The 2022 State of the Forests Report shows the Rockliff Liberal Government’s commitment to a sustainable forestry industry is working to build Tasmania’s future.

Minister for Resources, Felix Ellis, said the report, undertaken by the Independent Forest Practices Authority, represents a comprehensive overview of Tasmania’s forests over the last five years.

“Importantly, the report confirms that Tasmania's forests sustainably provide for a range of community benefits, whilst supporting jobs and economic activity,” Minister Ellis said.

“The report shows that Tasmania is maintaining an extensive native forest estate of well over 3 million hectares. Furthermore, 59 per cent of our native forests, 99 per cent of high-quality wilderness and 88 per cent of old growth forests are protected in the reserve network.

“Tasmania also continues to pursue a balanced approach with 75 per cent of timber volume sourced from plantation, while there is high demand for high-value, appearance-grade forest products that can only be sourced from native forests.”

The Rockliff Liberal Government is also supporting the highest value use for our precious sustainable forest resources to drive on-island processing and manufacturing.

The state’s managed forests remain a major carbon bank and sequestering resource for Tasmania providing further opportunities to combat climate change.

“Industry activity increased over the reporting period, including a significant rise in the value of sawn timber to our critical domestic housing and construction market, providing economic benefits to the state,” Minister Ellis said.

“Tasmania’s forests continue to be maintained for multiple uses, including tourism, beekeeping and access to cultural heritage.

“Tasmania’s forests are well managed and providing for a range of social, economic and environmental outcomes for the Tasmanian community.”