Project overview

Exploring and promoting the possibilities of farm forestry for the Shire through three sub-projects:

Research: Exploring factors to support viability for landowners including species most suitable to this landscape, area that is already under plantation, management and harvest approaches

• • Planning for an Interpretive Centre to share training/education, host events and encourage new plantations
  • Business-planning for a small-scale timber processing facility with equipment for loan/hire

Status:

• • Project is overseen by the community-led Farm Forestry Innovation Working Group, with support from Council
  • Received a grant from Victorian State Government’s Community Development Fund to carry out the three sub-projects
  • Innovation Working Group is meeting monthly, with three sub-committees progressing the sub-projects between meetings
  • Other community members interested in getting involved with the Innovation Working Group can contact Council to find out more

Farm forestry presents a promising opportunity to revitalize the local forestry sector while providing economic, social, and environmental benefits. Small and medium-scale plantations on farming land can diversify income sources for farmers by producing timber, firewood, carbon offset credits, eucalyptus oils, and native foods.

The district has extensive local forestry expertise and farmers interested in mixed hardwood plantations for the multiple benefits. A key asset is the abundance of available farming land and a willingness within the community to diversify their farming enterprises to include trees, livestock, food production, soil nutrition and improve biodiversity values