Ichthys Biosequestration Assessment Project

The Ichthys Biosequestration Assessment Project is a reforestation initiative located across two distinct properties in the Great Southern and Esperance regions of Western Australia. The project comprises disjointed sites separated by approximately 300 kilometres: one site (Kirkwood) is situated roughly 80km north of Albany near the town of Cranbrook, while the second site (Goldings) is located approximately 30km south of Ravensthorpe. Registered under the Emissions Reduction Fund in September 2015, the project covers a total area of 707.72 hectares.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Reforestation and Afforestation-1.2) Methodology Determination 2013. This methodology involves the direct planting of seeds or seedlings to establish permanent forest cover on land that was previously used for grazing or cropping and had no forest cover for at least five years prior. The specific planting regime for this project involves Eucalyptus polybractea (Blue Mallee) and Eucalyptus loxophleba (York Gum), species selected for their drought tolerance and carbon sequestration potential in lower-rainfall environments.

Regionally, the project areas are characterized by a Mediterranean to semi-arid climate with cool, wet winters and dry, warm summers. Rainfall in these zones typically ranges between 400mm and 600mm annually. The soil profiles in both the Cranbrook and Ravensthorpe districts often feature sandy duplex soils (sand over clay) and ironstone gravels, which are historically prone to salinity and erosion when cleared for traditional agriculture, making them ideal candidates for deep-rooted revegetation.

This project was established by INPEX Operations Australia as a strategic pilot to assess the viability of biosequestration as an offset mechanism for the massive Ichthys LNG energy development. Although registered in 2015, corporate reports indicate that planting activities commenced as early as 2008, with over 1.4 million mallee trees planted to test survival rates, growth metrics, and logistical requirements for large-scale carbon abatement.