Dutson Downs Carbon Sequestration Project

The Dutson Downs Carbon Sequestration Project is an environmental planting initiative located approximately 25km southeast of Sale in the Gippsland region of Victoria. Registered in January 2019, the project covers 470 hectares within the extensive Dutson Downs property. This site is managed by the proponent, Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation (Gippsland Water), and serves a dual purpose as a major wastewater treatment facility and an agribusiness operation involving livestock grazing and cropping.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This involves establishing permanent native vegetation on land that was historically cleared for agricultural use. By planting a mix of native tree species at a density sufficient to achieve forest cover, the project sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The "FullCAM" designation indicates that carbon abatement is modeled using the Australian Government's Full Carbon Accounting Model rather than calculated through direct field measurements of tree biomass.

Environmentally, the Dutson Downs area is characterized by its proximity to the Gippsland Lakes and Ninety Mile Beach. The region typically experiences moderate, reliable rainfall, though the specific soil composition at Dutson Downs is notable for its sandy texture, ranging from loamy sands to podzols. These well-draining soils have historically made the site suitable for the land-based treatment of wastewater.

A key driver for this project is Gippsland Water's corporate commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Reports indicate that over 200,000 native plants have been established at the site, with the expectation of removing approximately 60,000 tonnes of CO2 over a 25-year period. Beyond carbon sequestration, these plantings contribute to the biodiversity of the area, which is situated near significant wetlands like Lake Coleman.