Responsible management of Queensland's native forests

The Queensland Government is committed to the effective and responsible management and use of the state's native forest resources.

Harvesting of state native forests is restricted to designated areas and must be carried out in a sustainable way, and our forest management system is certified to the Australian Standard® for Sustainable Forest Management.

This guide explains how we work to ensure the sustainable use of our native forests through harvesting conscientiously and adhering to policies and standards, including details about defined forest areas in Queensland. It will also give you access to resources that help you understand how to manage native forests sustainably, and information on tree species common to private native forestry in Queensland.

Video: Responsibly managing native forests

Discover how native timber harvesting is conducted on Queensland's state-owned land. This video explains the process of selective harvesting to produce high-value timber materials while ensuring strict compliance with legislation and regulations. Learn how responsible forest management supports sustainability and preserves our natural resources for future generations.

Learn more about state native forestry in Queensland.

[Male voice over]
The Queensland Government ensures state-owned native forests are carefully managed to safeguard the environment and support regional growth.
Queensland's native forests continue to provide essential timber resources for our state.
Like many state forests in Queensland, harvesting has been occurring in this forest for over 100 years.
[Leanne - Principal Ecologist]
Selective harvesting is practised in Queensland, which means trees are individually identified for harvesting.
This low-intensity method is different to land clearing, which can change ecosystems forever.
With selective harvesting, at least 50% of the forest stand remains intact.
Selective harvesting encourages forest regeneration.
When trees are harvested, it allows space and sunlight for young saplings to grow faster.
This regrowth means harvesting can continue from the same forests for years to come.
[Charles - Director Forestry Policy and Projects]
The difference in Queensland is that our forests are made up of many tree species of different ages and sizes.
When selective harvesting occurs, growing young saplings are provided with an opportunity to fill the canopy gap.
Native timber selectively harvested from state-owned forests in Queensland is used for high-value building and construction purposes.
Our Queensland hardwood is renowned for its strength, durability, fire resistance and natural beauty.
It is widely used for bridges, railways and especially power poles, which are important for a state as vast as Queensland.
The attractive appearance of species such as spotted gum also makes it perfect for flooring, decking and other construction applications.
[Monique - Planning Officer, Forestry]
Before each selective harvest, we prepare detailed operational harvesting plans.
The planning process starts with extensive research to identify where the harvest can and can't occur.
We look for any values of interest that may need to be protected, such as flora and fauna, watercourses and recreational areas.
We also learn about the cultural heritage of the area, identifying culturally significant locations where harvesting will be excluded.
Operational harvesting plans outline the actions to be taken to ensure selective harvesting is low impact and complies with regulation.
This includes leaving at least 50% of the forest standing, minimising soil disturbances and reducing overall site impacts.
[Charles - Director Forestry Policy and Projects]
Selective native timber harvesting is strictly regulated in Queensland.
We ensure selective harvesting complies with Queensland's code of practice for native forest timber production, as well as state and Commonwealth legislation.
We also undertake our own audits and inspections, working with different government agencies to ensure continued compliance.
[Matt de Jongh - Responsible Wood]
These state forests are certified to the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management through the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, which confirms that these forests are managed responsibly.
In order to maintain the certification, the Forest Management System is audited once every nine months by an independent third-party auditor.
[Male voice over]
Our forestry practices support the ongoing supply of high-value timber while protecting forest ecosystems.
Queensland’s native timber harvesting — selective, responsible, renewable.

Watch

3:49

State native forestry

We manage native forest timber production in state forests, timber reserves and other state-controlled lands, including the sale of log timber and other forest products and the sale of quarry materials, under the Forestry Act 1959.

We are committed to effective and responsible management of our native forest resources.

Defined forest areas are mapped out to show which timber reserve areas are available for timber production. We also administer permits for apiary sites and stock grazing in some areas of state forest.

Video: Supporting ecosystems and the economy

Explore how native forestry in Queensland balances environmental sustainability with economic benefits. This video highlights the vital role forestry plays in supporting ecosystems, creating jobs and driving regional growth, showcasing its importance to both nature and local communities.

Learn more about state native forestry in Queensland.

