00:02Livestock have been part of the landscape at Rushy Lagoon for more than 70 years, but
00:07that's about to change.
00:09We already see pines in the landscape in the northeast, so we know that they grow here
00:13but there will be no problems growing them on Rushy.
00:16The farm's new owner plans to convert nearly half of it to pine trees for plantation timber
00:22and carbon credits.
00:24It doesn't sit well with David Probit.
00:27He once managed Rushy Lagoon and his parents are buried in its cemetery.
00:32I just hope they don't plant too many trees around the cemetery, because I don't want that.
00:38I'd rather keep the way it is really.
00:42It'll take at least 30 years for the trees to mature, so Gresham is looking at alternative
00:48income streams.
00:50That includes cropping, leasing out the farm to grazing, tourism and mountain biking.
00:57Dorset councillor Nick Buchanik is renovating the Gladstone pub and plans to add new accommodation.
01:04He's optimistic about the potential for tourism.
01:07I think in the next five to ten years, I think tourism will be probably the biggest employer maybe in
01:16Gladstone.
01:16Over the next five years, around 12 million radiata pine seedlings will be planted in stages across the property.
01:24It's a windy site and plantations will be managed in such a way to ensure their longevity.
01:32I think there are significant positives and I think the community will see in time that it will be a
01:39great outcome.
01:40Gresham House will hold community meetings in Gladstone and Scottsdale next weekend.
01:46I think the community will be able to help the Philippines.
01:48Here we go.
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