Queensland's economy is critically reliant upon the biodiversity contained within its native forests - and yet, the current Timber Plan ignores this reality.
Queensland is reviewing how its forests are managed through the draft Queensland Future Timber Plan. Our submission responds to concerns that the draft plan does not recognise the importance of native forests and woodlands beyond timber production.
Queensland is Australia’s most biodiverse state. About 85% of Australia’s native mammals and more than 14,000 plant species are found there.
Nature also underpins major parts of the Queensland economy, including tourism, fishing, and nature‑based industries. Tourism alone contributes around $84 billion each year and supports 190,000 jobs.
At the same time, Queensland has high rates of habitat clearing and one of the lowest proportions of land protected for conservation. Decisions about logging and forest management are therefore urgent and long‑lasting. They affect biodiversity, regional economies, and public trust.
The submission proposes several key actions:
- Clearly recognise conservation outcomes as a core purpose of managing native forests.
- Strengthen environmental sustainability commitments, not just timber supply.
- Review state‑owned native forests to identify areas better suited to permanent conservation.
- Better align timber planning with private and public protected area strategies.
- Ensure logging is ruled out in forests set aside for conservation.
