Tour cultivates insight into agriculture and forestry

More than a dozen politicians from State Parliament have a better understanding of Western Australia's sustainable agriculture and forestry practices after taking part in a field trip initiated by Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman.

More than a dozen politicians from State Parliament have a better understanding of Western Australia's sustainable agriculture and forestry practices after taking part in a field trip initiated by Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman.

Mr Redman said he was keen to promote to Members of Parliament the unique and positive contributions that agriculture, food and forestry industries played in Western Australia's economic and social life.

"From a forestry perspective, the tour incorporated visits to Wesbeam's LVL plant at Neerabup and native forest operations at Jarrahdale, to demonstrate the sustainability of timber operations and just how important forestry is to regional communities," he said.

"The State Government is proud of its forestry operations and the fact that more than 50 per cent of WA's 2.48 million hectares of native forest are protected in national parks, nature reserves and conservation areas. Every hectare of native forest harvested is regenerated with more native forest."

The agricultural sites visited included the Cooperative Bulk Handling grain terminal at Kwinana and Wellard Rural Exports' sheep feedlot facility in Baldivis.

"These state of the art facilities are a major investment in the grains and live sheep export industries in Western Australia. They reflect the sophisticated technology used by the agricultural sector which offers efficient, safe and competitive services to WA farmers," the Minister said.

Members were also briefed on the work behind the European House Borer Program, which helps protect WA homes by detecting and eradicating the destructive pest.

Mr Redman said the State Government was committed to the continued improvement of the productivity and profitability of WA's agriculture and food industries.

He said agricultural production in Western Australia generated more than $6billion annually, and ensuring the State remained competitive in both domestic and international markets was vital to the future of the economy.

Mr Redman praised the Members of Parliament who made time to accompany the tour and said he was pleased with their positive responses to the State's agriculture and forestry industries.

Minister's office  - 9213 6700


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