New Forest Management Plan for WAFriday 13 Dec 2013 A new Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2014-23 covering 2.5 million hectares of south-west forests has been released for Western Australia following a two-year consultation and review process. The new plan comes into effect on 1 January 1 2014.The FMP is based on long term scientific research, and sets out harvesting limits that are well within sustainable levels. Under the new FMP over 62% of the State’s native forests is set aside in reserves, and all areas classified as old-growth forest are reserved and protected. It will see improved monitoring and reporting of forest health and biodiversity and will ensure forests are fully regenerated after harvest. However, under the new FMP there will be challenges for the native timber industry. One of these will be to ensure that the existing industry has ongoing access to suitable timber for processing and value adding into furniture, joinery and flooring. There will also be higher costs of accessing the forest as a result of the increased protection of conservation values. In addition, areas available for harvesting contain a larger proportion of low yielding forests than under the previous FMP. On the other hand, there are opportunities for the timber industry to develop with new technology in engineered wood products, biofuels and bioenergy. These initiatives require large investments and will have important regional socio-economic benefit if successful. Key features of the Forest Management Plan 2014-23 include: - continued protection of all old-growth forest, totalling more than 334,000ha - enhanced protection for large marri trees, which provide nesting and food for black cockatoos - an increase in protected areas by adding 4,000ha to Whicher National Park near Busselton - increased retention of habitat logs for native animals - improved monitoring and reporting on the health and diversity of the forest - a new objective to protect and conserve the value of the land to Noongar culture and heritage. Following an extensive process of development, consultation and review, including assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority and appeals under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the plan will include timelines for completion of some management activities. In addition, the Environment Minister must approve any industry request to access maximum sustainable timber harvesting limits, known as the ‘upper limit allowable cut’. Details on the new Forest Management Plan available at www.dpaw.wa.gov.au |
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