Western Australia’s Just Transition Plan set up to support workers and businesses impacted by the State Government’s sudden decision to end the native forestry sector by 2024 has been boosted by a further $30 million. Source: Timberbiz
This takes the total allocated to the Just Transition Plan to $80 million.
The $30 million Industry and Community Development program will be established in consultation with key community and industry stakeholders, and support industry attraction, small business growth and community projects in the South-West.
The State Government has been supporting workers, businesses and communities linked to the native forest industry since September 2021, in preparation for the end to native forest logging from 2024.
Workforce Transition Programs were agreed with the Australian Workers’ Union, including the Worker Transition Payment of up to $45,000 and support for reskilling and retraining.
Agreement was recently reached with the Forest Industries Federation Western Australia on the Business Support Program. This $26.9 million program was announced last week and provides support for sawmills and harvest and haulage businesses.
These programs are in addition to the McGowan Government’s record $350 million investment in new softwood plantations across the South-West, which will create and support WA forestry jobs.
The decision to end native forest logging from 2024 saves an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests, resulting in the protection of almost two million hectares of native forest for future generations.
For further information on Native Forest Transition programs, visit www.wa.gov.au
