Springwater Forest Carbon Project

Springwater Forest Carbon Project is a large-scale reforestation initiative located approximately 45km northeast of Injune in the Maranoa region of Queensland. Registered in July 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 7,721 hectares. While the property was historically utilized for agricultural purposes, specifically grazing, it has since been transitioned into a carbon farming asset. The project is currently operated by Santos Limited in partnership with Corporate Carbon, serving as part of the energy company's offsetting portfolio for its gas operations in the Bowen and Surat Basins.

The project operates under the "Reforestation and Afforestation 1.2" methodology. This method requires the direct planting of trees on land that has been clear of forest cover for at least five years prior to the project's commencement. Unlike environmental planting methods that typically rely on a broad mix of local native species for ecosystem restoration, this specific project focuses on a plantation-style approach using Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum) and Corymbia maculata (Spotted Gum). The inclusion of Sugar Gum, a species native to South Australia, suggests a focus on hardy, fast-growing timber species rather than purely local ecological reconstruction.

The Maranoa region surrounding Injune is characterized by a sub-tropical to semi-arid climate with rainfall that is heavily summer-dominant, averaging around 600-650mm annually. The landscape typically features undulating plains with soils ranging from sandy loams to cracking clays, which are well-suited to the chosen deep-rooted eucalypt species. The region is traditionally a hub for cattle grazing and cypress forestry, but in recent decades has seen significant land-use changes due to the expansion of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) infrastructure.

A notable aspect of the Springwater property is its integration into Santos' broader environmental and waste-management strategy. Corporate reports indicate that properties in this cluster, including Springwater and the nearby Fairview station, have been utilized for beneficial water reuse projects, where treated water extracted from coal seams is used to irrigate forage crops or tree plantations. This creates a dual-purpose land use where carbon sequestration activities coexist with water management solutions for the natural gas industry.