A KARRI forest at the entrance to town would be a great entry statement, local MPs said this week following correspondence with the Augusta-Margaret River Shire.

South West MLC Barry House and Vasse MLA Troy Buswell have both written to the Forrest Products Commission, urging them to consider an alternative site for its pine plantation.

The Forest Products Commission manages the land owned by the State Government on both sides of Bussell Highway at the Cowaramup entrance to Margaret River, apart from a small strip of land surrounding the Rails to Trails.

“This did not really become an issue until the Forest Products Commission began harvesting the mature trees in this area earlier this year, as these trees were originally a feature of this entry point,” Mr House said.

“The shire initiative of suggesting the planting of karri trees and other natural flora in this area has great merit and it deserves the support of the community and the State Government.

“Our support for this proposal relies on the shire’s careful planning and assessment process to define which piece of land the Forest Products Commission can utilise as an alternative to the current site.

“Given what I know of this proposal, this should be an attractive deal for the FPC, given the alternative sites selected by the shire are not only more suitable for a pine plantation but they also will offset any loss in productivity,” Mr Buswell said.

“Further to this I understand the shire will be contributing to the rehabilitation of any alternative sites for pine planting.

“This initiative will not only be an asset to the natural environment, but it will also build on the strengths of this town as a tourism hotspot.

“In addition to this, it will complement the Rails to Trails Network which currently borders this site and is a great asset to this area.

“Margaret River is essentially the western gateway to the karri forests of the South West region and this plan has the potential to send that message to visitors and the local community alike.”