Five representatives from South-West native forestry communities have been selected to assist Forestry Minister Dave Kelly in considering projects that will stimulate the local economy and increase the region’s liveability.
The Minister announced the members of the Native Forestry Community Advisory Group today following the Community Cabinet in Manjimup.
The members of the advisory group are:
- Jane Kelsbie MLA, Chair;
- Nicola Sheridan;
- Jayde Darin;
- Sean Tysoe;
- Belinda Meehan; and
- Marilyn Morgan.
The members were selected from an expressions of interest process which sought applications from South-West communities with links to the native forestry industry.
Chaired by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie, the advisory group will support the Minister for Forestry in considering projects seeking financial assistance through the
$4 million Community Small Grants Fund.
Community groups, organisations and small businesses impacted by the end of native forestry logging will be able to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for projects that support the development of the region and stimulate local economies.
Applications for the Community Small Grants Fund will open on 6 February 2023.
The Community Small Grants Fund is part of the Industry and Community Development Programs, which are the third and final pillar of the Western Australian Government’s
$80 million Native Forestry Transition Plan.
The WA Government’s Native Forestry Transition Plan has been developed to support affected workers and businesses, drive further diversification of local economies and assist in identifying and securing sustainable job opportunities.
As stated by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:
“The Native Forestry Community Advisory Group will play an important role in the successful implementation of this program that forms part of the Native Forestry Transition Plan.
“The group will provide valuable insight into local activities and ensure members of the community have a say on the projects that will receive funding from the Community Small Grants Fund.
“The WA Government is committed to the implementation of the Native Forestry Transition Plan, and will continue working closely with industry, local government and other key stakeholders in the lead up to the end of native forest logging in 2024.”
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
“As the Chair of the Native Forestry Community Advisory Group, I look forward to working with the members to help deliver projects that will stimulate the local economy and increase the region’s liveability.
“No one knows their community better than the people who live in it. The advice provided by the members will be invaluable in selecting the projects that will receive grants.
“I look forward to seeing the Native Forestry Transition Plan in action and the benefits it will deliver for the region into the future.”