[Male voice over]
Forestry Facts - Supporting ecosystems and the economy.
The Queensland Government ensures state-owned native forests are carefully managed to safeguard the environment and support regional growth.
Queensland's native forests continue to provide essential timber resources for our state. Like many state forests in Queensland, harvesting has been occurring in this forest for over 100 years.
[Monique – Planning Officer, Forestry]
Careful forest management ensures that ecosystems are preserved and protected. During selective harvesting, steps are taken to reduce disturbance and support regeneration.
Machines operate in a manner to minimise forest floor disturbances, maintaining a healthy ecosystem. All harvesting debris remain on site which decompose, release nutrients, and feed the forest floor.
This supports a healthy ecosystem.
[Nathan – Senior Ecology Officer]
Protecting animal and plant habitats is a priority consideration when planning for a harvest.
Before harvesting begins, trained staff identify any habitat trees and plants, including those that might be used by animals for food or shelter.
We look for signs such as tree hollows, nests, scratchings and scats.
These trees are left untouched and protected from damage and fire, ensuring that suitable habitats for important species such as koalas and gliders are maintained.
Selective harvesting leaves an extensive forest canopy that ensures fauna can move around in their natural habitat.
Canopies support the overall health of the forest ecosystem. They play a critical role in climate regulation, nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
With selective timber harvesting, only certain mature trees are removed, as many mature trees are not suitable for wood products and a significant number are retained for habitat purposes.
Gaps in the canopy left from harvesting support biodiversity by promoting forest regeneration. These gaps are filled by existing saplings that have been waiting for an opportunity to develop into trees.
[Barry – Executive Director, Forestry]
Native forests are critical to our environment.
Trees extract carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their trunks, roots, branches and bark in a process called sequestration.
Timber products continue to store carbon throughout their useful life,which can be more than 100 years. This contributes to the carbon cycle.
Timber production is also much less carbon intensive than concrete or steel production.
This helps to reduce Queensland's overall carbon footprint.
[Richard Kirk, Architect]
As an architect, I really love to use Queensland native timbers because they're strong, they're incredibly durable and they provide a great deal of design flexibility.
Behind me is the Sound Shell at the University of Queensland.
It's an example of using GL21 spotted gum in the form of a diagrid. The diagrid gives this curved shape extra strength.
The spotted gum that you see is incredibly durable and incredibly strong and it will last for several lifetimes.
The other important thing about using Queensland native timbers is the local industry here supplies and manufactures the material, keeping the entire project locally sourced.
[Mark Pitt – CEO, South Burnett Council]
The native hardwood timber industry is extremely important to our region and our local communities.
The employment that they offer, both direct and indirect, is an extremely strong economic stimulus to our area.
The local sawmills, through their direct economic activity and the support industries that work with them, give great benefit to local residents and again to the region and our local communities.
They are a valuable partner and conduct themselves in an extremely ethical and good way.
We're very pleased to be able to support them and have them in our communities.
[Barry – Executive Director, Forestry]
Demand for more sustainable building materials like timber is growing.
This presents opportunities for growth, innovation and the development of new products and processing efficiencies.
Queensland state-owned native forests contain substantial timber resources.
Native forestry contributes significantly to the Queensland economy and especially rural communities each year.
[Male voice over]
Our forestry practices support the ongoing supply of high value timber, while protecting forest ecosystems.
Queensland's native timber harvesting. Selective. Responsible. Renewable.

Watch

4:56

Visiting state native forests

Timber reserves permit other commercial activities and recreational uses, such as:

camping
4WD activities
scientific, research or educational purposes
accessing communications and water infrastructure.

Permits may be required for these activities.

Also consider...

View the Forest Management System Summary Audit Report.
Read more about Queensland state native forestry.

Defined forest area

The defined forest area is the area of State-owned native forest over which the Queensland Government applies its forest management system, and is subject to the requirements of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management AS 4708-2013.

The defined forest area includes eligible areas of the State forest and timber reserves available for the supply of timber and other forest products.

Under the Forestry Act 1959, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) retains an interest in forest products and quarry material on other state land outside of the defined forest area.

Defined forest area maps

A defined forest area map is available through the Queensland Globe.

To view this map:

Click on Layers.
Click on Add layers.
In the list of layers, expand Economy.
Expand Forestry and click on Defined forest area.
Zoom into your area of interest.

Once you have located your area of interest, you can pull up details using the toolbar option.

