Howson Carbon Project 7

Howson Carbon Project 7 is a Soil Organic Carbon project located in the Banana Shire of Central Queensland, approximately 25km south of the town of Banana and 30km north of Theodore. Registered in March 2022, the project covers 256.35 hectares of the "Tarramba" property, which is owned and operated by the Gunthorpe family.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which involves measuring baseline soil carbon levels and implementing management changes to sequester additional carbon. This specific project utilizes a hybrid approach of physical soil sampling and modelling (often supported by satellite imagery) to calculate credits. To achieve sequestration, the proponents have implemented time-controlled rotational grazing strategies to match stocking rates with carrying capacity, alongside pasture rejuvenation using legumes and improved water infrastructure to distribute grazing pressure.

The region typically experiences a sub-tropical, summer-dominant rainfall pattern with an annual average of approximately 620mm. The soil composition in this area of the Brigalow Belt generally consists of fertile cracking clays (Vertosols) and loams, which are highly conducive to holding organic carbon when vegetation cover is maintained.

A notable aspect of this project is its inclusion in a broader cluster of 15 soil carbon projects managed by the Gunthorpe Cattle Company. It has served as a Producer Demonstration Site for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and is recognized for achieving rapid credit issuance, generating ACCUs within just two years of registration, a significantly faster timeline than many traditional soil carbon projects.