Building on the success of Forestry Australia’s 2025 Conference in Adelaide and the 2024 Symposium in Ballarat, Forestry Australia has announced its 2026 Symposium.
The forestry story: Strategies for improved awareness, social licence and effective engagement
Dates: Wednesday 7 – Friday 9 October 2026
Location: Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, ACT
Forestry Australia members should log in to their membership portal before registering to access the member rate and CPD/RFP points. The discounted registration rate can also be accessed through “My Events” > “Make a New Booking.”
About the Symposium
Forestry is central to some of the biggest policy issues facing Australia today, including housing, agricultural income, trade balances and security, climate action and adaptation, risk management and nature repair. A successful forestry sector is important to achieving Australia’s goals in these areas.
The Symposium will explore how forestry can strengthen its social licence by engaging with the values, expectations and questions of the broader community. As the operating environment changes and public attitudes toward land use, sustainability and environmental responsibility continue to evolve, the sector must adapt while demonstrating transparency, accountability and a shared vision.
The program will examine how the forestry sector can articulate and share its values and engage constructively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, Traditional Owners, politicians and policymakers, the media and the wider public. It will also highlight the benefits of sustainable forestry and the nature-positive solutions the sector has to offer.
Through discussions and real-world examples, the Symposium will explore practical strategies to strengthen trust, foster understanding and support forestry’s contribution to Australia’s sustainable future.
The three-day program will include two days of plenary and concurrent sessions featuring keynote and invited speakers who are experts and thought leaders in their fields, followed by a day of Field Trips. Several social functions will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration in an informal and relaxed environment.
Further information and registration
For registration details and the full Symposium program, visit the Forestry Australia Symposium website or contact Beth Martin at conference@forestry.org.au for more information.