The organisers of ‘A Festival Called Panama’ in Tasmania have announced a hiatus in 2026 as part of a campaign to protect the Panama Forest, the festival’s venue, from impending logging by the state government. Taking place each March just north of Launceston, the festival has raised concerns over plans for logging that will affect not only the festival site but also significant areas of native forest.
The festival’s team expressed their belief that stepping back will benefit both the land and the local community, emphasising the importance of allowing the forest to recover. They stated, “It’s the right time for us,” highlighting their commitment to conservation.
In a bid to rally support, the organisers are urging the festival’s fans to engage with lawmakers, encouraging them to voice their concerns about the logging proposals that threaten the area. They’ve launched a campaign called “Protecting the Panama Forest,” inviting the public to contribute to the preservation of this environment by sending emails to decision-makers. The organisers expressed that if the festival holds any significance for attendees, now is the time to act.
The state’s logging initiatives, part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s 2030 Strong Plan, plan to make approximately 40,000 hectares of forest available for logging, raising alarms over the potential destruction of old-growth forests home to endangered species, including wedge-tailed eagles and various quoll species.
In contrast, neighbouring states like Victoria and Western Australia recently imposed bans on native forest logging, highlighting a divergence in environmental approaches within Australia. Despite the logging threats, festival organisers remain hopeful and committed to their community, stating they look forward to discussing what future actions will best support both the festival and the preservation of their beloved forest.
The decision to take a break stems from a broader trend seen in the Australian music festival scene, with other events like Groovin the Moo, Splendour in the Grass, and Caloundra Music Festival also recently cancelled. As the community rallies around the cause, the festival team thanks supporters for their ongoing commitment.