Wongwibinda Carbon Project

The Wongwibinda Carbon Project is a soil carbon sequestration initiative located on the historic Wongwibinda Station, approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Armidale in the New England region of New South Wales. Registered on May 5, 2022, the project covers a substantial area of 1,863 hectares. The property is situated in a region renowned for high-value grazing, specifically for fine wool and beef cattle production, a land use that has defined the Wongwibinda locality since the late 19th century.

The project operates under the Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models (2021) methodology. This method allows landholders to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) by implementing new land management activities that store carbon in the soil. A key requirement of this methodology is the measurement of baseline soil carbon levels followed by subsequent sampling rounds to quantify increases. The specific activity associated with this project involves the targeted application of synthetic or non-synthetic fertilizers to address material soil deficiencies, a strategy designed to boost pasture biomass and root growth, which in turn drives carbon storage in the soil profile.

Environmentally, the Wongwibinda area is characterized by a cool-temperate climate with relatively high rainfall, averaging between 700mm and 1000mm annually, which is generally summer-dominant. The landscape in this part of the New England Tablelands typically features "trap" (metamorphic) and fine granite soils, with some basalt caps present in the wider region. These soil types, combined with reliable moisture, provide a favourable environment for increasing soil organic carbon when management practices are optimized.

The project proponent, Trumena Pty Ltd, acts as the trustee for the Wongwibinda Trust. The property itself holds significant historical value, having been established by the Wright family in 1885, a lineage that includes the celebrated Australian poet Judith Wright. The project is supported by Australian Soil Management Pty Ltd, a specialized service provider that assists farmers in registering and managing soil carbon projects to meet the rigorous standards of the Clean Energy Regulator.