Forestry Minister Dave Kelly and Environment Minister Stephen Dawson have today announced that following the close of public submissions on the Sandalwood Taskforce Report, that the McGowan Government will implement all the recommendations contained in the Report.
The McGowan Government will immediately put measures in place to implement Recommendation 6, which called for a change to increase the portion of the total quota of wild sandalwood that is available on both Crown land and private land for Aboriginal groups seeking a harvesting licence.
There will be no increase to the total amount of wild sandalwood harvested.
The McGowan Government will also establish an Aboriginal Sandalwood Industry Body to assist the Government in implementing the other recommendations from the Report.
As stated by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal economic development and greater involvement in the Western Australian sandalwood industry.
"This change will create greater flexibility and assist Aboriginal groups looking to participate in the sandalwood industry.
"The McGowan Government will implement all of the recommendations from the Taskforce Report to support further Aboriginal participation in the sandalwood industry."
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Western Australian sandalwood resource is unique as the world's largest and the only remaining wild resource managed for the long-term conservation of the species and sustainability of the industry.
"The McGowan Government is acting to provide greater opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in the industry without impacting the long-term sustainability of this outstanding natural resource."
