Archive · 29 May 2025
Tasmania Faces Backlash Over Native Forest Logging Practices
In Tasmania, Australia, logging companies are cutting down old, native forests, which is causing concern among environmentalists.
These forests are home to unique animals like the Tasmanian devil and swift parrots.
Environmental groups are protesting the logging, saying it harms wildlife and the environment.
The government allows logging, but some argue it's unsustainable.
The wood is often turned into wood chips for paper.
The loggers also shoot marsupials to stop them from eating the new trees.
Tasmania, Australia, logs a high percentage of native forests compared to the national average.
Environmental groups protest logging due to its impact on wildlife, like the swift parrot.
The logging industry primarily turns native trees into wood chips, often for export.
Sustainable Timber Tasmania claims to balance timber harvesting with conservation efforts.
Loggers are alleged to shoot marsupials to protect newly planted eucalyptus trees.
- Who
- Tasmanian government, logging companies, environmental groups, and local residents.
- What
- Logging of old-growth native forests in Tasmania.
- When
- Ongoing, with figures from 2023-2024.
- Where
- Tasmania, an island state of Australia.
- Why
- To harvest timber for commercial purposes, despite environmental concerns.
Environmental Groups
Tasmanian Government & Logging Industry
Environmental Impact
Environmental Groups
Environmental groups argue that logging harms wildlife by destroying habitats and leading to species decline, such as the swift parrot. The practice of dropping incendiaries creates toxic fumes, and shooting marsupials further harms the ecosystem.
Tasmanian Government & Logging Industry
Sustainable Timber Tasmania aims to harvest timber while balancing conservation and responsible land management. They monitor endangered species and regenerate native forests through seeding programs.
Forest Management
Environmental Groups
Environmentalists criticize the lack of diverse replanting, which leads to eucalyptus monoculture and removes other native species. They also highlight the short-term focus of logging for wood chips, ignoring the long-term environmental cost.
Tasmanian Government & Logging Industry
Sustainable Timber Tasmania claims to minimize disturbance to species and habitat, sowing seeds to regenerate forests, while noting their harvests are less than 1% of total managed land.
- Location
- Tasmania, Australia
- Native Forest Share Logged (2023)
- 18.5%
- Main Export Products
- Wood chips for paper production
- Value of Native Hardwood Harvested (2022-2023)
- Aus$80 million (US$51 million)
- Native Forest Regeneration (2024)
- 5,000 hectares