Forest Practices Act turns 40: A legacy of environmental leadership

Posted 22 May 2025

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Today marks 40 years since Tasmania took a bold step in environmental leadership with the introduction of its pioneering Forest Practices System.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive and robust models of sustainable forest management, the system continues to set a high standard.

The Forest Practices Act 1985 was successfully legislated in response to growing public interest about the environmental impacts of logging. It has since evolved and adapted to balance wood production and the conservation of natural and cultural values.

At the time, there was no dedicated legislation requiring environmental safeguards in forest operations on private land, and regulatory oversight was limited more broadly. In response, the Tasmanian Parliament passed the Act, establishing the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) and implementing a legal framework for forest planning and independent oversight.

Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) Operations Manager Jarrod Burn, a fifth-generation timber industry worker and Forest Practices Officer, said Tasmania’s was one of the first Forest Practices Systems globally to mandate Forest Practices Plans for both public and private land, and to require trained professionals to oversee their implementation.

“This co-regulatory framework drives continual improvement and sets the legal foundation for sound, evidence-based forest practices,” he said.

“This system has withstood legal and social challenges, proving resilient, sustainable and time tested.”

Tasmania’s Forest Practices System was designed to be practical, science-based and inclusive – supporting sustainable timber production while safeguarding soil, water, biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape values.

Over the past four decades, Tasmania’s Forest Practices System has continued to evolve in response to scientific research, policy shifts and community expectations.

The Forest Practices Code was first issued in 1987 and has been updated four times, most recently in 2020.

Regular reviews of the Code, consultation with scientists and land managers, and a commitment to adaptive management have allowed the system to remain relevant and responsive.

PFT Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie, who has spent 25 years in the forest industry and is also a Forest Practices Officer, said the adaptable nature of the Forest Practices System is one of its strengths.

“The Forest Practices System has been developed to support discoveries during active forest operations,” he said.

“For example, if a new cultural heritage site is discovered during an active forest operation, a precautionary approach is taken whereby work stops immediately in the vicinity of the discovery until an assessment can be made and appropriate prescriptions can be developed for its management.

“While assessment is occurring, forest operations can continue elsewhere in the broader site. This approach is important to optimise efficiency and cost-effectiveness in forest management.

“Another part of the system that works well is the expertise and experience that has developed among both its practitioners and regulators – including open and trusting communications between experts and forest managers.”

Graham Wilkinson, who served as Chief Forest Practices Officer for 19 years, reflected on his key achievements upon his departure in 2015.

• Strengthening the credibility and importance of the Forest Practices Officer (FPO) system;

• Enhancing the standing of the regulator;

• Expanding the FPO system to capture more sustainable forest management elements;

• Improving the 'one-stop shop' approach by developing agreements with other regulators; and

• Raising the national and international profile and reputation of the Forest Practices System.

“I would walk over hot coals to defend the Forest Practices Officer system, as it can deliver tremendous outcomes at virtually no cost to government,” he said.

“When I joined the then Forest Practices Board in 1996, it was a division of Forestry Tasmania.

“From day one I lobbied for a more independent system of regulation, and I was fortunate to serve under successive boards and governments which, despite some opposition and trepidation, progressively agreed to enhance the regulator’s independence.

“This included the creation of the Forest Practices Board as a statutory authority in 1999, followed by the establishment of the FPA with a truly independent, expertise-based board in 2004.

“There are some who would prefer a regulator that can be more easily ‘controlled’ by government, but in my view the advantages of an independent regulator far exceed the alternatives.

“It’s important the community has confidence that decisions are made without stakeholder or political influence. Being an independent regulator is a bit like walking a tightrope – avoiding becoming too adversarial, captured or overly sympathetic.”

As of 2025, more than 1.5 million hectares of forest have been managed under Forest Practices Plans. The success of the system wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of forest workers, landowners, scientists and regulators who have upheld its core principles.

However, Dion said that does not mean the Forest Practices System is without future challenges.

He noted that awareness and understanding of the system requires ongoing effort.

“It is important for the public to have confidence that the system delivers strong forest production outcomes while appropriately managing important forest values,” Dion said.

“Adapting to changes in forest ecosystems responding to climate change will continue to test the system. Having a framework that can recognise these changes, understand the implications for the forest, and inform future active management is critical.”