Western Australia Enacts Landmark Legislation to Protect Native Forests

Introduction

Western Australia has taken a significant legislative step to safeguard its native forests by passing the Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill 2025. This move aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Legislative Measures and Environmental Impact

1. End of Large-Scale Timber Farming: The new law officially ends large-scale commercial timber harvesting of native forests, focusing instead on sustainable forest management.
2. Forest Conservation: Over 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah, and wandoo forests will be designated as national parks by 2033, contributing to SDG 15 by preserving terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Restricted Timber Harvesting: Since January 2024, timber extraction from native forests has been limited to activities that improve forest health and clearing for approved mining operations.

Climate Change and Socioeconomic Considerations

• Addressing Climate-Related Disasters: The legislation is a critical response to climate change-induced disasters such as bushfires and tropical cyclones, which have increased economic burdens including rising insurance costs and supply chain disruptions, linking to SDG 13.
• Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience: Protecting native forests supports biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, as native species are better adapted to withstand wildfires and arid conditions, thereby promoting SDG 15.
• Use of Prescribed Burning: Controlled burning is utilized as a tool to manage wildfire risks, reflecting sustainable land management practices consistent with SDG 15.

Government and Community Commitment

Hon. Matthew Swinbourn, Minister for the Environment, Community Services, and Homelessness, emphasized the significance of this legislation:

“This Bill locks in 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. These are exceptional places, and they deserve to be protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 13 – Climate Action: The bill supports climate resilience by reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Conservation of native forests preserves biodiversity and natural habitats.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Limiting commercial timber harvesting encourages sustainable use of natural resources.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: By mitigating climate-related risks, the legislation contributes to safer and more sustainable communities.

Conclusion

The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill 2025 represents a landmark achievement for Western Australia in its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. This legislative milestone not only protects native forests but also advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring ecological integrity and community well-being for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses legislative action to protect native forests to combat climate change impacts such as bushfires and tropical cyclones.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Protection of native forests and biodiversity conservation through ending large-scale timber harvesting and reserving forests as national parks.
   • Management of invasive species and wildfire resilience of native ecosystems.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Limiting timber harvesting to sustainable forest management activities and approved mining, reducing unsustainable exploitation of forest resources.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.2: Promote sustainable forest management and halt deforestation.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Number of climate-related disasters (e.g., bushfires, tropical cyclones) and their economic impact (implied by references to rising insurance costs and climate-related disruptions).
   • Integration of climate change measures into legislation (implied by passing of Conservation and Land Management Amendment Bill 2025).
2. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Area of forest land protected or designated as national parks (e.g., 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah, and wandoo forests reserved by 2033).
   • Extent of deforestation or large-scale timber harvesting (implied reduction due to legislative ban).
   • Status of invasive species and their impact on ecosystems (implied by discussion on invasive species and wildfire risk).
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Proportion of timber harvested from sustainable forest management activities versus large-scale commercial harvesting.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thecooldown.com