A coalition of conservationists, artists, and forest industry representatives has called for an end to old-growth logging in Tasmania. This coalition, known as the Forest Congress, launched in 2023 by artist Kirsha Kaechele from Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), aims to promote a Palawa-led initiative to stop harvesting old-growth trees while supporting a responsible forestry industry.

The Forest Congress statement emphasizes managing forests for their ecological, cultural, social, and economic values, with forest health as the foundation. Historically, Tasmania's native logging shifted from selective harvesting to industrial clear-felling in the 1970s.

Mr Walker, a Forestry Congress representative, noted that about 80% of timber supply comes from private estates, primarily plantation hardwood, and described the Congress's vision statement as an important initiative. He also mentioned that his group recently ceased receiving old-growth logs, which constitute less than 3% of their supply.

However, four national environmental groups have distanced themselves from the Forest Congress's shared vision statement, arguing that its focus on old-growth forests is inadequate. Environmentalist Bob Brown stated that limiting action to old-growth forests would address only a small portion of Tasmania's native forest.

The Forest Congress acknowledges the need for a holistic approach that considers the entire ecosystem, including both forest and human communities, underscoring the importance of caring for communities in healing the landscape.

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