Chetwynd Carbon & Biodiversity Project

The Chetwynd Carbon & Biodiversity Project is a plantation forestry project located in the locality of Chetwynd, approximately 26km north of Casterton in western Victoria. Registered in March 2023, the project covers a relatively small area of nearly 53 hectares.

The project operates under the 2022 Plantation Forestry methodology, specifically utilising the "transition to permanent forest" activity (Schedule 4). This approach involves taking an existing commercial plantation, likely Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) or Pine given the region's forestry history, and ceasing commercial harvest cycles to allow the trees to grow indefinitely. To qualify, the proponent must demonstrate that the plantation was at risk of being cleared and converted to non-forested land, such as pasture or cropping, which is a common trend in the region as landholders revert plantations to agriculture.

The site sits within the West Wimmera Shire on the Dundas Tablelands, a region historically characterized by wool and beef production, as well as significant timber plantation estates. The environment features texture-contrast soils, typically consisting of sandy or loamy topsoils overlying heavy clay subsoils, which can be susceptible to water erosion on slopes. The area receives moderate rainfall, generally exceeding 600mm annually, supporting both grazing and forestry operations.

An interesting note regarding this project is the proponent, Xavier Duthie. Public records indicate he is an experienced engineer specializing in decarbonisation and carbon capture technologies. This suggests the project is managed by someone with technical expertise in the broader carbon abatement sector, rather than a traditional primary producer.