Liberals pledge $1 million to support iconic Tuart Forest

The WA Liberal party says if elected at the upcoming state election, a $1 million commitment will be made to support the critical work of the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group.

The support would help to restore and protect the Ludlow Tuart Forest and historic settlement to provide a safe well informed, repurposed and resourced forest tourism destination.

WA Liberal Leader and Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the funding was critical to assist with not only the preservation of the Tuart Forest and historic settlement but to help develop its potential for tourism, education, recreation, research, employment and Aboriginal reconciliation.

“The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the only forest of its kind in the world and once covered more than 110,000 hectares from North of Perth to Busselton,” Ms Mettam said.

“This precious forest has been reduced to 3,030 hectares – just 3 percent of its original area – due to agriculture, urbanisation, mining and horticulture. Timber harvesting in the Tuart Forest ceased 50 years ago.

“The WA Liberals understand the importance of the history and future restoration and conservation benefits of managing these environmentally significant assets for all values including carbon capture.

“LTFRG volunteers have done an incredible job since their inception in 2017 planting tens of thousands of seedlings, often with the help of school groups, and the dedicated work of committed, tireless, passionate people, often in their senior years.”