End Logging in Native Forests
Paul says it is time to get out of the native forest timber industry. The WA Greens introduced a Motion into the Western Australian Parliament on 11 November 2008 calling on the government to:
- fully transition to plantation and farm forestry;
- immediately develop a native forest industry exit strategy; and
- set up an independent, scientific program to restore the ecological integrity of native forests.
The motion was debated in from 2 April to 14 May 2009, and the debate can be found by searching for native forests in Hansard, here (external link).
Paul’s other key actions towards protecting native forests and creating an alternative industry included:
- promoting and supporting farm forestry
- asking over 50 forestry related questions in Parliament
- challenging the Forest Products Commission at Budget Estimates Hearings
- writing to the Minister (see letter - pdf 114 KB)
- supporting community forest campaigners
Forests are important for clean air, clean water, biodiversity, carbon storage and natural heritage. Restoring and planting forests is vital to the health of the South West Region.
With comprehensive protection and good management, our native forests can form the centre piece of a World Heritage listing to protect the biodiversity values of ecosystems of the South West.