Courtfield Environmental Planting Project

The Courtfield Environmental Planting Project is a reforestation initiative located in the Kyogle Council local government area of New South Wales. Situated approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the town of Kyogle, near the locality of Gradys Creek and the Border Ranges, the project covers 201 hectares. Registered in December 2022, the site sits within a region traditionally known for beef cattle grazing, dairy farming, and forestry operations.

This project operates under the "Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings" methodology, utilizing the FullCAM model for calculating carbon abatement. The primary activity involves establishing permanent plantings of mixed native tree species on land that was previously used for agriculture (specifically grazing) for at least five years. To generate credits, the planting must be stocked at a density sufficient to achieve "forest cover," typically defined as trees reaching a height of two meters and a canopy cover of at least 20%.

The project area is located in a high-rainfall zone characteristic of the Northern Rivers region, often supporting lush subtropical vegetation. The soils in this area, particularly near the volcanic caldera of the Border Ranges, are generally fertile basaltic or alluvial clay loams, which are highly conducive to tree growth. Public records indicate the property "Courtfield" has previously been associated with Devon cattle breeding, aligning with the project's description of converting agricultural pasture into native forest.

Notably, the proponent has elected for a 100-year permanence period for this project. This commitment ensures the stored carbon must be maintained for a century, allowing the project to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) without the 20% discount applied to shorter 25-year projects. The project is managed with the assistance of Climate Friendly Pty Ltd, a prominent carbon service provider in Australia.