$30 Million Boost For Native Forestry Transition Announced

The South West is looking a lot greener.

$30 Million Boost For Native Forestry Transition Announced

The South West is looking a lot greener.
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The WA government will provide $30 million in the 2022-23 State Budget to the Just Transition Plan in order to assist regional communities’ transitions when native forest logging ends in 2024. 

The decision to end native forest logging saves an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests, resulting in the protection of almost two million hectares of native forest for future generations. 

A new program will be launched under the funding boost, called the Industry and Community Development program.

It aims to liaise with key community and industry stakeholders, support industry attraction, small business growth and community projects in the South West. 

An agreement was recently reached with the Forest Industries Federation Western Australia on the $26.9 million Business Support Program, which will support sawmills, harvest and haulage businesses. 

The programs are in addition to the McGowan Government’s $350 million investment in new softwood plantations across the South-West, which will create WA forestry jobs. 

“The additional $30 million of funding will be used to support the transition of regional communities and the further growth of regional economies,” says Forestry Minister Dave Kelly.

“The McGowan Government’s historic decision to protect our magnificent native forests provides significant opportunities for South-West communities.”

For further information on Native Forest Transition programs, visit wa.gov.au. 

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