- State and Federal co-investment to build capacity of Aboriginal people to participate in sandalwood industry
- WA's wild sandalwood is recognised internationally for its premium quality
- Cook Government investing in innovative approaches with traditional custodians to ensure a sustainable industry
The Cook Government is supporting increased Aboriginal leadership in Western Australia's wild harvest sandalwood industry through a new three-year program to build capacity and diversify land management practice.
The State Government has contributed $280,000 to the Aboriginal Sandalwood Industry Capability Program, alongside $320,000 funding from the Federal Government's Future Drought Fund for Farm Business Resilience.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is partnering with Aboriginal-led not-for-profit organisation the K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation to empower current and future sandalwood custodians.
This partnership will deliver tailored tools, materials and capability training to increase supply chain involvement across the sandalwood resource area, which stretches across the Goldfields, Murchison and Central Desert communities of the southern Pilbara.
It will also explore alternative Aboriginal-led business models, sustainable resource management and economic opportunities on Country.
The initiative supports the WA Aboriginal Sandalwood Advisory Group's mandate to create enduring benefits from this important industry, which has a long history of contributing to the development of these regions.
WA's sandalwood oil is used worldwide in perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, while the wood is also exported for processing into a powdered wood blend for incense sticks.
Comments can be attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The Aboriginal Sandalwood Industry Capability Program is key to economic self-sufficiency in the Goldfields and Rangelands for Aboriginal communities.
"I was delighted totourtheDutjahnSandalwood Oils distillery and see first-hand the potential of this unique initiative.
"This industry represents a big opportunity for Aboriginal people to build a strong economic future and sustainably manage their resources on Country."
Comments can be attributed to Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"This program is a wonderful example of cross-government collaboration with Aboriginal-led organisations to deliver ecologically sustainable economic opportunities.
"I look forward to seeing the benefits flow from this innovative approach to the sustainable management of WA's wild sandalwood resources."
