3369Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the findings of the recent parliamentary inquiry into the management of native sandalwood which recommended an urgent reduction in the sandalwood exploitation quota without which the species could be wiped out across Western Australia, and I ask: (a) what process is the Minister using, or will the Minister be using, to make the decision on a new quota for wild sandalwood exploitation post-2016; (b) will the setting of a new quota be subject to any form of open, independent, expert or public process, such as an Environmental Protection Authority assessment; (c) if no to (b), why not; (d) what advice will the Minister be relying upon in making the decision; (e) for what period of time will the post-2016 quotas remain in effect; (f) will the Minister table the latest research on the conservation status of sandalwood in the wild; (g) if no to (f), why not; (h) in making the decision, will the Minister be placing the survival of the species in the wild above commercial vested interests, including those of the Forest Products Commission, Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd or TFS Corporation Ltd; (i) if no to (h), why not; (j) has the Minister met with representatives of Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd or its parent company TFS Corporation Ltd at any time in the past 12 months; (k) if yes to (j), how many times and on what dates; (l) is the Minister aware of evidence given to the recent parliamentary inquiry by a senior manager at the Department of Parks and Wildlife with long experience in sandalwood in which he said that a sustainable quota for green sandalwood might be around 200 tonnes per annum; (m) given that the current level of exploitation of green sandalwood in the wild is around 700 percent greater than this, will the Minister be basing the decision on this advice; (n) if no to (m), why not; and (o) when will the Department of Parks and Wildlife be producing an up-to-date and science-based management plan for sandalwood to ensure its long term survival in the wild?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 October 2015
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
35 days
Minister for Environment has provided the following response.
(a) In response to a recommendation by the Legislative Council Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs (Report No. 35), the Government, through the Department of Parks and Wildlife, has carried out a review of the wild sandalwood harvest quota, taking into consideration environmental, social and economic factors.
(b)-(c) The Parliamentary inquiry into the sandalwood industry conducted by the Environment and Public Affairs Committee involved extensive public involvement.
(d) I refer the Member to the response given to question (a), and the recommendations and Government response to the Parliamentary inquiry.
(e) Ten years.
(f)-(g) [See Tabled Paper No. #] for a sample bibliography of native sandalwood research titles.
(h)-(i) I refer the Member to the responses given to questions (a), (f) and (g). It should also be noted that the species is protected in extensive existing and proposed conservation reserves managed by Parks and Wildlife.
(j)-(k) Yes. TFS Corporation Ltd on 29 April 2015.
(l) Yes
(m)-(n) I refer the Member to the responses given to questions (a), (f) and (g).
(o) Native sandalwood is not listed as a threatened species in Western Australia, so there is no requirement for a species management plan. In addition to conditions placed on the harvesting of native sandalwood, it is protected in extensive existing and proposed conservation reserves. In accordance with the
Conservation and Land Management Act 1984
area management plans are prepared by the Conservation Commission of Western Australia, through the agency of Parks and Wildlife, which aim to protect biodiversity in these areas.
(a) In response to a recommendation by the Legislative Council Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs (Report No. 35), the Government, through the Department of Parks and Wildlife, has carried out a review of the wild sandalwood harvest quota, taking into consideration environmental, social and economic factors.
(b)-(c) The Parliamentary inquiry into the sandalwood industry conducted by the Environment and Public Affairs Committee involved extensive public involvement.
(d) I refer the Member to the response given to question (a), and the recommendations and Government response to the Parliamentary inquiry.
(e) Ten years.
(f)-(g) [See Tabled Paper No. #] for a sample bibliography of native sandalwood research titles.
(h)-(i) I refer the Member to the responses given to questions (a), (f) and (g). It should also be noted that the species is protected in extensive existing and proposed conservation reserves managed by Parks and Wildlife.
(j)-(k) Yes. TFS Corporation Ltd on 29 April 2015.
(l) Yes
(m)-(n) I refer the Member to the responses given to questions (a), (f) and (g).
(o) Native sandalwood is not listed as a threatened species in Western Australia, so there is no requirement for a species management plan. In addition to conditions placed on the harvesting of native sandalwood, it is protected in extensive existing and proposed conservation reserves. In accordance with the
Conservation and Land Management Act 1984
area management plans are prepared by the Conservation Commission of Western Australia, through the agency of Parks and Wildlife, which aim to protect biodiversity in these areas.
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