End of conversion of native forests to plantations

Forestry Tasmania today announced an end to the broad scale conversion of State-owned native forests to plantations.

Executive General Manager Hans Drielsma said that the major policy, effective from today, followed a long period of discussions between Forestry Tasmania, the forest industry and conservation interests.

“Around the world, there is concern about the clearing and conversion of native vegetation. The practice is seen by conservation biologists as a significant element in biodiversity decline.

“For reputable environmental organisations, such as the WWF, such conversion for plantation development has been their most fundamental concern with modern forest practices.

Dr Drielsma said that the policy exceeds the target set by the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement to phase out conversion of native forests on public land by 2010.

“This is a very significant policy decision. In economic terms it is more efficient to grow plantations, as they grow four to five times faster than regrowth native forests and provide an attractive and sustainable basis for wood production.

“However, regenerated native forests are capable of maintaining wildlife and the environment, while also continuing to provide a source of sustainable timber.”

Dr Drielsma said that the basis for Forestry Tasmania’s decision to end conversion, as well as its other forest management initiatives, was explained in a booklet he launched today, Sustainable Forest Management.

“Sustainable forest management means the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social and economic sustainability, are equally balanced.

“This booklet demystifies the complex task of sustainable forest management, explaining in ‘plain English’ how we manage our forests to meet internationally-accepted standards.”


ENDS 1st June 2007

Media inquiries:
Meaghan Newson
Corporate Relations
Ph: 6233 7052