Revised compensation package for WA forestry businesses ahead of native logging end

The WA government has tried to ease the pain on forestry businesses affected by a logging ban by announcing a revised multi-million-dollar compensation package. Key points: Business support payments now virtually double the previously announced options Forestry industry body says it accepts the offer but feels businesses are entitled to more Shire president says the government has been acting "undesirable" in dealing with the transition ln September the government announced it would end native forest logging from 2024, a move that divided opinion and saw hundreds of people protest in the state's forestry region. In pressing ahead with the plan, Forestry Minister Dave Kelly today announced a revised business support package worth about $26.9 million — more than half of the $50 million that had been allocated to transition the industry away from native timber logging. Forestry Industry Federation WA chief executive Adele Farina said while the revised offer did not extend as far as the federation and its members would have liked, it delivered much-needed and improved financial support. Community funding last hope for timber towns Mr Kelly did not reveal when businesses would receive the funding but said the government would do everything it could to make it as "speedy" as possible.