Private Forests Tasmania marks a year of leadership and innovation

Posted 16 October 2024

Private Forests Tasmania is pleased to present its 2023-24 Annual Report, tabled in Parliament on October 16 by Minister for Resources, Eric Abetz.

Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) is celebrating a year of renewal and progress, with a series of leadership changes, new initiatives, and key achievements in its mission to support sustainable forest management across the state.

With the appointment of new CEO Dr Elizabeth Pietrzykowski, along with Operations Manager Jarrod Burn and Director Bob Rutherford, PFT has reinforced its leadership team. Jim Wilson was appointed Chair of the Board, following the retirement of Evan Rolley, contributing to the organisation’s refreshed focus on delivering its strategic goals.

Over the past year, PFT has continued to support private forest owners and stakeholders while implementing key projects that address critical issues, including wood supply strategies, legislative reforms, and the enhancement of communication tools.

Key Projects and Achievements in 2023-24

PFT launched two innovative tools: the Tree Alliance Knowledge Hub, an interactive platform designed to help Tasmanian landowners understand the benefits of integrating commercial trees into their properties, and the Farm and Forest Mapper, which simplifies the farm-planning process for landowners, consultants, and planners.

PFT has actively participated in shaping policies related to forest practices, threatened species, fire management and carbon emissions reduction. Key contributions include involvement in the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement, regional forestry hubs and local government planning reforms.

Grant Funding and Research to Drive Sustainability

PFT secured $600,000 in grant funding from the Department of Renewables, Climate, and Future Industries Tasmania to plant 288 hectares of commercial trees in winter 2025. The project will emphasise carbon outcomes, with results to be communicated upon completion.

Several research projects that are aimed at improving private forestry practices were also supported. These projects address priorities such as increasing agroforestry uptake, optimising plantation productivity, and adapting management practices to climate change.

Private Forests Continue to Dominate Tasmanian Harvest

As of December 31, 2023, Tasmania’s private forest estate covers 1.09 million hectares, accounting for 33% of the state’s total forest area. Private plantations remain dominant, supplying 96% of the total private forest harvest.

Despite a slight overall decrease in harvest volumes, the private native forest harvest increased by 27,000 tonnes, highlighting the ongoing importance of sustainable private forestry in Tasmania’s forest products sector.

PFT remains committed to supporting landowners and delivering programs that strengthen the private forest sector, focusing on sustainability and long-term economic benefits.

Read the Annual Report 2023-24 below and previous annual reports here.