South West shires set to face $325,000 shortfall with Forest Products Commission Rates arrangement shift

Five South West councils are set to face a $325,000 shortfall, with the Forest Products Commission no longer paying rates to the shires. The Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils — made up of the shires of Manjimup, Nannup, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Donnybrook-Ballingup — along with the shires of Cranbrook and West Arthur have sounded the alarm over the change. According to the WBAC, local governments across the region are facing the loss of about $325,000, which historically supported essential community services and infrastructure. WBAC chair and Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup president Cr Vivienne MacCarthy said the issue was not about opposition to forestry, but about ensuring fairness and long-term financial sustainability for regional communities. “Our councils maintain the roads, emergency access, fire mitigation and community infrastructure that plantation operations rely on,” she said. “When rates revenue is removed from local government budgets, it directly impacts our ability to maintain those services. In some cases, councils are now having to consider reducing or delaying community activities and projects.” The WBAC said the funds were not discretionary income, instead directly supporting core services including road maintenance, verge upkeep, parks and gardens, community facilities, emergency services support, recreation programs, and local events. It said the immediate impact for 2025–26 was already significant but the councils were particularly concerned about the forward trajectory. The WBAC said it and the affected shires were working with Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis to find a fair and practical solution ensuring the councils received appropriate revenue to support their communities. “We appreciate Minister Jarvis’ willingness to engage with us,” Cr MacCarthy said. “We are confident that through collaboration we can identify a solution that recognises both the importance of the forestry sector and the financial sustainability of regional local governments.” Ms Jarvis was contacted for comment.