Marlborough Country carbon + biodiversity project ID1201

Marlborough Country carbon + biodiversity project ID1201 is an environmental planting project located near Toolleen, approximately 35km east of Bendigo in Central Victoria. Registered in May 2022, the project covers a small area of 11.57 hectares. The site is situated within the Campaspe Shire region, an area traditionally dominated by mixed farming, particularly sheep grazing and cropping, as well as a growing viticulture industry known for the nearby Heathcote wine region.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This involves establishing permanent plantings of native tree and shrub species on land that was previously cleared for agricultural use. As indicated by the project name, it is likely a participant in the Australian Government's Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot, which incentivizes landholders to plant diverse, locally appropriate vegetation to sequester carbon and restore habitat. Standard requirements for such projects typically involve planting at densities sufficient to achieve forest cover (often exceeding 200–400 stems per hectare) using a mix of canopy and understorey species native to the local environment.

Environmentally, the Toolleen region is characterized by a temperate climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 500–550mm. The area is geologically distinct, often noted for its ancient Cambrian soils, rich, red-brown clay loams that are highly valued for agriculture and viticulture. However, the broader region also contains sodic clay soils which can present management challenges. The proponent, Jencie McRobert, is a known expert in natural resource management and a consultant with RMCG, suggesting this project may serve as a demonstration of best-practice land stewardship and soil health improvement.