Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I understand from advice received that it is not the case that a stop-work order has been issued. I am advised that DEWHA, the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, has been in active discussions for some time with Forests NSW about their operations as part of an investigation into whether the Environment Protection (Biodiversity and Conservation) Act has been breached. The department requested certain actions by Forests NSW as part of those discussions. I am advised that Minister Garrett has asked his department to intensify its effort to achieve an outcome which is good for both the environment and local jobs. I am also advised that Minister Garrett’s expectation is that these matters ought be resolved before 31 May. However, if necessary the Commonwealth government is prepared to agree an appropriate time line for the resolution of these matters with the New South Wales government as part of these negotiations.

In terms of the timeframe, I understand that the department became aware first of potential contraventions of the act in May 2008. There was a National Parks Association report alleging that river redgum forestry operations in New South Wales Murray and Murrumbidgee state forests have significantly impacted upon Ramsar wetlands and on listed threatened species. I am also advised that these forests contain the last remaining remnants of river redgums in the region and are the last remaining stronghold for a number of state and nationally threatened species, of which the superb parrot is just one. DEWHA has visited the forestry areas in question and has been investigating whether any breach of the act has occurred. I am advised that the department has been raising these issues directly with Forests NSW since July 2008. (Time expired)