Howson Carbon Project 11

Howson Carbon Project 11 is a soil carbon sequestration project located in the Banana Shire of Central Queensland, approximately 30km south of the township of Banana and west of Biloela. Registered in March 2022, the project covers nearly 281 hectares and is part of a larger aggregation of soil carbon projects on the "Tarramba" property, operated by the Gunthorpe family.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which credits landholders for measured or modeled increases in soil organic carbon stocks. To achieve this, the project involves re-establishing or rejuvenating pastures, often by seeding legumes and grasses, and altering grazing mechanics. Specifically, the proponents have implemented rotational grazing strategies supported by new fencing and water infrastructure to optimize stocking rates and rest periods for pasture recovery.

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 clay and loam soils suitable for the extensive cattle grazing operations that dominate the area.

A notable aspect of this project is its association with the Gunthorpe Cattle Company, which has been highlighted as a success story in the Australian carbon market. The broader "Howson" aggregation serves as a Producer Demonstration Site for Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), showcasing how grazing management can build climate resilience and contribute to the red meat industry's carbon-neutral goals (CN30).