Under the WA Government’s new bill, by 2033, more than 400,000 hectares of karrie, jarrah and wandoo forests will be reserved as national parks, conservation parks or nature reserves. Photo: Government of Western Australia.
The Cook Labor Government in Western Australia has delivered on a commitment to protect the state’s forests, passing the Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill 2025.
Labor’s policy to end large-scale commercial timber harvesting in native forests was first announced in September 2021. This bill enables the government to enact that policy.
Under the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, timber taken from native forests has been limited to management activities that improve the health of those ecosystems, though clearing can be performed for approved mining.
“This is a landmark moment for WA Labor and a major step forward for the protection of our native forests,” Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said.
“We are proud to build on the legacy of the McGowan Labor government’s 2021 decision to end commercial-scale timber harvesting, and the Gallop Labor government’s decision to end old-growth logging in 2001.”
By 2033, more than 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests will be reserved as national parks, conservation parks or nature reserves.
In addition, the bill includes minor administrative elements such as allowing the Conservation and Parks Commission to meet remotely rather than exclusively in person.
“This bill locks in that progress, ensuring our South West native forests are protected from large-scale harvesting and managed for their long-term health in the face of climate change,” Mr Swinbourn said.
“These are exceptional places, and they deserve to be protected for future generations to enjoy.”
