The forest practices system regulates forestry in Tasmania on both public land (mainly State forest) and private land. The Forest Practices Authority (FPA) is an independent statutory body that administers the forest practices system. The FPA has a board of directors, an advisory council and employees including scientists, advisors, compliance officers and administrative staff. The Forest Practices Board regulated forestry in Tasmania from 1985 to 2005, when it was restructured into the FPA.

Since 2007, the FPA also regulates non-forest threatened native vegetation as well as forest vegetation.

The forest practices system

The Tasmanian forest practices system was established to ensure that forest practices on all tenures provide reasonable protection for the natural and cultural values of the forest.  In addition to the forest practices system, local government regulates forestry on private land which is not a Private Timber Reserve (PTR).

The Tasmanian forest practices system is based on a co-regulatory approach, involving responsible self-management by the industry, with independent monitoring and enforcement by the FPA. Self-management is delivered by Forest Practices Officers (FPOs), who are employed within the industry to plan, supervise and monitor forest practices.

The roles and responsibilities of the various parties in delivering the forest practices system are detailed in an administrative paper that has been endorsed by the Forest Practices Advisory Council and the board of the FPA.

The FPA trains and authorises the FPOs to carry out these functions. The specialists also provide advice and monitor forest practices to ensure that standards are being met. Corrective action is taken where required and penalties are imposed for serious breaches. The FPA has produced a leaflet  (A4 print friendly version) explaining the forest practices system.

The emphasis of the forest practices system is on partnership between the government and the forest industry through training and education. The document "A guide to planning approvals for forestry in Tasmania" (3MB) discusses the following aspects of the forest practices system:-

1. Regulation of forestry in Tasmania
2. Frequently asked questions
3. The planning approval process for forestry
4. Where forestry can take place
5. Private Timber Reserves
6. Legislation and policy governing forestry in Tasmania
7. How the forest practices system regulates forestry
8. How the local government planning system regulates forestry
9. How to find out if you need a Forest Practices Plan
10. Regulations for tree fern harvesting
11. How to find out what threatened species or threatened native vegetation communities you have on your land
12. What to do if you want to manage your land for conservation
13. Arranging a Forest Practices Plan
14. Objections, appeals and complaints
15. Glossary and abbreviations

FPA News

New smoke management system

The FPA, in consultation with other agencies, has developed a new smoke management system. Click here to find out more information on the system, including what to do if you are concerned about smoke.