Commercial logging in native forests in Western Australia will halt next year. Photo: Alex Rea.
Western Australia will soon become one of the first states in Australia to end commercial logging of native forests.
From next year, timber will only be taken from WA’s native forests to maintain forest health and for approved mine site operations.
The Cook Government’s historic decision to end the unsustainable practice in the Forest Management Plan 2024-33 protects nearly two million hectares of native karri, jarrah and wandoo forests for future generations.
“Our government is delivering on its commitment to end commercial logging in WA’s native forests from 2024, becoming one of the first Australian states to do so,” Environment Minister Reece Whitby said.
“This decision reflects the changing attitudes of the community towards our native forests, building on the legacy of the Gallop Labor Government ending old growth logging.”
WA’s iconic karri forests were predominately being chipped and exported overseas while jarrah sawlog products were mostly sent interstate.
The Cook Government is investing a record $350 million dollars in WA’s softwood pine plantations. It says this investment will create an additional 140 timber industry jobs in the south west, protect existing jobs in the industry, and support thousands of jobs in the state’s construction sector that depend upon a reliable supply of softwood timber.
Following the move to end commercial native forest logging, the Cook Government committed to an $80 million Native Forest Transition Plan that included significant industry restructure payments, which have now been made to all eligible sawmills.
Millions of dollars have been made available through various grants, for community development projects that stimulate the local economy, create sustainable jobs and attract new industries.
Most importantly, these grants will assist workers and families impacted by the end of commercial native forest logging.
Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis said the move by the Cook Government would safeguard the state’s iconic forests and support industry.
“The record $350 million investment in WA’s plantation estate will ensure we can continue to build houses in WA, supporting both the local construction industry and the south west forestry industry,” she said.
“As a leading manufacturer of building products in WA, Laminex and businesses like eKitchens in Forrestdale have an important role to play in shaping the future of the building sector by utilising sustainable wood products.”
The funding also aims to transform former timber towns into thriving places to live and visit.
