An end to native forestry would have no economic impact on the state as a whole, and the experiences of Geeveston, Triabunna and Derby provide insights for managing economic change at the local level.

This paper examines these three towns, all of which have seen significant decline in forestry activity and resulting economic change.

While all three are sometimes described as forestry towns that have transitioned to tourism, employment data shows that jobs in these towns were—and remain—more diverse than is often assumed.

While the forestry sector declined, all three towns have seen other primary, secondary or service industries develop, leaving each with a seemingly stable and sustainable base of economic activity for the future.