Howson Carbon Project 6

Howson Carbon Project 6 is a soil carbon sequestration project located on the 'Tarramba' property, approximately 30km southeast of Moura in the Banana Shire of Central Queensland. Registered in March 2022, the project covers roughly 292 hectares of grazing land. The region is characterized by a semi-arid, sub-tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 620mm, predominantly falling in summer. The landscape typically features cracking clay soils (Vertosols) and alluvial sediments derived from former brigalow and softwood scrub, which are highly regarded for beef cattle fattening.

The project operates under the Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration using Measurement and Models methodology. This method requires landholders to measure baseline soil carbon levels and implement new management activities to sequester additional carbon over time. For this project, the Gunthorpe family (the landholders) are employing time-controlled rotational grazing strategies, matching stocking rates to carrying capacity, and rejuvenating pastures through seeding legumes and grasses. By subdividing paddocks and improving water infrastructure, they aim to increase biomass and soil health, which in turn captures atmospheric carbon in the soil profile.

A notable aspect of this project is its inclusion in a larger aggregation of over 15 distinct carbon projects on the Tarramba Brahmans aggregation. The wider Howson Carbon Project group has been highlighted as a Producer Demonstration Site for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), showcasing how grazing enterprises can contribute to the industry's Carbon Neutral by 2030 (CN30) target. Early phases of the broader Howson aggregation have already successfully issued Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), demonstrating the viability of soil carbon projects in this region.