Environment Minister Donna Faragher has released an integrated conservation strategy for the Greater Western Woodlands in the state's south east, saying the area will be protected but benefits from mining, pastoralism, tourism, and forestry will continue to flow.
The strategy for the region of vast bushland that sits to the east of the Wheatbelt and astride the Goldfields was promised by the Barnett government at the last election.
It has been developed over the past two years by the Department of Environment and Conservation and a reference group made up of, conservation groups, landholders, scientists, mining industry representatives and traditional owners.
Mrs Faragher said the strategy focused on improving co-ordination and management of the Woodlands for the next 10 years.
The key priorities under the strategy include creating voluntary partnerships to co-ordinate activities across the many tenures of the region and establishing a reference group to manage and implement the strategy.
The Wilderness Society has welcomed the announcement.
Project manager for the Great Western Woodlands Collaboration Wayne O'Sullivan said, "With 60 per cent of the Woodlands currently languishing as 'unallocated crown land' and almost the entire area covered with mining tenements and unresolved Native Title claims, a fresh approach is required that creatively resolves land use conflict, addresses Indigenous rights and opportunities and maximises options for economic diversification alongside biodiversity protection."
"The strategy itself, while being an excellent start to improved conservation management across GWW, does not resolve these underlying issues," said Mr O'Sullivan.
The state government has promised $3.8 million over the next three years to develop and implement the strategy.
"A total of $3 million has been earmarked for on-ground operations through DEC's nature conservation program while $800,000 will be spent on capital works," said Mrs Faragher.
Mr O'Sullivan said the funding was good in the short term.
"However, we all recognise that a much larger and more permanent funding commitment is required for this immensely important large natural area," he said.