The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is asking the public to comment on the conservation and use of sandalwood over the next five years.
The Department has produced a draft Sandalwood Biodiversity Management Program that seeks to stabilise wild sandalwood and outlines how it can be sustained into the future.
In a statement, the Department said sandalwood (santalum spicatum) was a slow-growing tree found across 146 million hectares of the Wheatbelt, Goldfields, Murchison, Gascoyne and southern Pilbara.
“Extensive agricultural clearing has seen wild sandalwood dwindle over the past 200 years, particularly in the Wheatbelt,” the Department said.
“It’s also been impacted by illegal harvesting, pests, grazing and bushfires,” it said.
“The draft program sets out how wild sandalwood will be conserved, protected and managed, consistent with the requirements of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
“It will not apply to plantation sandalwood.”
Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby said sandalwood was a unique resource which should be protected and sustained for generations to come.
“Having your say will help us understand any industry or community concerns to help shape the management of this important native species,” Mr Whitby said.
The public comment period is open until 9 December with comments invited on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ website at this PS New link.
