Purpose
This project assessed community attitudes toward plantation forestry expansion in Gippsland. It identified key social, environmental, and economic factors influencing public perceptions, helping guide strategies for future plantation expansion.
Summary
This project examined the social licence for plantation forestry expansion in Gippsland by identifying and modelling key community concerns. Researchers conducted surveys, interviews, and spatial analysis to understand how trust, transparency, and environmental impacts shaped public attitudes. They found that while communities valued economic benefits such as employment, they were concerned about biodiversity loss, water use, and landscape changes. The project developed a spatial framework that integrated social data with plantation operations, allowing stakeholders to assess risks and opportunities for expansion. It emphasised the importance of proactive, place-based engagement and tailored communication strategies to maintain public support. The research provided actionable insights for forestry companies and policymakers to align operations with community expectations. These findings supported more socially responsible planning and helped secure long-term social licence for plantation growth.
Benefits to the Forest and Wood Products Industry
- Strengthened community relations: The project equips industry stakeholders with data-driven insights into public concerns, enabling more targeted and transparent engagement strategies that foster long-term trust and social licence.
- Informed strategic planning: By modelling spatial and social factors influencing public acceptance, the project supports evidence-based decision-making for plantation expansion, reducing conflict and improving operational sustainability.
- Enhanced policy alignment: The findings help align forestry practices with community expectations and environmental values, facilitating smoother regulatory approvals and reinforcing the industry’s role in regional development.
Acknowledgement
This work was supported by funding provided to Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) to administer the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation program (NIFPI).
Funding for the program was provided by the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and Australian forest and wood products industry.
