The Western Australian Government has announced a $30 million boost to the Just Transition Plan, with the aim of creating a new program to assist regional communities' transition to new industries when native forest logging ends in 2024.
Taking the amount allocated to the Just Transition Plan to a total of $80 million, the Industry and Community Development program will be established in consultation with key community and industry stakeholders, and support industry attraction, small business growth and community projects in the South-West.
In preparation for the end to native forest logging from 2024, the Western Australian Government has been supporting workers, businesses and communities linked to the native forest industry since September 2021,
Workforce Transition Programs were agreed with the Australian Workers' Union, including the Worker Transition Payment of up to $45,000 and support for reskilling and retraining. Workers can pre-register for this support until 3pm Thursday June 30, 2022.
These programs are in addition to the McGowan Government's record $350 million investment in new softwood plantations across the South-West, which will create and support WA forestry jobs.
The decision to end native forest logging from 2024 saves an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests, resulting in the protection of almost two million hectares of native forest for future generations.
Visit the Native Forest Transition page for information on additional programs.
