1384.6 - Statistics - Tasmania, 2005  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 10/05/2004   
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Contents >> Forestry >> Forestry - overview

Almost half of Tasmania's land is forested, including cool temperate rainforest, wet and dry eucalypt forest and plantations. Forests cover a total of about 3,353,000 hectares or 49% of the State's area, compared with an estimated 59% at the time of European settlement.

Tasmania has a wide range of native forest-based industries. These vary from woodcraft to wood fuels, from veneer manufacture and sawmilling to woodchip, pulp, newsprint and fine-paper making. Other important forestry sector industries include leatherwood honey production, tourism, and recreational and educational activities based in multiple-use forests.

The Australian Government and the State Government share a vision of ecologically sustainable management of the forest estate that integrates environmental, commercial and community values and uses.


SUMMARY OF STATE FOREST STATISTICS, Tasmania

Period
Unit
Tas.

Forest estate
Total State Forest (including Forest Reserves)(a)
As at 30 June 2003
'000 ha
1,501
Total Forest Reserves(a)
As at 30 June 2003
'000 ha
175
Total plantations (stocked area)(b)(c)(d)(e)
As at 30 June 2003
'000 ha
87

Native forest area harvested
Clearfell, selective harvesting
2002-03
'000 ha
16.9

Forest areas established
Native forest regenerated
2002-03
'000 ha
10.5
Hardwood plantations established(d)(e)(f)
2002-03
'000 ha
3.5
Softwood plantations established(c)(e)(f)
2002-03
'000 ha
2.5

Wood and paper manufacturing
Employment(g)
1999-2000
no.
3,639
Wages and salaries(h)
1999-2000
$m
144.1
Turnover
1999-2000
$m
1,271.3

(a) This area reflects the final proclamation of the Regional Forest Agreement (Land Classification) Act 1998.
(b) Figure excludes plantation areas clearfelled but not yet replanted.
(c) Includes softwood plantations, 50% of which are now owned by Renewable Resources Ltd, for which data is supplied by Rayonier Australia.
(d) The majority of mixed hardwood/softwood plantations are reported as hardwood.
(e) Includes Tassie Trees Trust plantations which are mainly jointly-owned with private growers, but include small proportions owned solely by Forestry Tasmania.
(f) Includes replanting.
(g) Includes working proprietors.
(h) Excludes the drawings of working proprietors.

Source: Forestry Tasmania, Annual Report 2002-03; Manufacturing Industry, Tasmania (Cat. no. 8221.6).



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