Landari AKD-4 Vic 2022: Turrong Rd and Chrome Rd

Landari AKD-4 Vic 2022: Turrong Rd and Chrome Rd is a plantation forestry project divided between two distinct properties in Western Victoria. The first location is situated on Chrome Road near Branxholme, approximately 20km southwest of the major regional centre of Hamilton. The second site is located on Turrong Road in Cooriemungle, roughly 15km inland from the coast near Port Campbell and 60km southwest of Colac. Registered in August 2023, the project covers a total area of 345 hectares across these two sites.

This project operates under the 2022 Plantation Forestry methodology, specifically engaging in the "establishment of a new plantation forest" (Schedule 1). This activity involves planting trees for commercial timber production on land that has not supported a forest for at least seven years, typically land previously cleared for agriculture. Unlike permanent environmental plantings, this method allows for the commercial harvesting of logs. Carbon credits (ACCUs) are generated based on the carbon stored in the trees and the long-term storage in the resulting wood products.

Both project locations are situated in high-rainfall zones ideal for softwood production. The Branxholme region consists of fertile volcanic plains historically used for intensive grazing and cropping, often with clay-loam soils. The Cooriemungle area, closer to the Otway Ranges, is characterized by sandy loams and is a well-established hub for dairy farming and forestry.

The project proponent, Associated Kiln Driers Pty Ltd (trading as AKD), is Australia's largest softwood sawmiller with headquarters in Colac. The project was originally developed by Landari, a carbon forestry service provider, before the participant name was formally updated to AKD in November 2023. This suggests the project is part of AKD's strategy to secure its own future timber supply (likely Radiata Pine) for its local mills while generating carbon offsets.