- The review of the 2015 Sandalwood Order is now open for public comment
- The draft review report recommends reducing wild harvest as part of a range of sustainability measures
- Delivering on Cook Labor Government’s priority to protect and restore the environment for future generations
A review into the 2015 Sandalwood Order that recommends a series of changes to help sandalwood regeneration and ensure its long-term sustainability has been released for public comment.
Originally set under the Sandalwood Act 1929, before operating under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the order specifies the maximum annual take/harvest limits for wild sandalwood on Crown and private land and is in place until 31 December 2026.
The draft review report recommends reducing the annual harvest from 2,500 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes. It also makes a range of other recommendations, including better access to the sandalwood industry for Aboriginal people, and increased monitoring and regeneration of wild sandalwood populations.
It follows the release of a draft technical report earlier this year, which contains detailed results of sandalwood population modelling.
To have your say on the draft review report go to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ website. The public comment period closes on 14 August.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“The review lays out a series of draft recommendations, including reducing the quantity of living (green) wild sandalwood that can be harvested.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to a sustainable level of harvest that is appropriate for the long-term protection and conservation of wild sandalwood.
“I encourageall those that have an interest in this matter to make a submission as it is important that we hear from a range of people to ensure any final recommendations provide the best outcomes for the sustainablefuture of our wild sandalwood and the industry that it supports.”
