Howson Carbon Project 4

Howson Carbon Project 4 is a soil carbon project located in the Banana Shire of Central Queensland, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the town of Banana and 40 kilometers southwest of Biloela. Registered on March 4, 2022, the project covers 195 hectares within the larger "Tarramba" grazing aggregation. The region is predominantly used for beef cattle grazing and is situated within the Brigalow Belt, known for its mix of softwood scrub and open pasture land.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology (Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models). This method rewards landholders for increasing soil organic carbon levels through improved management practices. Specifically, the Howson Carbon Project 4 focuses on re-establishing or rejuvenating pastures through seeding and altering stocking rates to optimize grazing intensity. By installing new water infrastructure and fencing, the proponents, Adam and Tracy Gunthorpe of the Gunthorpe Cattle Company, can implement rotational grazing strategies that match stocking density to carrying capacity, thereby promoting vegetation cover and soil health.

Environmentally, the area experiences a sub-tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 620mm. The local soil composition generally consists of clay and loam types typical of the Brigalow Belt, which are responsive to regenerative grazing practices. The project is part of a broader initiative across the Tarramba property, which has been highlighted as a "Producer Demonstration Site" for Meat and Livestock Australia, showcasing how soil carbon projects can contribute to the beef industry's Carbon Neutral by 2030 (CN30) target. As of late 2024, the project had already successfully generated over 5,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).