Ichthys Biosequestration Assessment Project

The Ichthys Biosequestration Assessment Project is a reforestation initiative located across two distinct properties in the Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions of Western Australia. Registered in September 2015, the project encompasses approximately 707 hectares of land. The project sites are situated near the town of Ravensthorpe (specifically the 'Goldings' property) and north of Albany near Cranbrook (the 'Kirkwood' property). These regions are traditionally dominated by broadacre agriculture, including wheat cropping and sheep grazing.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Reforestation and Afforestation-1.2) Methodology Determination 2013. This methodology involves establishing permanent native forests on land that was previously clear of forest cover and used for agricultural purposes (such as grazing or cropping) for at least five years prior to the project's commencement. By planting trees, the project sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, generating Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

Environmentally, the project spans a transition zone from the higher rainfall Mediterranean climate near Albany (approx. 600mm annual rainfall) to the semi-arid conditions of Ravensthorpe (approx. 300-400mm). The soils in these areas typically range from sandy loams and gravels to clay-heavy soils, which are often susceptible to dryland salinity. The project specifically utilizes Eucalyptus polybractea (Blue Mallee) and Eucalyptus loxophleba (York Gum), species well-adapted to these conditions due to their drought tolerance and deep root systems.

A notable aspect of this project is its direct link to the Ichthys LNG energy development. The project was established by INPEX Operations Australia as a direct offset mechanism for the greenhouse gas emissions generated by their massive LNG operations in Northern Australia. Reports indicate that approximately 1.4 million mallee trees were planted across the two properties, dating back to 2008, highlighting the project's role as an early action measure for corporate emissions liability.