asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is satisfied with the land acquisition policy of his Department and in particular with the operation of the ceiling price per acre policy.
Written Answers. - Land Acquisition Policy.
744.
I am satisfied regarding the arrangements in force in relation to the two aspects mentioned by the Deputy.
The land acquisition policy of my Department is related to the ultimate objective of planting 10,000 hectares per annum. It is recognised, however, that this objective cannot be attained until the reserve of plantable land has been built up to support an annual planting programme of that level. In the short-term a lower target of 7,500 hectares has been adopted as the most practical policy subject to the availability of funds. Therefore, my Department are endeavouring to acquire each year an area of land suitable for afforestation to support the latter programme, any short-fall being met as far as possible by reafforestation of clear-felled land.
As regards the prices paid for land purchased for forestry, these are calculated on a cost-revenue basis in which the timber-bearing potential of the land is the primary factor. Accordingly, lands of higher yield potential will command a higher price. Secondary factors such as likely development costs, including roading, drainage and fencing, are also taken into account in determining land-values.
As a general principle, my Department do not purchase land suitable for agricultural purposes, and to this end it obtains arability reports in all marginal cases. The exclusion of arable land is a further factor in controlling the maximum price which may be paid for forestry land.