Congratulations to all successful Round 1 projects.
Projects selected in the inaugural round of the WA Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program have commenced their respective journeys - whether it be seeking registration with the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), commencement of soil sampling, ordering biodiverse seeds and seedlings, or developing Land Management Strategies.
The successful ACCU Plus projects are projected to remove approximately 260,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere over the next decade in exchange for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), alongside the Future Carbon initiatives supporting on-ground pilot research projects into carbon sequestration methods with the objective of better understanding carbon-capture activities suitable for Western Australia that may lead to the wide-scale adoption of new carbon farming practices.
The full list of selected projects can be viewed here.
Round 2 Launch and Forum
Several Round 1 projects provided a quick update on their progress at the Round 2 Launch of the CF-LRP on 29 September, 2022; alongside presentations from Dr Terry McCosker on the importance of soil carbon to ecosystem health and agricultural production; and Dr Richard George on the release of the ‘Mapping salt-affected land in the South-West of Western Australia using satellite remote sensing’ salinity report.
Boorokup Restoration Project - ACCU Plus
The Boorokup project focuses on linking remnant vegetation along the Gordon River with the aim of restoring degraded farmland. Activities undertaken will include tackle salinity and waterlogging, and provide business opportunities for local Traditional Owners including the Binalup Rangers. Project manager Justin Jonson provided an update at the Forum - Click here to view the Boorokup Restoration Project presentation, and the play-button below for Audio.
Nannup Truffle Farm Biodiversity Project - ACCU Plus
This project will establish a biodiverse revegetation project on land zoned intensive agriculture, which has been utilised as pasture growing for cattle farming and redress poor soil management practices through the planting of 10,500 local native species via a combination of manual tube stock planting and direct seeding.
The economic outcomes of carbon farming will be assessed as a potential commercial enterprise on low productivity land. Click here to view the Nannup Truffle Farm Biodiversity Project presentation and the play-button below to hear from David Somerville.
Undanooka Soil Project - ACCU Plus
Established on their 2,254 hectare commercial farm located north of New Norcia, this project will further Dave and Marnie Mackie's knowledge about soil science and implementation practices that improve organic matter level and structure of soils. Their awareness that their hay operation removes nutrients from the land has led them to place significant effort in replenishing these to stabilise the farming system. They recognise that soil carbon is a key element that they need to increase within their soils to ensure future health and sustainability.
Project consultant Josh Mackie joined the Minister's Panel on stage to discuss the Undanooka project and provide expert comment.
Weelhamby Soil and Biodiversity Integration Projects - ACCU Plus
Running two separate soil and vegetation projects on neighbouring parcels of land will provide DPIRD with valuable data and information on soil health, soil carbon data, and biodiversity co-benefits, which will be used to support the adoption of climate-responsive farming practices and create employment for planting and fencing activities and seasonal farm work.
The anticipated release of the Integrated Farm Management method in 2023 will suit projects like Weelhamby and allow for land-based activities to be "stacked" on the same project area, rather than need a second parcel of land to add soil carbon sequestration activities to a vegetation project, or vice versa.
View the project update from applicant David Martin and click the play-button below to listen to the accompanying audio.
Wheatbelt NRM Saltbush Research Project - Future Carbon
Murdoch University is working with the Wheatbelt NRM to research the capacity of saltbush to sequester carbon and provide data to be used when making the case for the development of a new Emissions Reduction Fund method. The project is collaborative in nature with participation by farmers from Wadderin, Kulin, East Ballidu, East Pingelly, Corrigin and Highbury.
Professor Richard Harper presented on this Future Carbon project on behalf of the project collaborators - access the audio by clicking on the play-button below.
If you are interested in integrating carbon sequestration activities into your existing farm business, visit the CF-LRP webpage to discover funding opportunities and other information offered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The Resources - Carbon Farming Project Planning page contains more information and links to external resources that can help with planning your project.