Adele Farina

The state’s forestry body has slammed the government over its logging ban support package, as business owners grapple with workers quitting and possible bankruptcy.

National forestry services company Midway will wind up its Bunbury-based logistics arm and exit WA, after supply disruptions, labour shortages and rising fuel costs strangled its profits.

With high demand, insufficient supply and a logging ban, WA’s forestry industry could be facing the perfect storm.

The state government has agreed to stump up an extra $26.9 million for businesses affected by its impending native logging ban, bowing to pressure from the state’s peak forestry body.

The state’s largest timber manufacturer will close its 70-year-old Greenbushes mill and stand down 50 employees after investing $54 million as the state’s native logging ban looms.

The state’s forestry body and Minister Dave Kelly are at loggerheads over compensation for the axed industry, with conflicting claims over consultation and demands to return to the negotiating table.

Controversial land clearing at Alcoa's mine sites is likely to feed WA's ailing hardwood timber industry with logs following a ban on felling native forests.

Darryl Hockey has resigned as Western Australian Fishing Industry Council chief executive after four years, with Melissa Haslam announced as his replacement.