APFL Seymour project

The APFL Seymour project is a Plantation Forestry project located in the Shire of Plantagenet, Western Australia. Situated approximately 35 kilometers northwest of the regional city of Albany and near the town of Narrikup, the project sits within the Great Southern region. Registered on February 3, 2025, the project covers a land area of 161.4 hectares. The surrounding region is a mosaic of intensive agriculture, primarily known for cattle grazing, viticulture, and extensive blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) forestry operations.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Plantation Forestry) Methodology Determination 2022. Specifically, it utilizes the "avoided conversion" activity. This means the project proponent, Albany Plantation Forest Company of Australia (APFL), has committed to maintaining an existing plantation forest that was at risk of being converted into non-forested land, such as agricultural pasture, after harvest. By continuing the plantation cycle rather than clearing the land for other uses, the project ensures the carbon stored in the trees and soil remains sequestered.

Environmentally, the site lies within a high rainfall zone typical of the South West's Mediterranean climate, receiving significant annual precipitation (often exceeding 600mm) which supports rapid tree growth. The soil in this area typically consists of lateritic gravels and sandy loams, which are well-drained and highly suitable for deep-rooted forestry crops like Tasmanian Blue Gums.

The proponent, APFL, is a subsidiary of the Japanese paper giant Oji Holdings. Established in 1993, APFL has been a key player in the development of the blue gum industry in Western Australia, exporting woodchips via the Albany Port. The project name "Seymour" likely refers to the property location, as Seymour Road runs through the Narrikup area near the project's coordinates. This project appears to be part of a broader portfolio of carbon projects registered by APFL in the region, including the nearby Adams and Bradshaw projects.