Premier Carmen Lawrence said today the Government strongly supported the long-term future of the State's timber industry.
She had conveyed the Government's support in talks yesterday with representatives of the timber industry.
"The future of the industry is assured through a continuation of harvesting the State forests in accordance with the guidelines contained in the National Forest Policy, which I recently signed," Dr Lawrence said.
"It commits this Government, most other State Governments and the Commonwealth, to a national blueprint for forest management.
"Western Australia's resource will be complemented by timber from existing and future plantations.
"The Government has also recently signed letters of intent with two overseas companies to develop large-scale plantations of bluegums on agricultural land.
"Both agreements establish the State Government's long-term commitment and recognition of the economic importance of the timber industry and the people it employs.
"Before setting the level of harvest in the longer term, the Government has established a scientific and administrative committee to ensure the 1992 allowable cut can be maintained.
"I have told industry representatives that no timber mill will close through lack of resource or interruption to supplies.
"I am confident the additional information being gathered by the Environment Minister will enable long-term contracts to be quickly finalised with sawmillers, particularly the small operators."
