AA2024R_RhyndastonP_S3

AA2024R_RhyndastonP_S3 is a plantation forestry project located in the rural locality of Rhyndaston, Tasmania. The site is situated approximately 50km north of Hobart and 15km south of the historic midlands town of Oatlands. Registered in April 2024, the project covers a total area of 94.67 hectares within the Southern Midlands Council area. The surrounding region is characterized by a mix of dryland grazing (predominantly sheep and cattle) and forestry operations, typical of the Tasmanian Midlands' transition into the Central Highlands.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Plantation Forestry) Methodology Determination 2022. Specifically, this project is classified as an "Avoided Conversion" activity (Schedule 3). This means the project involves maintaining an existing plantation forest that was at significant risk of being cleared and converted to non-forested land, such as pasture for agriculture. By committing to maintain the plantation rather than harvesting it for land conversion, the project generates carbon credits for the stored carbon that would otherwise have been released.

Rhyndaston experiences a cool temperate climate with a moderate average annual rainfall of approximately 600mm. The area sits somewhat in the rain shadow of the Central Highlands, making it drier than the state's west but generally wetter than the lower Midlands flats. The local terrain is hilly, often featuring soils derived from sandstone or dolerite, which are common in the Southern Midlands and suitable for both grazing and forestry.

This project is managed by SFM Environmental Solutions, a prominent Tasmanian forest and natural asset manager that oversees over 50,000 hectares of estate. The proponent is The Trust Company (Australia) Limited, acting as trustee for The Tasmanian Carbon Afforestation Sub-Trust, suggesting this site is part of a larger investment portfolio of carbon assets. The "S3" in the project name likely denotes "Schedule 3," referring to the specific regulatory schedule for avoided conversion projects.