NATIVE FOREST RESERVES

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Forests a question regarding the native forest reserves.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: The area of forest owned by ForestrySA includes more than 25,000 hectares of native forest reserve. A great majority of this area is located in the South-East and actually exceeds the amount of native vegetation held within national parks in that region. My question is: what management and fire control strategy will be implemented for this huge area of native forest once the sale of the forward rotations of the adjacent plantations is finalised?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:23): I think the honourable member is asking about the non South-East forests.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: No, I am asking about the native forest reserves that are adjacent to the plantations that are going to be sold.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: But owned by ForestrySA?

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: Yes, absolutely.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Well, I will take that question on notice and will be happy to bring back a response.