P&C Emms Partnership Lake Barrine Biodiversity Planting

P&C Emms Partnership Lake Barrine Biodiversity Planting is an environmental planting project located in the Atherton Tablelands region of Far North Queensland. Situated immediately adjacent to the Lake Barrine area, a famous volcanic crater lake, the project site is approximately 10km east of the town of Yungaburra and roughly 40km southwest of Cairns. Registered in June 2013, the project covers a small area of 9.66 hectares on land that had been cleared of forest for at least five years prior to commencement.

The project operates under the 2012 Carbon Farming methodology which utilizes the CFI Reforestation Modelling Tool (RMT). This method involves establishing permanent plantings of mixed native tree species to sequester carbon. Under this framework, plantings must generally achieve specific forest cover thresholds (such as 20% crown cover and 2 metres in height) and consist of species native to the local area. The use of the RMT allows the project to model carbon sequestration rates based on climate, soil, and species inputs rather than relying solely on direct field measurements.

The Atherton Tablelands region is distinct from the surrounding dry savannah, characterized by high rainfall and rich, red volcanic soils (ferrosols) derived from ancient basalt flows. These fertile soils traditionally support intensive agriculture, including dairy farming, grazing, and tropical cropping.

An interesting feature of this project is its apparent dual-purpose focus on biodiversity conservation. Public records indicate the proponents have received funding through the Queensland Government's "NatureAssist Small Grants Program," suggesting the property is associated with a Nature Refuge. This aligns with the "Biodiversity Planting" title, highlighting an intent to restore high-value ecological corridors near the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.