In a vote for the environment the Central Coast Council has delivered a landmark decision, voting to demand the State Government permanently halt all logging operations in the cherished Dial Range, responding directly to sustained community pressure and evidence that the forest is more valuable untouched.
This significant victory for local environmental advocates, Protect Our North West Forests, comes after an economic analysis by Saul Eslake demonstrated the area’s $3.3 million annual contribution to the regional economy dwarfs the profits from exported woodchips. The decision was swiftly applauded by Rosalie Woodruff MHA, praised the Council for recognising the Dial Range’s vital role for tourism, recreation and its profound ecological and cultural importance to the region.
Media release – Ash Bulgarelli, President, Protect Our North West Forests, 21 October 2025
Last night Council passed a motion 6-3 to advocate to the state government for immediate and permanent cessation of logging in the Dial Range!
This vote is unprecedented at local government level. Council have boldly voted to seek protection for this community asset that sustains local businesses and recreational groups, rather than idly watching the very heart of the Dial turned to woodchips.
Logging the Dial Range will not help build houses – the majority output is woodchips destined for export.
A huge thank you to Councillor Sophie Lehmann for moving the motion, Councillor Kate Wylie for seconding it and to all Councillors who voted for it.
There were many passionate supporting arguments reinforcing the centrality of the Dial to the local community and Council’s role to advocate on behalf of community sentiment.
Hundreds of people have spoken out against these plans and 3 out of 4 stakeholders interviewed for the report believe that forestry cannot co-exist in the Dial Range without negatively impacting the community and visitor experience.
We are not a lobby group.
We are a small group of locals that have given the community a way to have their voice heard. Politics can lock people out of decisions that impact them, but when accessible to all, great things can happen.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MHA, Greens Leader, 20 October 2025
Council Call for End to Logging in Dial Ranges
In an unprecedented move, Central Coast councillors have voted to end native forest logging in the Dial Ranges. The motion, carried 6-3, calls on the State Government to immediately and permanently cease logging in Dial Ranges.
This significant decision shows how much Council recognises the values of this special forest.
Dial Ranges is a place of great importance to local Tasmanian Aboriginal people and the wider community because of its ecological integrity and beauty. This forest is already a focal point for mountain biking, walking and peaceful contemplation, and has enormous tourism potential.
The Council moved last year for Forestry Tasmania to pause logging plans in the Dial Ranges to enable an economic study of values to the region to be undertaken. Saul Eslake’s subsequent study has shown Dial Range contributes $3.3 million annually to the region, with logging operations contributing less than 1% of this.
The Dial Ranges are clearly worth far more standing.
We welcome the Council’s decision to recognise the value of protecting this treasured native forest, and to support their local community in enhancing its nature-positive tourism and recreational opportunities.
We also recognise the strength of councillors’ Sophie Lehmann and Kate Wylie who presented the motion, and the councillors who backed the many community members who have campaigned to protect the integrity of the Dial.
We know this motion would not have passed without the strong advocacy of the mountain bike club, tourism businesses, bush walking and field naturalist groups, Protect our Northwest Forests and many local individuals.
We will be encouraging the Premier to honour this call from the Central Coast Council.
Media release – Nick Duigan MLC, Minister for Parks, 22 October 2025
A new adventure awaits in the Dial Range
The new Mount Montgomery to Mount Dial walking track is now complete, providing a unique visitor experience and showcasing the panoramic views of the area.
Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said the Tasmanian Government has invested $1.6 million into enhancing these walking tracks.
“This investment in the Dial Range Reserve offers a different walking experiences for visitors, it’s fantastic to see the first part of these works be delivered,” Duigan said.
“Works commenced on the loop walking track earlier this year as part of the strategic management and improvement of walking tracks in the Dial Range.
“The new loop walking track includes two kilometres of new tracks with a 15-metre aluminium truss bridge over Keddies Creek.
“Existing track sections were aligned to create the loop that now allows for greater separation from the mountain bikes. Signage is being installed to show directions for visitors.
“Our Government is delivering for Tasmania by investing in our walking attractions for locals and visitors alike.”
Central Coast Council Mayor, Cheryl Fuller, welcomed the continued investment in the Dial Range.
“There has been strong partnership between Parks and Wildlife, Council and the community through the Dial Range Reference Group,” Fuller said.
The new loop track is a fantastic addition to a landscape of such great value to our region and the people who enjoy it.”
Progress continues on the new all-access boardwalk along McBrides Creek in the Ferndene State Reserve, another component of the Dial Range Reserves walking track upgrades.
All components of the project are expected to be completed by 2028.
Walkers should always be prepared before undertaking a walk in Tasmania’s parks, including checking conditions, having appropriate equipment, letting someone know your plans before you go and being flexible if weather conditions change.
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