REVEGETATION

In reply to Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (26 June 2009).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management): I am advised that there has been no policy change by the Native Vegetation Council to increase the area required for compensation.

The ratio for the 2008-09 scattered tree clearance was expected to be 10:1 based on figures from previous years. Significant environmental benefit offset requirements are determined using formulas that take into account the context of the trees within the environment, and their habitat significance. However, some landholders chose to set aside larger areas than required with a view to establishing an offset credit against future clearance. This resulted in the higher predicted ratio of 11:1. In fact, the final offset ratio for the year has been determined as 8.6:1 and this reflects further processing of applications after the estimated result was determined.