A range of other contextual information is available on the Queensland Globe, including state forest boundaries. This can be located by:

In the list of layers, expand Environment.
Expand Parks and click on Protected areas.

For further assistance, refer to the tutorial titled 'Querying data and Places' available through Help.

The spatial data for the defined forest area can also be downloaded from QSpatial in various formats. If necessary, search for 'defined forest area'.

How we sell state-owned timber and other forest products

We have the right to sell state-owned forest products in Queensland under the Forestry Act 1959. We issue sales permits for the removal of log timber and other forest products on state forests, timber reserves and other state-owned land, such as leasehold land.

We also issue permits on other land where the state owns the native timber, including some freehold land recently converted from leasehold.

We mostly issue permits for sawlogs, poles and girders, along with small volumes of landscaping logs. The main species include:

We also issue permits for other forest products, including:

foliage, seeds and plants
fencing material
firewood
honey
other products such as wood turning, timber and didgeridoo blanks.

Mostly, we sell sawlogs through long-term sale permits to timber processors, and other forest products through short-term permits or one-off sales.

To hold a sales permit for timber and other forest products, you will be required to have appropriate environmental and safety accreditation, or use employees or contractors who have this accreditation.

Permits for honey production are issued as site permits for keeping hives. Read more about beekeeping in Queensland.

Find out more about development approvals and state-owned native forest timber.

Obtaining permits for state-owned forest products

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) sells forest products under the Forestry Act 1994.

Quantities of forest products occasionally become available for sale. When these opportunities become available, details will be published here.

You may be issued a sales permit to purchase these resources, provided you satisfy any required environmental and safety accreditations.

For enquiries about a specific forest product, contact the DPI customer service centre.

Understanding sales permits

A sales permit is issued under the Forestry Act 1994 to allow for the removal and use of state-owned forest products.

A sales permit is a legal agreement between the state of Queensland and a permittee, and sets out the commercial terms, rights, and performance requirements agreed between the parties.

Land tenures with forest products

State-owned forest products under the Forestry Act 1994 are located on state forests and timber reserves.

The state also owns forest products on land leased under the Land Act 1994, such as:

pastoral leases
grazing homestead perpetual leases
term leases
perpetual leases.

The state can also own forest products on:

reserves
deeds of grant in trust
permits to occupy
occupation licences
roads
unallocated state land.

On freehold land, the state can continue to own the forest products where a forest consent area and forest entitlement area have been established.

Selling and using forest products on leasehold land

You cannot sell or remove state-owned forest products without a sales permit unless you are authorised under other legislation.

As the leaseholder, you may use forest products if you:

do not remove them from the land
use them only to construct, maintain or repair essential infrastructure
ensure the use is consistent with the purpose of the granted lease as issued under the Land Act 1994.

Forest consent areas and forest consent agreements on freehold titles

A forest consent area is a defined area where the state retains ownership of selected native timber resources under the Forestry Act 1994. You will require a sales permit to remove or use this timber.

A forest consent agreement is registered on the title as a profit à prendre (a right for the state to take the timber) and defines the extent of the forest consent area.

Carbon markets and native forests

If you have state-owned native forest on your land, you will need to confirm with us whether you are able to participate in carbon projects. Contact the DPI customer service centre to find out more.

This includes leasehold land and freehold land where the state retains ownership of the timber. This is because it may impact the state’s ability to access its native timber resources.

Read more about carbon rights on state land.

Also consider...

Download the code of practice for native forest timber production on the QPWS forest estate 2020 (PDF, 4.3MB).
Read the managing a native forest practice self-assessable vegetation clearing code (PDF, 2.06 MB).
Read the forest harvesting code of practice 2007 (PDF, 1.5MB).
Follow the code of practice for the harvest and use of protected plants.
Follow the code of conduct for the sale of forest and quarry products.
Download the native forest log timber removals spreadsheet.

How we sell state-owned quarry material

We issue sales permits under the Forestry Act 1959 (Qld) which allow you to extract and remove rocks, sand and gravel (quarry material) from state forests, timber reserves and other state-owned land, such as leasehold land.

We also issue permits on other land where the state owns the quarry material, including some freehold land.

A number of private and local government quarries operate on state land, and on land where we retain rights to the quarry material.

We occasionally advertise expressions of interest for the purchase of quarry materials. When these opportunities become available, we will publish the details here.

