Minister Senator Ian Macdonald announced the setting aside of $12.5m in aid “to help rebuild the once vibrant forestry industry in Western Australia following the decisions of the State Government that have decimated the industry”.

Support under this grant will range between $100,000 and $1m, while a second grant of $2.5m being handed to smaller businesses with awards ranging from $5000 to $100,000.

The programme will support initiatives that add value to forest resources harvested and processed in Western Australia, as well as create new employment opportunities, or secure existing jobs; upgrade tree harvesting methods; and promote sustainable forest management.

Macdonald indicated the grant from the federal government was in reaction to policies of Western Australia’s Green Party state government.

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