Hilliger forest protest

A temporary control area has been declared over parts of the Hilliger forest block, in the State's South-West, in the interests of public safety.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today said the control area had been imposed following advice from the Lands and Forest Commission.

Mrs Edwardes said the area of Hilliger forest block being harvested was heavily dieback-infected.

Jarrah was to be logged on the block, 40km south of Nannup, and a high proportion of marri trees would be retained.

The Hilliger timber harvesting would supply first grade jarrah sawlogs to mills at Nannup, Busselton and Deanmill.

"The vast majority of the logs will be processed into high value products, including furniture and outdoor settings," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The rest will be used as structural timber."

Jarrah sawlogs are not used as woodchips.

The Minister said people protesting over the sawlog operation posed an unnecessary risk to themselves and forest workers.

"The Department of Conservation and Land Management has a duty of care to the public, its staff and its contractors," she said.

"The protesters' actions pose a very real risk to the safety of contractors, as well as to themselves. In previous demonstrations, lawyers for protesters have warned CALM that the department would be responsible for any injury to people demonstrating in the forest.

"The declaration of a temporary control area will overcome concerns for the safety of all involved."

The maximum penalty for anyone breaching a temporary control area is $2,000.