The Australian Capital Territory government is to receive A$52m in insurance compensation for the loss of forests in last year’s bushfires.
The government said the cash, together with an additional A$475,000 for an earlier claim, will fully compensate the government for loss of standing timber, A$1m for claims preparation and net salvage costs, plus a further A$16m irrespective of whether clean-up or replanting occurs.
Chief minister Jon Stanhope said around 75% of the pine plantation will be replanted in the coming years, 25% of it with species other than pine, and an emphasis on fire and environmental protection.
The National Association of Forest Industries has called for “every cent” of the pay-out to go back into forests. Its executive director Kate Carnell wants to see urgent clean-up and replanting to minimise erosion and weed infestation and to protect dam water quality.
