Tasmania’s environment is special. It’s unique and one of the state’s defining features. Having a lush, wild environment is central to the Tasmanian economy, brand and way of life. For decades, Tasmania's environment and community groups have fought to preserve the state’s natural beauty and highlight environmental injustices.
In late 2024, 15 years of environmental damage was uncovered by Tasmania’s State of the Environment Report 2024 (2024 Report). The 2024 Report, published by the government and compiled by independent, expert authors, provides a cutting review of the government’s management and monitoring of Tasmania’s environment.
The results were dire. Over half of the indicators, used to assess the health of the state’s environment, were in decline and over a third were in poor condition. Industrial expansion, climate change, development and poor protection has led to the degradation of Tasmania’s environment. Notably, Tasmania’s beaches and native vegetation are ‘getting worse’. There has also been an increase in the number of animals and plants threatened with extinction.
Tasmania’s decision-makers have been poor caretakers of the land. Environment Tasmania is working hard to apply pressure on decision-makers to reverse the state’s environmental declines and invest in adequate monitoring and management systems. We will continue to work collaboratively with the state’s environment groups to maximise our influence and deliver big for nature in Tasmania.