Native Forest Policy
On 15 November 2005 the Tasmanian Government released a revised Permanent Forest Estate Policy (PFEP), which sets out controls to be applied to the clearance and conversion of Native Forest. This replaces an earlier PFEP which was put in place in 1998, following and as a result of the signing of the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement in late 1997. The new PFEP severely tightens controls on clearance and conversion.
How is the Permanent Forest Estate Policy being changed?
The original PFEP stipulated that 80% of the Native Forest in existence in 1996 had to be retained. In other words no more than 20% of that Native Forest “estate” could be cleared and converted to other forms of land use. The revised new PFEP has now raised the retention figure from 80% to 95%.
The revised PFEP has also stipulated that “broadscale” clearing will not be allowed on private land after 13 May 2015. The term “broadscale” is not defined in the policy statement.
What has the TFGA been doing about the revised PFEP?
The changes in the revised PFEP reflect undertakings by the Australian and State Governments in a Supplementary Regional Forest Agreement (also called a Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement) of 13 May 2005. In the wake of this agreement the TFGA expressed its outrage to both the Prime Minister and Premier, particularly because farmers were not consulted about these changes. Both refused to change the document but proposed a Taskforce made up of both Governments and the TFGA, to explore options with regard to its implementation to reduce its impact on private land owners.
The TFGA has been represented on the Taskforce by Roger Swain, Ian Dickenson, John Lord, Greg Bradfield and Ian Whyte. Initially we declined to discuss any detailed issues until the two Governments were prepared to accept one very important principle. This was that where land owners are prevented from clearing and converting Native Forest to protect biodiversity values, beyond a reasonable “duty of care”, they should be paid by Government for doing so. On 31 October we finally received a letter indicating acceptance of that principle by both Governments.
Where to for the PFEP?
Whilst the overall Policy is now in place, over the coming months there is the opportunity to negotiate with Government on the finer details of how the PFEP will be implemented, including for example how the remaining part of the 5% of the forest estate available to landowners for conversion will be managed.
Our Taskforce members will be negotiating hard to ensure that the views of TFGA members are taken into account.
State Government Policy Document
Click here for a copy of the Tasmanian Government Policy for Maintaining a Permanent Native Forest Estate, November 2005. |
