2023 Age Class - Limestone Plantations

2023 Age Class - Limestone Plantations is a plantation forestry project located approximately 30km northwest of Penola in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. Registered in June 2023, the project covers nearly 397 hectares within the Naracoorte Lucindale Council area. This region, commonly known as the "Green Triangle," is one of Australia's premier forestry zones, characterized by a mix of intensive softwood plantations, grazing, and cropping land use.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Plantation Forestry) Methodology Determination 2022. Unlike environmental plantings which are typically permanent and non-commercial, this methodology integrates carbon sequestration with commercial timber production. This specific project employs two distinct activities: establishing new plantation forests on land that has been clear of forest for a specified period, and converting existing short-rotation plantations (typically grown for pulpwood) to long-rotation plantations (grown for higher-quality sawlogs). By extending the growth cycle, the average carbon stock on the land is increased over time.

The environmental conditions in this part of the Limestone Coast are ideal for Pinus radiata (radiata pine), the primary species cultivated by the proponent, OneFortyOne Plantations. The area enjoys reliable rainfall, generally ranging between 600mm and 800mm annually, and sits atop the region's characteristic geology of sandy loams and terra rossa soils over a limestone base. These free-draining yet moisture-retentive soils support rapid tree growth, vital for both commercial yield and carbon uptake.

An interesting facet of this project is its dual approach to sequestration, combining afforestation (planting new trees) with improved forest management (extending rotation lengths). OneFortyOne Plantations is a significant player in the sector, managing extensive estates in the Green Triangle. Notably, the project participant structure was updated in May 2025, shifting from a trust-based entity to OneFortyOne Plantations Pty Ltd directly.