Max Waters Reforestation Project 2

Max Waters Reforestation Project 2 is a reforestation and afforestation project located across multiple sites in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. Registered in August 2014, the project covers approximately 533 hectares dispersed near the towns of Quairading, Dumbleyung, and Kojonup. This region is historically dominated by broadacre agriculture, specifically dryland cropping (wheat, canola) and sheep grazing. The project involves the establishment of trees on land that was previously cleared for these agricultural purposes.

The project operates under the "Reforestation and Afforestation-1.2" methodology (2013). This method allows proponents to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by establishing new forests on land that has been clear of forest cover for at least five years prior to the project's commencement. The project specifically utilizes a mix of eucalypt species, including Eucalyptus polybractea (Blue Mallee), Eucalyptus loxophleba (York Gum), Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum), and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum). These trees are planted in blocks or belts to sequester carbon in their biomass as they grow.

The environmental conditions of the WA Wheatbelt are characterized by a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate with rainfall typically ranging between 300mm and 600mm annually. The soils in this area often consist of sandy loams over clay or duplex soils, and the region frequently contends with dryland salinity. The species selected for this project, particularly the "oil mallees" (E. polybractea and E. loxophleba), are highly adapted to these conditions, drought-tolerant, and well-known for their ability to help lower saline water tables and reduce soil erosion.

A notable aspect of this project is its connection to the proponent, Fasera Estates, and participant Kochii Eucalyptus Oil. The project is named in honor of Max Waters, a pioneer of reforestation in WA's low-rainfall farmland. While the project generates carbon credits, the species planted are also the primary feedstock for eucalyptus oil production. Fasera Estates operates an integrated business model where they produce high-grade eucalyptus oil, biochar, and wood vinegar, demonstrating how carbon farming can potentially coexist with or complement other land-management industries.