The West Australian Government has pledged $67 million over the next four years to protect its native forests. The pledge comes in the wake of the historic decision in January to end commercial logging in state forests.
Set to be included in the WA State Budget, handed down on May 9, 2024, it is a key part of the Cook Government’s new Forest Management Plan for 2024-2033. Under the plan, the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) will develop a new forest health monitoring programme and support for emerging technologies, including eco-acoustics, fire research, and ecological thinning.
The Forest Management Plan, which came into effect January 1 after the ban on native logging, established a legal framework for managing more than 2.5 million hectares of forests in the States South West – including a commitment to add more than 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests as nature reserves, national and conservation parks.
According to Reece Whitby, WA’s Environmental Minister, “the funding will support the historic decision (to end logging), as well as to create jobs, tackle climate change and help manage water catchments.” Before adding, “This important work, and the Government’s Native Forest Transition plan, will also provide local communities with the potential for forests to be used for recreation, tourism, and other uses.”
Jackie Jarvis, the state’s Forestry Minister, said, “I am proud to be part of a Government that has now ended commercial logging of our unique and iconic jarrah and karri forests. “Under the new Forest Management Plan, some native timbers will still be available through ecological thinking, which promotes forest health and resilience from drought and bushfire.”
Before adding that the Cook government is “committed to working with smaller sustainable mills that will play a valuable role in the future.”
Under the new Forest Management Plan, Wood Central understands that funding will support work with Traditional Owners, protect native wildlife from federal predators, and manage weeds and plant-based diseases.
- For more information about the new Forest Management Plan, visit the DBCA website.
