Conflict between State Government and forestry industry persists as native logging ban comes into effect

The long-debated native logging ban in WA forests came into effect on Monday, with the forestry industry decrying the day as “terribly tragic” and the “end of an era” while the State Government says the move will “safeguard our iconic forests for years to come”. Former Premier Mark McGowan announced in September 2021 that native logging would end at the start of 2024 but the forestry industry has consistently expressed concerns with the process behind the decision and how it has been enacted. Forester and consultant John Clarke said New Year’s Day, when the ban officially came into effect, was a “very significant day in the history of this State”. “For 150 years, the native forest timber industry has helped build WA,” he said. “It’s literally built the State. Our houses, our furniture, our floors, our decks, transmission lines, railways, our native forest hardwood timbers have provided all that. “The industry doesn’t need a lot of wood. Even if they wanted to ban exports, OK, fine, let’s keep our local businesses going.” Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Monday the decision “reflects the changing climate and community attitudes”. “This is a new era for our South West and I am proud to be part of a Government that is prioritising forest health and supporting the local industry to diversify and grow,” she said. WA Furniture Manufacturers Association secretary Frank Parker said a lack of communication had left the entire supply chain at the point of “exasperation”. “We’ve been chopped off at every point, now they’ve ceased communications with us,” he said. “There’s only going to be two or three medium-sized sawmills left to supply the whole industry. If they’re starved of wood, they’ll fall over, and the whole industry will fall over. “I just don’t know what we’re going to do.” A State Government spokesperson said they were “committed to working with the smaller sustainable mills that will play a valuable role into the future”. “It is important to point out that Western Australia’s largest export focused commercial timber mills have now exited the industry and that most of our native timbers were being sent interstate and overseas,” they said. “Under the new Forest Management plan, native timbers will still be available through ecological thinning, which promotes forest heath and resilience from drought and bushfires.” The ban has not been bilaterally supported in Parliament, with shadow forestry minister Steve Martin saying it had been “very poorly managed”. “The native hardwood sector was ambushed by the Labor government decision, made without any warning or consultation, to ban logging,” he said. “Businesses have invested millions in the sector for decades and it’s all gone.” The State Government has invested $80 million into the region since the decision through the Native Forestry Transition fund, with Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie saying the program had focused on creating sustainable jobs for people exiting the forestry industry. “The Cook Labor Government’s historic decision to end native logging means millions of hectares of forest will be protected for future generations. This is an incredible legacy to leave not only our kids, but our kids’ kids,” she said. “The impact of climate change on our natural environments can’t be ignored, which is why we’re acting to conserve the precious biodiversity of our South West forests, ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations.”