Western Australians can now have their say on the conservation and use of sandalwood over the next five years.
The draft Sandalwood Biodiversity Management Programme aims to stabilise wild sandalwood and outlines how it can be sustained into the future.
Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is a slow-growing tree found across 146 million hectares of the Wheatbelt, Goldfields, Murchison, Gascoyne and southern Pilbara. Extensive agricultural clearing has seen wild sandalwood dwindle over the past 200 years, particularly in the Wheatbelt. It's also been impacted by illegal harvesting, pests, grazing and bushfires.
The draft programme prepared by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions sets out how wild sandalwood will be conserved, protected and managed, consistent with the requirements of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It will not apply to plantation sandalwood.
The public comment period is open until 9 December. To have your say, visit http://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/sandalwood
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Sandalwood is a unique resource and we're committed to protecting and sustaining this remarkable species for generations to come.
"This will apply to the management of wild sandalwood on both Crown and private land, but won't apply to plantation sandalwood.
"Having your say will help us understand any industry or community concerns to help shape the management of this important native species."
