Welcome to Issue 5 of the FMP 2024-2033 eNewsletter 

In this issue:

• End-of-term performance review
• Pre-draft feedback
• More information

End-of-term-performance review

The end-of-term review of performance of the Forest Management Plan 2014-2023 (end-of-term performance review) has been published. Reviewing management plans is an essential process to highlight both current achievements and areas of future focus.
 
The end-of-term performance review has shown that the continuing impact of the drying, warming climate of Western Australia’s south-west remains evident, with declines in vegetation cover seen particularly in the northern jarrah forest and significant impacts on water runoff, stream flows and groundwater levels that are most pronounced in the northern parts of the forest management plan area.
 
Information reported in the end-of-term performance review is important in informing the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033 (FMP 2024-2033) and supporting a renewed focus on forest health.
 
With the State Government’s announcement in September 2021 to end large-scale commercial timber harvesting in south-west native forests from 2024, the Conservation and Parks Commission, assisted by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, is now focussed on developing the draft FMP 2024-2033.

Pre-draft feedback

The team has been working to prepare the draft plan, which is scheduled for release and public consultation later in 2022.
 
Following a range of pre-draft engagement activities with stakeholders and the community, some of the reports are now available on our website. You can read an overview of the public survey results, a summary from the key stakeholder focus groups, and reports from the individual focus groups.
 
As we continue to review and analyse the comments and suggestions, we are preparing a response report which will outline how the key themes identified during these activities are being considered for the draft FMP 2024-2033. We’re also preparing a range of fact sheets and case studies which will be added to our website. The Frequently Asked Questions have been updated, and we will continue to add more information to this page as needed.

More information 

A forest management plan (prepared in accordance with the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984) provides the overall policy framework for protecting and managing forests on public lands in our south-west. The draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033 is being prepared by the Conservation and Parks Commission, through the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Visit our website to learn more.
 
If anyone you know might like to receive these eNewsletters, please invite them to complete this online form and we’ll add them to our stakeholder register. Previous issues of the eNewsletter are available on our website.
 
Join us on social media – we’ll share key milestones about the draft plan on WA Parks and Wildlife Service channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
If you have any questions about the forest management plan, please email the team at forest.info@dbca.wa.gov.au