8Social and economic considerations

8 Social and economic considerations

The major economic impact of this recovery plan will be on those who require approval to remove or modify Swift Parrot habitat and are prevented from doing so, or are required to modify their proposal by a consent authority. This may include increased costs due to the assessment processes, requirement to provide offset funding, to secure or rehabilitate habitat, or for other threat mitigation work.

Restrictions on further clearing of Swift Parrot habitat may impact some landowners, managers and developers. These restrictions may not significantly impact agricultural industries since many of the more fertile areas have already been cleared and the remaining forest communities are generally located on less fertile soils and are, therefore, relatively less attractive for grazing or cropping.

Application of prescriptions protecting Swift Parrot habitat in areas managed for forestry throughout the range of the Swift Parrot will reduce the volume of timber available for harvesting. Sustainable forest management is provided for through the Regional Forest Agreements, which are long‑term bilateral agreements between the Commonwealth and the relevant state government. Constitutional responsibility for forest management lies with the state governments, who develop and administer the forest management prescriptions.

A large network of community volunteers across eastern Australia actively participate in annual surveys for Swift Parrots coordinated by BirdLife Australia. Involvement can provide social benefits with community members and engaged groups having a sense of achievement, inclusion, community spirit and pride whilst gaining enjoyment and appreciation of their surrounding natural environment. The community education components of the program also promote community ownership, provide community support and encourage active involvement in protecting local natural resources.

In addition, there is the potential for financial gains through ecotourism ventures and holiday accommodation operators in areas where Swift Parrots are reliably seen. Such areas are more likely to be in Tasmania, particularly in the south east, and popular to visitors during the summer breeding season of the Swift Parrot. Additional social benefits include encouraging passive recreation, appreciation of natural aesthetic values and increased awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultural values.