Find out more about development approvals and state-owned quarry material.

Sale of quarry material products

Quarry material is any stone, gravel, sand, rock, clay and earth that is not defined as a mineral under the Mineral Resources Act 1989.

To find out about purchasing quarry materials, contact us online, by phone or in person.

Sales permits

A sales permit is issued under the Forestry Act to allow the removal and use of state-owned quarry material.

It is a legal agreement between the State of Queensland and a permittee, and sets out the commercial terms, rights and performance requirements agreed between the parties.

Permit holders are required to meet safety, environmental, cultural heritage and native title requirements along with planning and development approval conditions. For further information on environmental, planning cultural heritage and native title requirements, refer to Quarry material administered under the Forestry Act 1959.

Land tenures with quarry material

State-owned quarry material is located on state forests and timber reserves.

The state also owns quarry material on land leased under the Land Act 1994, such as:

pastoral leases
grazing homestead perpetual leases
term leases
perpetual leases.

The state may also own quarry material on:

reserves
deeds of grant in trust
permits to occupy
occupation licences
roads
unallocated state land.

On freehold land, the state may also own quarry material under the Forestry Act where the ownership has been retained through a reservation on a deed of grant under the Land Act.

In tidal waters covered by a lease or licence, quarry material also falls within the Forestry Act, and you may require a sales permit to extract and remove this material.

Selling or using quarry material on leasehold land

You cannot sell or remove state-owned quarry material from leasehold land without a sales permit, unless specifically authorised to do so under other legislation.

As the leaseholder, you may use quarry material if you:

do not remove it from the land
use it only for the construction, maintenance or repair of essential infrastructure
ensure the use is consistent with the purpose and terms of your granted lease as issued under the Land Act.

Establishing a new quarry

You will need a sales permit to quarry state-owned quarry material.

We can provide advice on your proposal. If we endorse your proposal, we will work with you to develop commercial terms and conditions before issuing a sales permit under the Forestry Act.

Prior to commencing operations, you will be required to:

address native title and native title procedures for sales permits
address environmental and cultural heritage issues
obtain any necessary planning approvals.

You may also need a quarry management or operational plan that reflects relevant legislation, codes of practice and industry standards. This includes environmentally responsible site management and rehabilitation measures.

Learn more about quarry permits and approvals.

Also consider...

Download the Quarry material management and sale policy statement (PDF, 165KB).
Read about quarry material administered under the Forestry Act 1959.
Learn about native title procedures for sales permits.
Learn about the Code of conduct for the sale of forest and quarry products.
Read about how local government can access quarry material under the Local Government Act 2009.
Download the quarry material removals spreadsheet.

Private native forestry

Native forests on private land are important for timber production in Queensland and provide income to landholders while supplying a wood resource to the timber industry. These forests supply around half of Queensland's native hardwood resources.

Private native forests in Queensland are extensive, covering more than 10 million hectares across the state. Most of this land's management combines forestry and grazing in a mutually beneficial way.

Management of private native forests

Selective harvesting practices and active management have many benefits. These include environmental and timber benefits such as:

improved ground cover, including perennial grasses and leaf litter
good retention of large trees
woody debris for animal habitat.

Silvicultural treatment helps to ensure:

a productive stand with the best stocking for optimum growth
a good mix of commercial trees for timber production
regeneration for future canopy tree species.

Private native forestry trees

The main types of commercial private native forest trees and timbers in Queensland are hardwood (e.g. spotted gum, ironbark, blackbutt, grey gum, forest red gum, white mahogany or yellow stringybark, Gympie messmate) or softwood (e.g. white cypress pine).

Wood properties like colour and hardness differ between species of native forest trees. Read about the properties of some important native forestry trees in Queensland:

Read about the wood properties and uses of Australian timbers.

Private native forestry legislation and regulations

The Vegetation Management Act 1999 regulates native forestry on private land through an accepted development vegetation clearing code. Learn more about accepted development vegetation clearing codes and approvals.

Other regulations concerned with managing protected native plants and animals are also relevant to private native forestry. In some cases, a protected plant flora survey and clearing permit may be required in high-risk areas where endangered, vulnerable or near-threatened plants are known to exist or are likely to exist. Learn more about protected plants.

Read more information on legislation and regulation relevant to forestry in Queensland or contact our Customer Service Centre.