Forestry Australia: 2026 Symposium
Oct 7, 2026 8:00am - Oct 9, 2026 5:00pm
The forestry story: Strategies for improved awareness, social licence and effective engagement
Building on the success of Forestry Australia’s 2025 Conference in Adelaide and the 2024 Symposium in Ballarat, Forestry Australia is delighted to announce the details of their 2026 Symposium.
Theme: The forestry story: Strategies for improved awareness, social licence and effective engagement
Date: Wednesday 7 – Friday 9 October 2026
Location: Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT
ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM
Forestry is central to some of the biggest policy issues facing Australia today, from housing to agricultural income, to trade balances and security, climate action and adaptation, and risk management and nature repair. Without a successful forestry sector, Australia cannot meet its goals.
Looking forward to the next decade, forestry’s social licence is connected to how the sector engages with the values, expectations, and questions of the broader community. As our operating environment changes, and public attitudes toward land use, sustainability, and environmental responsibility continue to evolve, forestry must adapt. In addition to technical excellence, forestry must skilfully demonstrate transparency, accountability for its practices, and a shared vision.
This Symposium will explore how the forestry sector can articulate and share its values and engage constructively with diverse audiences and stakeholders — from local communities and Traditional Owners, to politicians and policymakers, the media, and the wider public. The event will celebrate the many benefits that sustainable forestry delivers and how to communicate the nature-positive solutions the sector has to offer. Through active discussions and real-world examples, the Symposium will examine practical strategies to strengthen trust, foster understanding, and position forestry as a respected and valued contributor to Australia’s sustainable future.
The Symposium is a focused three-day gathering, consisting of two days of plenary and concurrent sessions, and a day of Field Trips. The two-day program will feature a range of Keynote and Invited Speakers, who are experts and thought leaders in their field. The Symposium will also feature several social functions, facilitating networking and collaboration in an informal and relaxed environment.
