A Ucomms poll commissioned by the Australia Institute of 1,136 residents across Tasmania on the evening of 22nd October, found almost two thirds of Tasmanians want to see takayna/Tarkine protected rather than logged.

Despite state government plans to log old growth and rainforest in takanya/Tarkine, support for preserving the forests in a national park remains strong at just under 66%

“We wanted to test community attitudes, given the governments strong advocacy for logging over the past 12 months and see if it had had an effect” Said Leanne Minshull, Director The Australia Institute – Tasmania

The research found that support for a national park remained strong and came from across the political spectrum.

47% of Liberal voters surveyed were in support of a national park with 42% opposed.

78% of ALP voters in support of a national park.

Independent voters also displayed a strong preference for a national park with 61% supporting the park and only 15% opposing it.

“The economy has shifted in regional Tasmania, from large extraction based companies to other enterprises like tourism that rely on our clean green image. With more Tasmanians enjoying the environmental and economic benefits the forests of takanya/Tarkine bring, the more support for protecting the area will grow”

Detailed results

The Australia Institute commissioned Ucomms to survey 1,136 residents across Tasmania during the night of 22nd October 2019

Recently released 3 year government logging plans reveal plans for logging forests including old growth and rainforest areas in Takanya/Tarkine, the equivalent area of 920 Melbourne Cricket Grounds

Conservationists and some local businesses, have argued for these forests to be reserved in a Tarkine National Park

Do you support or oppose the call for a Takanya/Tarkine national park

Total Female Male 18-34 35-50 51-65 65+ Strongly Support 45.9% 51.6% 39.8% 34.8% 45.6% 53.6% 50.2% Support 19.4% 19.4% 19.3% 13.8% 18.8% 20.5% 26.0% Oppose 16.0% 10.9% 21.5% 28.3% 14.1% 10.6% 10.3% Strongly Oppose 7.2% 5.1% 9.5% 9.3% 7.2% 6.6% 5.4% Unsure / Don’t Know 11.5% 12.9% 9.9% 13.8% 14.4% 8.6% 8.1%

Total LAB LIB GRE IND OTH UND Strongly Support 45.9% 60.8% 18.6% 92.0% 40.3% 15.0% 37.1% Support 19.4% 17.3% 28.5% 2.7% 21.0% 25.0% 12.9% Oppose 16.0% 9.6% 31.6% 0.5% 6.7% 0.0% 12.9% Strongly Oppose 7.2% 4.3% 9.4% 0.5% 8.4% 40.0% 12.9% Unsure / Don’t Know 11.5% 8.0% 11.8% 4.3% 23.5% 20.0% 24.2%