Nannas for Native Forests want more public input on WA’s Forest Management Plan before August 1 deadline

Margaret River’s oldest forest activists have urged residents to make submissions to the recently-announced review of WA’s logging plan. Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson announced the mandated review of the 2024-33 Forest Management Plan last week. Margaret River-based group Nannas For Native Forests said the feedback period was a critical time to affect how the State Government’s Forest Products Commission undertakes future logging. “West Australians have been given the chance to help decide the fate of our South West native forests by way of an online survey,” a spokeswoman said. “The FMP is up for review and the fate of our forests will be sealed by how this plan, that will be in place for the next 10 years, is framed.” The group which is allied to the WA Forest Alliance said South West forests covered 800,000 hectares and “play a critical role in attracting rainfall, retaining moisture and controlling climate as well as providing habitat for many threatened and endangered species, and a source of recreation and solace from everyday life for many of us”. “This is a one-off opportunity for our Government to hear exactly how many of us out there wish to see an end to the logging of our forests and the Nannas urge everyone to give 20 minutes of their time to fill out the survey and speak for the trees, the forests, all the forest creatures, our children and future generations.” The Minister acknowledged many of the nannas’ concerns. “The Forest Management Plan is crucial to the protection and management of our South West forests into the future,” Ms Sanderson said. “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.” The survey closes on August 1 via wabsi.mysocialpinpoint.com.au/wa-forests.