Otway Silva 2025_2 Carbon Project

Otway Silva 2025_2 Carbon Project is a commercial plantation forestry project located across the Upper Goulburn and North East regions of Victoria. The project aggregates land in two distinct areas: one situated near Flowerdale (approximately 60km north of Melbourne) and another in the Strathbogie Ranges near Euroa (approximately 130km north-east of Melbourne). Registered in August 2025, the project covers a total area of 1,192.78 hectares.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Plantation Forestry) Methodology Determination 2022. This methodology is designed to integrate commercial timber production with carbon sequestration. The project activities are twofold: establishing new plantation forests on land that was previously cleared (Schedule 1), and "avoided conversion," which involves maintaining existing plantations that were at risk of being converted to non-forested land (such as pasture) after harvest. By committing to replant and maintain these trees for commercial rotation, the project generates Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) while continuing to supply wood products.

The regions hosting this project are characterized by their suitability for high-yield forestry and agriculture. The Flowerdale and Kinglake West area features high rainfall (typically exceeding 800mm annually) and clay-loam soils derived from sedimentary bedrock. The Strathbogie Ranges area near Euroa is distinct for its granitic sandy loams and similarly reliable rainfall, which supports both pine/blue gum forestry and cattle grazing.

A notable aspect of this project is its proponent, Otway Silva Pty Limited, which serves as a special purpose vehicle for Midway Limited, one of Australia's largest woodfibre processors and exporters. While the name "Otway" suggests a connection to the Otway Ranges in southwestern Victoria (where Midway also operates), this specific project ID focuses on their expansion into the central and north-eastern Victorian distincts. The involvement of Midway Plantations Pty Ltd as a participant ensures the project benefits from industrial-scale forestry management and established timber export supply chains.