Online Catalogue last updated 8th of November 2025
Between 1928 and 1960 the Forests Department of WA established 57 settlements throughout the SW forests of WA. These self–contained settlements included offices, workshops and houses and huts for 875 staff and employees.
A decentralised workforce was a necessity for effective management of the two million hectares of forest in the south-west. It was only with a decentralised workforce that the remarkable developments in communication, roading, silviculture, mapping and fire detection could have been achieved in the early years of the Forests Department. Strategically located settlements were particularly important in providing a rapid response, fully equipped and skilled workforce for fire control.
As the focus of forest management shifted to different parts of the forest over time, whole settlements were closed and moved to where staff were most needed.
As transport and communication improved and as social expectations changed, the settlements were gradually closed and staff were moved to major centres. The last of the settlements closed in the 1990s and the sub-culture that had developed around settlement living disappeared with them.
Soft cover
Code No. 018141, 39 pages, ISBN 9780994227188, $30.00