- McGowan Government launches community survey on native forests subject to Forest Management Plan
- The public and industry are invited to have their say on the future of Western Australia's South-West native forests
- Survey part of the McGowan Government's commitment to consultation on the future management of this highly valued natural resource
Western Australians have the opportunity to provide their views on the value and use of the State's South-West native forests by participating in a survey launched today by Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
The McGowan Government wants to hear from the public and industry, via this preliminary consultation survey, ahead of the formal process for the development of the next Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2024-33.
A new management plan for the State's South-West native forests is required every 10 years under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. The current FMP, which was implemented by the previous Liberal National Government, is due to expire in 2023.
Before the process of drafting the new FMP begins, all interested Western Australians are invited to have their say about WA's native forests by participating in a survey developed by the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute.
The survey is now open and will close at 5pm on Sunday, August 1, 2021. The public can access the survey and provide feedback at https://wabsi.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/wa-forests
This preliminary consultation does not replace the formal consultation process that will take place during the drafting of the new FMP.
The survey is part of the McGowan Government's commitment to ongoing consultation with all interested parties throughout the FMP drafting process.
Comments attributed to Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"WA's native forests are an important natural asset, highly valued by all Western Australians and play a vital ecological and economic role for the State.
"The Forest Management Plan is crucial to the protection and management of our South-West forests into the future.
"With the ever increasing impacts of climate change on our native forests, and given the high level of community interest in their use, now is the time to start seeking the public's input into the future plan.
"That's why I want as many Western Australians as possible to share their views on our State's native forests before the formal FMP drafting process begins."
Minister's office - 6552 5900
