Bonnie Doone Soil Carbon Project

The Bonnie Doone Soil Carbon Project is a large-scale soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 30km southwest of Monto in the North Burnett region of Queensland. Registered in January 2017, the project covers 5,274.53 hectares of grazing land. The region is characterized by a sub-tropical to semi-arid climate, featuring landscapes of open woodlands, eucalyptus forests, and bottle trees, often subject to seasonal dry spells and variable rainfall.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which credits the measured increase of soil organic carbon stocks. To achieve this, the proponents, Grant and Carly Burnham, transitioned from traditional grazing to time-controlled, high-density rotational grazing. Specific activities included subdividing 30 paddocks into 60 to allow for shorter grazing periods and longer pasture rest times, as well as installing 40 new water points to reduce cattle travel distances. These changes are designed to improve soil vegetation cover, boost water retention, and sequester carbon deep within the soil profile.

Notably, the Bonnie Doone project gained significant industry attention in September 2023 when it was issued 94,666 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), making it one of the largest single issuances for a soil carbon project in Australia at the time. The project is managed in partnership with Carbon Link and follows principles from Resource Consulting Services (RCS). The property produces organic certified beef, utilizing the carbon credits to work towards a carbon-neutral or carbon-positive product offering.