Public response to plantation forestry on farms in south-western Victoria

Summary The region of south-western Victoria has experienced significant land use change over the past decade. Traditional grazing enterprises have decreased, while crop production, dairy farming and timber production have increased. This change has been associated with public expression of concern, much of it directed at the developing plantation timber industry. Research was undertaken to identify the level and nature of concern within the population of south-western Victoria. Results indicated that dairy farming and crop growing were viewed more favourably than plantation forestry. Residents of smaller townships and rural areas were more likely to believe plantation forestry had an overall negative impact on their area. Their concerns were related most strongly to beliefs about impacts on local employment and population retention. The findings help identify strategies for more successful integration of tree growing in rural landscapes.