The lush Jarrah forests of Western Australia, once a treasure trove of high-quality timber, have been devastated. These ancient forests, teeming with unique wildlife and playing a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem, were a source of pride and sustenance for the local Noongar people for thousands of years. But in the 19th and 20th centuries, the arrival of European settlers brought a relentless demand for timber that would lead to the forests’ decline.
This precious resource, prized for its Mahogany-like properties and ideal for crafting fine furniture, was squandered on mundane uses such as making railway sleepers, roofing timber, and even replacing cobblestones. The once vibrant forests, with their towering trees and rich undergrowth, now lie scarred and silent, a haunting testament to human greed and short-sightedness. This wasteful destruction of an environmental wonder is a profound shame and a disaster for biodiversity.
We must ask ourselves: will we learn from this tragic loss and work towards preserving our planet’s remaining natural treasures, or will we continue to exploit and destroy until there is nothing left?
TUART TREES GONE
The Tuart Forests of Western Australia, which are home to the unique Tuart tree (Eucalyptus gomphocephala), have experienced significant decline and are now considered critically endangered. Historically, the Tuart forest covered a vast coastal strip from Busselton to north of Perth, but today only 3% remains.
Much of the remaining forest is in critical need of restoration. The decline of the Tuart Forests can be attributed to a combination of factors, including logging, which began in the early 20th century when state forests were purchased in 1919, and a mill was established in 1920. Logging continued on and off until 1974 when attitudes began to change.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. The Tuart Forests are now under threat from disease, with large areas of the Northern Jarrah forest from the Perth Hills to Collie having suddenly collapsed and died.
Efforts are now underway to restore and protect the remaining Tuart Forests, recognizing the importance of these unique ecosystems. The Tuart Forest National Park, located near Ludlow, is one such effort to preserve this precious resource.
It’s a reminder of the delicate balance we must strike to maintain the health of our planet and the diverse species that call it home. The story of the Tuart Forests serves as a stark warning of the consequences of unchecked exploitation and the importance of conservation efforts.
KARRI TREES GONE
The karri trees of Western Australia, which are native to the southwestern regions of the state, have faced significant threats over the years. Intense heat and a lack of rainfall in recent years have led to widespread die-offs of karri trees and other vegetation in the region. This environmental crisis has been dubbed “the big dry.”
Historically, logging was a major threat to the karri forests. Old growth karri forest was being clear-felled by the Bunnings Company under logging plans established by the Western Australian state government department. However, following campaigning by environmentalists and others, the WA government ended the logging of 2 million hectares of native forests, including Karri, in 2024.
In addition to the impacts of climate change and logging, the karri forests also face threats from fire and disease. The unique ecosystems of the karri forests provide habitat for a diverse range of species, many of which are endemic to the region.
The recent ban on native logging in Western Australia, which came into effect in 2024, is a positive step towards protecting the karri forests and their biodiversity. This legislation prevents the state’s native hardwood trees from being chopped down and sold, including karri trees.
It’s all too late. The damage is done, how do you revers this senseless destruction? Who pays for restoring the forests? Will the milling companies pay for it? Or will it be passed onto the tax payer. Decades of irresponsible short sighted Governments. So now it will be swept under the carpet and forgotten. All that beautiful timber wasted on railway sleepers, telephone poles, pylons, roof timber. Something should have been done 70 years ago, proper management, and conservation.