Western Australia faces criticism over controversial ecological thinning of South West forests
The WA government is removing smaller native trees in the South West as part of an “ecological thinning” program, but landowners and independent scientists question its purpose and scientific basis.
In Western Australia’s South West, the government’s ecological thinning initiative seeks to thin out smaller trees to alleviate water competition among karri, jarrah and marri regrowth stands that have been stressed by a warming, drier climate. DBCA scientist Katinka Ruthrof reports that thinned plots show lower stress levels compared with untouched areas, and the department cites early data suggesting improved groundwater recharge and reduced drought vulnerability.
Critics, including landowner Jeff Thornton near Pemberton, argue the practice resembles former native logging and harms wildlife, noting the disappearance of large trees and nesting black cockatoos. Independent academic David Lindenmayer of the Australian National University says the scientific support for thinning is limited and that such interventions can create conditions that exacerbate fire. So far, about 3,000 hectares—0.2% of WA’s forest and timber reserves—have been treated, with contractors drawn from former logging firms and overseen by the Forest Products Commission. The program will undergo a two-year review to assess its effectiveness.
Why it matters
The debate highlights how government forest policies affect biodiversity, water resources, and fire risk in a climate-stressed region.
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