Proposed Logging of Mundlimup Coupe 03 - Jarrahdale
18 August 2009 - 20 August 2009
Extracts from Hansard [LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL]
Questions With Notice on Mundlimup Coupe 03 – Protection of Habitat to minister representing the Minister for Forestry - Hon Peter Collier on behalf of the Hon Donna Faragher - 19 Aug 09 View here...
Questions With Notice on Mundlimup Coupe 03 – Monitoring of Flora and Fauna to minister representing the Minister for Forestry - Hon Robyn McSweeney - 19 Aug 09 View here...
Questions on Notice - Mundlimup Coupe 03 – Reducing/Eliminating Transmission of Dieback to minister representing the Minister for Forestry - Hon D.T. Redman - 18 Aug 09 View here...
Questions on Notice - Logging of the Mundlimup Coupe 03, Jarrahdale to minister representing the Minister for Forestry - Hon D.T. Redman - 18 Aug 09 View here...
Hon ALISON XAMON to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the proposed logging of Mundlimup coupe 03, a known habitat for the forest red-tailed black cockatoo.
(1) Is the Department for Environment and Conservation identifying and protecting the forest red-tail black cockatoo habitat feed and nesting trees?
(2) What system is in place to ensure these habitat trees are protected?
(3) Will sanctions be taken against contractors who destroy habitat trees?
If yes to (3), what are these sanctions?
Hon PETER COLLIER replied:
I respond on behalf of the Minister for Environment. I thank the member for some notice of this question. I apologise because I do not have a response to that question. If one comes in before the end of question time, I will provide it.
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Hon ALISON XAMON to the minister representing the Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the proposed logging of Mundlimup coupe 03.
(1) What monitoring program does the Forest Products Commission have in place for fauna and flora species that could be impacted on by logging activities?
(2) What will the FPC do if there is an adverse effect on threatened or endangered species in the coupe?
(3) How will the FPC incorporate information about endangered species into planning for logging in this coupe?
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied:
I thank the member for some notice of this question.
(1) Prior to the commencement of harvesting, the FPC examines the fauna distribution information system to determine the likely presence of the species of fauna in the area to be harvested. The information from this report is presented to DEC to seek advice on whether there are any additional fauna management requirements other than those already provided for in existing management guidelines. In relation to flora, the areas to be harvested are checked against DECís rare flora registers to check for the presence of declared rare flora or priority species. In addition, any areas of forest that are planned to be cleared - for example, roads, gravel pits, log landings et ceteraóare subjected to an intensive ground survey by qualified staff to check for the presence of DRF or priority plant species. These surveys are submitted to DEC for endorsement before operations commence. The FPC provides funding to DEC to undertake post-harvest monitoring of the forest to assess the impact of timber harvesting and other disturbance activities on forest ecosystems. This program is referred to as Forest Check. Reports detailing the findings of this monitoring are published on DECís web site.
(2) Current management practices and silvicultural guidelines provide for adequate protection of the flora and fauna in state forests. If the outcome of Forest Check monitoring indicated that the FPCís operations were having a negative impact on flora and fauna, the FPC would work with DEC to determine what changes to management practices would be required.
(3) In respect to fauna, the FPC, with the advice of DEC, identifies and plans for protective management of habitat elements that are potentially used by species classified as endangered or vulnerable. Examples include marking and protection of habitat trees and hollow logs, and excluding disturbance in perennially wet areas of forest. Ground surveys are carried out for flora in the planning phase to identify any rare plants in the sections of forest that may be disturbed for roads or log landings.
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Question On Notice No. 1159 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 August 2009 by Hon Alison Xamon
I refer to the proposed logging in Mundlimup Coupe 03, and ask:
(1) What measures will the Minister take to ensure that the contractors do not transmit dieback within the Coupe and in particular the plots being continually measured?
(2) What system does the FPC have in place to ensure contractors comply to the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) requirement for reducing/eliminating transmission of dieback?
(3) How is the system referred to in (2) enforced?
(4) What penalties are in place for breaches of DEC requirements?
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Question On Notice No. 1158 asked in the Legislative Council on 18 August 2009 by Hon Alison Xamon
I refer to the proposed logging in Mundlimup Coupe 03, adjacent to Jarrahdale, and ask:
(1) How many hectares of forest will be logged in Mundlimup Coupe 03 using, -
(a) the gap creation prescription;
(b) the shelterwood prescription; and
(c) other logging prescriptions (please specify)?
(2) How much of this coupe has been previously logged, and when?
(3) How much of the new logging overlaps with previously logged areas?
(4) Of the extraction planned for Mundlimup Coupe 03, what will the tonnage be, by species of, -
(a) sawlogs (by grade);
(b) lower grade logs; and
(c) firewood?
(5) What will happen to wood, if any, that cannot be sold as logs or for firewood?
(6) Has the Forest Products Commission already received order for the logs to be removed from Mundlimup Coupe 03?
(7) If yes to (6), please specify -
(a) the tonnage, grade and species of logs pre-ordered; and
(b) the transport costs associated with these logs?
(8) Has the Forest Products Commission quantified the carbon values in the logs to be removed and the associated clearing?
(9) If yes to (8), please provide the figures?