Science wins the Tasmanian Forestry debate

The extension of the Tasmanian Regional Forestry Agreement for another 20 years is a tribute to the role of professional forest scientists in making sure that Australia manages its forests in accordance with solid facts rather than emotion.

Bob Gordon, newly elected National President of the Australian Institute of Foresters has welcomed the extension saying, ‘The extension of the RFA provides certainty to the thousands of Tasmanians involved in the forestry industry in Tasmania including park managers, ecologists and timber workers.

‘The extension of the Regional Forest Agreement is testament to the ongoing work managing Tasmania’s sustainable forestry industry in the constant face of adversity and represents a victory for science.

‘The comprehensive system of reserves will remain with more than half of Tasmania permanently locked-up and, with the combination of sustainably managed multi-use forests, will continue to produce impressive biodiversity outcomes while allowing Tasmanians to benefit economically for generations to come.

‘Timber harvested from sustainably managed forests is a carbon positive building material that is seeing a resurgence in popularity worldwide as people start to understand the environmental, engineering and aesthetic benefits of wood.

‘Congratulations to all involved in the extension of the Regional Forest Agreement for Tasmania,’ said Mr Gordon.

Australia is the seventh most forested country in the world[1] and Australians have more forest per person than most other countries except for the Canadians and the Russians. 

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Media contact: Bob Gordon 02 6153 3044 or 0400 980 297