A research team from Deakin University's Warrnambool campus will conduct the 12-month study to determine the viability of the plantation industry.

Research team associate professor Kevin O'Toole said the project grew out of community concerns after a number of dairy farms transformed into plantations.

``The concerns printed in the local press revolve around the loss of farm families, leading to the contraction of local economies, withdrawal of services, a decline in infrastructure, depopulation and a decrease in the levels of social interaction,'' Professor O'Toole said.

``As there has been no accurate assessment of the potential impact for dairy farmers and dairy farming communities of the spread of forestry in the area, Deakin University (has) sought funding . . . to pursue research into the issue.''

The research team has secured $50,000 funding from the Gardiner Foundation and $15,000 from the Corangamite Shire and the Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins catchment management authorities.

``This project is unique in that it specifically seeks to gauge the extent to which the change in land use impacts on local economic and community profiles,'' he said.

``To date there have been no other studies that have explicitly targeted the dairy area.''

Professor O'Toole said the outcome of the research would enable the two industries to be compared for an analysis which could be applied to other districts yet to experience the land use change.

Source: Warrnambool Standard