Common Ground – is a solution to the forestry conflict possible?

School of Geography & Environmental Studies, UTAS – Public Forum

For more than 30 years, there has been an intense conflict in Tasmania over forestry and the logging of Tasmania’s native forests. This conflict has set sections of our community and society against each other, has polarised our island state, and has created division and uncertainty. As we grapple with the global financial crisis, climate change, and a world full of uncertainty – it is worthwhile to ask the question as to whether Tasmania is capable of solving the issue that has divided us for decades. A number of leading thinkers, academics and speakers have been asked the question; Is a solution to the conflict over forestry desirable and necessary? Is it possible? If not, why not? And if so, what does a solution look like?

Forum Chair:- Dr Jamie Kirkpatrick, School of Geography & Environmental Studies

Date & Venue:- Wednesday 4th of November, 6.30 – 8.30pm, Centenary Lecture Theatre

Speakers:-

Dr Judith Ajani, Economist, specialising in Plantations, wood products industry, forests & climate change, Australian National University

Gerard Castles, Business Consultant & former member, Tasmania Together Community leaders group

Dr Chris Harwood, Forest Plantations researcher, CSIRO, Sustainable Ecosystems and Manager, High-Value Wood Resources Research Programme, CRC for Forestry

Dr Peter McQuillan, Ecologist, University of Tasmania

Format:-

Each speaker will speak for approx. 10 minutes. At the conclusion of the speakers, there will be a facilitated Q&A session where audience members will be able to ask questions of the speaking panel.

“We are hoping that this important forum will provide some unique insights, suggestions and ideas as to how we can find a solution to the forestry conflict – a conflict that has divided Tasmania for too long, and that we believe needs to be and can be solved,” said Dr Phill Pullinger from Environment Tasmania.
Environment Tasmania