Lighthouse Soil Carbon Project

Lighthouse Soil Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration project located approximately 70km northeast of Roma, overlapping the Maranoa and Western Downs local government areas in Queensland. It was registered in September 2021 and covers a substantial 13,868.63 ha.

Measurement of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Systems projects involve implementing new agricultural management practices to increase the amount of organic carbon stored in the soil. Standard requirements include undertaking rigorous baseline soil sampling before any new activities commence, and conducting subsequent measurement rounds at regular intervals to scientifically verify the carbon drawdown over the project's crediting period.

The Maranoa and Western Downs regions are renowned agricultural powerhouses known for cattle grazing, major feedlots, and broadacre cropping. The area is typically classified as having a semi-arid climate with variable summer-dominant rainfall, and soils generally feature the productive cracking clays (vertosols) typical of the Brigalow Belt.

This project was set up to increase soil carbon in the agricultural system by altering the stocking rate, duration, or intensity of grazing. By carefully managing livestock movements, the property aims to improve pasture utilization, allowing vegetation to recover and enhance root mass, which safely locks atmospheric carbon into the ground. Precision Pastures Pty Ltd acts as the project agent, providing specialist precision agronomy and soil sampling support. Additionally, the proponent, Elsem Pty Ltd (acting as trustee for the Strachan Property Trust), is linked to Anna Strachan, who has been noted as a significant investor in regional workforce and agricultural employment enterprises.