Carbon + Biodiversity R2 1403

Carbon + Biodiversity R2 1403 is a permanent environmental planting project located approximately 15 kilometers west of Nagambie in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria. Registered on October 24, 2023, the project covers 52.83 hectares of land previously used for agriculture. The project is managed by Classic Pastoral Company Pty Ltd as trustee for The Hathershaw Unit Trust, with Charles Heal listed as a participant.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings (FullCAM) methodology. This method requires the establishment of mixed-species native trees and shrubs on land that has been clear of forest cover for at least five years. The plantings must be permanent and established at a density sufficient to achieve "forest cover" status, typically defined as having the potential to reach a height of at least two meters and 20% canopy cover. As a participant in Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot, this project likely receives biodiversity stewardship payments in addition to Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for planting diverse vegetation ranges that support local fauna.

The Nagambie region generally experiences a temperate climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 500mm to 600mm. The local landscape is dominated by dryland grazing (sheep and cattle) and cereal cropping. Soils in this area, often associated with the Goulburn Broken catchment, are typically red duplex soils or clay loams, which can be prone to compaction but are productive under careful management. The proponent, Classic Pastoral Company, appears to be active in the wool or livestock industry, having been referenced in industry reports regarding environmental footprints for apparel.

This project specifically targets the restoration of native vegetation on agricultural land, likely integrating conservation goals with existing pastoral operations. The inclusion of "R2" in the project name confirms its association with the second round of the Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot, a scheme designed to incentivise farmers to plant shelterbelts and biodiverse blocks that sequester carbon while improving landscape resilience.