MARGARET River Regional Environment Centre and campaign group Save Mowen Forest have offered the WA Premier an increased amount of $100,000 in exchange for protection of the native Mowen Forest from logging.
On February 16, the group offered the government the anticipated net income of $90,000 from logging Mowen Forest in exchance for the protection of the forest in perpetuity.
The funds were crowdfunded through donations and pledges from more than 200 people but the Premier did not formally respond to the original offer.
Forestry Minister Mia Davies said the group has met with representatives of the government.
"The State Government will not be accepting the offer and remains committed to the forestry industry," she said.
Margaret River Regional Environment Centre representative Tracy Skippings said the group had hoped that an increased offer may bring about a decision or at least a discussion with the hope of securing a deal.
"The climate is changing and our forest, flora and fauna are suffering and we want the government to cease logging immediately," she said.
“We don’t believe logging practices and management are sustainable or profitable, and our forest is being devastated”.
In the meantime, logging has begun and a non-violent direct action campaign has been gaining momentum and delaying the logging.
