- Plans to log 1800 hectares of pine in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs withdrawn
- Decision will preserve critical habitat for threatened black cockatoos
- Move comes ahead of publication of latest Forest Management Plan
Pine harvesting in Gnangara State Forest will come to an end with the State Government moving to preserve critical black cockatoo habitat.
This plantation has been a source of timber for the construction industry in Western Australia since harvesting of it began in 1996.
However, in recent years it has become home to important roosting habitat for black cockatoos, with further harvesting likely to have a significant impact on the threatened species’ population.
The State Government has today decided, as part of the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, to cease logging in the area.
This means 1800 hectares of pine in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs will be preserved for cockatoo habitat and recreational purposes.
The decision comes ahead of the State Government publishing its latest Forest Management Plan, which will be finalised before the end of the year. That plan will implement the State Government’s historic 2021 decision to end large-scale commercial logging in native forests.
It comes as the State Government has committed a record $350 million investment over 10 years in new softwood plantations throughout WA’s South West.
This investment will create and support WA forestry jobs as well as ensuring required resources are available for the State’s construction and housing industry.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“The Cook Government will always do what’s right by Western Australians.
“We acknowledge logging in the Gnangara State Forest is not a sustainable long-term option to support WA’s timber supply.
“Our Government has ensured these pines remain as habitat for threatened black cockatoos while also preserving significant forestland within metropolitan Perth.
“The decision will also support the ongoing recreational use of Gnangara, with the area being the only formally designated off-road vehicle site in the South West.”
