Project Proposal

The Property: Features of the 792 hectare section of the Bengworden property include:

  • Land within the Farming Zone historically used for grazing, 40 per cent of which will be retained

  • An existing and ongoing Trust for Nature convent set up to recognise and sustainably manage an area of valuable natural habitat

  • Several small woodlots and windbreaks

  • A farm homestead provides accommodation for a local family.

The Opportunity: Economic reports have consistently identified a significant shortage of Australian sawn timber and structural wood products that is stimulating a growing volume of imported products. Forecasts confirm that without an expansion of Australian forestry, increasing wood product demand will continue to be met with imported products.

The Plan: The Bengworden planation project aims to contribute to supply of wood products needed for future housing construction as well as providing other significantly important benefits.

Infographic with four sections. Top left: Earth with CO2 emissions, labeled 'Carbon 90,000 tonnes CO2e.' Top right: Stacked logs with a leaf, labeled 'Timber 310,000 m3.' Bottom left: Tree with green leaves, labeled 'Nature Positive ~100 hectares.' Bottom right: Grazing cow under the sun, labeled 'Grazing Ongoing.'

SFA Nature Based Solutions has been working with the government and local council, community, farmers, contractors and neighbours to develop an integrated plantation design and operational schedule that integrates information with values and objectives, including the following.

  • Trial plots were established in 1999.

  • Radiata pine has been the best performing species considering form, height & volume for long term rotation of between 25 and 30 years.

  • Timber from new plantations will be processed as sawn wood for structural and non-structural uses.

  • Trust for Nature conservation to be retained.

  • We are working with local farmers to use unplanted paddocks for grazing .

  • The existing home, outbuildings and shearing shed will remain. The home has been leased to a local family.

  • Vermin, pests and disease, fences, fire, roads and maintenance controls are managed by Sumitomo Forestry and the site manager.

  • All forestry activities will be managed in accordance with an industry Code of Practice.

Plantation Establishment: The planting area will respect buffer zones to the roads, neighbours, nearby houses, land-use zones, environmental overlays, vegetation protection overlays, bushfire management overlays, existing ecological and cultural heritage areas of value.

Plantation development involves the following activities:

  • Removal of debris on site and slashing longer grass

  • Plough and ridge the planting area – typically with agricultural tractor and savannah plough

  • Pre- and post-plant weed control spraying – typically with boom spray from utility vehicle

  • Planting of trees - typically by hand with a spade

  • Fertilising of trees - typically by hand with manual dispenser

A plantation was established at 1815 Bengworden Rd to the north of the project area in 2024.

Approximately 89 ha of radiata pine softwood plantation was established in 2024.

This plantation is:

  • registered as an Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011

  • is supported by the Federal Government Plantation Establishment Program that encourages the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia to assist in the projected growth in the demand for domestically sourced timber resources.

Aerial map showing three designated areas labeled A, B, and C within outlined boundaries, with surrounding roads and landscape features.

We’re seeking a planning permit for a second plantation, with support from the Victorian government’s Invest Victoria.

  • An area of approximately 500 ha is being planned to commence planting in 2026.

  • Key planning investigations include:

    • Cultural Heritage Assessment

    • Biodiversity and Environment Assessment

    • Town Planning requirements

    • Roads and Traffic

    • Soil and Water Management

    • Bushfire and Risk

    • Economy and Community.

Map showing a proposed plantation area with site boundary marked in red dashed line, retained vegetation in green, and plantation areas in gray. Various patches of greenery and water bodies are depicted, with the project located in Bengworden.