2016-06-21
Ms DUNN (Eastern Metropolitan) — My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. I refer the minister to her written answer last sitting week about the rate of logging and ongoing timber supply. I thank the minister for her response, and quote from it:
The Victorian Auditor-General has previously confirmed that VicForests is harvesting within its sustainable harvest level.
However, the report into timber harvesting also revealed the area available and suitable for harvesting is much smaller than the area identified in the allocation order. The data for regeneration are not consistent, making it difficult to reconcile regeneration rates, and the increased potential for fires may impact to the point that VicForests may require a taxpayer-subsidised contract. I ask the minister: does she stand by the answer that VicForests is logging in a sustainable way?