The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has announced the creation of new nature reserves in the South-West.
Located in the Shires of Cranbrook and Manjimup, the reserves add 3,600 hectares to Western Australia’s conservation estate, protecting native forests.
In a statement, the Department said the area hosted a wealth of native animals including threatened species like numbats, woylies, western ringtail possum, chuditch and black cockatoos.
“The new reserves will play an important role in the conservation of native species in the area, linking the Tone-Perup and Unicup Nature Reserves,” the statement said.
“The Department is now finalising the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, which will ensure our forests are cared for and maintained. It will be released for public comment later this year.”
Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby said WA’s forests were a hotspot for native species.
“Adding these new areas to the conservation estate will see these habitats given the highest level of protection,” Mr Whitby said.
“Through the upcoming release of the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, the community will get the chance to have its say in caring for the health of our forests.”
Minister for Forestry, Dave Kelly said the decision to end logging of Western Australia’s native forests reflected the changing attitudes of the community — cutting down 300-year-old trees was no longer acceptable.
“We are now implementing the Native Forestry Transition plan that will support workers, businesses and local communities as they transition out of native logging by 2024,” Mr Kelly said.
