Anstey Carbon Project

The Anstey Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration initiative located in Belli Park, situated in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland of Queensland. The project area covers approximately 152 hectares and lies roughly 15km west of Eumundi and 30km southeast of Gympie. Registered in May 2021, this project operates within a region historically known for dairy farming, which has largely transitioned to beef cattle grazing and rural lifestyle properties.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Measurement of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Systems) Methodology Determination 2018. This methodology credits landholders for increases in soil organic carbon (SOC) measured over time. The primary activity listed for this project involves altering the stocking rate, duration, or intensity of grazing, which typically aims to improve ground cover and root mass, thereby sequestering more carbon into the soil profile.

Environmentally, the Belli Park region is classified as a high rainfall zone, receiving an annual average precipitation of approximately 1600mm to 1800mm, which is highly favourable for rapid soil carbon accumulation. The local landscape is characterized by rolling hills and valleys featuring Belli Creek. Soils in this hinterland area are generally fertile, consisting of Red Ferrosols (volcanic clay loams) on the ridges and alluvial soils in the lower creek flats. The project name suggests a link to the Anstey family, who are established residents in the nearby Kenilworth and Belli Park community.