Plantation Management – Social
Socioeconomic Impacts of Plantation Forestry Over Time
Comprehensive research studies investigating the Socio Economic Impacts of Plantation Forestry over time have been recently conducted in the Great Southern Region of W.A and the south west slopes region of South East NSW.
Conclusions of the south west slopes region, SE NSW Study
‘Expansion of the south west slopes plantation sector from 1991 to 2004 has contributed to stable economic growth in the region, and to stable or growing populations in some towns that otherwise would have been likely to experience population decline. Strong growth in working age population in towns with high plantation sector employment indicates high potential for ongoing stable or growing populations and economic activity in these towns over time.
Although increasing mechanisation in the plantation sector has led to higher output per employee, the expansion in wood volumes processed has been rapid enough to keep employment needs steady.’
Download Summary Report Socioeconomic Impacts of Plantation Forestry in the South West Slopes (NSW) (pdf)
Access Full Research Report: Full Report
Conclusions of the Great Southern Region, WA Study
‘Plantation expansion is a different type of land use change from that occurring in many rural regions of Australia. In areas where plantations are expanding, farmers often lease or sell their land to plantation companies, whereas in other areas they often lease or sell to other farmers.
While this involves a shift in land management, it has not been associated with higher than average rural population decline or service decline at the LGA level. In fact some areas of the Great Southern in which plantations are expanding experienced rural population growth, particularly those that have also seen growth in rural residential developments and intensive agriculture.
Employment and spending associated with the plantation sector increased rapidly from the time harvesting began in the region.’
Download Summary Report Socioeconomic Impacts of Plantation Forestry in the Great Southern Region (WA) (pdf)
Access Full Research Report: Socioeconomic impacts of plantation forestry in the Great Southern Region of WA, 1991-2004 Full Report
