A Wood Encouragement Policy (WEP) for Western Australia has been developed and is a key action item of the plan Forestry Minister Dave Kelly launched on 2 July 2019, which sets out the strategic direction for the future of the WA forestry industry to support healthy forests and support WA jobs.
The Djarlma Plan for the Western Australian Forestry Industry was developed under the guidance of an independent panel, and with extensive industry and community consultation. The plan was inspired by the Noongar concept of Djarlma that reflects the interconnected relationship of people, forests and woodlands, and aims to build new job opportunities in the WA forestry industry.
The plan identifies opportunities to secure investment and foster innovation in the forestry sector. These opportunities include optimising the use of harvested wood fibre to produce a range of environmentally sustainable products such as engineered timbers and bioplastics.
A key action item from the plan, a WEP for WA, aims to support the forestry industry by encouraging the use of responsibly sourced wood in the construction and fit-out of buildings in WA.
"I am pleased to announce the launch of the Djarlma Plan which delivers an ecologically sustainable approach to transform the forestry industry and seize new opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” said WA Forestry Minister Dave Kelly.
"The Wood Encouragement Policy highlights the benefits of building with wood, which is natural, renewable and stores carbon making it one of the best tools we have for fighting climate change.
"An increase in the use of locally grown wood will support Western Australia's vibrant timber industry which employs more than 6,000 people and generates $1.4 billion for the economy," he said.