Hotspot for the chop - WA State Government approves logging in biodiversity hotspot

The Great Western Woodlands area in South-Western WA

An awe-inspiring sunset over the Great Western Woodlands. Barbara Madden

The prolific gums that make this region of Australia so ecologically unique. Barbara Madden

Hotspot for the chop – WA State Government approves logging in biodiversity hotspot

Internationally significant
In July 2007, two of the world’s leading ecologists are coming to Western Australia to promote WA’s Great Western Woodlands – the largest temperate woodland left on Earth. Emeritus Professor Michael Soule and Emeritus Professor Peter Raven are father figures of ‘conservation biology’, having literally written the text books used in universities across the globe.

They are in Western Australia for one reason – to promote the enormous biodiversity that exists in the woodlands, and to ensure this biodiversity is conserved in perpetuity.

Ground-breaking report
The incredible biodiversity found in the woodlands will be summarised in a report currently being written by The Wilderness Society team, documenting the area’s natural wonders. Both Professor Soule and Emeritus Professor Raven will be involved in the launch of this ground-breaking report during their visit. These renowned ecologists will also speak at several scientific conferences throughout the year promoting the biodiversity of the region.

Logging imminent
Unfortunately, while these scientists and many others around the globe are speaking clearly about the need to conserve the woodlands, the WA State Government appears deaf to the message.

Former Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Tony McRae, announced earlier this year that Eucalypts across 8,000 hectares could be logged in a ‘trial’ to provide fenceposts to the Margaret River wine industry. No doubt if this ‘trial’ is seen as a success, a much larger area would be threatened by logging.

You can help
With your help, we can convince the WA government that this logging trial should not proceed.

Please send a message to WA’s Environment Minister asking him to protect this magnificent area, and then contact The Wilderness Society to find out what else you can do for the Great Western Woodlands.

Contact details for WA Minister for the Environment
Minister for the Environment
Hon. David Templeman MLA
29th Floor, Allendale Square
77 St George's Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Ph: 08 9220 5050
Fax: 08 9224 4665
Email david-templeman@dpc.wa.gov.au

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