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Last week marked 40 years since Tasmania took a bold step in environmental leadership with the introduction of its pioneering Forest Practices System. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive and robust models of sustainable forest management, the system continues to set a high standard. Source: Timberbiz The Forest Practices Act 1985 was successfully legislated in response to growing public interest about the environmental impacts of logging. It has since evolved and adapted to balance wood production and the conservation of natural and cultural values. At the time, there was no dedicated legislation requiring environmental safeguards in forest operations on private land, and regulatory oversight was limited more broadly. In response, the Tasmanian Parliament passed the Act, establishing the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) and implementing a legal framework for forest planning and independent oversight. Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) Operations Manager Jarrod Burn, a fifth-generation timber industry worker and Forest Practices Officer, said Tasmania’s was one of the first Forest Practices Systems globally to mandate Forest Practices Plans for both public and private land, and to require trained professionals to oversee their implementation. “This co-regulatory framework drives continual improvement and sets the legal foundation for sound, evidence-based forest practices,” he said. “This system has withstood legal and social challenges, proving resilient, sustainable and time tested.” Tasmania’s Forest Practices System was designed to be practical, science-based and inclusive – supporting sustainable timber production while safeguarding soil, water, biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape values. Over the past four decades, Tasmania’s Forest Practices System has continued to evolve in response to scientific research, policy shifts and community expectations. The Forest Practices Code was first issued in 1987 and has been updated four times, most recently in 2020. Regular reviews of the Code, consultation with scientists and land managers, and a commitment to adaptive management have allowed the system to remain relevant and responsive. PFT Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie, who has spent 25 years in the forest industry and is also a Forest Practices Officer, said the adaptable nature of the Forest Practices System is one of its strengths. “The Forest Practices System has been developed to support discoveries during active forest operations,” he said. “For example, if a new cultural heritage site is discovered during an active forest operation, a precautionary approach is taken whereby work stops immediately in the vicinity of the discovery until an assessment can be made and appropriate prescriptions can be developed for its management. “While assessment is occurring, forest operations can continue elsewhere in the broader site. This approach is important to optimise efficiency and cost-effectiveness in forest management. “Another part of the system that works well is the expertise and experience that has developed among both its practitioners and regulators – including open and trusting communications between experts and forest managers.” Graham Wilkinson, who served as Chief Forest Practices Officer for 19 years, reflected on his key achievements upon his departure in 2015. Strengthening the credibility and importance of the Forest Practices Officer (FPO) system Enhancing the standing of the regulator Expanding the FPO system to capture more sustainable forest management elements Improving the ‘one-stop shop’ approach by developing agreements with other regulators and Raising the national and international profile and reputation of the Forest Practices System. “I would walk over hot coals to defend the Forest Practices Officer system, as it can deliver tremendous outcomes at virtually no cost to government,” he said. “When I joined the then Forest Practices Board in 1996, it was a division of Forestry Tasmania. “From day one I lobbied for a more independent system of regulation, and I was fortunate to serve under successive boards and governments which, despite some opposition and trepidation, progressively agreed to enhance the regulator’s independence. “This included the creation of the Forest Practices Board as a statutory authority in 1999, followed by the establishment of the FPA with a truly independent, expertise-based board in 2004. “There are some who would prefer a regulator that can be more easily ‘controlled’ by government, but in my view the advantages of an independent regulator far exceed the alternatives. “It’s important the community has confidence that decisions are made without stakeholder or political influence. Being an independent regulator is a bit like walking a tightrope – avoiding becoming too adversarial, captured or overly sympathetic.” As of 2025, more than 1.5 million hectares of forest have been managed under Forest Practices Plans. The success of the system wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of forest workers, landowners, scientists and regulators who have upheld its core principles. However, Mr McKenzie said that does not mean the Forest Practices System is without future challenges. He noted that awareness and understanding of the system requires ongoing effort. “It is important for the public to have confidence that the system delivers strong forest production outcomes while appropriately managing important forest values,” Mr McKenzie said. “Adapting to changes in forest ecosystems responding to climate change will continue to test the system. Having a framework that can recognise these changes, understand the implications for the forest, and inform future active management is critical.”

More than 120 friends and colleagues attended an industry memorial service in Brisbane for Colin MacKenzie last week with Timber Queensland making a special announcement recognising Mr MacKenzie’s long-term contribution to timber design, innovation, and application. Source: Jim Bowden, WoodCentral CEO Mick Stephens said Mr MacKenzie was a giant in the industry, and as such, many colleagues and members asked how we might recognise these achievements. “Timber Queensland is pleased to announce the formation of a new award for professional development in the timber and building sector known as the Colin MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and Use,” Mr Stephens said. “This award will not only remember Colin’s 48-year legacy but will help support the ongoing work of timber design and education with a particular focus on fit-for-purpose specification and use, innovation and best practice timber engineering, design and research. “The award will enable future practitioners, students and researchers to obtain professional development that supports their own career and the industry more broadly. “Given the reach of Colin’s work, it will have a national focus, and Timber Queensland is working with other key partners and bodies to put in place necessary governance and funding arrangements. “We will be able to make further announcements as the award is fully developed including asking for the industry’s support.” A framed certificate formally recognising the award was presented to Mr MacKenzie’s wife Christine by Timber Queensland deputy chair James Hyne. Mr MacKenzie passed away on 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his wife and daughters Aleisha and Trina. His influence on the timber and building industries will be felt for generations to come. Affectionally known as ‘The Timber Expert’ due to his skills and experience, his enthusiasm and commitment to timber product education will be hard to replicate. Mr MacKenzie’s journey in engineering began in Melbourne where he graduated from the Caulfield Institute of Technology in 1974. With more than 40 years of experience in all facets of timber and wood product design, use, and application, he became a leading authority in the field, particularly where timber was used in building and construction. His expertise was built from his early days as a technical officer with CSIRO’s Divisions of Forest Products and Building Research through to his leadership roles as technical director at Timber Research and Development Advisory Council of Queensland (TRADAC) and later manager of Timber Application and Use with Timber Queensland. Over the course of his career, he became a defining figure in timber engineering. He worked with TRADAC, now embraced by Timber Queensland, before establishing MacKenzie Consulting. His work spanned durability design, domestic engineering, and the advancement of Australian standards and building codes. A leader in pioneering timber grading and in-grade testing programs, his impact reached far beyond Australia. He served on numerous Australian standards committees, including the Timber Structures Committee, the Structural Timbers Committee and the Timber Framing Committee. Internationally, he represented Australia on the ISO TC 165 Timber Structures Committee, ensuring that his expertise helped shape the global timber industry. His commitment to education and industry advancement was evident in his contribution to writing numerous technical publications, including the renowned Timber Queensland Technical Data Sheets, Queensland Timber Framing Manuals, Mult-Residential Timber Frame Construction publications, AS 1684, and the Handy Span Tables book. He played a key role in research projects such as Advanced Flooring Research, Recycled Timber Grading, and Durability Design, all aimed at strengthening the future of timber construction. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr MacKenzie was recognised with the Stanley A. Clarke Medal from the Institute of Wood Science in 1999, an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to timber technology.