The State Government has given legal force to its landmark 2021 policy to end large-scale commercial logging in Western Australia’s native forests, a move that provides long-term certainty for agritourism operators whose businesses depend on the environmental integrity and scenic value of these unique landscapes. The passage of the Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill 2025 formally ends a historical chapter of resource management and solidifies the shift towards conservation and recreation in over 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah, and wandoo forests.
For WAAA members in the South West, this legislation underpins the natural assets that are fundamental to their tourism offerings. By legally protecting these forests, the government is safeguarding the “green capital” that attracts visitors seeking nature-based, sustainable, and authentic rural experiences. The decision is expected to bolster the region’s brand as a premier eco-tourism destination.
A New Era for Forest Management
According to the government’s announcement, the new legislation enshrines the Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, which has been in effect since the start of the year. Under this plan, any timber extraction from native forests is now restricted to activities aimed at improving forest health—such as ecological thinning—or clearing for state-approved projects like mining.
This shift has significant implications for the regional landscape. The government has committed to converting more than 400,000 hectares of native forest into national parks, conservation parks, and nature reserves by 2033. This expansion of the conservation estate creates new opportunities for tourism operators while also formalising the protection of the scenic backdrops many members rely on.
“Our visitors don’t just come for the farm stay; they come for the experience of being immersed in the forest,” said an operator near Pemberton. “This decision ensures that the karri forest surrounding our property will be preserved for generations, which is the best guarantee for the future of our business.”
Implications for Agritourism and Land Stewardship
The end of commercial-scale logging is expected to have several indirect but significant benefits for agritourism operators:
- Enhanced Tourism Appeal: The formal protection of vast forest areas strengthens the South West’s marketing position as a pristine, nature-rich destination, potentially attracting a higher volume of eco-conscious travellers.
- Regulatory Certainty: The legislation provides clear, long-term parameters for land use in and around native forests, helping operators and potential investors make decisions with greater confidence.
- Ecosystem Health: Managing forests for conservation and climate resilience is anticipated to improve overall ecosystem health, which benefits adjacent agricultural land and enhances the biodiversity that is often a key part of the visitor experience.
In his statement, Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn noted, “This Bill locks in that progress, ensuring our South West native forests are protected from large-scale harvesting and managed for their long-term health in the face of climate change.” This focus on long-term ecological health aligns directly with the sustainability principles many WAAA members practice and promote.
While the legislation primarily impacts the forestry industry, its ripple effects will be felt across the regional economy. For the agritourism sector, the passing of this bill is a landmark decision that secures the future of the natural landscapes that are intrinsic to its identity and economic success.
