Howson Carbon Project 12

Howson Carbon Project 12 is a soil carbon sequestration project located within the Banana Shire in Central Queensland, approximately 40km southwest of the township of Banana. Registered in March 2022, the project covers 383 hectares and is part of the wider "Tarramba" grazing enterprise operated by the Gunthorpe family. The project area forms one of 15 individual carbon estimation areas on the 8,000-hectare aggregation, which is renowned for its commercial Brahman stud operation.

The project operates under the 2021 Soil Carbon methodology, which rewards landholders for increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks through changes in land management. Standard requirements for this methodology involve establishing a baseline of soil carbon through sampling and implementing activities such as time-controlled grazing, nutrient management, or pasture rejuvenation. Credits are issued based on measured increases in soil carbon over time, typically verified through subsequent sampling rounds.

The region is characterized by a semi-arid, sub-tropical climate with summer-dominant rainfall averaging between 600mm and 700mm annually. The local landscape is dominated by beef cattle grazing on cleared Brigalow scrub country, featuring fertile, heavy clay soils (Vertosols) capable of holding significant moisture.

Specific activities for this project include the implementation of intensive rotational grazing strategies supported by new fencing and water infrastructure. The proponents have also invested in pasture rejuvenation, introducing legumes and grasses to increase biomass and ground cover. Notably, the broader Howson aggregation has been recognized as a high-performing example of soil carbon farming, serving as a Producer Demonstration Site for Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and successfully issuing ACCUs within two years of operation.