AusLeisure

The Western Australian Government has created new nature reserves in the state’s South-West region to protect a wealth of native animals including threatened species such as numbats, woylies, western ringtail possum, chuditch (Western Quolls) and black cockatoos.

Furthering the state government’s commitment to protecting the rich biodiversity of WA, the reserves will add 3,600 hectares to Western Australia’s conservation estate, located in the shires of Cranbrook and Manjimup.

The new reserves will play an important role in the conservation of native species in the area, linking the Tone-Perup and Unicup nature reserves.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby notes “our one-of-a-kind forests are a hotspot for native species including the iconic numbat, western ringtail possum and woylie. Adding these new areas to the conservation estate will see these habitats given the highest level of protection.

“These new nature reserves provide an important ecological link to other reserves in the area supporting our native species.

“Through the upcoming release of the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, the community will get the chance to have their say in caring for the health of our forests.”

The announcement yesterday of the new nature reserves in the South-West region coincided with the anniversary of the Western Australian Government’s historic announcement that it will be banning native forest logging in the South-West from 2024.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is finalising the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, which will ensure our forests are cared for and maintained.

WA Forestry Minister Dave Kelly advised “the decision to end logging of Western Australia’s native forests reflects the changing attitudes of the community towards our native forests – cutting down 300-year-old trees is no longer acceptable.

“Twelve months ago, the McGowan Government made a commitment to support the transition of workers, businesses and communities linked to the native forest industry.

“We are now implementing the $80 million Native Forestry Transition plan that will support workers, businesses and local communities, as they transition out of native logging by 2024.”

Image: Western Quolls (chuditch) are the size of a domestic cat and are Western Australia’s largest endemic carnivore. Predation by feral cats and foxes is a serious threat to the persistence of Western Quolls. Credit: Australian Wildlife Organisation

Related Articles

6th September 2022 - Western Australian coastal erosion projects to share in almost $4 million State Government funding

28th August 2022 - Western Australian Government amends CALM Act to support Traditional Owners in management of marine reserves

31st May 2022 - Western Australian National Parks to be made more accessible for people with disability

29th April 2022 - Warlibirri National Park created through Western Australian Government Parks initiative

23rd April 2022 - Western Australian Budget includes funding to expand Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program

1st April 2022 - Eighth national park created by Western Australian Government

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.