Carbon + Biodiversity Project 1133

Carbon + Biodiversity Project 1133 is an environmental planting project located on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The site is situated approximately 20km southeast of the coastal town of Elliston and slightly inland from the famous Locks Well beach. Registered on May 20, 2022, the project covers 150.77 hectares of land held by Locks Well Pastoral Pty Ltd.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings (FullCAM) methodology. This method requires the establishment of permanent plantings of native tree species, typically mallee eucalypts and associated shrubs, on land that has been clear of forest and used for agricultural purposes, such as grazing or cropping, for at least five years prior to commencement. The "Carbon + Biodiversity" designation in the project title indicates its participation in the Australian Government's Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot. This pilot scheme provides additional financial incentives to farmers who plant mixed-species vegetation that not only sequesters carbon but also delivers measurable biodiversity improvements, such as creating habitat for local wildlife.

The region surrounding Elliston is predominantly defined by mixed farming operations, including sheep grazing and cereal cropping (wheat and barley). The local environment is characterized by a Mediterranean to semi-arid climate, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 425mm. The soil profile in this district is typical of the Eyre Peninsula's western coast, consisting largely of calcareous sands and sandy loams often overlaying calcrete or limestone bedrock. These conditions are well-suited to the native mallee vegetation being restored.

An interesting local feature is the "Locks Well" locality itself, which shares its name with the proponent. The nearby Locks Well Beach is renowned among anglers as one of South Australia's premier locations for Australian salmon fishing, famous for its steep 283-step wooden staircase required to access the water from the cliffs above.