Management of Commercial Harvesting of Flora in Western Australia 2023-2028.

The Management Plan for Commercial Harvesting of Flora in Western Australia (2023–2028) outlines a comprehensive framework developed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of native flora. It applies to the commercial harvesting of flora for purposes such as cut flowers, seed collection, whole plant salvage, and craft materials, and is designed to meet both state and Commonwealth legislative requirements, including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Plan establishes a licensing system under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984, regulating the take, supply, processing, and export of flora. It includes provisions for land access, quota setting, monitoring, compliance, and education. Only species listed on the Export Flora List may be exported, and harvesting of threatened or priority species is strictly controlled or prohibited. The management framework incorporates conservation strategies such as the CAR reserve system, protection of threatened and priority flora, and research into sustainable harvesting practices. It also addresses threats to flora, including disease (e.g., Phytophthora dieback, myrtle rust), invasive species, inappropriate fire regimes, land clearing, and climate change. Monitoring and compliance are supported by data collection through flora returns, inspections, and enforcement by Wildlife Officers. The plan also includes key performance indicators to assess its effectiveness and allows for amendments to the Export Flora List based on new scientific or conservation information.