Public say forests greatest role is in addressing climate and biodiversity crises.

Public Attitudes Survey on Forestry 2026. We shared this survey and made a submission to the department ourselves.

The survey results indicates that the public places significantly greater value on the non-commercial benefits of forests than on their commercial uses. Respondents overwhelmingly prioritise nature, wellbeing, and climate, while timber production and employment are ranked far lower. Forest visitation is both widespread and increasing in popularity.

Only 1% and 2% of respondents, respectively, identify timber and employment as the most important benefits of forests for their local community. At a national level, respondents place greatest importance on the role of forests in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are now calling on the Government to adopt policy of nature restoration and to value forests as rich habitates for biodiversity.