State Government moves to end logging of South West native forests from 2024

The State Government has made the decision to end logging in South West native forests from 2024.

The move, outlined in the Forest Management Plan 2024-33, will preserve at least an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests.

This means nearly two million hectares of native forests will be protected for future generations. 

About 9,000 hectares of high conservation-value karri will also receive immediate protection, with other high value forest areas to be recommended for national park status. 

From 2024, timber taken from our native forests will be limited to forest management activities that improve forest health and clearing for approved mining operations, such as Alcoa.

Premier Mark McGowan said his government will invest $350 million to expand WA's softwood timber plantations.

"By transitioning more of the forestry industry to sustainable timber products like softwood, we are investing in WA's future - supporting the construction and forestry industries, and our regional communities," Mr McGowan said.

Up to 50 million pine trees will be planted, sequestering between 7.9 and 9.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The softwood timber plantations will create about 140 jobs and protect about 1980 existing jobs, mostly in the South West timber industry.

Workers, businesses and communities in the forestry industry affected by the decision will be supported through the State Government's $50 million Just Transition Plan.