Establishment of a forest heritage foundation

Environment Minister Bob Pearce today announced the establishment of a Forest Heritage and Fine Wood Foundation, to be based at Dwellingup.

Mr Pearce said the foundation would promote a better understanding of the forest ecosystem and the use of native timbers for fine wood products.

He welcomed the co-operation between the State Government and the fine wood industry, which have combined forces to create the independent, non-profit foundation.

"It will create Australia's first Heritage and Fine Wood Centre, which will be housed in the Department of Conservation and Land Management's former cadet school at Dwellingup," Mr Pearce said.

"From here, the foundation will provide environmental education, industry training, and encourage both schools and tertiary institutions to undertake field studies based at the centre.

"It will also bring another tourist attraction to Dwellingup.

"Visitors will be able to see examples of sustainably managed wood production as timber passes from the forest, to milling and seasoning in kilns, to its use in design and construction, and crafting of fine wood products.

"It is gratifying to be able to announce this new lease of life for CALM's former cadet school, which has such a long history of training.

"Since 1952, nearly 400 people have gone through the cadet school, which recently closed following the development of suitable tertiary courses and on-the-job training."

Mr Pearce said an interim board would be formed with representatives from CALM, the Fine Wood Industry Project, Alcoa (Australia), the South West Development Authority, the Forest Industries Federation and the local community.

"The fine wood industry has grown out of forest practices that have seen more wood used from the forest floor, a value-adding process.

"The industry now has a yearly turnover of $5 million and the number of full-time jobs has doubled to more than 150 in the past couple of years.

"It has sought a training focus for some years and the establishment of this centre at Dwellingup will provide a much needed boost to industry training.

"The inclusion of the Fine Wood Centre in the development represents the culmination of two years' planning by the Fine Wood Industry Project and its sponsor, the Department of State Development.

"The centre will provide space for designers in residence, industry training programs and a variety of short courses to introduce newcomers to the industry."

Mr Pearce said the Government would make available $200,000 to build and equip a fine wood industry workshop.

Corporate sponsorship would also be sought.