PUBLIC SEMINAR INVITATION

Socio-economic impacts of forest industry change
Dr Jacki Schirmer
Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University
Since 2008, many parts of the Tasmanian forest industry have been affected by an extensive downturn. As negotiations continue about the future of the industry, those dependent on the industry face an uncertain future and job loss is accelerating across the sector.
Researchers from the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Forestry have conducted a study to analyse the social and economic impacts of the downturn, as well as the vulnerability of people dependent on the industry to future changes, such as those proposed by the parties currently negotiating about the future of the industry. Areas examined include:
• What is the rate of job loss in the industry and which workers and businesses are most vulnerable to further change?
• Which Tasmanian communities are most exposed to the impacts of forest industry job loss and flow-on effects?
• What is the impact of continued uncertainty about the industry’s future?
• What support is needed for businesses, workers and communities?
This seminar will present the findings of the study, including recommendations to help those affected by the current downturn, ongoing uncertainty about the industry’s future, and potential further change.
Dr Jacki Schirmer leads the ‘Communities’ research project at the CRC for Forestry, and is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University. Her research examines the socio-economic impacts of plantation forestry and other types of land use change. For the past decade she has researched social dimensions of forestry, fishing and agriculture, including the socio-economic impacts of changing land use from traditional agriculture to plantation forestry, community engagement strategies, and farmer adoption of revegetation and commercial tree planting.
Seminar details
Hobart: Date: Wednesday 27 July 5.30–6.30 pm Dechaineux Theatre (School of Art) Hunter Street, Hobart
You do not need to RSVP
For more information, contact Jacki Schirmer 0428 254 948 or [email protected]
This research was part-funded by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), to enable the study to form part of the due diligence assessment of the Tasmanian Forest Principles Statement.
The seminar is presented by the CRC for Forestry as part of the ‘Communities’ project. For more information on this project please visit the CRC website.