2016-10-25
Ms DUNN (Eastern Metropolitan) — My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. The Forest Industry Taskforce has agreed that a business-as-usual approach to logging is unacceptable and short-term plantation supply must be sought. This is reflected in the task force statement of intent. Last week VicForests released the government's Timber Release Plan, which reflects a business-as-usual approach to logging our forests. Why is VicForests ignoring the Premier's Forest Industry Taskforce and its agreed statement of intent? Why were there no exclusions of high conservation value forests as part of the development of the Timber Release Plan?
Ms PULFORD (Minister for Agriculture) — I thank Ms Dunn for her question. I will provide Ms Dunn with a written response to her question but indicate that the task force worked very closely with VicForests on the updated Timber Release Plan.
Ms DUNN (Eastern Metropolitan) — Thank you, Minister. My supplementary question is: what action is the minister going to take to ensure the VicForests Timber Release Plan aligns with the statement of intent and agreed decisions of the Forest Industry Taskforce?
Ms PULFORD (Minister for Agriculture) — I thank Ms Dunn for her supplementary question. I will provide Ms Dunn with a written response.